Who doesn’t want a lean body which makes heads turn, right? BodyPump is precisely the roadmap to achieving that goal.
It is the perfect resistance training with less barbell weight and more reps to transform into the desired body shape. However, if you don’t want to wither in pain like my smart husband, getting the appropriate gym shoes is better before you start bench pressing. Otherwise, everything will be to naught.
Hi, Stacy here, and today I have a detailed review guide on the best shoes for BodyPump. Wondering what got me, a 53-year-old gardener, into BodyPump? Then it’s all Josh’s fault! Who competes with young blood at a gym in regular shoes? He got shin splints because of that (and old age, obviously.)
So, I had to do the needful to help this old guy and novices out there. And what’s better than reviewing perfect shoes for BodyPump. So, here I begin!
Top 5 Products For BodyPump Reviewed
1. PUMA Women's Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoes
My top pick for best shoes for BodyPump has to be PUMA Women's Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoes. The comfortable style and sleek design say it all. These are an excellent pair for deadlifting, squatting, or your other HIIT workouts.
Product Highlights
Let’s just start off by praising the sleek design of these Pumas and the variations it comes in. It’s available in four colors and is perfect for HIIT and BodyPump exercises. If you want lean muscles without compromising your feet’s comfort, then these shoes are it!
Made with 100% synthetic leather, these shoes feature a rubber sole for enhanced comfort. They have excellent arch support, which is perfect for trainers. Besides that, the EVA heels are ideal for shock absorption, and the TPU shank provides the desired stability while heavy lifting or squatting.
The breathable EcoOrtholite sock liner makes sure your feet are comfortable and wicks off moisture while training. And the excellent part is that you won’t feel the heavy burning sensation while doing BodyPump that usually occurs when sporting running shoes for gym exercises.
What's There To Like About It?
These Puma’s are perfect for BodyPump, and it's undeniable as it meets all the requirements of the best BodyPump shoe. They have fantastic arch support and provide necessary stability and traction while deadlifting, squatting, or lunging.
The EVA heels are lightweight, flexible, and make your feet firm while you’re exercising. And let’s not forget the excellent shock absorption that accompanies it. In short, they are perfectly stable, flexible, and comfortable for BodyPump.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Everything about these shoes screams perfection, but there’s one issue that some of you might face, and that’s with the fit. Although they were true to size for me, some people might have size issues or experience a breaking-in period. Apart from that, there’s not a speck of imperfection in them when it comes to quality, durability, or comfort.
Pros and Cons of PUMA Women's Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoes
Pros
Cons
- Midfoot saddle for maximum fit and comfort
- EVA in the heel absobs impact. TPU shank for increased stability
- Breathable EcoOrthoLite sockliner for optimum fit and comfort
2. New Balance Men's 517 V2 Cross Trainer Shoes
Get out your barbells as the New Balance Men's 517 V2 Cross-Trainer shoes are here to support you during BodyPump workouts. These shoes are another excellent pick for someone who’s into heavy lifting, bench-pressing, or other resistance training exercises in general.
Product Highlights
The New Balance Cross Trainer shoes are made of 100% leather and sport a stylish design that is perfect for working out. The leather upper of these shoes aims to give you the best of both worlds by providing comfort and style at the same time. And let’s not forget the excellent breathability that leather provides while working out.
Whether doing simple lifting exercises or deadlifting, these shoes will provide the stability and flexibility your feet need. The ABZORB midsoles are compression-resistant and provide excellent shock absorption while working out. Plus, the high-end NB technology used while making these shoes offer added comfort and ample support to your feet in the gym.
Moving on, the great cushioning that the PU insole provides adds to the charm of these NBs. The PU foam offers comfort and stays firm without distorting your balance. Moreover, the rubber outsole is anti-slip, provides great traction while doing BodyPump, and ensures you don’t slip on the gym grounds.
What's There To Like About It?
These NBs are comfortable and flexible, which is very important for BodyPump or other heavy lifting exercises. They are well-padded with ample cushioning to avoid any shock or impact while training. Moreover, the leather upper makes the shoe breathable and easy to sport.
But the best part is surely the durable outsole that has been made to meet your BodyPump requirements. It provides excellent traction and flexibility while you’re doing quick and cutting movements.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The only problem that I faced with these NBs was their narrow toe bed which isn’t comfortable for people with wider feet. My husband has wide feet, so that’s something I can vouch on. Earlier NBs were perfect, but these are unsuitable for wide feet people. That’s the reason why it’s a second choice, unlike Puma’s trainer shoes which are true-to-size.
Pros and Cons of New Balance Men's 517 V2 Cross Trainer Shoes
Pros
Cons
- Advanced Shock Absorption: These comfortable training shoes are equipped with ABZORB midsole technology that absorbs impact through a combination of cushioning and compression resistance
- Cushioned Comfort: Wherever your active lifestyle takes you, the PU foam insert in these cushioned training shoes helps keep your feet happy by providing memory comfort that lasts
- Designed to Endure: The 517v2 helps you get more out of your training shoes with NDurance rubber outsole technology that provides superior durability in high-wear areas
3. Reebok Men's CROSSFIT Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer Shoes
Reebok Men's CROSSFIT Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer Shoes are another pair that you can welcome into your closet, and they surely won’t disappoint at the gym. The stability and flexibility of these shoes are good, if not better than the heavily endorsed Metcons.
