When you're gearing up for a HIIT workout, you know you're in for a challenging session. But, with the right shoes, you can take your performance to the next level. You need shoes that can keep up with your intense movements, providing the cushioning and responsiveness you need to power through burpees, jump squats, and mountain climbers. So, what makes a great HIIT shoe? Let's plunge into the top picks that'll help you dominate your next workout.
Ryka womens Never Quit Training Sneaker
If you're a woman seeking a perfect fit and exceptional arch support for your HIIT workouts, the Ryka women's Never Quit Training Sneaker is an ideal choice, designed to accommodate narrow feet and provide superior comfort during high-intensity exercises.
You'll appreciate that they fit true to size, so you can order with confidence.
As someone with narrow feet, you'll love how well they fit and provide wonderful arch support, ensuring your foot doesn't slide around during exercise.
With their mesh body, you'll enjoy breathable comfort and support that moves with your foot during cross-training activities like dance aerobics, kickboxing, and Zumba.
Best For: Women with narrow feet seeking a comfortable and supportive shoe for high-intensity exercises like HIIT, dance aerobics, kickboxing, and Zumba.
Pros:
- Provides wonderful arch support and a comfortable fit for narrow feet
- Offers superior comfort and support during high-intensity exercises
- Breathable mesh body provides comfort and support during cross-training activities
Cons:
- May feel a little oddly shaped at first, but looks fine when worn
- May slip with walking due to the design
- Not ideal for those with wider feet or heels
Womens Road Running Shoes
When it comes to comfort and fit, women's road running shoes are an excellent choice for those who prioritize a snug, cushioned ride with ample toe space, making them ideal for HIIT workouts that involve a mix of running and lateral movements.
You'll find they're surprisingly comfy, with cushioning that adjusts well to your foot.
Just keep in mind that you might want to order a half size bigger if you have wider feet.
In respect to performance, they're great for walking or running, and even work well on the tennis court.
They provide good arch support and are lightweight, making them a great choice for your HIIT workouts.
Plus, they're an excellent value for the price – you get a lot of bang for your buck!
Best For: Women who prioritize comfort and fit, and engage in HIIT workouts that involve a mix of running and lateral movements, especially those who stand for long hours and need shoes that can reduce foot pain.
Pros:
- Surprisingly comfy with great toe space and good arch support
- Excellent value for the price, providing a great bang for your buck
- Lightweight and provides a snug fit, making it ideal for walking or running
Cons:
- Not great on very slick surfaces and may require a half size bigger for wider feet
- Insoles are kinda thin and may need to be replaced, and the non-slip feature is not as effective as advertised
- Not the most stylish shoes, but functional
WHITIN Womens Wide Minimalist Barefoot Shoes | Zero Drop Sole
The WHITIN Womens Wide Minimalist Barefoot Shoes offer a zero-drop sole and flexible design, providing a barefoot-like experience ideal for women with narrow heels and wide toes who want to shift from traditional shoes to minimalist footwear.
The shoes provide extreme comfort, with accurate sizing and a wide toe box that accommodates your foot shape.
The lightweight and flexible design allows for natural movement, making them perfect for HIIT workouts.
While some reviewers noted that the shoes can be sweaty due to poor breathability, the overall comfort and performance make them a great value for the price.
Just be sure to size down, especially if you're a half size, and be prepared for a potentially long return and reorder process if needed.
Best For: Women with narrow heels and wide toes who want to transition from traditional shoes to minimalist footwear, particularly for HIIT workouts.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable with accurate sizing and a wide toe box
- Provides a barefoot-like experience with a zero-drop sole and flexible design
- Great value for the price with sturdy materials and good quality construction
Cons:
- Poor breathability can cause sweaty feet
- Sizing can be an issue, with some reviewers finding them too long or wide
- Return and reorder process can be a hassle
Under Armour Womens Charged Aurora 2 Cross Trainer
Women looking for a shoe that combines style, comfort, and performance will appreciate the Under Armour Womens Charged Aurora 2 Cross Trainer, designed specifically for the female foot with a streamlined fit.
