Finding the perfect pair of gym trainers can feel like navigating a minefield. Should you prioritise stability for heavy squats, cushioning for runs, or a versatile all-rounder? As a senior fitness writer and coach, I've spent weeks putting the market's leading options through their paces to bring you this definitive guide to the best men's gym trainers for 2026.
What Makes a Great Gym Trainer?
The ideal gym shoe is a true hybrid. It won't match a dedicated running shoe for logging miles, nor will it outperform a specialist weightlifting shoe for maximal squats. However, a well-designed training shoe can handle both tasks competently, making it the smart, do-everything choice for most gym-goers. "If you are doing any functional lifting – lifting weights that are not machines – or you are doing conditioning that involves any lateral movement or jumping, you should be wearing a training shoe over a running shoe," advises Dan Williams, co-founder of specialist retailer WIT Training.
Williams emphasises the safety and performance benefits: "For someone new to fitness, a training shoe is a safer piece of footwear... it will give you more stability. For someone more experienced, a training shoe could make that 10 per cent difference you are looking for on some of your main lifts." With no universal 'best' shoe, your choice hinges on your physiology and goals. To help, I've tested models from major brands and hidden gems, wearing each for at least two weeks of intense training, supplemented with feedback from fellow coaches.
The Top 14 Gym Trainers for Men in 2026
Here are my top-rated picks, broken down by specialism, after rigorous testing in my weekly regimen of strength training, Olympic weightlifting, CrossFit, cardio, and plyometrics.
1. Best Overall Gym Trainer: R.A.D One V2 (£130)
This shoe retains its crown for 2026. The successor to the groundbreaking 2022 model, the V2 enhances comfort, with an upper that moulds to the foot. It strikes a perfect balance between cushioning for short runs (up to 2km) and stability for lifts. A redesigned heel clip offers a more secure feel in the catch position of snatches and cleans, addressing the only minor flaw of its predecessor. Its stylish design and locked-in fit make it a top pick for CrossFit, HIIT, and general gym use.
2. Best for Versatility: Nike Metcon 10 (£129)
Nike's latest Metcon represents a significant glow-up. It sheds the cumbersome feel of the Metcon 9, introducing a lighter upper, flexible outsole grooves, and ReactX foam. The result is a springier shoe for box jumps and dynamic work that doesn't sacrifice the stable platform needed for squats and Olympic lifts. It requires a brief break-in period but boasts a robust, premium build.
3. Best for Lifting Weights: Inov8 F-Lite Max (£130)
For those who prioritise lifting, this is a stellar choice. An updated shape provides a snug, foot-hugging fit that locks the heel and allows toe splay. The TPU heel stabiliser and outsole create an incredibly stable base for heavy squats, yet it remains nimble enough for explosive movements like broad jumps. It's less suited to longer runs but excels in the weight room.
4. Best Barefoot Gym Shoe: Inov8 Bare-XF Pro (£145)
In the growing minimalist market, this model stands out. It delivers true barefoot ground feel and stability with a comfortable, secure fit. A rubber skeleton in the upper adds structure, and it includes CrossFit-friendly features like Rope-Tec for climbing. Ideal for short runs, strength work, and WODs, though I prefer a heeled shoe for maximal squats and Olympic lifts.
5. Best Budget Gym Trainer: Decathlon Domyos Energy+ (£50)
Decathlon challenges the £130 norm with this impressive budget offering. It provides solid all-round performance: decent energy return for dynamic moves, reasonable stability for lifting, and a smart design. While materials aren't as premium and there's some heel compression with very heavy weights, it represents exceptional value for money.
Specialist Picks for Key Activities
For deadlifts, the Strike MVMNT Haze Training Shoe (£135) offers superb ground feel and a locked-in fit. For squats, the minimalist Under Armour Tribase Reign 6 (£125) provides excellent stability and force generation. Hyrox athletes should look to the Inov8 F-Fly (£110), which masters the run-lift balance. For pure weightlifting, the Reebok Legacy Lifter III (£183) is a specialist beast with a 22mm heel drop. And for indestructible durability, the GoRuck Ballistic Trainer (£115) is virtually bombproof.
How to Choose Your Perfect Gym Shoe
Investing in a purpose-built gym trainer is worthwhile. Look for a heel-to-toe drop of 7mm or less, a midsole that's slim yet responsive, and a heel engineered for stability. The shoe should feel secure during lateral movements and provide a firm base for generating power. Remember, a shoe perfect for heavy lifting will rarely be ideal for long-distance running, and vice-versa. For maximum versatility, find a stable shoe that can also handle short runs of 1-3km.
I scored every shoe on this list for comfort, stability, durability, support, style, and value for money. As a fitness writer and coach who tests gear across weightlifting, CrossFit, and Hyrox, you can trust these recommendations to elevate your training in 2026.
