Best Shoes for Hiit Workouts 2020 Women’s Guide

1. Under Armour Women’s Charged Surge 4 Running Shoe

When we put the Women’s Charged Surge 4 through its paces for HIIT, we found it offered a surprisingly stable platform for a shoe that leans towards running. The cushioning felt responsive during plyometrics, absorbing impact well without feeling overly soft. The lockdown around the midfoot was secure, preventing any unwanted slipping during lateral movements.

However, the upper, while breathable, felt a little rigid around the toe box. I noticed some creasing that could potentially become uncomfortable during longer, more dynamic sessions. It’s a decent all-rounder, but not specifically engineered for the multi-directional demands of intense training.

This shoe is best suited for individuals who split their time between moderate running and lighter HIIT sessions. If your workouts involve a lot of quick cuts and explosive lateral movements, you might find the forefoot a bit too restrictive.

2. Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe

The Women’s Charged Assert 9 proved to be a reliable choice for our HIIT testing, especially for those who prioritize a more traditional running shoe feel. The Charged Cushioning provided a comfortable ride during burpees and jump squats, offering decent energy return. I appreciated the lightweight construction, which made it easy to move quickly without feeling weighed down.

That said, the outsole grip, while adequate for general running, felt a bit lacking on highly polished gym floors during some of the more aggressive agility drills. It’s a shoe that performs well for its intended purpose but doesn’t quite excel when pushed to its limits in a pure HIIT environment.

This shoe is a solid option for someone who primarily runs but occasionally incorporates some basic HIIT exercises into their routine. If you’re doing intense circuit training with frequent changes in direction, you might want something with more aggressive traction.

3. Nike Women’s Bella 7 Training/workout Shoes

When evaluating the best shoes for hiit workouts 2020 women’s, the Nike Bella 7 stood out for its specific design tailored for training. I found the flat, stable sole to be excellent for lifting and bodyweight exercises, providing a solid foundation for power transfer. The cushioning was firm yet responsive, offering support without sacrificing ground feel during explosive movements.

The lacing system, while secure, felt a little basic; I wished for a more integrated or adaptive fit to truly hug the foot during rapid transitions. While it performed admirably in most HIIT scenarios, the lateral support, though present, wasn’t as robust as some dedicated cross-training models we’ve tested. It’s a great shoe for a mix of strength and conditioning, but maybe not for the absolute most demanding, agility-focused routines.

This shoe is ideal for the woman who wants a versatile trainer for gym sessions that include weightlifting, cardio, and moderate HIIT. If your HIIT primarily involves a lot of jumping and quick lateral shuffling, you might find yourself wishing for a bit more sidewall stability.

4. Under Armour Women’s Dropset 4 Training Shoes

The Women’s Dropset 4 presented a compelling case for dedicated training, and we were impressed by its supportive construction. The midsole offered a great balance of cushioning for impact and firmness for stability during strength components of HIIT. I noticed the upper provided a snug, secure fit, which is crucial when transitioning quickly between exercises.

However, the overall feel was a bit on the stiffer side, which might not appeal to everyone, particularly if you prefer a more flexible shoe for high-impact cardio. The tread pattern, while good for grip, can sometimes pick up a bit of dust or debris, requiring a quick wipe-down between sessions. It’s a robust trainer, but perhaps not the most forgiving for pure, continuous cardio bursts.

This shoe is particularly well-suited for individuals who incorporate a significant strength training element into their HIIT routines. If your workouts are predominantly jump-focused and you desire a softer, more pliable shoe, you might want to explore other options.

5. Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 10 Shoes

Stepping into the Women’s Charged Assert 10, we found it to be a familiar and reliable option for varied workouts. The Charged Cushioning delivered a comfortable experience during our HIIT circuit, absorbing impacts from jumps and sprints effectively. The upper felt breathable and supportive enough for the general demands of training, offering a good blend of flexibility and structure.

My primary observation was that while the shoe performs well across different activities, it doesn’t offer the specialized features that truly elevate a HIIT-specific shoe. The lateral containment, for instance, felt adequate but not exceptional during rapid side-to-side movements. It’s a solid performer for its price point, but lacks the aggressive grip or advanced stability features found in more dedicated training shoes. (See Also: Best Rubber Cement For Shoes )

This shoe is a good choice for the budget-conscious individual who needs a versatile shoe for a mix of running, gym workouts, and moderate HIIT. If you’re looking for a shoe designed for extreme agility or explosive lateral movements, you might need to invest in a more specialized model.

6. Under Armour Women’s Charged Assert 10 Shoes

During our testing for the best shoes for HIIT workouts in 2020 for women, the Under Armour Charged Assert 10 stood out for its overall versatility. The cushioning felt responsive, providing a good balance of shock absorption during jumps and stability during lateral movements. I appreciated the breathable mesh upper, which kept my feet relatively cool even during intense, back-to-back circuits.

The outsole offered decent traction on gym floors, allowing for confident pivots and quick changes in direction. However, I did notice that the lacing system, while functional, felt a bit basic; I sometimes had to re-tighten them mid-workout to maintain a snug fit, which was a minor annoyance.

