Forget New Year’s resolutions and summer body goals, keeping your fitness consistent throughout the year is the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle – body and mind, included. The key to a successful workout session time and time again? The right pair of trainers.
Whether you need extra support for strength training or would rather have a pair that is just as good on the treadmill as they are for a HIIT class, there are designs to suit every exercise. There are even on-trend tennis shoes, high-tech running trainers or versatile all-rounders to choose from too.
When choosing your next pair, think about which designs go with your workout fits. Maybe your look is Nineties-coded, in which case it’s New Balance or ASICS which should be on your wishlist. If you’re into sleek, understated two-piece sets, maybe Nike or Adidas is more your speed – the Swoosh and triple stripe never fail, after all.
Either way, every pair in this edit boasts technical credentials – but they’re all a little different. From a breathable upper to a cushioned midsole, extra traction underfoot to extra support, it’s best to think about what you need from your workout so you can choose the kicks to suit.
Our top tip? If you don’t find exactly what you need here – which we’re sure you will, by the way – head to the retailers themselves and filter ‘by sport’ and you’ll be taken to a list that works specifically for your needs.
Whatever your preference, keep scrolling to discover our curated edit below.
New Balance 624v5
New Balance is having a moment in the fashion-sphere right now, with its shoes all over street style pics. But that doesn’t mean to say the sportswear designs are any less performance-ready, and these gym trainers are a case in point. Featuring advanced cushioning for exceptional shock absorption, they’re a stylish design that works on and off the machines.
Buy now £70.00, New Balance
Under Armour Men's UA Reign 6 Training Shoes
Every guy’s activewear collection would benefit from a piece or two from Under Armour. Though the brand offers ranges across many sports, its workout gear for the gym is one of the best on the market – as proven by the Reign 6.
Not only do they offer a dual-density midsole for adaptive support and comfort but they also have a rubber outsole for durability and a specially designed upper for dynamic movements. Consider every box ticked.
Buy now £125.00, Under Armour
Nike MC Trainer 3
Whether you’re partial to weights or circuit training, these Nike trainers are a versatile multi-purpose design that will allow you to focus on the workout at hand. With a flat base to stabilise you while you’re weightlifting, support wraps from the heel up to the sides to help with lateral foot movements, and thick and thin traction to keep you steady on different surfaces, they’re the perfect all-rounder.
Buy now £74.99, ASOS
Asics GT-2000™ 12
If you’re in the market for a lightweight design that still provides stability, it’s Asics GT-2000 v12 you should be adding straight to your basket. With Asics’ signature gel cushioning and 3D guidance system which helps take your foot in the right direction, they’ll not only allow you to smash your running PB day after day, but will also see you through the toughest of strength training workouts.
Buy now £140.00, Asics
Veja Condor 2
Leaders in the sustainable sneaker market, in 2019, Veja designed the first ever post-petroleum running shoe, the Condor, in which they replaced much of the plastic traditionally used to make running trainers with bio-based and recycled materials.
Since, they’ve released the Condor 2, an update to the original design based on feedback from the running community, and they’re the perfect go-to for easy runs, recovery sessions, and treadmill training.
Buy now £125.00, Flannels
Hylo Athletics Impact
An independent fitnesswear label which is newer to the scene, Hylo Athletics not only focuses on high performance but also does it with the environment in mind. Though these trainers are billed as running shoes, they offer a balance of cushioning and responsiveness which lends itself to gym workouts, too.
Buy now £150.00, Hylo
Adidas Rapidmove Trainer
Featuring a tuned EVA midsole for comfort and support and an asymmetrical Torsion System for stabilisation during quick cuts in all directions, these are best for HIIT and agile workouts. Better yet, they’re made using 50 per cent recycled materials.
Buy now £85.00, Adidas
On Running Cloud X 4
Since On Running’s Cloud X 4 are designed to absorb shock in every direction they can take you from mountain climbers to reverse lunges to the good morning stretch with ease. And, since they’re one of the hottest workout footwear labels right now, the brand’s signature sole will earn its fair share of kudos whether you’re at Barry’s, 1Rebel, Equinox or Third Space.
Buy now £140.00, Farfetch
Puma Fuse 3.0 Men's Training Shoes
Engineered to take your workout up a notch, Puma’s Fuse 3.0 trainers feature an upgraded outsole for a stronger stance as well as a reinforced heel for extra stability. Our favourite part? The vintage-inspired signature wave.
Buy now £100.00, Puma
Alo Recovery Mode Sneaker
Once your workout’s done, slip into Alo’s recovery mode sneakers. If you’re not familiar with the hyped-up activewear label which counts everyone from Jimmy Butler to Hailey Bieber in its starry fanbase, you only need to know that its ranges never fail to disappoint.
These trainers, for example, have a structured, supportive outer sole and a high-rebound foam insole to support balance and ease pressure in key points for recovery.
Buy now £185.00, Alo
