I tested 7 of the best ‘all-rounder’ trainers for walking, running and weights – my favourite are super sleek and stable
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I FOLLOW a hybrid training routine - I walk, run, lift weights and do some high-intensity exercise.
Finding a pair of trainers to wear for all four activities has been a struggle.
I want something sturdy, but not too firm, and I definitely need a bit of bounce.
Enter - hybrid footwear.
It’s the word on every fitness lover’s lips these days.
From the TikTok ‘hybrid girlies’ to fitness competitions like Hyrox and super serious ‘hybrid athletes’, it sounds far more technical than it actually is.
READ MORE ON RUNNING
In short, hybrid fitness refers to a training schedule that encompasses both strength and cardio-based exercise, rather than simply focusing on just one element.
Think walking, jogging, HIIT classes and traditional gym workouts.
The thing is, when you love a mix of different exercises, it can be tricky to know what to wear on your feet.
After all, running, walking and weights tend to require different shoes.
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Running trainers need to be softer and bouncier and weightlifting ones typically demand flatter, harder soles for better stability.
So which hybrid trainers are the best? As a personal trainer, fitness instructor and all-round exercise enthusiast, I tested seven pairs, and these are the ones I’d recommend to carry you through all of your workouts…
1. Nike Pegasus Plus, £164.99 (4/5)
Pros:
- Love the look
- Bouncy for runs and walks
- Snug fit
Cons:
- Expensive
- Might be too tight for some, especially around the toe box
NO trainer roundup is complete without a pair of Nikes and hit the spot in terms of grip, comfort and support.
Nike’s Metcon trainers are often seen as the brand’s staple gym shoe, allowing for a mix of movements, but I did a Hyrox competition (a combination of running and weighted moves) in a pair of Metcons once and I wouldn't do it again.
They simply are not comfortable to run in.
To be a true pair of hybrid trainers, they need to be comfortable for the full mix of exercises, including running.
The stretchy FlyKnit on the upper part of these Nike Pegasus Plus trainers hugs my feet so I always felt supported during my workout.
The rubber sole, which Nike says is ‘high-abrasion’, has serious grip, not just for running on tarmac, but also for fast-paced movements on gym floors, such as jumps.
I did a 30-minute workout consisting of a stationary bike, pull ups, weighted squats and sit ups, and these were a dream to wear.
An hour walk in these Nike Pegasus Plus was also very comfortable, and I definitely wasn’t in a rush to take them off.
2. Puma Deviate Nitro 3, £149.99 (5/5)
Pros:
- Super versatile
- Great grip and stability
- Super snug without being uncomfortable
- Nice amount of cushioning
Cons:
- Toe box is narrow, so may be annoying for some people
THESE are a little different to your usual hybrid trainer as they look more like a running shoe.
But they were literally made for Hyrox, hence the huge ‘Hyrox’ down the sides.
I pushed a heavy sled in these, did several walking lunges, as well as a little treadmill run and I can confirm, these are fantastic.
Would I lift heavy weights on a squat rack in these? No.
That’s because the heel is too spongy for me and I want to feel flatter against the floor.
But for lighter weights and exercises that involve more movement, these are brilliant.
They don’t slip off at the back, they’re comfortable and they look great too.
These are also some of the snuggest trainers I think I’ve ever worn.
They look sleek, they’re stable and there’s zero slippage. It’s a big thumbs up from me!
I didn't think I would like these as much as I did but honestly, these are so comfortable and they’re great for a range of different exercises. They are definitely my winner!
3. Under Armour Dynamic 2, £90 (4/5)
Pros:
- Excellent grip and stability
- Sock-like upper fits like a glove
Cons:
- Only good for very short runs
- Tight toe box
UNDER Armour says that are ideal for running and weightlifting.
Having tried both exercises while wearing these, I can confirm that is correct.
These have plenty of bounce and cushioning for running (although I wouldn't run long distances in these as they aren’t bouncy enough) and they have great grip on the sole.
I felt really connected to the ground during squats and other weight-bearing exercises.
I also loved the sock-like upper area which was really comfortable to put on; it felt soft around my feet, without digging in and rubbing.
But, definitely go up half a size on your usual. My toes felt the pinch in my normal size 6!
We tested 10 of the best running trainers
By Alice Fuller (Health Features Editor) and Lucy Gornall (Health Writer)
KEEN to get out and complete your first 5km run?
Whether you're a seasoned walker, following the NHS's Couch to 5km or eager to try parkrun, you’ll need a good pair of trainers.
We love running, and between us, we've tried endless pairs in a bid to suss out the best on the market.
It can be a bit of a minefield trying to work out which ones are most suitable for you, so we've put together a list of our winners and losers.
It's important to remember that everyone is different, and getting your running style (or gait) analysed in a specialist shop is always a good idea.
But if you want a bit more guidance before you head to your nearest store, here are our ratings for 10 of the most popular styles.
- Nike Journey Run Women’s Running Shoes (4/5)
- Brooks Ghost Max 2 (4.5/5)
- Asics NOVABLAST 4 (4.5/5)
- Hoka Women's Clifton 9 Shoes (4/5)
- New Balance SuperComp Trainer v3 (4.5/5)
- Asics Gel Nimbus 26 (4/5)
- Under Armour Velociti Elite 2 Running Shoes (4/5)
- Nike Invincible 3 Women's Road Running Shoes (3.5/5)
- On Cloundmonster 2 (4/5)
- Adidas Ultraboost 22 (3.5/5)
Read our full verdict here.