Product Highlights
Let the moment of truth settle in first- these shoes won’t be good if you just go by appearance, but anything beyond that is excellent. From comfort to durability, these Reeboks will be perfect for your heavy lifting exercises. The quality of the material is top-notch and lightweight, especially the mesh design.
Further, the padded footbed and midsole are just right for the gym. As training shoes have less midsole cushioning and arch support than running shoes, these shoes have been particularly designed to keep your gym needs in mind.
The toe bed is perfect for long hours at the gym, and just like NBs, you won’t feel the burning sensation after squatting or deadlifting; these are that comfortable. Moreover, the rubber sole provides excellent shock absorption and comfort. Besides that, the traction is superb, and you need not worry about slipping while working out.
What's There To Like About It?
GQ males won’t appreciate the subtle charm of these shoes, but they actually do the work they’re made for. They provide excellent comfort and are on par with Nikes (or even more than them). The ample toe size and the seven eyelets make the shoe adjustable to your unique foot size.
If you get your size right, these Reeboks will be unbeatable as they are lightweight, flexible, stable, and just everything a trainer or gym enthusiast needs.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Everything about these Reeboks is perfect aside from the size issues, which make it uncomfortable. These shoes run a size smaller, and you need to order a size bigger than the usual to comfortably sport them. So, in that regard, these shoes are not as good as compared to Puma’s Tazon or NB’s Nano.
Pros and Cons of Reebok Men's CROSSFIT Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer Shoes
Pros
Cons
- Reebook Shoes
- Imported
4. Adidas Men's Powerlift 4 Weightlifting Shoe
Wanted a perfect powerlifting shoe? Adidas heard you! The Adidas Men's Powerlift 4 Weightlifting Shoes are excellent for heavy lifting because of the stability they provide. The hard yet comfortable sole is firmly planted on the floor and has great traction.
Product Highlights
The Adidas Men's Powerlift 4 Weightlifting Shoe, just as the name describes, is a shoe specifically made to meet your heavy lifting needs. And fortunately, it stands up to its name. If you’re a heavy-weight lifter, then these Adidas would be perfect with their non-compressible rubber sole that provides great stability.
Besides that, the canvas upper is breathable and is made of high-quality material. The velcro strap and long laces perfectly hug the feet, which is important while deadlifting.
Even though they might not be ideal for Crossfit, these shoes are excellent for resistance training like BodyPump or heavy weight squats with the elevated heel. Moreover, if you’re a regular Olympic lifter, then nothing can beat these while deadlifting or bench-pressing.
And the best part is that these will remain durable for years to come.
What's There To Like About It?
The most promising feature of these Reeboks is their stability and firmness while deadlifting or heavy squatting. If it’s your first time buying weightlifting shoes, then you can feel the difference in posture and performance after sporting them.
Also, the rubber outsole is extremely durable and perfect for the longer run. While training, the sole is firmly planted on the ground and helps maintain your stance. Besides that, my husband loves the canvas upper as it looks great and is exceptionally breathable.
What's There Not To Like About It?
Compared to my previous picks like Puma’s Tazon or NB’s cross trainer, these shoes aren’t that flexible. This means that they won’t be ideal for anything other than weightlifting, and that’s quite a given as these are specially made for heavy lifting.
So, if you want to trek, run, or even Crossfit in these Adidas shoes, then good luck with that, as it won’t meet your expectations!
Pros and Cons of Adidas Men's Powerlift 4 Weightlifting Shoe
Pros
Cons
- Heel height (shoe plus insole height): 28 mm (size 9)
- Narrow, snug fit; Lace closure with a hook-and-loop strap
- Canvas upper for soft comfort and durability; Open forefoot and flexible toe design
5. Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross-Trainer Shoes
Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer shoes are the last on my list for BodyPump. They are agile for endurance training and hold up well on the slippery gym floor. And the best part? They’re quite reasonably priced.
Product Highlights
Reebok Nanos are good, but nothing can beat Reebok TR 2 cross trainers! They are perfect for weight lifting and provide excellent support while squatting or lunging. Besides regular BodyPump, they are also quite good for other plyometric exercises which require flexibility.
When it comes to appearance, the stylish mesh upper looks fantastic while providing breathing space to your foot. And let's not forget the asymmetrical lacing that provides extra conditioning to your particular foot type and the tongue that guards against rubbing or bruising. Also, the EVA midsole has perfect cushioning and flexibility for the foot with its low arch.
But the best part is surely the rubber sole that provides excellent traction and stability while doing tough moves and keeps feet perfectly planted on the floor. The low-cut design is ideal for agile movements and ankle mobility. So, be it lifting or rope climbing, these shoes work best either way.
What's There To Like About It?
These Reeboks are good for deadlifting like Adidas’ Powerlift. The low arch and proper cushioning make them stable and flexible enough for lifting barbells and maintaining the right posture. Also, the rubber sole stays durable and has great traction. So, you don’t need to worry about slipping on surfaces while working out.
