Hiit is a popular HIIT (High-Intensity Interval Training) workout that combines cardio, weight training, and resistance training into one workout. It’s become popular because it offers the benefits of multiple workouts in one session—but it can be hard to find the right shoes for this intense workout.

We’ve reviewed some of the best hiit shoes on the market today so you can find the perfect pair for your next class!

Best Shoes For Hiit Class

What is a HIIT training shoe?

Firstly, we’ll take a look at what HIIT is… High Intensity Interval Training is a style of workout that is short, fast and usually combines strength training and cardio work. It’ll get your heart rate up, fast, and can aid with building strength or weight loss.

It typically involves any combination of running, jumping in all directions, squatting, lunging burpees, kettlebells, mountain climbers and much more.

HIIT training shoes are designed to cushion the foot on landings, but also provide stability under the heel for strength work, and remain lightweight and breathable in a warm studio or gym. Oh and your typical HIIT fan will probably want to them to look great too! A real jack of all trades is required…

Shoes for High Intensity Interval Training

First choice

Weight

10 oz.

Drop

4 mm.

Category

Training

Nike SuperRep

Reasons to buy
  • Cushioned for fast movements in high impact and high intensity class
  • Does the job which they’re designed to do
  • Made burpees and box jumps feel great
  • Technology in sole unit makes them unique

“Big, bold and in your face. The huge sole unit offers cushioning and energy to keep you going rep after rep, and side plate ‘brakes’ for fast lateral moves. Specially designed for this type of workout the SuperRep features a midsole burpee plate to flex the foot comfortably in all movements. ”

Recommended for

The SuperRep is made specifically for a newly popular type of workout- the high impact, high energy intense class environment .
With the motto Rep, Sweat, Repeat and futuristic, chunky design they’re aimed at the style conscious gym goer who loves to put themselves through a tough sweaty…

Also consider

Weight

10 oz.

Drop

10 mm.

Category

Training

Puma Zone XT

Reasons to buy
  • Breathable
  • Lightweight
  • Low Price vs Competitors
  • Good all rounder

“A lower priced, lightweight, breathable training shoe, which offers some cushioning for running, and a denser foam under heel for work with dumbbells and light barbells. ”

Recommended for

The Zone XT is a new type of training shoe from Puma, designed for high intensity interval training (HIIT) type exercise.
It’s aimed predominantly at gym go-ers taking part in indoor classes, who want a lightweight but purpose designed shoe to look the part in a boutique fitness class.

Also consider

Weight

? oz.

Drop

? mm.

Category

Training

Reebok HIIT

Reasons to buy

“A more lightweight and breathable version of the Reebok Nano Crossfit training shoe, designed for high tempo work with flexible outsole for good indoor grip. ”

Recommended for

The HIIT is recommended for people who want to mix up their training, and are looking for the right shoe to use for gym work such as squats, burpees, and work with dumbbells. The HIIT is Reebok’s answer to the Nike SuperRep, is slightly cheaper, and looks much different, but both designed for the…

Also consider

Weight

11.1 oz.

Drop

4 mm.

Category

Minimalist

New Balance Minimus Prevail Cross Trainer

Reasons to buy

“Designed to bring strength, style and stability to a workout. A 4mm heel to toe drop makes this suitable for weightlifting too, and features a Vibram outside for durability and traction. ”

Recommended for

The Minimus Prevail Cross Trainer is recommended for people who want to add strength work to their gym workouts and may be currently training in a running shoe. New Balance’s answer to the Nike Metcon 5 and Reebok Nano 9 is similar in many features that you’d expect from a training shoe, and…

Also consider

Weight

12.2 oz.

Drop

? mm.

Category

Training

Adidas Fitboost

Reasons to buy

“Adidas’ all purpose gym workout offering, using Boost technology in the midsole and a denser foam on the medial side for added arch support. ”

Recommended for

The Fitboost is recommended for runners mixing up their training with high intensity workouts, and light weightlifting. If you’re a runner looking for a specialist shoe to use for gym work such as squats, burpees, and work with dumbbells this shoe could work for you. The Fitboost isn’t for lifting…

What are the best shoes for HIIT training?

The ideal HIIT training shoe will support quick changes in direction in the body, provide some stability and support around the heel and keep feel comfortable and cool. There are a few new HIIT specific training shoes out there which we have tested, in addition to Crossfit specific ones. Shoes designed specifically for HIIT, such as the Nike SuperRep have raised support on the sides of the forefoot to stabilize feet, and even a ‘burpee plate’ which helps the foot flex better for burpees.

Can I run in a HIIT training shoe?

Yes, you can. However, we’d recommend if you’re doing a running workout, or running further than around 1km you look into specific running shoes, which are better designed for that purpose, and will make your run more enjoyable, comfortable and less likely to cause an injury. Running long distances in shoes designed with a different purpose in mind, could mean the feet get hotter faster, rub in some areas when the feet expand, and not provide adequate cushioning from the impact of the road. HIIT training shoes may lack the cushioning and outsole durability of a running shoe. As they are designed generally for indoor wear they may also lack traction and outsole grip so may be slippy.

Can I do HIIT in a running shoe?

Yes, but a running shoe is not designed with all of these different activities in mind. A running shoe upper may wear down faster than a more durable upper of a training shoe, and your feet and joints aren’t protected as well from lateral movements in a traditional running shoe.

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