10 Best Female Gym Shoes 2025 in the United States

The Brooks Women’s Glycerin 22 is designed for women seeking a comfortable and highly cushioned shoe that works well for gym activities, running, and cross-training. Its standout feature is the DNA Tuned midsole technology, which balances soft cushioning in the heel with a responsive feel at the front, making your footfalls plush yet energetic. This shoe offers neutral support, meaning it suits those who don’t need extra stability but still want reliable comfort during workouts. The double jacquard knit upper is breathable and flexible, helping keep your feet cool and allowing a snug but accommodating fit.

The broad platform improves stability and smooths transitions from heel to toe, which can reduce fatigue during longer sessions. The sole’s rubber material should provide good traction on typical gym floors and running surfaces. However, while the shoe promises durability, mesh uppers sometimes wear faster than tougher materials, especially under heavy use. This shoe is especially suited for those who prioritize cushioning and comfort during workouts and have neutral foot types. If you need more support, the Glycerin GTS 22 version might be better.

The Glycerin 22 combines comfort, breathability, and smooth performance, making it a solid choice for everyday gym use and road running.

The New Balance Women's 574 Core Sneaker is designed with a focus on sustainability and comfort. The midsole foam and rubber outsole incorporate renewable and recycled materials, which is a positive step for eco-conscious consumers. Fit and comfort are strong points, with the shoe offering extended width sizes to cater to various foot shapes. The ENCAP midsole cushioning provides a blend of softness and support that can be beneficial for all-day wear, making it a good choice for gym activities where prolonged standing or walking is involved.

The mesh material in the vamp, collar, and tongue enhances breathability, helping keep feet cool during workouts. The rubber outsole ensures decent traction, but its durability might be a bit questionable due to the inclusion of recycled rubber. In terms of support and stability, the shoe does provide adequate backing for low to moderate impact activities, though it may not be the best choice for high-intensity workouts. The lace-up closure allows for a customizable fit, adding to the comfort.

Beginners or those engaging in light to moderate gym sessions are likely to find these shoes a good match.

The Brooks Women's Glycerin GTS 22 is a strong choice for women looking for supportive and comfortable gym shoes. It offers excellent support through its GuideRails system, which helps keep your foot stable and controls excess motion, making it a good pick for activities like running, cross training, or gym workouts. The cushioning uses DNA Tuned technology with different sized cells in the heel and forefoot, providing a soft landing and energetic push-offs, which adds to comfort during movement. The fit is accommodating thanks to a flexible double jacquard knit upper that also keeps your feet breathable, helping reduce sweat during workouts. Durability is supported by a nylon upper and rubber sole, both typical materials that hold up well over time.

The shoe’s broad platform enhances stability and smooth transitions from heel to toe, which is helpful for various gym exercises. While it’s not the lightest shoe on the market, its weight contributes to a solid feeling underfoot rather than a heavy or clunky sensation. Traction is good for indoor and road use but may not be suitable for very rough terrain. One potential drawback is that with its extra support features, it might feel a bit snug for those with very wide feet.

This shoe is well-suited for women who want a balanced mix of cushioning, support, and breathability for gym workouts and running, especially if foot stability is a priority.