You'll love the lightweight, breathable upper that keeps you cool and dry during intense HIIT workouts.
The Charged Cushioning midsole provides ultimate responsiveness and durability, while the full rubber outsole offers maximum durability with multi-directional traction.
With strategic TPU overlays for medial stability and lockdown fit, you'll feel secure and supported throughout your workout.
Plus, the shoes are extremely comfortable and fit true to size, making them perfect for workouts, walking, and daily errands.
Best For: Women with foot issues or those who prioritize comfort and performance in their workouts, walking, and daily activities.
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable and fit true to size, making them perfect for various activities
- High-quality materials and construction provide durability and long-lasting performance
- Strategic TPU overlays and Charged Cushioning midsole offer excellent support and responsiveness during workouts
Cons:
- Some users experienced ripping and tearing after 6-9 months of use, affecting durability and longevity
- Users reported issues with the shoes not lasting as long as expected, despite high-quality materials
- May require ordering a half size up for a comfortable fit, which can be inconvenient for some users
Ryka Devotion XT Mid Top Womens Training
Opting for a shoe that provides exceptional arch and heel support, like the Ryka Devotion XT Mid Top, is essential for individuals who prioritize comfort and stability during high-intensity workouts.
You'll appreciate the anatomical insole that provides extra arch and heel support, ensuring your feet stay comfortable and secure.
The lightweight EVA midsole offers soft cushioning and extra stability, while the durable rubber sole with a contoured grip pattern and Pivot Point allows for smooth turns.
With a weight of 190g and a heel-to-toe drop of 12mm, you'll feel agile and responsive during your HIIT sessions.
Designed specifically for women, the Ryka Devotion XT Mid Top provides a comfortable fit, with a narrower heel and roomier toe, making it ideal for dance fitness, low-impact workouts, and studio fitness.
Best For: Women who prioritize comfort and stability during high-intensity workouts, particularly those who engage in dance fitness, low-impact workouts, and studio fitness.
Pros:
- Comfortable and supportive design for high-intensity workouts
- Affordable price point
- Attractive design that looks good during exercise
Cons:
- May not last long due to durability concerns
- Foam outer sole may not be as durable as other materials
- May run slightly larger than expected, affecting fit
Under Armour Womens Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe
If you prioritize comfort and support during high-intensity workouts, the Under Armour Womens Charged Pursuit 3 Running Shoe is an excellent choice, thanks to its foam padding around the ankle collar and under tongue, which provides a comfortable fit and feel.
You'll appreciate the deluxe foam sockliner that molds to your foot for added underfoot comfort.
Plus, the shoes are lightweight and comfortable, fitting as expected.
The Charged Cushioning midsole uses compression-molded foam for responsiveness and durability, making it perfect for running and playing.
With its performance mesh upper for lightweight breathability, you'll be able to take on your HIIT workouts with confidence.
Best For: Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis, those with heel issues, and anyone seeking a comfortable and supportive shoe for everyday use, exercising, and walking.
Pros:
- Provides excellent comfort and support during high-intensity workouts
- Features Charged Cushioning midsole for responsiveness and durability
- Offers lightweight breathability with its performance mesh upper
Cons:
- Runs small, requiring a half to full size larger order
- Has a narrow toe box that can be constricting
- May not fit as expected, even with a larger size order
Reebok Womens Flexagon Energy Tr 4.0 Cross Trainer
You'll get the most out of the Reebok Womens Flexagon Energy Tr 4.0 Cross Trainer during high-intensity workouts, as its supportive design and comfort-focused features make it an ideal choice for gym enthusiasts who prioritize stability during leg day.
You'll appreciate the shoes' comfort and fit, which live up to your expectations. They're perfect for gym activities that require stability, like leg day.
However, you should avoid wearing them for walking or running, as they're not durable and can easily get dirty.
