High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a fast and efficient way to burn calories and improve overall fitness. As its name suggests, HIIT workouts involve short bursts of intense activity followed by periods of rest and recovery. With such a demanding exercise regimen, it’s crucial to have the right footwear that can provide the support, flexibility, and durability needed to keep up with the challenges of these workouts.
Choosing the right shoes for HIIT workouts can make all the difference in your performance and comfort during these high-energy sessions. When selecting the ideal pair, it’s essential to consider factors such as cushioning, support, stability, breathability, and weight. A perfect shoe will provide the right balance of these attributes to ensure optimal movement and reduce the risk of injury.
When shopping for the best shoes for HIIT workouts, pay close attention to the fit and construction. Look for shoes with strong arch support, ample cushioning to absorb impact during high-impact exercises, and a flexible sole that allows for a wide range of motion. Additionally, consider the shoe’s materials and design: breathable, lightweight materials will help keep your feet cool and dry during intense sessions, while a durable construction will withstand the wear and tear of demanding workouts.
After extensive research and testing, we’ve compiled a list of the top shoes for HIIT workouts that cater to various needs and preferences. The following selections will help you find the perfect fit for your training routine, ensuring that you can tackle your next HIIT session with confidence and ease.
- Best Shoes for HIIT Workouts
- Buying Guide
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What makes a shoe suitable for HIIT workouts?
- Which cross training shoes provide the most support?
- How do men's and women's HIIT shoes differ in design?
- Can running shoes be appropriate for HIIT exercises?
- What are other notable top-rated shoes for HIIT with good arch support?
- How do Hoka, Asics, and Nike Metcon 7 compare for HIIT?
Best Shoes for HIIT Workouts
We have compiled a list of the best shoes for HIIT workouts to help you maximize your training sessions while ensuring comfort and stability. Explore our top picks below.
Weweya Barefoot Shoes for Women
These Weweya Barefoot Shoes are a great choice for HIIT workouts due to their minimalist design and comfortable fit.
Pros
- Minimalist barefoot style design
- Wide toe box safety design
- Removable exclusive arch support insole
Cons
- Takes time to get used to the barefoot feeling
- May run small for some individuals
- Rubber at the end of the toe box may bother some users
We recently tried the Weweya Barefoot Shoes for Women during our HIIT workouts and found them to be a solid choice. The minimalist barefoot style design allows for a natural stride, helping to simulate a true barefoot feeling. This takes some time to get used to but feels quite comfortable once familiar with it.
The wide toe box safety design is another beneficial feature that we appreciated. Unlike other barefoot shoes, these do not have separate slots for your toes. This design provides more freedom for your toes and helps avoid potential injury during exercise. The shoes also come with a removable arch support insole, which can be customized to your level of support and comfort.
While we enjoyed using these shoes, we noticed a few drawbacks. Some individuals may find it challenging to find the perfect size, as they can run small for certain users. Additionally, the rubber material at the end of the toe box may cause discomfort for some people during intense workouts.
Despite these minor issues, the Weweya Barefoot Shoes for Women are a reliable option for those looking to enhance their HIIT workouts with a minimalist shoe design. The combination of comfort, functionality, and style make them a worthwhile investment for anyone wanting to improve their fitness experience.
Oranginer Women’s Barefoot Shoes
These shoes are a great option for anyone seeking comfortable and flexible shoes for HIIT workouts with a wide toe box and minimalistic design.
Pros
- Wide toe box design for comfort and stability
- Flexible and breathable synthetic mesh upper
- Suitable for a variety of activities, including HIIT workouts
Cons
- Some may find the design visually unappealing
- Might take a few tries to find the perfect size
- Reflective strip on the heel may not provide adequate safety for nighttime activities
We recently tried out the Oranginer Women’s Barefoot Shoes for our own HIIT workouts and were quite pleased with the results. The wide toe box design allowed our toes to spread out naturally during exercise, providing better balance and support. The flexibility and breathability of the synthetic mesh upper kept our feet comfortable and dry even during the most intense workouts.
Another feature we appreciated was the versatility of these shoes. Not only do they excel during HIIT workouts, but they’re also suitable for walking, training, running, and even water activities. The minimalist design allows for better foot muscle engagement, potentially reducing the risk of injury and improving overall running efficiency.