4. Hoka Mach 6, £140 (4/5)
Pros:
- Great amount of cushioning
- Versatile
- Gusseted tongue stays in place
Cons:
- Tight fit so for those with wider feet, these might not be ideal
- A little bulky
A FEW years back, Hoka didn’t carry much street cred.
Now it’s one of the coolest brands you can be seen in.
These are great for casual running, walks or speed training (so, avoid super long runs in these).
And while they are cushioned, I didn’t experience that rocking sensation as I did with other hybrid trainers.
This makes them ideal for the gym and sturdy enough to handle HIIT style and light weighted moves as my feet felt balanced and stable on the floor.
These are also nice and snug with just the right level of padding around the foot.
5. Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 4, £220 (3.5/5)
Pros:
- Fantastic for running
- Great range of colourways
- Carbon-plated
Cons:
- Very expensive
- Not good for gym or weighted moves
IF you’re more heavily focused on running, with a side-interest of other activities, then are a wise choice.
For running, I loved these and the rocker point in the midsole helped to propel me forward.
These also have a carbon plate inside the sole (which explains the high price point). This supposedly helps with running efficiency and speed.
While running in these is great, I also found them comfy to wear in the gym for plyometric and high intensity exercises such as squat jumps and mountain climbers.
The bouncy rubber sole makes every movement feel really light and easy. Just avoid heavy weight lifting in these.
Don’t want to stand out on the streets like I did? There are other colour options aside from bright yellow.
Tip: I would go up half a size to a full size from your usual with these as they run a little small.
6. R.A.D. R-1, £130 (4.5/5)
Pros:
- Look great
- Super versatile
- Made sustainably
Cons:
- Not ideal for longer runs
COULD these be the prettiest shoes ever?
Before I’d even put these on, I fell in love with the lilac and white of .
Made for gym, run and HIIT training, these are a lot lighter than they look.
The chunky platform offers lots of cushioning but they aren’t as ‘bouncy’ as running trainers.
This is a good thing - when you’re racking up reps in the gym, too much bounce can cause you to feel unbalanced.
As it was, I felt very supported and not once did I feel as though my footwear wasn’t appropriate as I did a mini workout of running, dumbbell squats and kettlebell exercises.
These are pretty planet-friendly too. According to Rad (which stands for Rally Against Destruction), the SwellFoam N2 in the midsole is made from a 50/50 sugar cane and fossil composition combo.
7. Brooks Ghost 16, £135 (4.5/5)
Pros:
- Great support around the ankle
- Stable during weighted moves
- Reasonably priced
- Great grip
Cons:
- Not as bouncy as I’d like for running
ALTHOUGH predominantly for road running, are also ideal for a mixture of workouts as they aren’t over-the-top bouncy and they don’t come with that super bulky sole which seems to be commonplace now in modern running trainers.
I went for a little jog in these before hitting a small circuit-based workout and felt stable and supported the whole time.
These are lovely to run in. Plus, the RoadTack rubber outsole provides good grip and traction, which is essential for stability during moves such as lunges and squats.
There are also so many colours to choose from, from pale and understated to bright and bold.
Read More on The Sun
Price wise, they’re on par with my other hybrid trainer choices.
However, to avoid having to faff around with any returns, order a half size up from your usual as these do come up slightly small.
Sun Health’s favourite workout gear
FROM leggings to sports bras - everybody has their go-to workout gear. These are our favourites.
Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter
"I have a workout set from Girlfriend Collective that's my go-to - the Paloma Racerback Bra and Compressive High-Rise Leggings. They can be expensive unless you get them on sale, but this set has lasted loads better than other sportswear I've bought. The leggings haven't lost any elasticity since I got them four years ago and the bra is super comfy and supportive. Plus, all of Girlfriend Collective's activewear is made out of recycled materials!"
Lizzie Parry, Head of Health
"I try to vary my workouts with a mix of cardio and weight training each week. I've tried and tested lots of different leggings but always seem to come back to the Power Leggings. They don't fall down when you run, and I love the fact that whatever the colour there's no risk they will go see-through when I'm squatting. They can be expensive, but I tend to only buy them in the sale or when I spot a discount code, and they do last really well."
Alice Fuller, Health Features Editor
"I've had this longer than I care to admit, but it really is the best sports bra I've tried. It is incredibly supportive while not digging in like some others do. The size range isn't the best, it is very adjustable. Plus, it comes in so many colours!"
Vanessa Chalmers, Assistant Head of Health
"I mostly do spin classes and there's no way I'd do it without a portable fan attached to the bike in front of me! The aircon is rarely strong enough and any spin-goer will know it's a sweaty affair, which becomes unbearable after a while. This fan has three speed settings and is easily adjustable to the height you want it at."
Isabel Shaw, Health Reporter
"I absolutely love this. While it's designed for running (as the name suggests), I find it perfect for everything I do - from yoga to weight training. It’s really lightweight and the fit is incredibly flattering and sculpting without causing any discomfort or chafing."