Women's Training & Gym Shoes

When training, you always want to put your best foot forward. Go in with a good mindset, ready to tackle your workout head-on. But you can’t do that without the correct gear – especially shoes. With the wrong shoes, you'll be more focused on the discomfort than your workout – and no one wants that.

At PUMA, we pride ourselves on crafting women’s gym shoes that help you run faster, train harder and jump higher. Our gym shoes for women are designed with the latest technologies for maximum cushioning to keep your feet comfortable and supported when you’re smashing out those reps. With a range of designs and styles, PUMA has something for whatever workout you choose – from high intensity interval training (HIIT) to boxing or simply hitting the treadmill.

Our selection of women's training shoes is specifically designed to help you leave your limits behind and push further than ever before. They offer superior traction, cushioning and a lightweight feel that will keep you agile on your feet, leaving you to focus on the most important thing: your workout. So take the leap with PUMA and find the gym shoes that are right for you. Browse our range today and take your training sessions to new heights.

Are women's training shoes different to men's?

Some people think the only difference between women's gym shoes and men's is colour and aesthetic. This isn't the case. Generally speaking, women and men have different support needs, and PUMA has something for everyone.

Women's training shoes are designed with the female foot in mind. They feature a narrower, smaller fit compared to men's. Wider at the toes and forefoot area with a narrower heel, the shape of our women's shoes provides better support and stability for female feet. If you’re unsure of your size, you can find your perfect fit using PUMA’s size chart.

What are women's training shoes used for?

Women's gym shoes are designed for a range of activities and training styles. No matter what gets you moving, our training shoes are there with you every step of the way. Whether you're running, getting busy in the gym or making the most of a cross training combo.

There are different types of women's training shoes out there. Depending on your workout of choice, the type of shoe you pick will vary. If hitting the pavement or treadmill and running to your heart's content is for you, a women's running shoe is what you need. Our running shoes are equipped with a snug upper, technology and padding that provides a softer wear, along with unbelievable traction. You'll be able to take each stride with confidence and comfort – no matter the distance.

If the gym is more your scene, our training shoes are what you need. Women's gym shoes from PUMA are able to handle explosive workouts. The high support and ultra-thin TPU frame is perfect for high-intensity workouts. Our training shoes also feature the PUMA Formstrip, there to provide additional support and help prevent injury.

PUMA's best workout shoes for women

We supply a range of women's gym shoes that are designed to help you reach your fitness goals. From High Intensity Interval Training to weight lifting, there's something for everyone in our collection.

If you're not sure which PUMA women's gym shoes are for you, don't stress. Here are some of our best workout shoes:

Fuse
The Fuse features PUMAGRIP for unbeatable traction makes this shoe great for movement, PWRTAPE for targeted support, FUSEFLEX gooves to keep you aglie through every move,  and a TPU heel clip locks in stability, so you can lift, lunge and leap like an athlete.

PUMA x HYROX Deviate Nitro
These are the ultimate fitness racing shoe, it's first of it's kind and designed specifically for HYROX athletes. It features PWRPLATE carbon fibre plate engineedred to stabilise the midsole and  modified outsole to provie traction for sleds.

Infusion
Support, cushioning and the perfect fit are all captured in the Infusion training shoe. Its rubber outsole provides extra grip, and the SoftFoam+ sockliner keeps you comfortable no matter how long your workout. Perfect for the gym or outdoor workouts.

Take on your next gym session with confidence. 

FAQs
What are the best training shoes for gym workouts for women?

This really comes down to the types of gym workouts you like to do. In simple terms, if your gym sessions involve a lot of different activities or cross-training (HIIT, rope climbs, yoga, stretches, weightlifting, brief sprints, etc.) then you’ll get the most value from investing in a good pair of training shoes. This is because they’re specifically designed for women who do a whole range of exercises and workouts.

Now, if your primary workouts are all about running (e.g. you run in an inside or outside track, use treadmills, undertake running beep tests), then we’d recommend investing in a proper pair of running shoes. In the event you do a healthy mix or cross-training and longer-form running exercises, then it’s best to have a pair of training shoes and running shoes and switch between them as appropriate.  

What’s the difference between running shoes and training shoes?

Running shoes are designed intentionally for running - so they’re optimised for forward momentum, are lightweight, offer ideal cushioning and arch support for the gait of running, and endure longer distances for running (and walking). They’re also often very breathable to help with heat regulation and to avoid excessive sweating in the feet.

Women’s training shoes, on the other hand, are built to be more versatile so that they cater to various forms of training and activities, such as weightlifting, agility training, CrossFit, sports like basketball, volleyball and tennis, and more. They tend to be flatter than running shoes, have a lower heel-to-toe drop, and generally have greater overall stability for a range of activities. 

