Top 10 Best Shoes For Elliptical Machine Workout of Men & Women 2023 – Top Picks

Feel like your feet slip out of the pedal when working out? Then you need the best shoes for the elliptical.

These shoes will help you enjoy all the exercise advantages of the elliptical while increasing your overall desire to work out.

They also decrease the discomfort and may even hinder fatigue in the process. You will have the chance to use the elliptical for longer and without a single complaint.

But for that, you will need to learn exactly what types of shoes are ideal, and how you can get the most of them.

To make it easy for you to learn everything, we’re reviewing some of the highest-quality models available, including Asics, New Balance, Nike, Adidas, Puma, and Reebok.

What are The Best Shoes For Elliptical Machine?

It all depends heavily on your needs. We would say that the best model is the ASICS GEL-Venture 6 for the combination of maximum support, traction, and comfort.

You won’t have to worry about anything when wearing them.

Yet, it all depends heavily on what you want and what result you expect. Some people want to feel utterly comfortable when pedaling on their elliptical.

Others want to ensure the highest amount of traction. And a few others may focus on comfort only.

As long as the shoes you pick match your demands, then that’s the right pair of shoes for you.

But sure enough, get away from any type of shoe that doesn’t come with the proper support, cushioning, or design for your feet. Do that and you’ll have the ideal footwear for elliptical.

Why These Brands are Best For Elliptical Shoes?

After browsing the internet for several days and reading reviews, opinions, and the different features & characteristics, these brands were the only ones worth considering.

We found out that only Nike, New Balance, ASICS, Adidas, Reebok, and Puma provided the ideal shoe models for elliptical use.

There are still a few brands available out there that won’t be disappointing to use – but they won’t perform as well.

That’s why you must ensure that you’re going for any of these brands if you want an excellent experience.

Especially if you’re not using the shoes for elliptical only, then you’ll enjoy them even more as long as they’re from any of these brands.

For the best experience, get away from brands with little to no popularity.

Also, forget about brands that look like the original but aren’t – those may end up causing damage to your feet.

Are There Different Types of Shoes For an Elliptical?

Yes, you can find running shoes and cross-trainers. You can separate them by looking at their sole and overall design.

A pair of running shoes will have a thick sole and a breathable upper design.

They have a low-top shaft most of the time, and usually come with extra cushioning and shock-absorbent systems. This makes them ideal for running.

In contrast, cross-trainers focus on breathability over anything else. They may still have decently thick soles and excellent support/cushioning.

But they are more flexible than running shoes, so they can work for a wide variety of activities.

We recommend going for running shoes if you want maximum traction & cushioning. But if you want flexibility and softness, then choose cross-trainers.

The Comparison Table of Shoes For Elliptical Machine/Best Sneakers For Elliptical Training

Want to learn more about them and possibly end up with the ideal shoes to use with your elliptical machine? Then head down for more!

10 Best Shoes For Elliptical Machine Reviews

For this list, we chose 10 of the highest-quality models available so you could have a better idea of what to pick before doing so.

That’s why you will only find the most popular and recommended shoes, as well as the most reliable and comfortable. Here are 10 shoes for elliptical with their reviews:

01. ASICS GEL-Venture 5 Men’s & Women’s – Best Running Shoes For Elliptical

Highlighted Features

• GEL cushioning system
• Durable rubber sole
• Quality overlays & underlays
• Comfortable running design
• Removable sock liner for orthotics

The Gel-Venture 5 is a totally synthetic shoe in the mid-range spectrum. It is ideal for elliptical use thanks to its Low-Top shaft design from the arch that gets rid of any discomfort.

It boasts the GEL Cushioning system, with the rear-foot design in the men’s version for extra protection.

This goes well with the removable sock-liner, perfect for accommodating orthotics inside if needed.

“Despite the rear-foot design & removable sock liner, tightening the shoes is not easy.

Due to the awkward lace-up design, you may struggle more than expected with this pair of shoes when putting them on.”

As an extra feature, you get a rubber sole. Both versions ensure proper durability & comfort, so you won’t have to worry while using the elliptical for hours.

It will barely wear out, and it will last a lifetime with such type of exercise.

Despite all that, the shoe is still capable of taking up some running without problems.

The women’s version includes meshing with bright overlays, while the men’s version comes with brushstroke-patterned underlays and mesh.

That’s enough to offer a fresh yet comfy performance.

If you want something extra comfortable and protective of your feet, then the GEL-Venture 5 from Asics will not disappoint.