However, there were a couple of downsides to the Oranginer Women’s Barefoot Shoes as well. Some may find the design to be less visually appealing compared to other athletic shoes. Additionally, it might take some trial and error to find the perfect size, as we had to go through a couple of returns to get the right fit. Finally, while the reflective strip on the heel does provide some visibility for nighttime workouts, it might not be sufficient for all situations.
Overall, the Oranginer Women’s Barefoot Shoes are a solid choice for those in search of comfortable, flexible, and versatile shoes for HIIT workouts. Just be prepared for a bit of trial and error when it comes to finding the ideal size.
New Balance Women’s FuelCell 100 V1 Cross Trainer
The New Balance FuelCell Trainer is an excellent choice for HIIT workouts due to its comfort, support, and performance.
Pros
- Comfortable and supportive fit
- Durable and flexible outsole
- Efficient FuelCell foam midsole
Cons
- Difficult to slip on
- May not be suitable for narrow feet
- Limited color options
We recently tried the New Balance Women’s FuelCell 100 V1 Cross Trainer during our HIIT workouts, and we were impressed by the performance and comfort they offered. The FuelCell foam midsole delivered a propulsive feel, helping us drive forward during intense training sessions.
The combination of the Reaction diffusion engineered knit mesh upper and Fit Weave technology ensured lightweight support while maintaining a sleek look. The bootie upper with Ariaprene tongue provided a snug and supportive fit which prevented our feet from slipping during intense exercises.
Despite loving the performance of these shoes, we did face some challenges when putting them on. The design of the bootie upper made it difficult to slip our feet into them without extra effort. Additionally, for those with narrow feet, these shoes might not provide the desired snug fit.
In terms of style and appearance, the New Balance FuelCell Trainer has a clean silhouette suitable for any casual occasion. However, we wished there were more color options available to cater to different preferences.
Overall, the New Balance Women’s FuelCell 100 V1 Cross Trainer is a great shoe for HIIT workouts with its supportive, comfortable design and performance features. With a few minor drawbacks, we still recommend you give these shoes a try if you’re looking for a reliable option for your workout sessions.
Under Armour Women’s Charged Aurora 2 Cross Trainer
These shoes are a solid choice for HIIT workouts, providing excellent support, comfort, and traction.
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable material
- Good traction for multi-directional movement
- Durable construction
Cons
- Might run small for some users
- Suitable for wider feet
- Slightly rigid feel
Using the Under Armour Women’s Charged Aurora 2 Cross Trainer for our HIIT workouts, we found that the fit was specifically designed for a female foot, resulting in a comfortable and secure fit. The lightweight upper material kept our feet cool and dry throughout the workout, which is essential during high-intensity sessions.
The shoe features strategic TPU overlays that add durability and provide medial stability. This lockdown fit made us feel confident during quick movements and jumps, as we noticed the excellent traction from the full rubber outsole. The multi-directional pattern on the outsole ensured a secure grip during our fast-paced exercises.
The Charged Cushioning midsole delivered the responsiveness we expected from a HIIT training shoe. Despite the overall comfort, we did notice that the shoes had a slightly rigid feel, which may require a short break-in period. Additionally, these shoes might be more suitable for those with wider feet, as they have a slightly more relaxed fit in the forefoot area.
All in all, the Under Armour Women’s Charged Aurora 2 Cross Trainer performs well during HIIT workouts, offering excellent support, breathability, and traction. Just keep in mind the sizing and fit aspects when considering these shoes for your HIIT sessions.
Nike Women’s Sneaker Gymnastics Shoe
These Nike Women’s Sneakers are a great investment for those seeking comfort and high-performance during HIIT workouts.
Pros
- Superior flexibility for agility moves and sprints
- Strong base for lifting
- Optimal cushioning and bounce
Cons
- Can be difficult to put on
- Run small in size
- Pull-on design might not be for everyone
As fitness enthusiasts, we recently tried the Nike Women’s Sneaker Gymnastics Shoe and immediately noticed the superior flexibility offered by the Nike Free technology. This allowed us to perform agility moves and sprints with ease, which is essential during HIIT workouts. Additionally, the flat and wide heel created a strong base for lifting, providing stability and support.
The soft foam core is another feature that we enjoyed, as it provided optimal cushioning and bounce, protecting our feet during intense workout sessions. The internal webbing evenly distributed pressure around the midfoot, ensuring a comfortable fit and preventing any unnecessary strain during exercises.
