Menās Training Shoes
Gym sessions rarely run in one direction. A squat set, a round of box jumps, a lateral shuffle drill, sometimes all within five minutes. Training shoes have to hold up under load, absorb impact and stay stable when direction changes without warning, as opposed to running shoes that repeat one forward motion. ASICS has been designing for that kind of movement since its first shoe in 1950, a basketball shoe refined to stop, turn and change direction. The name carries the same thinking: ASICS stands for Anima Sana In Corpore Sano, a sound mind in a sound body.
GEL-550TRā¢ is one of many models in the range that are purpose-built for agility and lateral work: shuttle runs, cone drills, and changes of direction. DUOMAXā¢ technology supports the medial midfoot to keep the shoe stable through a varied training week, and forefoot and rearfoot GELā¢ cushioning absorbs shock through every change of direction. FLYTEFOAM PROPELā¢ midsole cushioning adds responsiveness underfoot, while a moulded Stability TRUSSTICā¢ and non-marking AHAR+ā¢ outsole round out the build. It's just as capable as a walking shoe when the session's done.
For a sneaker that leans more towards everyday wear, the ASICS SportStyle collection has many options with enough structure for a lighter gym session.
Not sure how much support you need? Knowing your pronation can help narrow down your choice, so check our Pronation Guide. For training, the real test is whether the midsole holds its shape under fatigue: squatting, jumping, cutting side to side. You can always take the guesswork out with a free Foot-ID fitting at your local ASICS store.
Does ASICS make good gym shoes for men?
Absolutely we do. The right pick depends on how you train. All agility and change of direction? GEL-550TRā¢ was built for exactly that. Want one sneaker that works for daily wear and still keeps up in the gym? Choose from a wide range of SportStyle footwear thatās built to handle it, so you're not choosing between looking good and holding up under load.
What makes ASICS cross trainers different from running shoes?
Running shoes are built to do one thing brilliantly: move you forward, mile after mile. ASICS cross trainers and SportStyle sneakers are engineered for everything a running shoe isn't, lateral cuts, quick pivots, load that shifts from one exercise to the next. It's decades of ASICS sports science, built into a flatter, more supportive sole so your feet can keep up with wherever the session takes you.
Are training shoes suitable for HIIT and group fitness classes?
HIIT and group fitness classes suit training shoes well, because burpees, box jumps and floor work need a sole that cushions landings and stays stable side to side. GEL-550TRā¢ uses GELā¢ cushioning in the forefoot and rearfoot to absorb impact from repeated jumps, with FLYTEFOAM PROPELā¢ adding responsiveness for fast transitions between stations.
Can I use training shoes for walking?
Definitely. GEL-550TRā¢ is a great example of this. Itās just as comfortable clocking up the daily steps as it is powering through a training set, with a smooth heel to toe transition that keeps you moving, whatever the day throws at you.
