For many, adapting to home workouts has meant exploring new exercise methods — and for some, new sneakers [1], too. That's because your former gym routine may require different support than your living-room carpet, sidewalk, backyard, and nature-trail workouts do.
Anyone in the market for a new sneaker to match their ever-changing lifestyle should consider versatile kicks — and the below trainers agree. From indoor training to outdoor runs to HIIT [2], these fitness pros are sharing their favourite sneakers for all types of home workouts [3].
Nike Metcon
"Since home workouts vary depending on what type of equipment you have at home, these sneakers are good all around," Nkacy Douglas, an ACSM-certified personal trainer with Blink Fitness, says.
Her reasons for loving Nike Metcons [4] (£150): they're sturdy, comfortable, and offer great support for strength workouts and cross-training.
"They provide great ankle stability for uncertain surfaces so that you can squat with the correct form, and are good for any type of endurance or cardio-style workouts as they help with impact control so that you don't feel any pressure in your knees," she says.
Nike Free X Metcon 2
Chelsea Cox, an ACE-certified group fitness instructor with Barry's, is also a big fan of Nike Metcons — but the Nike Free X Metcon 2 [5] (£84) is her preferred style.
"With all of the exercises I can expect to execute during a Barry's at-home workout, the Nike Free X Metcon 2 offers the greatest range of accommodation," she says.
Although she doesn't recommend these shoes for running or walking around, Cox does find that the kicks' stable heels, ankle supports, flexible soles, and breathable uppers are great for strength and explosive exercises.
"This shoe has enough stability in the heel and ankle for squats, while also being flexible enough for explosive exercises like jump lunges and burpees. It also doesn't hurt to mention that the shoe is offered in a wide variety of colours and designs — because I love to look cute while working hard."
New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuit
NSCA-, CSCS-, and NASM-certified personal trainer and Tone It Up trainer Stef Corgel is all about the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante Pursuits [6] (£90). That's because the lightweight shoes comfortably hug her narrower feet, offering the perfect combination of support and weightlessness for both HIIT workouts and mid-distance outdoor runs.
"The midsole foam gives me the right amount of spring off of the ground without the clunkiness," she says.
Under Armour HOVR Phantom Running Shoes Unisex
"This versatile shoe has become my everything over the last 11 weeks," Amina Daniels, an ACE-certified personal trainer and the owner of Live Cycle studio, says.
Not only do the Under Armour HOVR Phantom Running Shoes [7] (£75) fit like socks thanks to wrap-knit uppers, but they're lightweight, too, which helps absorb stress from impact — it's no wonder why she loves them for indoor and outdoor training.