Overall, you'll find the Reebok Womens Flexagon Energy Tr 4.0 Cross Trainer to be a great value for the price, with many users praising their fit and comfort.
Best For: Gym enthusiasts who prioritize stability during high-intensity workouts, especially leg day.
Pros:
- Comfortable and supportive design ideal for gym activities
- Fit and comfort live up to expectations
- Great value for the price with consistently positive user feedback
Cons:
- Not recommended for walking or running due to poor durability
- Prone to getting dirty easily
- Limited use case due to lack of durability for certain activities
Mishansha Womens Sneakers Air Cushion Running Shoes
For women seeking comfort and pain relief during HIIT workouts, the Mishansha Womens Sneakers Air Cushion Running Shoes stand out as a top choice, offering a roomy toe box, cushioned soles, and arch support.
You'll appreciate the accurate sizing, which fits comfortably, even for wider feet.
While some users found the material to feel cheap, the comfort and support it provides make up for it.
As a bonus, the shoes come with an extra set of insole padding and two arch support soles that can be worn in another sneaker.
Overall, you'll love the comfort and pain relief these shoes provide, making them a great purchase for anyone looking for a simple shoe that can keep up with a busy day.
Best For: Women who need comfort and pain relief during HIIT workouts or those with foot issues such as plantar fasciitis and hip replacements.
Pros:
- Provides comfort and pain relief with a roomy toe box, cushioned soles, and arch support
- Accurate sizing that fits comfortably, even for wider feet
- Comes with extra features such as an additional set of insole padding and two arch support soles that can be worn in another sneaker
Cons:
- Some users found the material to feel cheap
- May not be suitable for those with narrower feet as the width can be too wide
- Some users experienced issues with the shoe being too short
Reebok Womens Work N Cushion Walking Shoe
These Reebok Womens Work N Cushion Walking Shoes are the perfect choice for seniors or individuals who need extra support and comfort, as they offer a fantastic fit, are very comfortable, and provide great stability.
You'll love how they slip on and off easily, making them ideal for daily wear.
The slip-resistant outsole gives you confidence on wet or slippery surfaces, and the anti-slip feature works well in various environments.
With their quality build and easy-to-clean leather, these shoes will last you a long time.
They're perfect for jobs that require you to be on your feet all day, like working in a fast food restaurant or as a letter carrier.
Plus, they're great for outdoor activities like gardening and walking your dog.
Best For: Seniors, individuals who need extra support and comfort, and those who work on their feet all day, such as letter carriers, fast food restaurant workers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
Pros:
- Offers a fantastic fit, comfort, and stability, making them ideal for daily wear
- Slip-resistant outsole provides confident grip on wet or slippery surfaces, and the anti-slip feature works well in various environments
- Quality build and easy-to-clean leather ensure the shoes will last a long time
Cons:
- Insole doesn't provide much support, and lacks arch support
- Some users may still experience slipping on wet floors despite the slip-resistant outsole
- Not worth the money for some users
New Balance Womens Fuel Cell Trainer Cross
If you prioritize a perfect fit and exceptional support during your HIIT workouts, the New Balance Womens Fuel Cell Trainer Cross is an excellent choice, offering a snug, comfortable, and supportive wear that's true to size for most users.
You'll love how they hug your foot and provide a lot of support, making them perfect for working out.
The FuelCell midsole delivers comfort and propulsion with every step, and the impressive outsole with strategic lugs and treads offers durability, flexibility, and traction.
Although some users find it difficult to get their feet into the shoes due to the design and construction, you can consider using a shoe horn to make it easier.
Overall, these shoes are super comfortable and provide great stability for your HIIT workouts.
Best For: Individuals who prioritize a perfect fit and exceptional support during their HIIT workouts and have average to narrow foot widths.
Pros:
- Provides a snug, comfortable, and supportive wear that's true to size for most users.
- Offers great stability and support for working out, making them perfect for activities like Jazz dance and HIIT.
- Features a FuelCell midsole that delivers comfort and propulsion with every step, and an impressive outsole with strategic lugs and treads for durability, flexibility, and traction.
