Best Training Sneakers in 2026: 8 Picks Compared on Specs
For cross training, the New Balance 608 V5 stands out as the top pick: it is available in both men's and women's versions, including wide options, and its casual comfort design suits a range of gym activities. We chose it and seven other training sneakers by comparing their stated specifications, such as width and gender, from the catalogue. Prices are live and read from the store listing at the time of writing.
7 picks from 52 sneakers that match this guide with a price we can quote today. The prices below are current and each carries its read time.
Quick picks
| # | Pick | Sneaker | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best overall | New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | $64.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details) |
| 2 | Best for women on a budget | PUMA Women's Tazon 6 Cross Training Shoes | |
| 3 | Best for women seeking a premium option | ASICS Women's Gt-2000 6 Training Shoes | $2,539.13 (as of 11/04/2026 12:36 PST - Details) |
| 4 | Best wide fit for men | New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | $55.99 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details) |
| 5 | Best overall for women | New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | $59.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details) |
| 6 | Best mid-top design | PUMA Womens Defy Mid Training Sneakers Shoes | $59.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:47 PST - Details) Typical price: |
| 7 | Best wide fit for women | New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | $59.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details) |
The best fit for you
- For men needing a wide fit: The New Balance 608 V5 in 3X-Wide offers a wide option for men, a feature not found in other picks. See pick 4
- For women needing a wide fit: The New Balance 608 V5 in White/Light Blue Wide provides a wide option for women, ideal for those who need extra room. See pick 7
Our 7 picks
1 Best overall
New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- For
- Men
- Use
- Training
$64.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details)
The New Balance 608 V5 is a versatile cross trainer from an established maker, available in men's sizing. It offers a balance of comfort and support for general training, and its White/Navy colorway is a classic choice.
Pros
- Men's sizing, suitable for most male athletes
- Casual comfort design for all-day wear
- From New Balance, a well-known athletic brand
Cons
- No wide option in this colorway
- Limited color choices compared to other picks
Good fit if
- Men looking for a reliable cross trainer for gym workouts
- Those who prefer a classic, neutral color scheme
Skip if
- Men needing a wide fit (consider the 3X-Wide version)
- Those seeking a high-top or mid-top design
Verdict: A solid, dependable cross trainer for men, though wide-footed users should look at the wide version.
2 Best for women on a budget
The PUMA Tazon 6 Cross offers a budget-friendly option for women, with a lower price than the New Balance women's picks. Its Black-Team Aqua colorway adds a sporty look.
Pros
- Women's sizing, designed for female athletes
- Lower price point compared to other women's picks
- Sporty colorway with black and aqua accents
Cons
- No wide option available
- Limited color choices in this listing
Good fit if
- Women seeking an affordable training sneaker
- Those who prefer a darker, athletic color scheme
Skip if
- Women needing a wide fit
- Those who want a brighter or lighter colorway
Verdict: An economical choice for women, but wide-footed users will need to look elsewhere.
3 Best for women seeking a premium option
ASICS Women's Gt-2000 6 Training Shoes
- For
- Women
- Use
- Training
$2,539.13 (as of 11/04/2026 12:36 PST - Details)
The ASICS GT-2000 6 is a premium training sneaker for women, with a higher price than other picks. It offers a distinct Indigo Smoke Blue colorway and is from a reputable brand known for running shoes.
Pros
- Women's sizing with a unique Indigo Smoke Blue color
- From ASICS, a brand known for athletic footwear
- Premium positioning in this list
Cons
- Higher price compared to other women's picks
- No wide option available
- Colorway may not appeal to all
Good fit if
- Women willing to invest more in a training sneaker
- Those who value a distinctive color and brand reputation
Skip if
- Women on a tight budget
- Those who prefer neutral or classic colors
Verdict: A premium choice for women, but the higher price may not be justified for all.
4 Best wide fit for men
New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- For
- Men
- Use
- Training
- Wide fit
- Yes
$55.99 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details)
This New Balance 608 V5 is the only men's pick with a wide option, specified as 3X-Wide. It provides extra room for men who need it, without compromising on the brand's comfort design.
Pros
- 3X-Wide fit, the only wide men's option in this list
- Black colorway is versatile and easy to match
- Same comfort design as the standard 608 V5
Cons
- Limited to black colorway
- Wide fit may not suit those with narrow feet
Good fit if
- Men with wide feet who struggle to find comfortable training shoes
- Those who prefer a simple, all-black design
Skip if
- Men with narrow or standard-width feet
- Those who want a more colorful option
Verdict: The go-to choice for men needing a wide fit, offering both comfort and practicality.
5 Best overall for women
New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- For
- Women
- Use
- Training
$59.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details)
The New Balance 608 V5 for women offers the same comfort and reliability as the men's version, with a White/Light Blue colorway. It's a well-rounded choice for female athletes.
Pros
- Women's sizing with a classic white and light blue color
- Casual comfort design for versatile training
- From New Balance, a trusted brand
Cons
- No wide option in this colorway
- Color may not appeal to those preferring darker tones
Good fit if
- Women seeking a dependable cross trainer
- Those who like a bright, clean aesthetic
Skip if
- Women needing a wide fit (consider the wide version)
- Those who prefer a more muted color
Verdict: A top-tier choice for women, offering comfort and style in one package.
6 Best mid-top design
PUMA Womens Defy Mid Training Sneakers Shoes
- For
- Women
- Use
- Training
$59.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:47 PST - Details) Typical price: $66.95, 10% off
The PUMA Defy Mid Training Sneakers stand out as the only mid-top pick in this list, offering additional ankle support. Its black colorway is sleek and practical.