02. PUMA Tazon 6 Men’s-Women’s Shoe – Best Durable Elliptical Shoes

Highlighted Features

• Synthetic leather upper build
• EVA heels
• EcoOrthoLite sock-liner
• TPU shank
• Low-Top design with laces
• Rubber sole

Made of synthetic leather in their entirety, the PUMA Tazon 6 shoes are ideal for their lightness and overall comfort.

They have a thin rubber sole that ensures durability but without adding much weight to the shoes.

Along with the synthetic leather upper build, the pumps become super comfortable.

The EVA in the heels adds up extra protection without adding much weight.

When paired up with the breathable EcoOrthoLite sock liner, the shoes become super comfy and protective.

There’s still the Low-Top shaft design from the arch, ideal for the extra fitting & comfort.

And with the TPU shank system, the shoes are set to offer high stability when using the elliptical.

Apart from all that, the shoes manage to look uniquely good-looking.

With a laid-back design veered towards elliptical use overrunning, you won’t find a single drawback to complain about.

From the quality synthetic leather build to the comfortable Low-Top design and its exciting appearance.

The Tazon 6 is set to surpass your expectations when using it on the elliptical.

03. New Balance Mx608v4 Men’s-Women’s – Best Elliptical Shoes

Highlighted Features

• 100% leather build
• IMEVA midsole
• EVA footbed
• Breathable textile
• Rubber sole

In contrast with all other models on the list, the Mx608v4 comes with a complete leather build.

This adds up to the overall comfort of the shoes, but also to the durability and style they offer.

Despite the leather top and other parts, the shoes come with a rubber sole.

This adds up to the ideal protection for pedaling on the elliptical without problems.

And sure enough, it adds up to the EVA footbed & IMEVA midsole, both parts that absorb impacts.

Still, the shoes boast a breathable textile build for ventilation, making them fresh and comfortable to wear.

And with the pull-tab on the heel, they’re a piece of cake to put on.

“Leather offers tons of durability & resilience, but fails to be enticing enough in appearance.

While it won’t be necessarily ugly, most users won’t find these shoes cute enough.”

Combining all that with the low-top shaft design and the various set of colors available, the Mx608v4 becomes a superb option for any elliptical user.

04. ASICS Gel-Venture 6 Men’s and Women’s  – Best Overall Elliptical Running Shoe

Highlighted Features

• GEL Cushioning system
• Removable sock liner
• Trail Specific Outsole
• AHAR Outsole
• Over 20 color options

The first thing you’ll notice when taking a look at the GEL-Venture 6 from ASICS is the vast array of colors it offers. And sure enough, that’s something not to dismiss.

With 26 colors for the men’s version and 31 designs for the women’s – there’s no short of option with GEL-Venture 6.

Yet, it is not the color options that stand out the most about this shoe – but the rubber sole with AHAR Outsole.

Along with the Trail Specific Outsole design, you can expect the shoes to never disappoint in terms of traction.

You will never fall off the elliptical even at the highest pedaling speed.

This pairs up well with the GEL Cushioning System – a rear-foot shock-absorbent design that prevents impacts from causing much damage.

And sure enough, you get a removable sock liner so you can add up a medical orthotic if needed – adding the extra convenience for a super practical shoe overall.

When it comes to comfort & durability, few models match the GEL-Venture 6 from ASICS.

05. Nike Free RN 5.0 Women’s & Men’s Shoe 

Highlighted Features

• Foam sole & midsole
• Stretch upper part
• Heel-to-toe grooves
• Asymmetrical lacing
• Bootie tongue design

Few shoe models will come with a soft foam sole that absorbs impacts while still offering maximum feel when running or using the elliptical.

This ensures an exceptional experience, getting rid of the discomfort of thick rubber soles, but also adding the extra feel so you can achieve more grip when moving.

“The foam sole is amazingly soft, but it fails to last enough time. It won’t leave you stranded in the middle of an elliptical workout – but you won’t get the same amount of use as with sturdier soles.”

The upper part of the shoe also stands out for the stretchiness.

It allows outstanding flexibility, which helps to move with more freedom. Even on the elliptical, this level of flexibility delivers comfort and better movement.

You will also find the heel-to-toe grooves for more flexibility, an asymmetrical lacing system that relieves pressure, and a bootie construction for extra comfort.

You will get breathable mesh top and synthetic suede on a few parts – adding some style to the design but also increased comfort.

When it comes to enjoying maximum comfort & agility, few models will offer what the Nike Free RN 5.0 does.

06. Reebok Elliptical Shoe 

Highlighted Features

• UltraKnit upper build
• Low-cut heel design
• 3D foam midsole
• Rubber sole
• Carbon-rubber toe rim

Few shoe models can handle a magnificent appearance with outstanding comfort. That’s precisely what the Print Run Prime Ultk from Reebook offers.