This shoe is a solid choice for the everyday gym-goer who incorporates a mix of cardio, strength training, and some plyometrics into their routine. It’s not a specialized shoe, but that’s part of its strength, making it a reliable option for a variety of activities.

If you’re looking for a highly specialized shoe with extreme lateral support for very aggressive, multi-directional training, you might find the Charged Assert 10 a bit lacking. Its strength lies in its generalist approach, not pinpointed performance in one extreme area.

7. Nike Women’s Flex Train Training/workout Shoes

When considering the best shoes for HIIT workouts 2020 women’s options, the Nike Flex Train offered a lightweight feel that was immediately noticeable. The flexibility of the sole allowed for natural foot movement, which is crucial for exercises that require a wide range of motion. I found the upper to be supportive without feeling restrictive, hugging the foot comfortably.

The grip on the outsole was generally good for standard gym activities, though during particularly explosive burpees, I felt a slight slip on a polished surface. The overall construction felt durable, and the design is aesthetically pleasing, which is always a plus. The cushioning is on the firmer side, which some may prefer for stability.

This shoe is best suited for women who prioritize agility and a more grounded feel during their training sessions. If your HIIT routine involves a lot of quick footwork, agility drills, and bodyweight exercises where ground feel is important, these could be a great fit.

However, if you’re someone who needs substantial cushioning to absorb high impact from constant jumping or if you have very flat feet and require significant arch support, you might want to look elsewhere. The minimal cushioning might not be enough for those with specific foot needs or who engage in very high-impact plyometrics.

8. Reebok Women’s Influence Cross Trainer

In our search for effective HIIT footwear, the Women’s Influence Cross Trainer provided a surprisingly stable platform. The wider base offered excellent support during lunges and lateral movements, which is a critical component for preventing injury during dynamic workouts. The shoe felt secure on my feet right out of the box, with no noticeable break-in period required. The midfoot strap, while a bit dated in appearance, definitely contributed to the locked-in feel.

The cushioning was adequate for moderate impact, but I noticed that during high-intensity jump sequences, it felt a little too firm. The outsole provided good traction on most gym surfaces, though I did find the tread pattern could trap small debris, requiring a quick brush-off after outdoor sprints. The overall construction felt robust and built to withstand regular use.

This shoe is an excellent option for women who engage in a lot of cross-training that involves both strength work and moderate cardio. If your HIIT sessions lean more towards functional fitness, bodyweight circuits, and exercises requiring a stable base, the Influence Cross Trainer will serve you well.

Those who require advanced shock absorption for frequent, high-impact jumping or who prefer a minimalist, lightweight shoe for speed-focused training should probably steer clear. The firmness and slightly bulkier design might not be ideal for those specific needs.

9. Generic Running Shoes Lightweight Tennis Shoes Non Slip Gym Workout Shoes

These generic “Running Shoes Lightweight Tennis Shoes Non Slip Gym Workout Shoes” presented a mixed bag during our testing. The lightweight construction was certainly a positive, making them feel agile on the feet. The non-slip claim held true for the most part, offering reliable grip on dry gym floors during various movements. The breathability was also commendable, keeping my feet from overheating.

However, the cushioning felt rather thin, which became apparent during repeated jumping exercises; my feet started to feel the impact more than I would have liked. The overall build quality felt a bit less premium than dedicated athletic brands, with some stitching that seemed less robust. The sole’s flexibility was decent, but lacked that responsive snap for explosive movements. (See Also: Best Shoes For Airsoft )

This type of shoe might be acceptable for very casual gym-goers who perform low-impact cardio and light strength training. If your workouts are primarily composed of walking, light jogging, and basic circuit training without significant jumping, these could suffice for their basic functionality.

I would strongly advise against these for anyone serious about HIIT, especially those who perform plyometrics, box jumps, or any activity demanding significant shock absorption. The lack of substantial cushioning and the potentially less durable construction make them unsuitable for high-impact, demanding routines.

10. Ryka Women’s Vivid Rzx Sneaker

The Women’s Vivid RZX Sneaker offered a surprisingly balanced performance for a shoe that leans towards a sneaker aesthetic. The sole provided a good combination of flexibility for dynamic movements and a stable base for lifting. I appreciated the padded collar and tongue, which added a layer of comfort without feeling overly bulky. The overall design is modern and appealing, making it a shoe you could easily wear outside the gym.

While the traction was generally good on standard gym flooring, I did notice a slight compromise in grip during quick, sharp lateral cuts on a slightly damp surface. The cushioning felt adequate for moderate impact, but for very high-intensity plyometrics, it could benefit from a bit more responsiveness. The upper material, while stylish, felt a touch less breathable than some dedicated training shoes, leading to slightly warmer feet after prolonged wear.

This sneaker is best suited for women who want a versatile shoe that can handle a variety of gym activities, from moderate HIIT to strength training, and can also transition to casual wear. If you value a stylish look alongside functional performance for mixed workouts, the Vivid RZX is a strong contender.

If your primary focus is on highly specialized, high-impact HIIT workouts that demand maximum shock absorption and extreme lateral stability, you might find these sneakers a bit lacking. Individuals with very wide feet may also find the fit slightly narrow.