Top Gym Shoe Brands to Elevate Your Workout Game

Choosing the right gym shoes can significantly enhance your workout experience, providing the necessary support and comfort for various exercises. There are numerous reputable brands that cater to diverse fitness needs, each offering unique features that may appeal to different preferences. From iconic running shoes to specialized lifting footwear, brands such as Nike, Adidas, Reebok, and Asics continue to dominate the market with their innovative designs and reliable quality. Discover more about what makes these brands stand out and find the perfect pair that aligns with your fitness goals below.


Illustration of gym shoes

Best brands of gym shoes in 2025

Nike

Nike is one of the leading producers of gym shoes, dominating the market with a 38.2% share of the total footwear market as of 2022. The company generated $29.2 billion in footwear revenue that year, accounting for 62.5% of its global revenues. In the athletic footwear segment, Nike holds a 30% market share, and in the sneakers category, it commands a 38.5% share. Nike's basketball shoe market share is particularly strong, with 86% of the performance basketball market as of 2019. The company produces approximately 800 million pairs of shoes annually, with half of its production coming from Vietnam. For more detailed Nike shoe statistics, you can visit their website.

Adidas

Adidas is one of the leading producers of gym shoes, boasting a 15.4% market share in the global athletic footwear market as of 2022. The brand experienced a 9.6% growth in footwear net sales in 2022, reaching $11.4 billion, and it produces approximately 420 million pairs of shoes annually. Adidas is known for its innovative designs, such as the Ultra Boost technology, and its wide range of high-performance shoes. The company's footwear segment accounts for 55% of its total net sales, highlighting its dominance in the athletic footwear industry. With a strong presence in key markets like North America and Europe, Adidas continues to be a preferred choice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts.

Reebok

Reebok, once a dominant force in the athletic footwear industry, briefly surpassed Nike in the mid-1980s with sales of $1.82 billion in 1989, and held a 10% market share in 2006. Although its market share has declined to around 1.1% in the sports footwear space, Reebok remains known for its innovative designs, such as the Freestyle and The Pump, and its collaborations with celebrities like Shaquille O'Neal and Jay-Z. Despite its current 16th rank in sales, Reebok continues to produce high-quality gym shoes with a focus on technology and comfort. The brand's retro sneakers, born from the 80s and 90s, are still iconic and popular today. Reebok's journey highlights its significant impact on the athleticwear market.

Under Armour

Under Armour has emerged as a formidable player in the athletic footwear market, particularly in gym shoes, by surpassing Adidas in combined apparel and footwear sales to become the second-largest sports brand in the U.S. as of 2024. With a 14% share of the U.S. sports apparel market, Under Armour's sales have jumped 20% this year, driven by strategic endorsements and innovative products like the UA SlipSpeed Training Shoes. The company's footwear sales have seen a 40% year-over-year increase, largely due to its successful partnerships with athletes such as Stephen Curry. Under Armour's market share growth is also attributed to its strong presence in athletic specialty and sporting goods retailers. The brand's global expansion and significant investments in its Connected Fitness platform further solidify its position in the market. For more details, read about how Under Armour surpasses Adidas to become the No. 2 sports brand.

ASICS

ASICS is a prominent player in the athletic footwear market, particularly renowned for its high-performance gym shoes. With a global market share of 8.1% in the athletic footwear industry, ASICS stands as the fourth-largest brand worldwide. In the United States, ASICS holds a notable 6% market share in the athletic footwear sector as of 2022. The brand is especially strong in the performance running footwear category, where it maintained a 13.3% market share as of January 2020. ASICS' commitment to innovation and sustainability, such as launching the world's lowest emissions shoe, further solidifies its position as a leader in the gym shoes market.

New Balance

New Balance is a leading producer of gym shoes, known for its high-quality and versatile footwear. In 2022, the brand reported over $5 billion in revenue, marking a 21% growth from the previous year, driven by expanding product lines, brand collaborations, and athlete sponsorships. New Balance enjoys a significant favorability among U.S. adults, with 42% expressing a positive view of the brand, and it has consistently ranked ahead of Nike since March 2023. The brand also saw a notable increase in favorability among Gen Z adults, rising from 34% in September 2022 to 52% in September 2023. With a market share of 5% in the athletic footwear sector, New Balance remains a strong competitor in the industry.

Puma

Puma is a leading producer of gym shoes, maintaining a 2.1% share in the global athletic footwear market and a 5.1% share in the trainers segment as of 2022. The company produced 35 million pairs of shoes annually and achieved a significant revenue of $4.6 billion in its footwear segment in 2022, with a year-on-year growth of 28.8% from 2021. Puma holds 4% of the athletic shoe market in the United States and has seen consistent growth in its global shoe market presence, increasing from 0.63% in 2018 to 1.2% in 2022. The brand is also known for its strong brand awareness, with 92% of US shoppers recognizing the brand. Puma aims to make at least 90% of its shoes with recycled materials by 2025. For more detailed insights, explore Puma's recent statistical performance through their Puma Shoes Statistics.

Hoka One One

Hoka One One has emerged as a leading brand in the athletic footwear market, particularly known for its maximalist cushioning and innovative designs. The brand has achieved remarkable growth, crossing $1 billion in annual sales by 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of roughly 50% since 2018. Hoka's shoes are praised for their high-quality materials, exceptional comfort, and robust arch support, making them a favorite among runners and lifestyle consumers alike. The brand's expansion includes new stores and running clubs, enhancing brand awareness and customer engagement, and it continues to gain market share from larger brands like Nike. With its strong growth trajectory, Hoka is estimated to have significant potential for further expansion, potentially reaching $4 billion in annual sales.

Brooks

Brooks Running is a leading producer of gym and running shoes, maintaining the No. 1 spot in the adult performance running footwear market at U.S. retail for the 11th consecutive quarter, with a 21% market share in 2023. The brand achieved record revenue of $1.2 billion in 2023, a 5% year-over-year increase, and sold over 20 million units. Brooks' success is driven by strong execution across regions, including a 10% year-over-year revenue increase in North America and a 30% growth in the Asia Pacific-Latin America region. The brand's innovative products, such as the Ghost Max shoe, have been highly successful, contributing to its market dominance. Brooks' e-commerce channel also saw significant growth, with a 16% increase in North America. For more insights into their products and performance, visit their official website.

Mizuno

Mizuno is renowned as one of the top producers of gym and running shoes, particularly noted for its innovative Wave Technology, which has been ranked the #1 technology for serious runners by specialty retailers for five consecutive seasons. In 2005, Mizuno reported a 26% increase in running footwear and apparel sales, and its market share in specialty running retailers increased by 11.9% from Spring 2004 to Spring 2005. The brand is also praised for its high performance, customer service, and product delivery, ranking in the top 3 for several categories. Mizuno's footwear category generated approximately $472 million in sales in the financial year of 2023, highlighting its significant market presence. With a dedicated following and a reputation for durability and support, Mizuno remains a favorite among runners. For more information on the best Mizuno running shoes, visit their feature in Runner's World.


Benjamin
Benjamin

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