Tried & Tested: 5 Best Gym Trainers for Lifting & Functional Training
Do you dread shopping for new workout shoes? Do you find yourself standing in front of rows upon rows of different brands and designs feeling overwhelmed and unsure which will be best for your workout routine?
If you’re like me, you’re desperate for guidance when it comes to making a decision about which workout shoes are the best. But the best shoes for me, may not feel right for your body’s mechanics. The key to finding the gym shoes that work for you comes down to the type of workouts you do and then identifying the features in a gym shoe that you’ll benefit from most (you may favour stability, a wider fit, or extra cushioning).
To help you narrow down the search, I’ve tried a range of gym shoes from some of the biggest brands available in South Africa to give you the skinny on each shoe’s pros and cons. I’ve put many pairs of shoes to the test to find the shoes that have consistently performed well and withstood even the toughest workouts so that you can feel confident in your purchase.
What to look for in a gym shoe
Before investing in a gym shoe, there are a few standard things to take into account. You’ll want to look for a shoe that offers you good lockdown without feeling too tight. Your feet should feel secure to avoid injury, and your heel should not slip out of the shoe.
Before buying a gym shoe, you’ll need to identify your arch type (neutral, flat, or high) and be sure the shoe you intend to buy is suited for your feet. Sizing is also important and can fluctuate between brands; a size 6 UK in Puma could be very different to a size 6 UK in Adidas. To ensure you buy the correct size, measure your feet at home or have them measured at the store. Keep in mind that for many people, one foot is usually a little larger than the other.
One of the most important factors to take into account is the type of workouts you’ll be doing at the gym. Keep in mind that some gym shoes may be purpose-designed for specific types of workouts. Make sure you don’t buy a shoe designed predominately for lifting if you’re going to be tackling mostly HIIT workouts.
Are you looking for a shoe designed for resistance or hybrid-style functional training workouts? If you’re always switching things around then you may benefit from investing in two different shoes for each style of training, otherwise, you’ll want to look at a good cross-trainer that will cover all your bases.
Now that you know the basics of what to look for when buying a pair of gym shoes, here are my picks for the 5 Best gym trainers for lifting and functional training in South Africa.
Reebok Nano X4: Best Crossfit shoe
Said to be the perfect blend of old and new, the Reebok Nano X4, is constructed with a more breathable and lightweight fit than its predecessors in the Nano lineup. Reebok says the Nano X4 is the most breathable and lightweight Nano iteration yet, all while remaining focused on stability and premium performance support.
While previous models of the Nano were quite rigid, the latest version of the hit training shoe introduces a completely redesigned upper with all-new Flexweave Material engineered with a Midfoot Ventilation Panel for increased breathability and durability. For some the 7mm drop in the shoe may be a step too far in a training shoe, but the ground contact and stability of the Nano X4 is great and it doesn’t feel like they’re pitching you forward as aggressively as a running shoe would.
If you want a higher heel and a shoe that feels a bit more ‘built out’, then the Nano X4 can be a great pick. If you’re already a fan of the Reebok Nano training shoe, this model is a definite upgrade from previous versions, and you’re bound to love it. Overall, it’s a versatile shoe for many types of workouts and is a pretty well-rounded shoe for lifting and cross-training.
For an in-depth review, check out our article: Reebok Nano X4 Training Shoe Review: Does the Gym Shoe Live Up to the Nano Legacy?
Reebok Nano Gym: Best everyday training shoe
For this simple, yet effective all-rounder, Reebok has taken the less-is-more approach. If you’re after a stable, comfortable, and durable shoe, without too many distractions, then you’ll love this Reebok training shoe. While the purpose-built Nano X4 offers a little more bells and whistles, it’s all-rounded sibling the Nano Gym is a fairly straightforward all-encompassing fitness shoe to suit everyone.
The Reebok Nano Gym is a versatile training shoe designed for gym-goers who engage in a variety of workouts. It features a cushioned midsole for dynamic movements and a higher boot for enhanced stability and ankle support. The shoe’s wide upper accommodates broader feet, providing ample space in the toe box for optimal positioning during exercises like squats and box jumps.
