The 10 Best Cross-Training Shoes for Women, According to Podiatrists

Pourziaee recommends this Reebok trainer for its “broad, relatively firm platform that helps keep the foot planted during squats, lunges, strength training, and multidirectional movements. This is especially important during exercises where excessive movement between the foot and the floor can affect both balance and technique.”

This latest version is particularly comfortable for those with wide feet, as it runs large. However, in addition to running wide it also runs long, so for those with shorter toes, you might want to size down.

When looking for a shoe to help with plantar fasciitis, Sharkey recommends choosing one with a heel-to-toe drop of 10 mm “for less pressure to the plantar fascia, support for secure lateral movement, and a midfoot lock.” This option from Kuru is her favorite, as it’s specifically designed to support the heel and reduce pain and impact that can inflame the plantar fascia. At the same time, it keeps your foot secure for lateral movements.

Did you know your foot technically has three different structural arches: transverse (across the ball of your foot), lateral (from your pinky to your heel), and medial (what you think of traditionally as the arch of your foot)? This trainer from GoRuck is designed to support all three, which is why Sharkey recommends it for those who need extra stability. That kind of support means your foot is extremely secure, no matter how you move. “These shoes have three times the support for all three of the arches in your foot,” she says.

Another of Tulpule’s most frequent recommendations, the Gel-Kayano offers plenty of cushioning, which is ideal for running on surfaces like treadmills. The redesigned external heel counter helps keep the foot stable while you move. Asics also includes super-light foam, cutting down on weight and adding a spring to your step. Plus, you won’t have to deal with sweaty sneaks—a mesh upper allows full breathability while you train.

Available in wide widths, these flexible, snug-fitting kicks are ideal for athletes with bunions, since there’s so much space in the toe box. “Because bunions are a forefoot issue, you want to maximize width—that way, there’s no rubbing up against the big toe joints,” Tulpule says. “New Balance shoes are a really nice brand offering width.”

While this New Balance shoe does have some structure in its upper, just be aware that the flexibility required for a slip-on shoe reduces the support at the ankle. This may make it less appropriate for HIIT-style exercises and workouts that require quick changes of direction or multiplane movements that require greater ankle support from a shoe.

You’ll crush every workout day with these lightweight and durable shoes (that also happen to be cute). Because cross-training is tough on your feet, the Solstice has a supportive midsole to absorb impact where you need it most. Better yet, it’s designed specifically for women’s feet, ensuring an optimum fit.

They come in fewer colorways than other shoes, but the basic black and white versions are more than enough considering how well they perform, particularly for HIIT, resistance training, and CrossFit workouts. The flat sole and wide toe box are ideal for strength training workouts.