This year was a good year for athletic shoe launches. From performance-driven Alo Runners and Nike Pegasus 41 to Brooks Caldera 7, we saw street-style elements making their way into training shoes across all our favorite activewear brands. When our athletic footwear looks and feels great on and off the trails, it becomes more than something we relegate to the weight room, but an extension of our identities.
With so many launches and new-to-us sneakers, it can be hard to keep track of just which new pairs (or old favorites) are worth your money. That’s why I, a personal trainer, did the work for you. Find out which shoes I recommend adding to your cart to stay ahead of the curve, both on the track and in the style department.
The best shoe launches of 2024
Alo Runner Breathable training shoes Alo If you’re as devoted to the Alo brand as I am (or, seemingly, as the rest of the world), I’d like to put you on to the Alo Runners, which are a welcome addition to the yoga brand’s sneaker lineup. On the heels of the Recovery Mode Sneakers, the Alo Runners offer stabilizing heel clips for improved alignment and ultra-cushioned and responsive midsoles for boosted performance. Two layers of mesh will feel like personal air conditioners for your feet. If you remember to size up from your usual size, you’re in for a treat to the tune of unmatched comfort, support and breathability whether you’re running, lifting or galavanting around town. $185 at Alo
Crocs Classic Lined Tie-Dye Clog Rest-day shoes Amazon What was once considered too nerdy to be seen out in public wearing is now a rest-day staple. Fleece-lined Crocs are forever my favorite trainer-off-duty option for how breathable, lightweight and surprisingly supportive they are. As we head into icier temps, I’d like to point you all toward the brand’s fleece-lined version, which I have not been able to take off in the two years since I bought them. You can wear them either as slip-ons or with the included ankle strap for maximum functionality. The brand is continuously pumping out new colors and patterns to keep your lounge-day aesthetic looking fresh, but I happen to love the bold look of tie-dye paired against a monochromatic sweatsuit. $50 From $38 at Amazon
How to choose the best shoes for training
When investing in a new pair of shoes to accommodate and complement your training goals, as a personal trainer, I always recommend that clients wear something supportive, roomy enough to recruit your toes to help center you against the ground and cushioned enough to absorb impact during everything from sprints to plyometric movements and weight-bearing exercises.
The best shoes for training also offer arch support for optimal posture and stability. You should also consider traction-heavy soles to prevent slipping and gliding (which can contribute to injuries like sprains and strains). Breathable fabrics like mesh uppers will help keep your feet dry and limit chafing and swelling that can lead to discomfort and compromise your performance. Ultimately, if the shoe fits, buy it, wear it and love it.
FAQs
What features matter most in new shoe models? Brands are constantly innovating with new iterations of their shoes to serve a discerning clientele. Features that matter most are durable uppers, breathable fabrics, cushioned insoles, arch support, lighter overall weight and performance-driven elements like carbon plates and enhanced traction. How often should training shoes be replaced? While your mileage may literally vary, you should aim to replace your shoes every 300 to 500 miles. The timeframe in which you switch pairs depends on the number of miles you log per week. General wear and traction erosion should also play a role in how often you replace your shoes. How to determine the right shoe for your training needs? In general, you should look for flatter shoes with wider toe boxes and a lower heel-to-toe drop to help you feel supported during strength-training workouts. Alternatively, you can opt for arch support and plenty of foam cushioning to absorb impact on your joints during high-impact training like running or high intensity interval training (HIIT).
Why trust CNN Underscored
Here at Underscored, we make it our mission to stay up to date on all the latest products, but we don’t just source them; we also rigorously test products from hundreds of brands to make sure every product you buy benefits your life in a meaningful way. To come up with this list of the best shoes from this year, we tasked our resident fitness expert and contributing editor Marissa Miller, a certified personal trainer with a specialization in orthopedic exercise from the American Council on Exercise, to determine the best shoes she’s tested or obsessively researched this year that are worth adding to your gym routine.