Let’s be honest: the wrong shoes can make your workout miserable.
Maybe your knees or lower back ache after squats. Or you dread even light training because your feet just don’t feel supported. For adults over 40, those small discomforts can build into bigger setbacks, and we’re here to help you avoid them.
I’ve spent hours researching, not just reading articles, watching videos, or digging into pod caster reviews, but studying biomechanics, and putting shoes to the test myself. I don’t like have too many options at once, so I try one pair at a time and live in them. Whether I’m lifting, running, rucking, or hiking—I want to know what shoes actually work.
Most Versatile Training Shoes
If you’re training 3–5 times a week and want a shoe that can handle lifting, jumping, and conditioning without switching pairs, two shoes stand out:
The Nike Free Metcon 6 and the Reebok Nano Gym both strike that sweet spot between comfort and stability. They offer enough support to feel grounded under load, but enough flexibility to move comfortably through functional strength training, velocity training, or short distance runs. With regular use, both should hold up for a year or two.
👉 Nike Free Metcon 6
👉 Reebok Nano Gym
Best for Stability
If you’re focused on strength and stability—especially if you’re doing heavy lifts—you need a shoe that grounds you.
The Nike Metcon 3 to 9 and TYR CXT-1 or 2 are both extremely stable, stiff shoes designed for power training. They’re not ideal for running or jumping (but they can do the job), they’ll keep your feet planted and supported during squats, hinges, and presses. If stability is your priority, these won’t let you down.
👉 Nike Metcon 9 – Men’s
👉 TYR CXT-2 – Women’s
Best for Minimalists
If you want to feel more connected to the ground or prefer a lighter, natural-feeling shoe, there are two great options.
The Strike MVMNT Haze Trainer has a 4mm drop and feels almost like you’re not wearing a shoe at all. It offers a close-to-the-floor feel with just enough structure for lifting and dynamic movement.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit takes it one step further. It’s a true barefoot shoe—zero drop, extremely flexible, with a wide toe box. But it’s not for everyone. If you lack ankle or foot mobility, or deal with chronic pain, barefoot shoes may not be the best place to start.
👉 Vivobarefoot Primus Lite Knit – Men’s
The Ultimate Do-It-All Shoe (The One I Will Keep Buying)
If I had to pick one shoe I will buy over and over again, it’s the Topo Ultraventure.
I’ve been training more as a hybrid athlete lately—three strength sessions per week, and most of my conditioning is done with running. The Topo Ultraventure has been my go-to for all of it.
They’re awesome for running from trail to road. They’ve performed in snow, mud, pavement—no problem. They’re great for hikcing and rucking and surprisingly solid for lifting, especially since I’m not pushing heavy weights right now. They’ve got a wide toe box, a Vibram sole with serious grip, and they’re incredibly comfortable.
Durability has been impressive. I wear them for training and they’ve also become my daily shoes for walking. I’ll be honest, I don’t love the look. They don’t come in a clean black or white. But the performance, comfort, and versatility are worth every dollar. This is one of the rare shoes I truly get the full return on investment from.
(If you are looking for a gym shoe only, they will not be your best option).
Final Thought: Go With What Feels Right
If you’re hesitating between a few great options, go with what you’ll actually wear. The shoe you feel good in is the one you’ll lace up consistently. Confidence matters. Aesthetic matters. Your comfort matters.
That said, the Topo Ultraventure is the one shoe I’ll keep wearing—even though I don’t love the look. Because when a shoe performs this well across all areas of training and life, it earns its place.