We define the best overall gym shoe as one that’s versatile and can be used for virtually any activity. We're also looking for high-quality, lightweight materials, strong support, and maximum comfort. Ideally, the best workout shoe is one you can be just as comfortable running in as you are weightlifting.

If you can fold a sandal in half, do not wear it, said Dr. Parthasarathy. Instead, you want a sandal with built-in arch support—even if you have low arches and cushioning in the balls of the foot. These shoes aren't as flexible, but they have very strong support in all areas. The CORDURA material is where the "ballistic" in the name comes from. And you shouldn’t have to worry about abrasions and tears—the nylon material is extremely durable because it was originally designed for military use. The rubber outsole is triple-enforced for maximum strength, and the inserts are customizable to your comfort level. What We Like

Three of the sandals we reviewed had fans among our testers, but certain pitfalls ultimately kept them off our list of the most comfortable options. Chaco’s Women’s Townes Sandals combine comfort and style—like ECCO’s Women’s Flowt Sandals—with a classic silhouette and contoured footbed. We love this pair for travel because they’re lightweight enough to stash in your luggage, streamlined and stylish to go with most outfits, and supportive enough for a long day of sightseeing. A supportive footbed: If you have plantar fasciitis, look for sandals with a supportive footbed and a wedge to reduce pressure on your Achilles tendon and plantar fascia.

Too many workout shoes are designed for men's sizes, causing women to size down for a decent fit. However, the Reebok HIIT 2 Women's training shoe is a comfortable, flexible, and lightweight shoe that should solve this problem.

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They don't have the best traction when wet, as we experienced some foot slipping in the footbed and on wet surfaces. Though easy to use, the strap system isn't as customizable or accommodating to different shapes and widths of feet and ankles. And yet, the Katavi 2 offers great value, with a versatile and comfortable performance that outstrips its price. Another fantastic value is the Teva Hurricane XLT2, which is similarly priced, lighter, and has a little better traction and stability but is not quite as comfy. The New Balance Fresh Foam X is a strong combination of all of those traits. The HypoKnit material overlays the mesh upper in key areas to give you support and flexibility. This shoe also has New Balance’s Fresh Foam X midsole that’s wider than other foams and gives your foot a springy surface to absorb impact. What We Like

Merrell Women's Speed Fusion Convert 1TRL Sandals are lightweight and comfortable. But we found the athletic style to be too clunky for most wearers, and overall, the shoe is not worth its higher price. After one month of wear-testing, we were happy to report that the sandals look as good as new. The durable leather straps and overall sturdy construction add to the sandals great overall value. But if you choose the lighter color, you should be wary of staining.

The Best Gym Shoes - Our Top Picks

Steve Madden Kimmie Espadrille Sandal: Despite the comfort of these shoes' elasticized ankle wrap and molded footbed, our testers found them to be very narrow. While shoppers with slender feet may have no problems with them, those with wider feet likely won't find them comfortable. Running shoes are designed for flexible support and dynamic movements while maintaining comfort. So, yes, you can use running shoes for the gym. The average person won't necessarily need the specific function of flat gym shoes, but if your training centers around weightlifting then you may benefit from workout shoes made specifically for lifting weights. Are flat shoes better for weight lifting?

Teva’s Women’s Zymic Sandal impressed us across the board—it’s supportive, stylish, and oh-so comfortable. We found the fit to be true to size and accommodating to all foot shapes (narrow, average, and wide) thanks to the adjustable heel and toe straps. And we appreciate the supportive arch that’s great for high- and low-arched wearers. Are you still searching for your sandal "sole" mate? Our teams of footwear experts have spent many years testing hundreds of pairs of adventure sandals, flip flops, slides, and more to find the best footwear for every summertime adventure. This article sifted through our four subcategories and over 65 pairs of currently available GearLab-tested sandals to bring you the top 10 contenders. We've worn them on 27-mile hikes and multiweek rafting trips, trekked across dozens of countries, and spent years keeping it cool all summer. Every pair of sandals was worn extensively and compared rigorously to its competitors to bring you the best and most affordable pairs around.BUY: Reebok HIIT 2 Women's Training Shoes Best Gym Shoes for Men - Reebok Nano X2 Men's Training Shoes