Fitness shoes Nike
Our Nike page features fitness and training shoes from the American brand, from the Metcon designed for cross-training to the Free, soft and lightweight, along with our advice on how to choose a shoe suitable for the gym, group classes, and functional training.
The right shoe for the gym.
A shoe for the gym
A fitness shoe is not a running shoe. In the gym, we lift weights, jump, move sideways, and perform various exercises. The shoe must therefore provide stability on the ground, with a flat and firm heel for safe lifting, good lateral support for movement, and enough flexibility at the front for jumps and lunges. A running shoe, which is heavily cushioned and elevated at the heel, becomes unstable under a loaded bar.
Other brands
Fitness shoes are also available by brand:
All the shoes are gathered on the shoes page.
Metcon and Free
The Nike Metcon is the brand's reference shoe for cross-training: a wide, rigid heel for squats and lifts, a sole that wraps up on the sides to protect the shoe during rope climbs, and a flexible forefoot for jumps and short runs. The Nike Free, on the other hand, focuses on flexibility: its cut-out sole follows the natural movement of the foot, for group classes, circuit training, and warm-ups. Versatile training models combine both approaches.
Choosing and maintaining
You choose your shoe based on your activity: a stable, flat shoe for weight lifting and cross-training, a flexible and light shoe for cardio classes, HIIT, and dance. Try it on with sports socks, leaving half a centimetre in front of your toes, and check that the heel doesn't lift. Keep your gym shoes for indoor use to preserve the sole and avoid dirtying the mats, and let them air dry after the session.
Good deals
Good deals can also be found in good plans, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24h are prepared and dispatched within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a stable order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, followed by the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nike to choose for fitness?
For weight lifting and cross-training, the Metcon, with its flat and firm heel, provides the necessary stability under the bar. For group classes, cardio, and jumping, the Free, soft and light, better follows the movements of the foot.
Can you run with fitness shoes?
For a few kilometres or for warming up, yes. For regular outings, a running shoe, with more cushioning at the heel, better protects the joints: the fitness shoe prioritises stability on the ground.
Is a fitness shoe suitable for Hyrox?
Hyrox combines running and strength challenges: the shoe must be stable enough to push the sled and cushioned enough for the eight kilometres of running. A versatile training shoe, like the Metcon, is a good compromise.
How do Nike training shoes fit?
The Metcon fits rather snugly for good foot support: take your usual size, or half a size up if you have wide feet. The foot should not move during lateral movements.
How to maintain your gym shoes?
Keep them for indoor use: if worn outside, they bring in gravel and wear down their sole. Air them out after each session, clean them with a damp cloth, and let them dry away from a source of heat.