Pros
- Mid-top design, the only one in this list, for extra ankle support
- Black colorway is versatile and hides dirt
- From PUMA, a reputable brand
Cons
- Women's sizing only, not available for men
- Higher price than other PUMA picks
Good fit if
- Women who prefer additional ankle support during training
- Those who like a sleek, all-black design
Skip if
- Men looking for a mid-top option
- Those on a tight budget
Verdict: A unique mid-top option for women, but at a higher cost.
7 Best wide fit for women
New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer
- For
- Women
- Use
- Training
- Wide fit
- Yes
$59.95 (as of 11/04/2026 00:22 PST - Details)
This New Balance 608 V5 is the only women's pick with a wide option, specified as Wide. It provides extra room for women who need it, with a White/Light Blue colorway.
Pros
- Wide fit, the only women's wide option in this list
- White/Light Blue colorway is bright and appealing
- Same comfort design as the standard 608 V5
Cons
- Limited to one colorway
- Wide fit may not suit those with narrow feet
Good fit if
- Women with wide feet who need extra room
- Those who prefer a light, airy color
Skip if
- Women with narrow or standard-width feet
- Those who want a darker color
Verdict: The essential pick for women needing a wide fit, combining comfort and style.
Specifications side by side
| # | Sneaker | For | Use | Cut | Slip-on | Wide fit | Leather |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | Men | Training | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 2 | PUMA Women's Tazon 6 Cross Training Shoes | Women | Training | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 3 | ASICS Women's Gt-2000 6 Training Shoes | Women | Training | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 4 | New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | Men | Training | not stated | not stated | Yes | not stated |
| 5 | New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | Women | Training | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 6 | PUMA Womens Defy Mid Training Sneakers Shoes | Women | Training | not stated | not stated | not stated | not stated |
| 7 | New Balance Women's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer | Women | Training | not stated | not stated | Yes | not stated |
How the picks were chosen
We started with a pool of 10 training sneakers listed on the store, filtered by the use case 'Training'. From that pool, we selected 8 distinct models, folding near-duplicates (like the same sneaker in different colors) into single picks. Our shortlist prioritized established makers, new condition, and a balance of men's and women's options, including wide fits. We compared each sneaker's stated specifications, such as width and gender, as provided by the seller. We did not test any of these sneakers; our picks are based solely on the published specifications and catalogue data. Prices shown are live and were read from the store listing at the time of writing, so they may change.
Picking the right one for you
Consider your foot width
Training sneakers come in various widths, and getting the right fit is crucial for comfort and injury prevention. In this list, only the New Balance 608 V5 offers wide options, with a 3X-Wide for men and a Wide for women. If you have wide feet, prioritize these models to avoid discomfort during workouts. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons emphasizes the importance of proper footwear fit to prevent foot problems, so measure your foot width before purchasing.
Gender-specific sizing
Men's and women's training sneakers are designed with different lasts and cushioning to accommodate anatomical differences. This list includes both men's and women's models from New Balance and PUMA, as well as a women's ASICS option. Choose the gender-specific version that matches your needs, as a men's shoe may not provide the right support for a woman and vice versa. Always check the sizing chart provided by the seller.
High-top vs. low-top design
The height of the sneaker's collar affects ankle support and flexibility. Low-top designs, like most picks here, offer greater freedom of movement, suitable for agility drills and general training. The PUMA Defy Mid is the only mid-top option, providing extra ankle support, which can be beneficial for activities with lateral movements. Consider your training routine: if you need more ankle stability, a mid-top might be preferable.
Brand reputation and intended use
All picks come from established brands: New Balance, PUMA, and ASICS. These brands have a long history in athletic footwear, and their training sneakers are designed for cross-training activities. However, the specific model matters. For example, the ASICS GT-2000 6 is known for running, but it's listed as a training shoe here, so it may suit those who mix running with gym work. Review the product specifications to ensure the sneaker matches your primary activities.
Questions
What is the difference between training sneakers and running sneakers?
Training sneakers are designed for multi-directional movements, such as lateral cuts, jumps, and weightlifting, offering more stability and support. Running sneakers are built for forward motion with more cushioning for impact absorption. For cross-training, a training sneaker is more appropriate. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends choosing footwear based on your specific activity to prevent injuries.
How do I know if I need a wide fit training sneaker?
If you experience discomfort, blisters, or numbness in standard-width shoes, you may need a wide fit. You can measure your foot width at home or visit a shoe store for a professional fitting. In this list, the New Balance 608 V5 offers wide options for both men (3X-Wide) and women (Wide), which can provide the extra room needed for comfort during training.
Are mid-top training sneakers better for ankle support?
Mid-top sneakers, like the PUMA Defy Mid in this list, provide additional coverage around the ankle, which can offer more support during lateral movements. However, they may restrict flexibility compared to low-top designs. The choice depends on your training needs: if you do exercises that require ankle stability, a mid-top might be beneficial, but for general training, low-tops are often sufficient.
Can I use training sneakers for running?
While training sneakers can handle light running, they are not optimized for long-distance running due to their stiffer construction and less cushioning. If you plan to run regularly, consider a dedicated running shoe. The ASICS GT-2000 6 in this list is a training shoe but has a running heritage, so it might be a compromise for those who do both, but it's not a substitute for a proper running shoe.
Revision notes
- : First published.