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When your workouts involve everything from lifting to running to casual games on the pickleball court, you need a shoe that can take everything in stride.

Running sneakers are great for pounding the pavement, and weightlifting shoes are ideal for stability during strenuous lifts — if you focus on one fitness activity, shoes tailored to that activity are what you should purchase. However, if your workout includes a mix of exercises — like running, lifting and agility work — you'll want a pair of cross-trainers instead.

The best cross-training shoes offer support, flexibility and responsiveness across a range of activities and everyday use, explains physical therapist Claudia Canales. "These shoes are versatile as they provide a balance between stability, flexibility and cushioning," she says. While running shoes are plush and built to enhance forward motion, weightlifting shoes are firm and offer stability instead. Cross-trainers, though, offer the best of both worlds. They're "designed for multidirectional movements," says Canales, meaning you can wear them at the gym, on the pickleball court or for a light jogging session.

Not all cross-trainers are created equal, which is why you need an expert eye to help you find the best for your needs — and we pulled out all the stops. We spoke with fitness experts, physical therapists and sports medicine doctors to get the best insight into what to look for. With their advice in mind, we researched over 50 different cross-training shoes from 30 well-known footwear brands. We then tested 12 pairs, rating them on factors such as fit, comfort and versatility. Here are our top picks for your next workout session.

Best overall cross-training shoe

Sizing: Women's 5-11; men's 7-14 | Heel to toe drop: 6 mm | Color options: 11 | Weight: 6.7 oz.

Hokas are well-known for crafting ultra-cushioned, rocker-bottom shoes perfect for running, but the Solimar is equally ideal for the gym. In fact, it's versatile enough to wear for just about any type of exercise, from jogging to strength training. Plus, they're super stylish and comfy.

According to Dr. Hallie Labrador, a sports medicine physician, "The most important part of a cross-training shoe is a comfortable fit." After wearing these for the last month, I can say that the Solimar is easily the most comfortable pair of sneakers I've worn during any workout.

When you think of Hoka, you probably picture the Clifton, a fan-favorite pair of bouncy, cloud-like runners. The Solimar, however, has a few differences that make it a better option for cross-training. Like all Hokas, it has a cushy midsole, but it's noticeably firmer than the brand's other options, so it provides good shock absorption and strong stability. It also features a toned-down version of the brand's signature MetaRocker, so while it still propels you forward during a run, it offers more ankle support.

Along with a firm heel counter and responsive midsole, the Solimar has a flexible forefoot, making it great for HIIT exercises like burpees and mountain climbers. However, while these are fine to wear during a typical strength training routine, they're probably not the best choice for those wanting to lift heavier weights.

pros

  • Lightweight and breathable
  • Extended heel pull
  • Good versatility
  • Comfortable for all-day wear
  • Cons
  • Less cushioned than other Hokas
  • Not the best for longer runs

 

Sizing: Women's 6-11; men's 7.5-13 | Heel to toe drop: 10 mm | Color options: 7 | Weight: 8 oz.

Finding a good pair of gym shoes for less than $100 often seems like a pipe dream, but the Nortiv8 ActiveFloat Sneaker comes in at just half that price. With its thick, wavy midsole, breathable mesh upper and bold gradient color selections, it's basically a stunt double for the Hoka Bondi for a fraction of the cost.

It's important to find a sneaker with a larger heel stack for days when you want to really rack up your step count. Since the ActiveFloat has a 10-millimeter heel stack, it's a good option for both walkers and runners. Similarly, the cushioned midsole and heel make it a good pick for HIIT exercises that involve a lot of jumping.

It's worth noting, however, that both of our testers mentioned the lack of lateral stability as a potential downside, so it may not be the best choice for exercises involving side-to-side movements.