Lastly, the mesh upper and ample toe box gives enough space for toes to wiggle and adjust according to weight. The shoes don’t feel too snug or tight if you find the right size.
What's There Not To Like About It?
The problematic part of these Reeboks is its insole, unlike Puma or NB, which were great in that department. If you have been working out for too long or if your feet sweat too much, it will get uncomfortable as the insole grip loosens after sweating or becoming wet.
Pros and Cons of Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross-Trainer Shoes
Pros
Cons
- Mesh upper
- Low-cut design
- EVA foam midsole
Buyers Guide
If it's your first time buying BodyPump shoes, then you’d be surprised how different the training shoes are from shoes meant for running or walking. You can't be more wrong if you thought running shoes would cut out for deadlifts or heavy lifting squats.
Although BodyPump doesn’t require heavy barbell lifting, unlike other strength training workouts, they’re pretty similar when it comes to stability that’s required for the movements.
Thus, to help you buy an excellent pair of BodyPump shoes, I have made this buying guide keeping BodyPump necessities in mind. These important aspects must not be forgotten when buying shoes for lifting barbells and fast-paced reps.
So, without further ado, let’s look at these factors.
1. Comfort
Comfort is the most critical factor that must not be overlooked while buying BodyPump shoes. Having a comfortable pair of shoes with breathable material and enough eyelets to condition the shoes according to your particular foot size is very important.
In that regard, lightweight cross-training shoes or even weightlifting shoes like converse or vans meet the cut at being excellent for BodyPump.
2. Fit
The right fit will make BodyPump easier, more efficient, and not cause any discomfort. Therefore, the mantra is to get shoes that fit right and don’t feel too tight. You wouldn’t want your feet suffocating while doing those reps, right?
Many shoe experts will tell you to go for snug shoes, but that’s not good for wider-toe people as most shoes nowadays are for narrow feet. And that will only make the workout challenging and inefficient. So, just go for your proper size, and don’t wait to break in.
3. Cushioning And Arch Support
Let’s be honest here. The BodyPump shoes won’t feature much cushioning, unlike your running shoes which have ample cushioning to resist shock and help push your feet farther.
The shoes meant for BodyPump have a low to medium arch to stabilize your footing while performing different moves. So, don’t look for plush cushioning; go for stability and low arch support.
4. Stability And Flexibility
As mentioned, stability is vital in workout shoes, be it for BodyPump or other exercises. Therefore, you should wear shoes that won’t destabilize your form while working out. An adequate midsole with a low arch and mild cushioning works best.
Rubber soles provide excellent stability and traction while BodyPump. If paired with superior insoles, the rubber outsoles become a force to be reckoned with when it comes to stability. But while choosing stable shoes, don’t forget that they should be flexible too.
Remember- if the shoes are too stiff, they won’t help you while doing different moves.
5. Durability
You should always buy shoes that are durable and long-lasting. You wouldn’t want shoes that break midway while squatting, right? That will only put you in danger, especially under barbells. So, refrain from buying low-quality shoes that crack or break easily.
Buying good workout shoes is a simple yet important investment, and the better you spend, the better shoes you get. Thus, don’t be a cheapskate and buy a nice pair that lasts long!
6. Price
Even though I told you not to be a cheapskate and buy a quality shoe for BodyPump, let’s be realistic and reasonable now. A quality pair of shoes shouldn’t cost you more than $100. If you search for a BodyPump shoe, you’ll get numerous options. So, why spend more on Metcons when you get the same value from NBs or Pumas?
7. Appearance
Last comes appearance, even though some of you might keep this factor at the forefront. I have seen people compromising comfort by going for some of the famous brands that don’t meet the cut for BodyPump for appearance’s sake. And that’s something you should avoid.
Even if style and appearance are important, it doesn’t supersede comfort. At the end of the day, you’re not going for a vogue shoot, right? So, chill and get a shoe that meets your comfort first and style later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Shoes that feature optimum cushioning with a low arch and have a rubber sole are perfect for BodyPump. So, to enhance your stability while working out, having shoes that meet these requirements are best.
Running shoes shouldn’t be a replacement for your gym shoes as they don’t provide the stability that’s needed for BodyPump or other gym movements. They feature a higher arch than BodyPump shoes, which isn’t ideal for lifting or squatting. So, don’t substitute your running shoes for BodyPump.
My Final Recommendation
That’s all about my review guide on the best shoes for BodyPump. By now, I hope that you’ve finally understood what and which kind of shoes to buy to make your BodyPump regime successful and efficient.Â
Now, before I mark an end to this guide, I would like to recommend my top picks which would be perfect for your intense workout. PUMA Women's Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer shoes are excellent with their top-notch quality, perfect arch, comfort, and stability. And the best part was their affordability.Â
Apart from Pumas, I found New Balance Men's 517 V2 Cross-Trainer Shoes ideal for people with narrow feet, and they feature a PU insole for comfortable cushioning too. And if you don’t mind compromising a bit on style, then Reebok Men's CROSSFIT Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer Shoes won’t disappoint you.Â