Hitting the gym with casual trainers can put your feet at serious risk. Any sports enthusiast will tell you how important it is to have activity-specific pairs in your shoe rack. Whether you’ve recently signed up for indoor cycling classes or a weekly tennis match with a friend, our list of sports shoes covers all. Without compromising on style, our carefully selected recommendations for women, based on reviews, will keep your heels cushioned and ankles protected. Check out our curated favourites for men, too. For one-day free delivery, shop with Amazon Prime.
1. Best Overall: Reebok Women's Nano X Cross Trainer
Pros
- Wide toe box
- Woven textile for breathability
- Fit for cross training
Cons
- High-top design
- Can be bulky
Designed for functionality, Reebok’s women’s Nano X shoes can be worn for CrossFit, jogging, lifting and cardio exercises. The pair rests higher on the ankles for a snug fit, but your toes get plenty of wiggle room. In your Nano X shoes, you’ll have a strong grip on the ground, cushioned by lightweight foam and breathable woven textile.
2. Best Running Shoes: SKECHERS Flex Appeal 3.0
Pros
- Memory foam
- Lightweight
- Flat heel
Cons
- Can run big or small
If you’re on your feet quite often, then Skechers’ Flex Appeal is the pair for you. Besides being super flexible thanks to its rubber soles, the pair remembers the fit of your feet the next time you slip into them. Running shoes need to be lightweight and many five-star reviewers compare these to walking on air.
3. Best Gym Shoes: Puma Prowl Slip-On Women's Cross Trainer
Pros
- Lightweight
- Flexibility for quick movements
- Textile upper for breathability
- Rubber traction on the outsole
Cons
- Has a bit of heel
Get more out of your HIIT session with soles that feature flexibility all around, and Softfoam+ cushioning in the footbed, so you can bend, crouch and plank without stiff toes. The shoes have an easy, sock like construction, and slip on in seconds, so you don't have to miss even a moment of your fitness class. Everything else in the gym is going to be a breeze in your Puma Prowl pair, especially for those who are just starting out on their fitness journey.
4. Best Golf Shoes: Adidas Women's Response
Pros
- Spiked soles for traction
- Water-resistant upper
- Value for price
Cons
- Can be squeaky
Are you worried about keeping your feet dry on dewy grass? Meet Adidas’ microfibre leather shoes designed to be waterproof on the golf course. Six cleats with six spikes on the soles give you a firm grip on wet Earth, while keeping your heels super comfortable on light cloud foam insoles.
5. Best Tennis Shoes: ASICS Gel-Dedicate 7
Pros
- Shock absorbent
- Quick to break in
- Stylish silhouette
Cons
- Fits narrow feet better
No matter if you’re serving points on the court or engaged in a heated game of pickleball, ASICS’s tennis shoes are prepared for all your stop-and-go movements. A useful feature is the pair’s GEL technology in the forefoot, where gelled cushioning absorbs shock to aid with your brisk twists and turns. Reviewers love how they are easy to break in right out of the box.
6. Best Cycling Shoes: Tommaso Pista
Pros
- Triple Velcro straps
- For indoor cycling and road biking
- Space for SPD and LOOK delta cleats
Cons
- Poor Velcro grip
- Cleats are not included
Up your spinning class performance with shoes made for long distance pedalling, numb-free. Tommaso Pista’s pair is especially compatible with Peloton equipment. Fibreglass reinforced sole gives the right amount of stiffness so that you’re not expending more energy than you need to. Depending on your pedal system, you can screw in two-hole SPD cleats or three-hole delta-style cleats of your choice before hopping on the bike.
Warranty: The manufacturer offers a two-year warranty.
7. Best Volleyball Shoes: Mizuno Wave Momentum
Pros
- Lightweight
- Snug fit
- Extra grade rubber for grip
Cons
- Not the best ankle support
- Expensive
With all the spiking and landing on court, volleyball calls for a sturdy yet lightweight pair of shoes that keep you balanced throughout the match. Mizuno’s specially designed volleyball shoes are shock absorbing, with some players noting they’ve been able to jump higher. Rubber sole material makes sure you have a solid grip on polished indoor courts.
Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