They boast a unique UltraKnit upper build, perfect for preventing irritation and providing amazing looks.

This top build also provides decent breathability and comes in exceptional color options that will make anyone happy.

There’s also the rubber sole, ideal for extra protection and support. You won’t feel the floor while running, and you’ll feel like the pedals are not even there.

And with the 3D foam midsole, then it gets even better – adding the touch of comfort to enjoy your elliptical to the max.

The shoes also boast a low-cut & low-top design that offers decent freedom and prevents any kind of discomfort.

Even in the highest elliptical level, these shoes will feel amazingly comfortable at all times.

Add the carbon-rubber rim that protects the toes, and you’ll find no competitor.

07. New Balance FuelCore 

Highlighted Features

• Synthetic with mesh upper
• Rubber sole
• Blown rubber outsole
• Nb Response 2.0 Performance insert
• Over 25 color options
• Bootie build

Among the most comfortable and good-looking models in the market – the New Balance FuelCore offers a unique running experience.

The softness of the build, along with the synthetic rubber sole, allows magnificent durability without leaving comfort behind.

And when it comes to elliptical use, it leaves nothing to be desired. The synthetic upper with mesh design allows tons of ventilation, which keeps your feet dry.

This goes well with the Blown rubber outsole, perfect to increase grip on the pedals, and the Nb Response 2.0 Performance insert, for an ultra-supportive feel.

“Despite the exceptional insert, sole, and mesh design – it doesn’t have proper arch support. This may come a little annoying & uncomfortable, especially for those with feet problems.”

The shoes still offer a Bootie construction, ideal for comfort, and a low-top shaft for easy fitting and coziness.

And when you consider the 25+ color options it offers, then you can’t complain.

There’s nothing to hate about this shoe model at all.

Even if you’re using it for elliptical only, then you’ll totally love what it offers.

Especially for its appearance, this pair of shoes stand out above the competition.

08. NIKE Flex 7 Elliptical Shoe

Highlighted Features

• Heathered-knit build
• Spacer mesh
• Rounded heel design
• Low-top construction
• Hexagonal groove outsole

If there were a single word to describe the Flex 7 from NIKE, we would say comfort.

They offer a unique construction with heathered knit & spacer mesh that makes it one of the comfiest in the market.

The heathered knit is a light construction that ensures superb comfort but also ventilation.

This goes well with the spacer mesh, delivering a touch of softness on the heel but without harming the breathability on the rear part.

You will still find a rubber sole boasting hexagonal flex grooves on the outsole.

This adds more flexibility to the sole while making sure you won’t ever slip out of the elliptical pedal.

Get the rounded heel design into the equation, and you get an even better shoe, allowing a more natural range of motion.

Along with the low-top design and magnificent cushioning, these shoes are set to surpass your expectations.

09. Adidas Alphabounce Beyond Women’s & Men’s Shoe

Highlighted Features

• Engineered mesh top
• Rubber sole
• Bounce midsole
• Continental Rubber outsole
• Asymmetrical laces

Among many high-end brands in the market, Adidas is one of the best – and the Alphabounce Beyond shoes are a perfect example of that.

They come with a rubber sole, ideal for support. Then there’s the engineered mesh on top, perfect for breathability without leaving support behind.

And then there’s the Continental Rubber outsole, increasing the traction on both dry & wet surfaces.

For elliptical, you’ll enjoy how comfortable it is thanks to the Bounce midsole and the soft textile lining.

They add outstanding support to the piece while increasing overall comfort, so you can enjoy exceptional results while pedaling.

“Despite the soft lining, the high shaft may cause some abrasion around the ankle. This does not happen with every Alphabounce Beyond model, but it can happen to you.”

The shoes are also designed to fit like a sock, so they stay snuggly attached to your feet at all times.

Along with the asymmetrical lace-up system, they will be comfortable at all times.

10. ASICS Men’s-Women’s Gel-Craze Elliptical Shoe

Highlighted Features

• AHAR Outsole
• Solyte Midsole
• fuzeGEL Cushioning system
• Low-top shaft design
• Traditional lace-up design

If there’s something that makes ASICS stand out is the GEL cushioning in most of its running shoes. And the Gel-Craze offers precisely that.

The fuzeGEL cushioning on the men’s version combines a rear-foot shock absorption system that prevents any unwanted rear movement.

This is all thanks to the foam mix with GEL, ideal for reducing the impact shock when stepping too hard.

This goes well with the AHAR Outsole, a high-abrasion rubber system that increases overall durability and provides decent traction.

And with the Solyte Midsole for women’s, then you can add the EVA and SpEVA cushioning for better support and comfort.

