10 Best Workout Shoes 2026 in the United States

The NORTIV 8 Women's Walking Shoes offer a comfortable experience thanks to their thick EVA midsole, which cushions each step and helps reduce impact on your joints. This makes them a good choice for daily walks, gym workouts, and light running. The shoes feature a breathable mesh upper that promotes airflow, keeping your feet cool and dry during longer activities. They are also quite lightweight, which adds to comfort and ease of movement.

For traction, the slip-resistant rubber outsole provides reliable grip on wet surfaces like pavements or gym floors, helping to prevent slips. While the shoes focus on cushioning and breathability, support is moderate—they are suitable for walking and light running but may lack the firm arch support needed for intense running or high-impact sports. Flexibility is decent due to the materials used, allowing natural foot movement without feeling stiff.

In terms of durability, the mesh upper and EVA sole can wear out faster than more rugged materials, so they might not be ideal for heavy daily use over long periods. The design includes a reflective strip for safety during nighttime walks, which is a thoughtful touch. These shoes are best suited for women looking for comfortable, breathable, and lightweight footwear for walking, casual workouts, or everyday wear rather than performance running or heavy training.

The Brooks Women’s Ghost 16 is designed for runners seeking a comfortable, neutral shoe that supports a smooth and enjoyable running experience. It uses a 3D Fit Print to offer a secure yet seamless fit, making it feel snug without being tight. The shoe provides soft cushioning with its nitrogen-infused DNA Loft v3 midsole, which feels lightweight underfoot and helps absorb impact well. This cushioning, combined with the Segmented Crash Pad, promotes smooth transitions from heel to toe, making each step feel natural. Breathability is handled by an engineered air mesh upper that balances stretch and structure, keeping your feet cool and comfortable during workouts.

The outsole uses a new rubber compound called RoadTack, which includes recycled materials, and is designed to be both durable and lightweight, providing reliable traction on roads and gym floors. At 1.45 pounds, the shoe is not heavy, contributing to an easy stride and flexibility suitable for various activities like running, walking, and training. One point to consider is that while the shoe offers neutral support, it may not be ideal for those needing extra stability or specialized arch support. Also, though it excels on roads and similar surfaces, it might not be the best choice for trail running where more aggressive traction is needed.

This makes the Ghost 16 a great pick for runners and fitness enthusiasts who want a well-cushioned, breathable, and durable shoe that feels light and moves smoothly, especially if heavy-duty support is not required.

The Skechers Men's Summits High Range slip-on sneaker is designed with convenience and comfort in mind, featuring a hands-free slip-on design and a Heel Pillow that helps keep your foot secure without fuss. It offers good breathability through a lightweight mesh upper and air-cooled memory foam insoles, which help keep your feet cool during workouts or casual wear. The fixed stretch laces contribute to a snug fit, although they might not offer the same adjustability as traditional laces if you need a very custom fit.

Traction is handled by a flexible synthetic rubber outsole, providing decent grip for everyday activities but may not be ideal for intense or specialized training requiring maximum grip. The shoe is also quite flexible and lightweight at 1.6 pounds, making it comfortable for extended wear and various movements. Durability is supported by synthetic materials and a washable design, which is a bonus for keeping them fresh over time.

While the cushioning is advanced and shock-absorbing, the support is more suited to light workouts or casual use rather than heavy-duty training or running. If you want a shoe that’s easy to put on, breathable, and comfortable for daily wear or light exercise, this sneaker fits well. However, those needing strong arch support or aggressive traction for serious workouts may want to explore other options.