However, we did notice some drawbacks to these sneakers. Some of us found them quite difficult to put on, especially those who lack the patience for the pull-on design. We would also suggest going half a size or a full size up, as these shoes do run small. Despite these minor issues, we found the rubber tread outsole to offer maximum grip and traction at high-abrasion areas, which is a significant advantage during HIIT workouts.
Overall, if you can look past the initial struggle of putting them on and find the right size, the Nike Women’s Sneaker Gymnastics Shoes are fantastic for HIIT workouts. Their flexibility, strong base for lifting, and optimal cushioning make them a worthy investment for fitness enthusiasts.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best shoes for HIIT workouts, it’s essential to consider several factors that will ensure comfort, support, and durability. We’ve compiled a few key aspects to guide you in making the right choice for your fitness needs.
Fit and Comfort: The most important aspect of any shoe is the fit and comfort. Make sure to try the shoes on and test them during different types of movements you typically perform during HIIT workouts. Consider the shoe width, arch support, and cushioning.
Traction: Since HIIT workouts often involve quick movements and directional changes, it’s crucial to have shoes with a reliable grip on various surfaces. Look for shoes with multidirectional lugs or patterns on the outsole that offer exceptional traction.
Lightweight and Flexibility: Lightweight shoes are generally more comfortable during intense workouts. It’s important to find shoes that provide enough flexibility for a wide range of motions without compromising stability.
Breathability: During high-energy HIIT workouts, your feet are prone to sweating. Shoes that offer better breathability will help your feet stay cool and dry, preventing the buildup of bacteria and reducing the risk of blisters.
Support and Stability: In HIIT workouts, you need shoes that provide adequate support for sudden movements, jumps, and heavy lifting. Look for features like heel cups, reinforced sections, and dense midsoles to ensure stability and proper support.
Durability: Investing in a shoe that can handle the intensity of HIIT workouts will save you money in the long run. Examine the materials and craftsmanship of your potential shoes, focusing on strong and durable materials that can withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
Remember to always try on the shoes before purchasing and simulate some of the exercises you typically perform during your HIIT workouts. This way, you can be sure you’re making the right choice for your fitness goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a shoe suitable for HIIT workouts?
A shoe suitable for HIIT workouts typically has a few key features. First, it should have a flat and stable base to offer balance and support during various exercises. Second, it should be lightweight and flexible, allowing for quick and agile movements. Lastly, good cushioning is essential for shock absorption and comfort, especially during high-intensity intervals and jumps.
Which cross training shoes provide the most support?
Some cross training shoes that provide exceptional support include the Nike Metcon series, Reebok Nano, and New Balance Minimus. These shoes are designed specifically for varied exercises, from weightlifting to sprints, and are built with features such as heel clips, medial support, and stable bases to enhance stability and support during your workout.
How do men’s and women’s HIIT shoes differ in design?
The primary difference between men’s and women’s HIIT shoes lies in their size and fit. Women’s shoes are generally narrower and designed to accommodate the shape of a female foot better. However, both men’s and women’s shoes prioritize the same performance features, such as stability, support, and flexibility.
Can running shoes be appropriate for HIIT exercises?
While running shoes may be suitable for certain HIIT exercises, they may not provide the optimal support or stability for various movements involved in a typical HIIT workout. Running shoes are often designed with more cushioning for forward motion, whereas HIIT shoes have a more stable base that offers better balance for lateral movements and weightlifting exercises.
What are other notable top-rated shoes for HIIT with good arch support?
Some top-rated shoes for HIIT with excellent arch support include the Asics Gel-Quantum 180 TR, New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE, and Nike Metcon 7. These shoes are designed with features such as arch-specific cushioning and midfoot support, ensuring proper alignment and comfort during high-intensity workouts.
How do Hoka, Asics, and Nike Metcon 7 compare for HIIT?
Each brand has its strengths and key features that cater to different athletes’ preferences. Hoka shoes are known for their maximum cushioning, providing great shock absorption during HIIT workouts. Asics shoes are popular for their Gel cushioning system, which offers arch support and stability. The Nike Metcon 7 is a versatile option, well-regarded for its stable base, supportive design, and durable construction, making it popular among cross-training enthusiasts.
