There are so many training shoes to choose from that it’s a staggering task to decide which shoe to buy for the gym. You can find everything from cutting-edge, tech-heavy models designed to handle everything in the weight room, to shoes designed specifically for just 1 or 2 types of lifts. It can get tricky to sift through all the available sneakers, especially if you’re looking for the best budget training shoes available.
Why are these the best budget training shoes in 2024?
All of the shoes featured on our list feature all the basics of a training shoe and nothing more or less. They won’t boast premium materials or the highest level of technology, but they do perform well. Our best budget training shoes list is all about top-notch performance at a reasonable price.
At WearTesters, we test hundreds of sneakers each year. To put together this list, we found outstanding budget training performers that can offer a little bit of everything. We chose stable shoes that have the correct training-focused support features and are also affordable. Cross training is no easy task for one shoe, but we think you’ll enjoy our picks for the best budget training shoes.
Categories are used below so you can easily find what’s important to you. If you know what you need, you can simply click the category link. If not, feel free to browse the whole list.
Updated: 09.18.2024
Best Budget Training Shoes Show
Best Budget Training Shoes
Puma PWR Nitro Squared
The Puma PWR Nitro Squared isn’t built for heavy lifting or CrossFit, but it’s built to handle anything your HIIT workout will throw at you including normal lifting. It’s comfortable and bouncy which makes it great for basketball training or any jumping exercises like plyometrics. Single leg exercises aren’t ideal but this shoe can actually handle large amounts of cardio, something you don’t see often in this category. See the full review. Price: $120
UA Project Rock BSR 4
The UA Project Rock BSR 4 is similar to one of our previous budget picks, the Project Rock BSR 3. The $100 price tag is still best in class while the Under Armour design team improved the upper and fit to accommodate more foot types and longer wear. The BSR 4 is a great option if you want a gym shoe that will be “Rock” solid on your lifts, look good, and deliver performance beyond its price point. It’s likely the best option for most regular gym goers who aren’t gunning for huge PRs on olympic lifts. See the full review. Price: $100
Puma Fuse 3.0
The Puma Fuse 3.0 is a minimalist cross training shoe that’s ultra-stable and packs insane traction. Where does the insane grip come from? Puma Grip. It’s Puma’s proprietary rubber compound that’s best in class. It sticks to the ground, so you won’t slide or shift during lifts.
The stability is also top of the line as the outrigger at the lateral forefoot, raised midfoot sidewalls, and a beefy TPU heel counter combine to keep the foot in place no matter how much weight you’re slinging. The cushion is super thin (don’t run in them), so some people may get too much ground feel for their liking. But for those lifting weights, you can spread your toes inside the roomy toebox and press into the ground, and generate extra force.
The mesh and fuse upper is surprisingly comfy in large part thanks to the comfy padded tongue. You’re unlikely to find a better weightlifting shoe at this price. Read full review. Price: $120
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Reebok Nano X3
The Reebok Nano X3 is a return to form for the greatest training shoe line of all time. It’s been a long time since we enjoyed a Nano this much. And while it isn’t the perfect shoe, we’re confident any typical gym goer that purchases it will have a great experience. The fit is great (though some people experienced heel slippage), and the new LAR Chassis system combined with Floatride feels bouncy but stable underfoot.
You’re also getting a long-lasting shoe that, after a break-in period, is one of the most comfortable Nanos ever. True, $150 feels steep for a cross training shoe, but by the end of 2023 most cross trainers will be around that price point due to our current pricing trends and inflation. See the full review. Price: $150
Nike Legend Essential 3
The Nike Legend Essential 3 is by far the cheapest shoe on this list, but don’t be fooled. You might be surprised about how well these lock down your heel. Honestly, the Legend Essential 3 is one of the best if you’re looking for that solid heel containment and support. For the price, it’s easily a steal. The performance lives up to the name. Read the full review. Price: $70
Nike MC Trainer 2
The Nike MC Trainer 2 is a good budget cross-training shoe that will serve most people well. It is somewhat of a basic training model, but it gets the job done. One thing the MC Trainer does offer is versatility. It will be able to handle almost any exercise you throw at it in the gym, which is pretty dran good for a shoe that retails for just $80. Read the full review. Price: $80
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best budget training shoes list? We’d also like to hear your thoughts on this list and see your best budget training shoes list in the comments. Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
Hi Drew, thank you for sharing this. Wearing barefoot shoes completely transformed my workouts. They allow my feet to move naturally, which improved my stability and form during lifts. Over time, I’ve felt my legs and feet grow stronger. I personally use Hykes Max. They’re minimalist, durable, and really comfortable. It’s like rediscovering how your feet are meant to function.
What do you think about barefoot shoes?
We’ve got some on our other lists but we haven’t tested any barefoot shoes (to this point) that truly qualify as budget. I love training in Xero shoes for example but the price point puts them out of reach of this list.