Sure enough, the shoes manage to be highly comfortable and easy to put on and off with a traditional lace-up system and low-top shaft. They will easily make your elliptical use a lot better.

 

Things to Consider Before Buying Best Shoes for Elliptical

Once you start looking for shoes for elliptical, you realize there aren’t models specifically made for using the elliptical.

And that can be a little discouraging – especially if you’re starting.

But don’t worry. We’re here to help you out. That’s why we’re going to make it easy for you by explaining a few significant aspects that will let you know whether a shoe is worth considering or not.

You’ll learn exactly what makes a shoe perfect for the elliptical machine. Without further explanation, here are all the things to consider before buying:

01. Material

One of the first things we always think about before making a final choice is the material of the upper part of the shoe.

It is super important because it lets you know how breathable, comfortable, resilient, and flexible the shoe is.

There are many materials to consider here, starting from leather and its synthetic variant.

Leather tends to be a little heavier and rugged, offering more durability than the synthetic version.

But synthetics tend to be more waterproof and light, which adds some comfort & resilience.

Then you can find mesh and stretch materials. Mesh tends to provide extra ventilation, adding comfort, and preventing too much sweat.

And with the stretch materials, you get maximum flexibility without leaving behind durability, waterproofing, or ventilation.

Every type of upper material offers a specific purpose, so be sure to understand that before making any last decision.

02. Sole Material

After considering the upper build, go directly into the lower build. This is where the sole enters into action.

You will mostly find two types of soles: rubber soles and foam soles. Rubber is the most common one, as it offers extra durability, grip, and wear resistance without leaving behind water protection.

If you want to use your elliptical with extra comfort for several years, a rubber sole will be your best bet.

But if you prefer comfort and flexibility, then you won’t think twice about getting a model with foam soles.

They are not as protective or durable as rubber, but they offer more puffiness and overall coziness, which ensures the best experience on the elliptical.

We usually recommend rubber soles for their durability & grip, especially if you’re also using them for running.

But if you’re using them only on the elliptical and love the extra comfort – then go for foam.

03. Cushioning

Along with the sole, it is also essential to consider the cushioning. This is a part of the sole, in fact. That’s why you must think about it while looking for the right sole.

Here, we recommend going for a decent amount of cushioning – but not too high. This can change a lot, depending on the shoe model.

Some come with EVA cushioning on the rear part of the shoe, others come with shock-absorbent cushions all along the sole, and others do not offer any.

The best experience on the elliptical will come from shoes with medium or light cushioning.

High-cushioning models will feel too unstable, especially if you’re trying to achieve maximum grip.

A medium to light cushion also offers extra comfort, preventing the feet from moving when pedaling.

But you may choose as you prefer. If you’re a heavy person, a high-cushioning system may come like the best option for you.

04. Closure System

Not many people tend to consider the closure of the shoe as an essential thing – but we do.

This will let you know how comfortable the pump can be and how easy it will be to put on. And sure enough, it also tells how securely it will stay when using.

While we usually go for Velcro over other types of closure systems, a lace-up system is probably the best.

Velcro tends to offer decent safety and keep your feet comfortable while making it easy to secure the feet in the process.

But lace-up systems provide maximum security, and you can tighten up as much as needed.

For the best experience, go for the one that matches your desirable tightening level without causing circulation problems.

At the same time, make sure they don’t take too much time or effort to do so. That will be the ideal pair of shoes for an elliptical machine.

05. Heel & Ankle Design

Some shoes go up to the ankle, others only cover the heel, and some may even go as far down as leave part of the heel uncovered.

You must choose the one that best matches your feet type, comfort needs, and use.

For example, if you have big feet with thick ankles, you’ll want to protect them from unwanted damage with a mid-top or high-top shoe model.

These cover part of the ankles so you won’t have to worry too much. The same design will work if you have weak ankles, and you want to protect them.

In case you prefer more mobility and comfort, then you can go for low-top models.

These won’t cover part of the ankle, and may even leave part of the heel free. That offers extra mobility and works wonders for the elliptical if you like freedom.

But of course, it all comes down to what you prefer. The ideal heel & ankle design should be protective enough for your demands, comfortable, and leave the feet to move freely. For that, you won’t find any better choice than a low-top shoe.

06. Colors & Patterns

If there’s something that will let you know at first sight whether the shoe is worth having or not, then that’s the appearance.

That’s why we completely recommend going for the most enticing shoe possible after considering all the previous factors.

A good-looking shoe will make you happy and glad to wear it. And that’s something even the most protective, comfortable, or easy-to-use shoes can’t match.