Cons:
- Some users may find it difficult to get their feet into the shoes due to the design and construction.
- The cotton lace system can cause discomfort and pressure over the metatarsal area.
- May not be suitable for users with wider feet or for running due to the lace system and design.
YHOON Womens Walking Shoes
The air cushion sole design of YHOON Womens Walking Shoes provides exceptional comfort during high-intensity workouts.
These shoes are designed for casual wear, walking, and working in comfortable environments, making them suitable for women aged 16-55 years old.
The breathable fly woven upper and unique fur-lined interior guarantee superior breathability and warmth.
When choosing your size, refer to the provided size chart, and consider sizing up if you have wide feet.
While these shoes are comfortable and stylish, they may not be suitable for long walks, hiking, or working in harsh conditions.
Be sure to wear socks with them for added comfort, and break them in for peak performance.
Best For: Women aged 16-55 years old who need comfortable and breathable shoes for casual wear, walking, and working in comfortable environments.
Pros:
- Comfortable and breathable design with air cushion sole and fly woven upper
- Stylish and affordable with a unique fur-lined interior
- Suitable for everyday casual wear and working in comfortable environments
Cons:
- Not suitable for long walks, hiking, or working in harsh conditions
- May not provide sufficient support for some users
- Can be slippery and not ideal for wet conditions
Reebok womens Zig Dynamica Adventure Sneaker
With their perfect blend of style and performance, the Reebok womens Zig Dynamica Adventure Sneaker is an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts who need a shoe that can keep up with their high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and still look great for daily wear.
You'll appreciate their comfort and fit, which is generally true to size, although some customers found them to run a bit short in the toe area.
As you put them to the test during your HIIT sessions, you'll notice they're sturdy and comfortable, making them suitable for training and volleyball.
While some quality control issues have been reported, most customers found the shoes to be long-lasting and durable.
Overall, you'll likely be extremely satisfied with your Reebok Zig Dynamica Adventure Sneakers, loving their comfort, style, and performance.
Best For: Fitness enthusiasts who need a shoe that can keep up with their high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts and still look great for daily wear.
Pros:
- Comfortable and sturdy, making them suitable for training and volleyball
- Generally true to size, with a stylish design that's great for daily wear
- Long-lasting and durable, with most customers reporting no issues with quality control
Cons:
- Some customers found the shoes to run short in the toe area
- Quality control issues have been reported, including ripped stitches and poor construction
- Some customers were unable to return the shoes due to the timeframe or were stuck with ripped shoes past the return window
Reebok womens Nanoflex Tr 2.0 Cross Trainer
For women seeking a cross-trainer that perfectly balances stability and comfort for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), the Reebok Women's Nanoflex Tr 2.0 stands out as an exceptional choice.
You'll appreciate the true-to-size fit with a wide toe box that accommodates different foot shapes, and you can expect a comfortable fit right out of the box.
With a supportive foundation for your feet during lifting and cross-training, you'll reduce foot discomfort and enjoy good grip on the floor and adequate padding.
While it may take two weeks to break in, you'll find the shoes become very comfortable after that.
Overall, the Reebok Women's Nanoflex Tr 2.0 is perfect for gym workouts, everyday use, and even general purpose activities, with a stylish design to boot.
Best For: Women who engage in cross-training, HIIT, and everyday activities seeking a comfortable and supportive shoe.
Pros:
- True to size with a wide toe box that accommodates different foot shapes
- Provides a comfortable fit right out of the box with good grip on the floor and adequate padding
- Offers a supportive foundation for feet during lifting and cross-training, reducing foot discomfort
Cons:
- May take two weeks to break in
- Not recommended for long shifts or heavy running
- Some reviewers experienced discomfort or received defective products
Under Armour Womens Charged Breathe Tr 3 Cross Trainer
If you're a HIIT enthusiast who demands both style and substance, the Under Armour Womens Charged Breathe Tr 3 Cross Trainer is a top choice, boasting a lightweight and breathable mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and comfortable even during the most intense workouts.
