When it comes to working out, I’m the kind of person who's always up for trying something new and chasing a fresh goal. Weight lifting? I’m in. Kickboxing class? Count me there. Run club? You’ll find me lacing up and ready to go.
No matter what my workout looks like, I need sneakers that can adapt alongside my ever-evolving workout routine. I’m talking about shoes that are versatile, supportive, and comfy enough to take me from strength training to running to whatever comes next—no matter how my goals change. The keyword? Hybrid.
For the 2025 Women’s Health Sneaker Awards, we focused on shoes that deliver the most value and performance. While each shoe is designed with a primary activity in mind—like running or cross-training—the selections in this year’s Awards are all still built to handle a wide variety of workouts with comfort and confidence. Whether you’re walking, lifting, running, or even taking a tennis lesson, these sneakers go the distance—seamlessly transitioning from one activity to the next better than most on the market.
Each pair on this list is either a brand-new release or a fresh color and design from the past year. They’ll support you through your fitness highs, the days when goals shift, and even those moments when you’re just looking to take it easy. From reaching running PRs to staying pain-free during heavy lifts, these sneakers have been the secret weapon for us, and we know your shoe unicorn is on this list too.
Behind the Testing—And What Sets Our Awards Apart
Our fitness team—including associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian, CPT; executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos, CPT; fitness editor Talene Appleton, CPT; and health and fitness editorial assistant Olivia Luppino—researched hundreds of new sneakers throughout the year and selected a curated list worthy of team and expert testing and review, evaluating each pair on performance, comfort, style, and versatility.
What sets our package apart is the diverse range of activities that our team at Women’s Health engages in. From weight lifting and running to yoga, cycling, and HIIT, every member of the WH staff brings their own fitness preferences and goals to the table during testing. This allows us to test-drive each sneaker across a variety of exercises to ensure they excel in a range of workouts. We know exactly what makes a quality, high-functioning workout shoe, no matter the sport, because we live it every day.
Plus, as insiders in the fitness world, we’re always first to know about sneaker launches and get early access to the latest releases and updates, meaning we’re ahead of the curve in testing and reviewing the cutting-edge innovations. Our team’s extensive knowledge, combined with firsthand experience, means you can trust that our selections are based on real-world use—not just hype.
We also tap the best of the best professionals in the space to help with the rigorous testing and review process. This year, Jessica Gallina, MD; Kelly Roberts; and Jordan Farrell (read more about them below) brought their expert knowledge to this year’s winners list, applying their specialized experience in orthopedics, running, and exercise physiology to ensure every winner meets the highest standards of comfort, performance, and injury prevention.
Jump to a category:
Strength Training
Jogging and Running
Cross-Training
Walking and Lifestyle
Sport and Trail
Meet our expert panel:
Jessica Gallina, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle injuries. She is based in the New York and New Jersey area and serves as the orthopedic consultant to the New York City Ballet and the School of American Ballet.
Kelly Roberts is an RRCA-certified run coach based in Brooklyn. She is also the founder of Badass Lady Gang, a running community that helps recreational athletes ditch diet culture and focus on feeling strong.
Jordan Farrell is an exercise physiologist, online fitness coach, and Women’s Health Strength In Diversity alum, based in Knightdale, North Carolina. She runs her own holistic wellness brand, Move With J.
WH copy chief Marli Higa used to strength train in thick, cushioned running trainers—but wearing these transformed her workouts by allowing her to really root her feet into the ground. “The smooth, thin sole made turning and lateral movements easier, and I could really feel the floor through the low-profile outsole,” she says. The flat sole also helped her feel stable during elliptical workouts and incline walks, and the low cut gave her great ankle flexibility.
The On Cloudpulse is a cross-trainer disguised as a strength-training shoe, with flat, noncushioned, stable bottoms that still feel supportive for quick jogs and runs. “The fit is perfection,” says WH food producer Tina Martinez, “streamlined through the narrowest part of my foot and hugging my arches in the most secure way,” which is something not all sneakers do for her feet. Through her weight lifting, powerlifting, cardio, and jogging workouts, this fashionable shoe delivered stability through every step.
They helped WH art director Christine Giordano find lightweight support and balance and move quickly during dynamic CrossFit workouts. When she lifts, she struggles not to collapse into her arches, let alone find shoes with enough arch support—but these were sturdy and had high arch support, allowing her to stay grounded. “The flat, solid sole gives great support when deadlifting or doing a clean and jerk,” she says. Best of all, they bring style to strength training.
The Nano Gyms are the definitive hybrid. They’re light and breathable and can be used for multiple cross-training workouts because the cushioning and support makes them easily transitional, says exercise physiologist Jordan Farrell, CPT, who wore them all day when teaching classes and doing strength and conditioning workouts. “I love the support of the hard heel, which I don’t always find with a hybrid shoe,” she says.