For the best results, go for models that match great colors & patterns with durable and resilient materials. Those will be the ones to make you happy and glad.

Benefits of Using The Right Shoes for The Elliptical Machine

Now that you’re aware of some of the most important aspects to think about before making a final choice, it is time to learn why having the ideal shoes is so critical. Here are a few of these reasons:

01. Avoid Foot Problems

If you don’t have the right support when doing elliptical, your feet may start to disfigure, grow calluses, or simply collapse.

The pedaling that an elliptical machine demands plus the constant movement will put the feet on the high strain.

When this happens, it is easy for the feet to grow things that weren’t there before, experience a change in the shape or form of the feet, and probably even affect bones, nerves, or skin.

That’s why it is so necessary to use the right shoes for elliptical. Sometimes, just having the ideal ventilation is enough to prevent most issues – especially the ones related to infections and smell.

02. Prevent Pain

Another reason why having elliptical shoes is so important is that they absorb all kinds of impacts & constant use.

You won’t need the best cushioning or support as you will be pedaling on the elliptical, but you will still need some of the paddings to prevent your feet sole to get damaged.

Apart from that, you need proper sole arch, so your feet stay in the right position without flattening or over-arching.

If you have the right arch shape and proper cushioning, then it is easier to prevent pains related to lack of padding and/or form.

Otherwise, you may end up with pain in the ankles, heels, soles, knees, hips, and even the lower back.

That’s why you must focus on having the best possible cushioning and shoe shape – so you can prevent all those.

03. Increase Comfort

A pair of shoes for elliptical also needs to be comfortable – and that means being soft, supportive, and fresh.

If the shoes are not comfortable enough for your needs, then you’re more likely to suffer from common feet problems.

And to make it even worse, you may end up hating the shoes and not using them again.

That’s why it is super necessary to go for a pair of shoes good enough for elliptical.

They must be breathable to keep feet dry, and still soft enough inside with the right arch to prevent discomfort.

With the perfect shoes, doing elliptical will be more of a pleasure and increase your results exponentially.

04. Provide Traction

And finally, the right shoes for the elliptical machine will provide the necessary traction to stay stable on the machine.

There’s nothing worse than losing stability in the middle of a workout session, or eventually missing the pedal and hitting yourself with the machine.

To prevent that, there’s nothing more useful than a grip-oriented pair of shoes for the elliptical.

FAQ’s of Elliptical Machine Shoes

After going through all our reviews and learning more about elliptical shoes with our buying guide & benefits, it is time to answer some of your doubts.

This section comes with the most common questions and their corresponding answer about elliptical shoes. Want to learn more? Then read it!

Are shoes for elliptical more expensive than other shoes?

Not necessarily. In fact, there aren’t shoes designed explicitly for elliptical yet – so it’s unlikely that you’ll find them at different prices from running or cross-training shoes.

So you mustn’t focus too much on their cost and more on their features if you want to pick the right model.

But you don’t have to spend a fortune either.

The ideal shoes are not only the ones with the perfect set of features but also those that can offer all the right factors without being too expensive.

Is it possible for a man to use women’s shoes and vice-versa?

Yes, but it is not recommended. Shoes have specific genders precisely because they’re made exactly for that kind of person.

Most men’s shoes tend to focus on strength and often have wide designs.

Meanwhile, women’s shoes are slightly narrower and focus on support.

Some models, however, may be so similar that any person can use them without problems.

Just make sure to have the right size, and you may not regret using a pair of shoes for the opposite gender.

When should I replace my shoes for an elliptical?

You need to replace the shoes as soon as they lose support, don’t offer enough grip, and they just feel uncomfortable or painful.

Also, you need to consider how often you use the shoes. If you use them every day, you need to replace them at least every 6 months up to 1 year.

But of course, if the shoes are still usable and feel decently new after this time, then you can keep using them.

For the best experience, we recommend having shoe replacements ready before your current shoes need to be replaced.

That will save you time, disappointment, and probably a few workout sessions.

Conclusion

After going through the entire article and learning everything there’s to know about the best shoes for elliptical, it is time to make a choice.

Don’t rush, though. First, be sure of your choice, analyze every possible scenario, and focus on your needs over anything else.

And to make it even better, follow all the recommendations & info on this article. That will be enough to get the perfect pair of shoes for the elliptical machine. Choose now!

If these weren’t enough, check out some other picks from Amazon also:

Source:

https://www.livestrong.com/article/267113-the-best-sneakers-to-use-in-the-gym-for-elliptical-machines/

https://livehealthy.chron.com/matter-type-shoe-wear-work-out-elliptical-6310.html

https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/best-shoes-for-elliptical-training/