You'll appreciate the Charged Cushioning midsole, which provides ultimate responsiveness and durability.
The full rubber outsole with a pressure-mapped traction pattern guarantees increased traction and durability.
You'll find these shoes comfortable and true to size, making them perfect for daily wear and long periods of standing.
Plus, they're great for lifting, gym activities, and cardio classes, offering excellent support and comfort.
Best For: HIIT enthusiasts, individuals who engage in lifting, gym activities, and cardio classes, and those who need a comfortable and supportive shoe for daily wear.
Pros:
- Lightweight and breathable mesh upper for ultimate comfort and cooling during intense workouts
- Charged Cushioning midsole provides responsiveness and durability for high-performance activities
- Full rubber outsole with pressure-mapped traction pattern ensures excellent traction and durability
Cons:
- Runs small and may require breaking in
- Not as comfortable for some users, potentially requiring a longer break-in period
- Limited feedback on overall durability and long-term performance
WONESION Non Slip Walking Running Shoes
The WONESION Non Slip Walking Running Shoes offer exceptional comfort and fit, making them a top choice for women who prioritize total comfort with every step during their HIIT workouts.
They are incredibly lightweight and comfortable to wear, with a perfect fit that feels like you're not wearing sneakers at all.
The shoes feature a non-slip sole with excellent traction, including on wet and slippery floors, and offer good arch support, ideal for high arches.
They are versatile and can be worn for running, walking, nursing, and gym workouts.
With their stylish design and great color options, you'll get a lot of attention at the fitness center.
Best For: Women who prioritize comfort and versatility in their workout shoes, particularly those with high arches.
Pros:
- Exceptional comfort and fit, making them ideal for HIIT workouts and daily activities
- Versatile and can be worn for running, walking, nursing, and gym workouts
- Stylish design and great color options that are sure to turn heads at the fitness center
Cons:
- Some users have reported a lack of arch support, which can be problematic for those with foot pain or neuropathy
- The non-slip sole may not be as effective on wet and slippery floors as advertised
- The shoe laces may be too short and need to be replaced
Factors to Consider When Choosing Women's Shoes for HIIT Workouts: Cushioning and Responsiveness
When choosing the right shoes for your HIIT workouts, you'll want to weigh several key factors that'll impact your performance and comfort.
You're looking for shoes that provide the right balance of cushioning and responsiveness, and that means paying attention to details like the arch design, cushioning system, and midsole material.
Supportive Arch Design
Opting for a supportive arch design in your HIIT shoes can make all the difference in your workout performance and overall comfort.
A supportive arch design helps reduce foot pronation and supination, providing a more stable base for dynamic movements. This is achieved through a combination of midsole materials, arch bridges, and heel counters that work together to stabilize the foot.
With a well-designed arch support system, you'll reduce the risk of common HIIT-related injuries like plantar fasciitis and ankle sprains.
The arch support should provide a balance between flexibility and stability to accommodate quick movements and changes of direction.
Crucial to look for features tailored to your individual foot type, such as high arches or pronation correction. A supportive arch design will help reduce foot pain and fatigue, allowing you to push yourself harder and longer.
Additionally, features like charged cushioning, compression-molded foam, or external films can contribute to a supportive arch design, providing additional stability and responsiveness.
Cushioning System Types
With your high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout shoes, the right cushioning system can make a significant difference in your performance and overall comfort.
When it comes to cushioning system types, you have several options to weigh.
Compression-molded foam, like Under Armour's Charged Cushioning, provides ultimate responsiveness and durability.
EVA foam cushioning systems are lightweight and flexible, making them suitable for low-to-moderate impact activities.
PU foam cushioning systems offer superior durability and shock absorption, making them ideal for high-impact HIIT exercises.
Gel cushioning systems, popularized by ASICS, provide excellent shock absorption and can be strategically placed in high-impact areas for maximum protection.