Weighing approximately 340 grams, the Nano Gym offers a stable and solid feel without being overly bulky. Its heel cup design secures the foot, preventing overpronation during training sessions. With an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, it is suitable for various activities, though those focusing on specific powerlifting may prefer a shoe with a lower drop. Overall, the Nano Gym is an excellent choice for beginners, casual gym-goers, and individuals seeking a reliable shoe for agility work, HIIT, and light strength training.
For an in-depth review, check out our article: Reebok Nano Gym Review — The ‘Do-It-All’ Gym Shoe?
Under Armour TriBase Reign 6: Best resistance training shoe
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 is a cross-training shoe engineered for versatility, excelling in strength training and hybrid workouts. Designed to be an all-in-one powerhouse, the latest addition to the Reign series combines stability, durability, and flexibility to elevate your fitness experience and stands out as the perfect companion for the modern fitness enthusiast.
Its minimal outsole provides excellent ground feel, enhancing balance and stability during heavy lifts. The wide toe box allows for full toe splay, promoting better power generation in exercises like squats and deadlifts. With a 2mm heel-to-toe drop, the shoe offers a natural feel, though it may require an adjustment period for those accustomed to higher-drop footwear. While its minimal cushioning may not be ideal for intensive cardio sessions, the Reign 6 stands out as a top choice for strength-focused training.
If you’re an Under Armour fan and want a shoe for lifting, F45, or CrossFit, then you’ll love how the Reign 6 performs in the gym. This shoe will be a win for anyone who likes a flatter-feeling shoe.
For an in-depth review, check out our article: Under Armour TriBase Reign 6 Review: A Cross-Training Shoe Built for Lifting.
Adidas Dropset 3: Best for lifting heavy stuff
The Adidas Dropset 3 is a high-performance cross-training shoe with a focus on weightlifting. Built with athletes in mind, the latest Dropset training shoe was designed to tackle the explosive movements of strength training with ease. The new silhouette features enhanced stability, breathability, durability, and grip. Plus, an upgraded Geofit construction helps keep feet cool, comfortable, and supported.
The shoe does an excellent job during lifting movements; in fact, it’s one of my favourite shoes to lift in. The shoe features a low midsole and a 6mm stack height, providing a flat, grounded feel ideal for lifting exercises like squats, deadlifts, and cleans. The dual-density midsole combines a softer forefoot for comfort during dynamic movements with a denser heel for enhanced stability during heavy lifts. While designed primarily for lifting, the Dropset 3 also performs well in hybrid workouts, making it a versatile choice for gym-goers seeking both stability and athleticism in their training footwear.
If you’re an avid gym goer who is primarily looking for a lifting shoe, with the ability to throw in occasional cross-training, then this model can be a really good bet. The Dropset 3 is not a Crossfit-specific shoe or a cross-training-only shoe, but it will serve you well if most of your workouts have a lifting bias. While the shoe was designed to be used in a lifting-focused setting, I love it for hybrid workouts like F45 — where you’re doing burpees one minute and barbell squats the next. The Adidas Dropset 3 feels like a lifting shoe that had a baby with a cross-trainer.
For an in-depth review, check out our article: Adidas Dropset 3 Review: A Great All-Round Training Shoe for Lifting Heavy Stuff.
Puma PWRFrame TR 2: Best value for money
Looking to get the most bang for your buck? With the PwrFrame TR2 Puma offers an inexpensive high-performance training shoe option. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the Puma PWRFrame TR 2 could be just what you need to lift your game in the gym. According to Puma, this workout shoe was designed to ensure you start every workout the right way, with the best foundation. This shoe does a stellar job of giving a stable, flat base to work from during strength training sessions.
A generous toe box ensures that you don’t crowd your toes while Puma’s PwrTape technology gives even more reinforcement and makes sure your foot stays locked in, limiting your foot from slipping and sliding inside the shoe. The shoe also features a 3D midsole frame system engineered for forefoot support during explosive movements. Plus, PumaGrip, constructed from a durable rubber compound, provides traction on multiple surfaces so that you’re safe in the knowledge that you won’t slip out from under the bar or slide when performing a weighted lunge.
If you’re looking for a solid, affordable weight training shoe to tackle your fitness goals, then the Puma PWRFrame TR 2 is a great option.
For an in-depth review, check out our article: Puma PWRFrame TR 2 Review: We Hit the Gym in the New High-Performance Training Shoe.