Are PUMA training shoes good for HIIT and strength training?

The range of PUMA women’s training shoes are a great option for activities such as HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) and strength training. Training shoes are also known as cross-trainers, and they’re purpose-designed for various forms of training. 

Training shoes utilise several key design elements that make them the perfect fit for dynamic activities. These features include: 

• Enhanced stability through the use of lower heel-to-toe drops and firmer, flatter midsoles that provide a stable platform, making them a great support for weightlifting. 
• Improved lateral support for side-to-side movements that are more common in training routines such as HIIT
• Durable materials that allow them to withstand high-intensity movements that include jumping, burpees, rope climbs, sudden shifts in direction, etc.

For women who love varied gym-related and outdoor activities that aren’t just specifically focused on running, training shoes are the best option to opt for.

Do training shoes need arch support or stability features?

For training shoes, stability-focused features tend to take focus and can result in insoles that prioritise a more flattened base so that lateral movement and a good stable grounding for activities are supported. 

In terms of arch support, the level can differ between models. So, if you’re looking for a pair of training shoes that have good overall stability and arch support, it’s best to peruse the range and find the pair that details an extra focus on arch support. If unsure, you can also reach out to the PUMA team for more information on specific products.

Can you use training shoes for running?

Whether running is your main form of exercise or one of several activities you engage in, it is best to invest in a proper pair of running shoes. While training shoes can be a good fit for varied exercise regiments, - such as CrossFit or High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) - they’re not ideal for purely running-focused exercises. 

Running shoes are purpose-built for optimal running performance. They support forward momentum, are lightweight for easy movement, and have cushioning and arch support specifically constructed for enhanced comfort for running and jogging. So, if you want the right shoes for running, always go for running shoes over general training shoes.

How should training shoes fit for optimal performance?

To get the best performance when wearing a pair of training shoes, you should account for the following:

• A secure heel: When the shoes are on and tied appropriately, your heel should feel locked in place with little to not movement - just make sure that it’s not so tight that you experience unwanted friction.
• Toe room: The space between your longest toe and the front of the shoe should measure between half to a full thumb’s width, this usually corresponds to about at least 1cm.
• Comfortable width: You should feel your feet are secure but without any pressure points applied to the sides of your feet.
• Be mindful of feet expansion: Remember that your feet will be at their largest and widest after a workout or in the evening. So it’s worth measuring your feet at that time and cross-referencing them with the training shoes you’re considering.

Are lightweight shoes better for gym workouts?

This depends on the types of gym workouts you perform. For cardio-focused exercises, such as using a treadmill or elliptical; indoor sports like basketball, volleyball, and badminton; or classes like Zumba or dance, lightweight shoes are a good choice for greater movement and ease of coordination. However, for weight-related exercises like benchpresses, weightlifting, powerlifting (and so on), having shoes with a bit more weight that can facilitate greater standing stability can be a better fit. 

So, consider the types of gym workouts you do the most and invest accordingly. If you perform all of these, it could be worth purchasing a couple of different pairs of shoes to suit each setting.

How long do training shoes typically last?

While the durability of your training shoes will naturally depend on how you use them (and for which activities), a common benchmark tends to vary somewhere between six months to a year. Training shoes are commonly used for activities such as HIIT, weightlifting, agility training, cardio classes like Zumba and dancing, etc. 

Now, if you mostly use training shoes for weightlighting, chances are the shoes will last longer than if you’re using them every day for something like HIIT given the increased friction, movement, and so on. If you use training shoes for outdoor walks or running (though we advise against the latter - you should use running shoes for those), these activities can significantly reduce the lifespan of training shoes.

All of this taken into account, using training shoes for a variety of applicable purposes, keep the following timeframes in mind:

• If exercising 5+ times a week across multiple training disciplines, you may need to replace them every three to four months. 
• If you exercise/train two to three times a week, your training shoes could last up to a year before requiring replacement.

The best approach is to be mindful of visible deterioration. These signs include: 

• You notice the outsole is becoming worn, with a smoothing tread
• You experience a loss of stability, especially during side-to-side movements 
• The shoes are becoming excessively flexible - for example, if you can fold the shoe in half easily, that’s a strong sign it’s lost a significant amount of its support capabilities
• There is other visible damage, including frayed uppers, the formation of holes, and the sole (internal or external) is peeling
• You notice more physical fatigue after workouts (particularly in your feet and joints)

Use the above as your benchmarks to identify when it’s time for a new pair.