Additionally, some cushioning systems, like those using air units, can provide customized cushioning and responsiveness based on your individual foot strike patterns and running styles.
Midsole Material Quality
You need a midsole material that can keep up with the intensity of your HIIT workouts, providing the right balance of cushioning, responsiveness, and support to power you through even the toughest intervals.
Midsole materials like EVA and PU offer some cushioning and responsiveness, but may compromise on durability and support.
To get the best performance, look for higher-quality midsoles featuring advanced materials like Boost or React, which provide superior energy return and cushioning.
The density and thickness of the midsole material are also vital, as they impact the overall feel and performance of the shoe.
Some midsoles incorporate additional features, such as gel or air units, to enhance cushioning and shock absorption.
A high-quality midsole material should provide adequate cushioning and responsiveness to absorb shock and propel the foot forward during HIIT workouts, reducing the risk of injury and improving overall performance.
Compression-molded foam midsoles offer excellent responsiveness and durability, making them a popular choice for high-impact activities like HIIT.
Forefoot Flexibility Needs
During high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, your shoes' forefoot flexibility is essential, as it enables quick shifts and explosive movements, allowing you to change direction rapidly and propel yourself forward with power.
You need shoes that can accommodate rapid flexion and extension, enabling your foot to move naturally and reducing the risk of injury.
A good balance between flexibility and stability is necessary, as excessive flexibility can lead to instability, while insufficient flexibility can cause discomfort and restrict movement.
When choosing a shoe, look for one with a flexible forefoot that allows for easy shifts. A more substantial toe spring can help facilitate forefoot flexibility, but be cautious not to compromise on stability.
The material used in the upper also plays a pivotal role, with lighter and more pliable materials generally providing greater flexibility.
Heel-To-Toe Offset Ratio
As you focus on achieving a natural stride and explosive movements in your HIIT workouts, the heel-to-toe offset ratio of your shoes becomes a vital factor to ponder, playing a significant role in your overall performance and risk of injury.
A lower heel-to-toe offset ratio, typically ranging from 4-8mm, is ideal for HIIT workouts as it allows for a more natural stride and promotes a stronger connection between the foot and the ground.
This ratio enables a more efficient transfer of energy from the heel to the toe during each stride, allowing for more explosive movements and better overall performance.
Additionally, a lower offset ratio can help reduce the risk of injury by minimizing excessive heel striking, which can put unnecessary stress on the joints and muscles.
Some studies even suggest that a heel-to-toe offset ratio of 0-4mm can be beneficial for runners and athletes who require rapid acceleration and deceleration.
Ultimately, finding the right offset ratio for your individual needs and biomechanics is vital for peak performance and injury prevention.
Weight and Durability
Seven to nine ounces is the sweet spot for women's HIIT shoes, as a lightweight design can substantially improve performance and reduce fatigue during intense workouts.
You'll want a shoe that's durable enough to withstand the high-impact exercises and heavy use that come with HIIT. Look for a shoe with a high-quality outsole, like the Nanoflex Tr 2.0 Cross Trainer, which can handle the demands of HIIT.
A breathable upper will also help keep your feet cool and dry during intense workouts. The midsole material and design play a vital role in determining the durability of a shoe, so opt for compression-molded foam or a similar responsive and durable material.
A full rubber outsole with a pressure-mapped traction pattern can provide increased traction and durability, making it suitable for high-intensity workouts. Ultimately, the quality of the materials and construction used in a shoe will greatly impact its weight and durability, so choose a shoe that balances these factors to provide peak performance and support.
Conclusion
You've got the perfect HIIT workout routine, now it's time to find the perfect shoes to match.
With the right pair, you'll be able to tackle those burpees and sprints with confidence and comfort.
Remember to prioritize cushioning and responsiveness, as well as a lower heel-to-toe offset and forefoot flexibility.
From Ryka to Under Armour, our experts have got you back with the top 15 shoes for women's HIIT workouts.
Get ready to take your fitness journey to the next level!