“As a fitness editor, I’m lucky enough to be gifted countless sneakers for testing—but the Gel-Kayanos are the sneakers I purchase myself again and again,” says WH executive health and fitness director Jacqueline Andriakos. They have a long-standing reputation of being a sturdy, protective shoe for runners of all levels, and for many foot issues like plantar fasciitis and overpronation. “But the soles are stable enough that I can ground myself properly if I’m doing a cross-training workout that also involves lifting weights—without having to change my sneakers.”
The wide toe box is good for those with bunions, the heel lift helps those with tendinitis and plantar fasciitis, and the cushioning works for flat feet and those with arthritis, says board-certified orthopedic surgeon Jessica Gallina, MD, who recommends them for all workouts. “I ran in them and had absolutely no foot pain,” she adds—a rare find.
These sneakers have more cushioning than other pairs of running shoes but feel far more lightweight, breathable, and comfortable overall. “They have the perfect balance of cushion and comfort, making them the ultimate everyday trainer, especially as I began marathon training,” says WH health and fitness editorial assistant Olivia Luppino. They kept her feet comfortable, cushioned, and in control when running and walking on uneven streets.
The newest Brooks Ghost edition screams stability and steadiness. “My feet have never felt more stable, yet cushioned, on 10-mile runs during half-marathon training,” says WH associate health and fitness editor Addison Aloian. “I feel like I’m running on a cloud, plus, they prevent my feet from pronating on hills with tired ankles,” she says. The firm, cushioned base helps her feel as if she could walk on the StairMaster for hours without foot pain, and they double as a perfect recovery shoe after long runs.
The newest version of Nike’s staple Pegasus is built for performance. “They’re amazing for running—especially faster efforts—and surprisingly fun for walking, too, thanks to the bounce,” says run coach Kelly Roberts. The propulsion effect sets it apart from other running shoes, especially since it doesn’t have carbon plates (which improve propulsion and return energy to your feet through each step). “They make you feel like you’re being launched forward,” she says.
The newest iteration of the Hoka Cliftons feels even more comfortable than the last, says Aloian. “They took the impact out of every step and made my feet land lighter” because of the eight millimeter heel-to-toe drop—three millimeters more than the Clifton 9, she says. Because of the stability and plush comfort that other shoes don’t provide, these sneakers offer an easy entryway into everyday running for newbies.
Wanted: A sneaker that combines sustainability with comfort and functionality. The roomy toe box and snug heel kept WH fitness editor Talene Appleton’s foot secure and free from slippage on morning jogs, grocery trips, brunches, and walks around the office (hybrid for sure!). “This shoe feels smooth and soft on easy runs but not overly plush—a hard balance to strike with natural materials,” she says.
The Salomon Aero Glide 3 has entered the chat. A thoughtful blend of lightweight cushioning and stability, these shoes “offer a soft landing that dampens impact on the joints,” says Appleton, who wore them for half-marathon training. The stable sole made them more responsive than most high-cushioned shoes, and “the rocker outsole makes transitions from heel to toe supersmooth,” she adds.
Andriakos gets a lot of sneaker questions from friends and family. For anyone in the market for a do-it-all gym shoe, she always recommends the Chargefeel (and gets rave reviews about it!). “Despite the fact that sneaker fit and feel is extremely subjective, everyone I know who has worked out in the Chargefeel—myself included—has loved its perfect balance of stability and flexibility. The stylish silhouette looks good outside the gym, too, and its quality materials hold up for months, even years.”
This is the only mesh shoe that truly delivered real airflow to Andriakos' feet. “You can literally feel the cool breeze through the lightweight mesh—the ventilation holes are big enough to keep my blister-prone toes dry, and the shoes stay light during high-impact moves like plyometrics and sprints,” she says.
Introducing your favorite new minimalist trainer for quick runs, walks, strength-training sessions, and errand-running afternoons. The wide toe box, which “makes a huge difference in comfort and natural movement, especially on longer runs or walks,” Roberts says, sets this barefoot shoe apart from competitors. “My toes had plenty of room to splay naturally, and I could feel my big toe engaging during push-off.”
This sneaker took WH news and features editor Currie Engel from walks to circuit training to a steady-pace six-mile run. Her wider feet pronate, but she felt supported, and all without a break-in period like so many other shoes for overpronators have required for her in the past. “They were incredibly comfortable—cushiony and form-fitting, especially around the ankles,” she says.
“Most sneakers that are advertised as slip-ons, but still have laces, are not actually easy at all to get on sans hands,” says Andriakos. “The Urban Sneaker proved me wrong—even if I’m holding my daughter or a bag. I walked 17,000 steps in them and felt great.” She also loves that they don't have a big, well-known brand logo on them and look minimalist and sleek. Oh, and they come in 28 (!) different colors.
