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I’ve been traveling a lot for business and staying in hotels that have gyms, but I try to be a light packer (because airlines and fees and airport mishegoss). What’s the best, lightest-package workout shoe that won’t take up a ton of room in my suitcase? I mainly just use the machines available at whatever hotel I’m in, but I don’t do any treadmill running.
I’ve thought about this question a lot. My compulsion to fit a few different workouts into a weekend trip means I cram my suitcase full of the necessary gear. I even stuff my foam roller into my carry-on. For a recent wedding, I tried to squeeze two pairs of running shoes plus an extra pair of gym shoes in my luggage — even when I knew I wouldn’t have time to make use of all three pairs (I did not). But since you’re a light packer, unlike me, the good news is that there are many thin, lightweight workout shoes available that will barely take up space in your suitcase.
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite has a thin, flexible sole that makes it easy to pack. Since its sole is only two millimeters thick, it can even be rolled up into a ball. A single shoe in a women’s 7.5 weighs only 6.4 ounces, or just under half a pound. (For comparison, a more typical gym shoe like the NoBull women’s trainer weighs 11 ounces.) I haven’t tested these shoes myself, but I’ve seen lots of folks wearing them at the gym. I can see their appeal: The best workout shoes will have a flat, grippy sole that gives you a grounded feeling, which is the shoe’s main feature. The Primus Lite is not like a traditional gym shoe, however; other trainers will have thicker soles for cushioning — since you won’t be doing any running, you won’t need it — but if you haven’t worn shoes with a more barefoot feel before, it might take some getting used to.
Another thing to keep in mind is that other gym sneakers will have taller, thicker sidewalls and heel counters that keep your foot locked in place for added stability. Minimalist shoes like the Primus Lite don’t have these features, which makes them easier to crush down and pack, but the trade-off is that dynamic exercises with lateral movement might feel a tad unstable with these on. But for its packability and light weight, the Primus Lite is likely your best bet.
These socklike Nikes are another option that offers generous cushioning for their flat, low profile. I’ve used past versions of the Nike Frees and always appreciated how quickly I could slip them on and get going. Barry’s chief instructor, Kate Lemere, frequently recommends them to her clients. She says they are “great for training” and everyday gym sessions.
If you like the cushioning and support of the Nike Metcon (consistently our top gym shoe recommendation for both men and women), consider this lighter version that blends the Nike Free Run and the Metcon together. It has a thicker heel counter that won’t make it as packable as the Nike Free, but it’s noticeably lighter than the Metcon. A men’s 9 weighs just 10.5 ounces, whereas the chunkier Metcon 9 weighs over 13 ounces.
These $35 sneakers are so versatile. I’ve used them for the past two years primarily as street shoes, but I’ve also hit the gym in them. Like the Vivobarefoots, they have a low profile and a flat sole, which allows me to feel the ground when I’m lifting. Since they’re flat, they take up negligible space when I line the inside of my suitcase or the bottom of my carry-on bag with them. They’re available in 21 colors, and I included them in our guides to the best men’s and women’s workout shoes. Did I mention that they’re only $35?
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