Which workout shoes suit your training?

Women's training shoes are not all built for the same session. The listings here sort themselves into three groups: shoes for lifting, shoes for classes and HIIT, and versatile pairs for light training and daily wear.

For lifting: a flat, stable base

These listings focus on ground contact. adidas says a wide, stable base gives maximum ground contact for squats and deadlifts, and Under Armour says TriBase gives a stable base for lifts.

• adidas Dropset 3: a wide, flat outsole and a low heel-to-toe drop.
• adidas Dropset Base: a wide forefoot and a low-to-the-ground build with a lug-pattern outsole.
• adidas Dropset Control: a stable, flat platform with a dual-density midsole that supports squats and stays flexible for cardio.
• Nike MC Trainer 3: a flat, sturdy base with moderate cushioning, steady during lateral moves.
• Nike Metcon 10 and Bella 7: a plate in the heel for stability under weights. The Metcon 10 has a Hyperlift plate, and the Bella 7 has an Air Zoom unit with a plastic plate.
• Under Armour TriBase Reign 6: UA TriBase maximizes ground contact, with a heel clip and heel counter for support.

For classes, HIIT and circuits

These pairs add more cushioning and flex, and their listings stress grip and support for moves in every direction. The brand On describes the Cloud X 5 as a training shoe for HIIT, circuits and mixed workouts, with CloudTec cushioning. adidas makes the Rapidmove ADV 2 for HIIT and functional fitness, with a stable flat sole for side-to-side moves. Under Armour's Charged Aurora 2 is built for the female foot, with TPU overlays that lock the midfoot.

For light training and every day

These pairs are listed for light workouts, gym sessions and daily wear. Anta's Ebuffer 11.0 has a mesh upper with protective overlays, and the Anta Smile adds TPU inserts for side-to-side stability. Reebok's Split Flex has an EVA midsole and a split flex outsole. Nike's In-Season TR 14 has a thick foam midsole and grooves across the forefoot for walking and bodyweight moves.

If most of your sessions are weights, start with the Dropset 3 or the MC Trainer 3. If you mix classes and cardio, start with the Cloud X 5 or the Rapidmove ADV 2. Compare more in all training shoes, or see Under Armour training shoes and adidas Dropset.