When it comes to juggling a packed day (think: chasing after an 11-month-old, commuting on foot, and squeezing in a treadmill boot camp class), Andriakos needs sneakers that can do it all. The Alo Runner rises above other lifestyle shoes with its ultra-cushioned sole that keeps foot fatigue at bay. “Unlike most stylish sneakers that fall short in performance, this one delivers comfort and stability all day long—without sacrificing looks,” Andriakos says. Her tip: If you’re between sizes, go with the smaller one for a snug, supportive fit.
Talk about accessible—they are easy to slip on and have a secure, comfortably snug (but not tight) fit. With no break-in period, they’re cushioned and don’t pinch at the back or put pressure on the Achilles like other step-in shoes do, says WH deputy visual director Allison Chin, who walked to work in them.
This hybrid walking and running shoe prioritizes heavy cushioning to take you far without pain, with a roomy toe box and solid fit right off the bat. Unlike other (often less attractive) cushioned running shoes, these look less sporty while making you feel and move like a top-tier runner, says WH deputy photo director Dangi McCoy.
WH managing editor Laura McLaughlin wore these even while on crutches after a meniscus root repair. The toe box and heel were comfortable and fit well so there’s no slippage, and the two loops make putting the shoe on easy. “I felt safe and secure in them, which is critical when you are relearning how to walk,” she says. “They provided a firm foundation and a stylish profile.”
The Norda 005s are a master class in “do-it-all” shoes. WH assistant social media editor Isabel McMahon walked and jogged on uneven ground and stood in them for hours during long shoot days. “They’re extremely lightweight, stable, and nimble, which is a rare combo that you don’t see in other sneakers in the same category,” she says, adding that every step feels springy, as if the shoes are moving you forward. “They’re honestly perfect if, like me, you don’t always know what your day is going to look like—I might end up on a long walk, spontaneous run, or just running around for work—and these work for all of it.” They dry out fast and have a great grip—perfect for running on trails or wet pavement.
Of all the new styles that Andriakos tested this year, the SpeedARC Matis won for being most attractive and functional. (She tested them walking on pavement and rough ground, as well as in multiple workout classes.) The trendy bungee laces keep you locked in and make this performer stand out among competitors.
“Featherweight” describes these shoes to a T—despite their dense, firm cushioning that provides 360-degree support, says WH entertainment editor Amy Wilkinson. “Other cushioned shoes can sometimes feel heavy on my feet, but these felt light and relatively streamlined” as she wore the pair on hot girl walks and while teaching pilates classes, she says. “The woven upper gave my feet a gentle hug, and my toes didn’t feel cramped in the toe box,” compared to some other brands that are way too narrow for her feet, she adds.
“These are the best pickleball shoes I’ve ever tested,” says Andriakos. While she was initially unsure about the stiffness right out of the box, the firmness proved to be the shoe’s greatest asset. It allowed her to pivot quickly—without worrying about rolling an ankle. Unlike softer, less supportive options, this pair gives serious players the edge they need on the court.
These sneakers bring their A game on and off the court. “They were super comfortable for all-day wear right out of the box,” says WH special projects director Amanda Lucci. “They have tons of bounce, and the mid-top is supportive on my weaker ankles.” While other basketball shoes may feel too narrow and tight across wider feet, these fit just right.
These white-and-bright picks are better than most tennis shoes because they’re built specifically for women’s biomechanics—they’re not just a smaller men’s shoe. “I noticed a more natural support, better court feel, and less fatigue in my feet and ankles playing in these,” says Andriakos.
Photographer: Joe Lingeman
Fashion Styling: Jasmine Fontaina
IMAGE 1: Nike top and shorts ; Salomon Aero Glide 3 sneakers; Adidas socks; Jenny Bird earrings.
IMAGE 2: Anthropologie t-shirt; Lululemon shorts; Adidas Dropset 3 sneakers and socks; Jenny Bird earrings.
IMAGE 3: Lululemon sports bra and shorts; APL Euphoria sneakers and socks; Lady Gray earrings.
IMAGE 4: Nike sports bra, leggings, sweatshirt, socks; Skechers Hands Free Slip Ins: Glide Step Pro sneakers; Jenny Bird earrings; Mejuri ring.
IMAGE 5: Lululemon jumpsuit; Moolah Neovolt Pro V2 sneakers; Nike socks; Lady Gray earrings.
Addison Aloian is the associate health & fitness editor at Women’s Health, where she writes and edits across the health, weight loss, and fitness verticals. She’s also a certified personal trainer through the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). In her free time, you can find her lifting weights at the gym, running on the West Side Highway in New York City—she recently completed her first marathon, the 2025 New York City Marathon—and watching (and critiquing!) the latest movies that have garnered Oscars buzz. In addition to Women's Health, she’s made an appearance on the Oprah Podcast and her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L'Officiel USA, V Magazine, VMAN, and more.
