STYLE. GROOMING. INSPIRATION. ADVICE.
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INSPIRATION AND ADVICE
THE FOOTNOTE: TRAINERS FOR ALL KINDS OF WORKOUTS
By Flo Bellinger, 11 May 2026
Welcome to The Footnote: your regular digest of the biggest drops and bestselling styles in the world of shoes. Our fuss-free guide breaks down the best pair for every occasion. This month, we’re tackling the gym. Whether you’ve joined a run club, signed up for Hyrox, or are just maintaining your regular workout routine, shoes are of paramount importance. Our four choices cover all bases, so you can squat, lift and sprint your way to a new PB. Note: while we’re calling these pairs out on their fitness chops, they work for all kinds of activities – so you can wear them whenever you like IRL.
THE BEST WEIGHTLIFTING SHOES
adidas Originals Samba OG crochet trainers is light green and white, £95
If you’re a regular at the squat rack, you’ll know a heavy lift requires a sturdy shoe. Stable, flat designs with ample cushioning to prevent slips and blisters are a must – good news for adidas Samba lovers. The familiar silhouette features a solid and stylish flat sole, which is perfect for strength training. If you want an especially gym-friendly pair, these green crochet Sambas have a breathable upper and extra grippy sole for maximum performance. This pair is our top pick because of how well it’ll blend with your everyday wardrobe (cost per wear and all that, y’know).
THE BEST HIIT SHOES
ON Cloud X 4 training trainers in white and black, £140
For workouts that generate a little more sweat, you’ll want a shoe with some oomph. We’re talking extra bounce in the sole, sweat-wicking uppers, and the same stability you’d expect from a lifting shoe. On is the blueprint for trainer tech, helping you to seamlessly weave between jumps, lunges and sprints. Their Cloud X 4 style boasts a comfy low-profile design, padded tongue and cuff, and a midfoot cage for additional support. The textured grip tread also keeps you firmly planted, set after set.
THE BEST EVERYDAY RUNNING SHOES
adidas Running Adizero SL2 trainers in white and red, £110
Everyone and their uncle is running nowadays, be it via marathon or a 5k around the park. Given the influx of running content on social media, narrowing down a good shoe can be as strenuous as the run itself. If you’re starting from scratch, opt for a trainer that can carry you on short, slow sessions as well as slightly longer stints – something like adidas’ Running Adizero SL2. These bad boys are perfect for everyday training: thanks to neutral support and a Lightstrike Pro foam midsole, they have the power to take you on regular middle-distance runs (think up to 12km).
THE BEST OVERALL HYBRID WORKOUT SHOES
Pictures: ASOS
Nike Training Metcon 10 trainers in orange, £129.99
We’ve worked tirelessly to narrow down the best overall shoe for hybrid workouts. It wasn’t easy, but we finally landed on the Nike Metcon 10. From burpees to squats and bicep curls, these trainers will work as hard as you do to make every gym session better than the last. The dual-density foam midsole is ridiculously comfortable and the rubber-wrap outsole is about as steady as you can get from an indoor training shoe. If you’re hovering over a few options, rest assured that these ones will serve you well.
