Ace Your Workout: 10 Brands Like Nike for Top-Notch Sportswear

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Nike is renowned for iconic running shoes and athletic apparel. Their high-quality sportswear is ubiquitous, whether you’re running a marathon, getting in your reps at the gym, or just chilling at home.

There are new and old brands among Nike’s competitors, with familiar challengers like Adidas and Reebok, and new contenders like ASICS and Lululemon. Check out these and other brands like Nike and stock your closet with top-tier sneakers, jackets, and leggings.

Nike’s biggest competition: 10 sportswear brands for your wardrobe

As great as Nike is, browse these 10 alternatives to open the door to fresh looks and fits.

1. ASICS

ASICS is a Japanese sportswear brand famous for sneakers. They also offer comfy, high-performance apparel, including sweats and sports bras with bright, retro vibes. We love their massive variety of runners because of their range, from chunky to sleek and neutral to neons, with many pieces matching a cool 1980s aesthetic.

Check out their selection of bike shorts for an excellent balance of performance and style. They aren’t just for spin class—add a crop top and a mesh dress for a stunning festival look.

Discover preloved ASICS treasures on ThredUp, starting at $5.99.

2. Adidas

Adidas is often considered the biggest competitor of Nike and it’s easy to see why. This affordable athletic brand provides high-impact sports apparel in minimalist, monochrome fits—and their style has stood the test of time.

For standout products, we’d choose the Essentials Fleece Loose Joggers. They’re suitable for quick workouts but cozy enough for casual lounging—a dupe for Outdoor Voices’ CloudKnit sweats (with a more relaxed fit).

Browse thousands of high-quality, like-new Adidas items on ThredUp, starting at $4.99.

3. Reebok

Reebok is the go-to sports brand for streetwear vibes. While they still produce understated running shoes, lately they’ve been leaning into heavier urban aesthetics, focusing on collaborations with bold brands like Pyer Moss.

For a daring statement, try the Nano X5 Training Shoes. This celebration of Reebok’s iconic sneakers comes in eye-catching neon purple and aqua. If you have an understated wardrobe, don’t worry—they have dozens of vintage-inspired white sneakers for effortless everyday outfits.

Can’t get enough of Reebok’s street vibes? Check out ThredUp’s vast collection, starting at $6.99.

4. Lululemon

Lululemon is our favorite athleisure brand for must-have items like the Align Leggings––the silkiest athletic bottoms we’ve found. This brand has a relaxed aesthetic inspired by performance sportswear, offering comfy fits with pastel and neutral color palettes.

They have a multitude of footwear varieties, from supportive workout sneakers to canvas shoes. We adore the Cityverse Sneaker—it’s intended for casual occasions but still sports layered cushioning for added comfort. We’d pair it with a summer midi dress for an effortless look.

Balance fashion and function with Lululemon’s multipurpose designs. Find them on ThredUp for budget-friendly prices, starting at $14.99.

5. Gymshark

Gymshark is a British sports brand founded by Ben Francis and Lewis Morgan. They started from humble beginnings, sewing and shipping fitness wear out of a garage, and rapidly grew into a global label due to their quality and craftsmanship.

This brand has powerful bodybuilder vibes, offering high-impact tanks, singlets, and long-sleeve compression tops. The Vital Seamless Cut-Out Top is a great example—minimalist and breathable, with the cut-out showing a little skin.

The Lifting Essentials Graphic Cropped Hoodie is another favorite. It defines the waist and perfectly aligns with high-waisted shorts—we’d wear this one while deadlifting or showing off our abs on a run.

Browse new-to-you Gymshark pieces on ThredUp, starting at $10.99.

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6. Fila

Fila is a classic athletic brand famous for vintage tennis outfits and avant-garde streetwear, due to their clean, no-nonsense designs. They’re a go-to label for sleek tracksuits, oversized hoodies, and attention-grabbing footwear.

We adore their ultra-chunky Disruptor 2 Wedge sneakers. The white design and leather uppers are great for casual occasions, while the double-stacked wedge sole makes a bold statement. Pair these with leggings and a retro windbreaker for an effortless outfit, suitable for a light jog or an afternoon shopping spree.

Discover the best Fila items for your unique wardrobe, starting at $7.99.

7. Puma

Puma is a sports brand with a satisfying blend of athletic clothes and fashionable essentials. The Cali Collection is a top pick, containing some of the best retro sneakers and Nike dupes—the Cali Court is a great stand-in for Air Force 1s.

While they have a range of high-performance sneakers similar to Nike shoes, they also match Nike’s daily wear with their own line of skirts and dresses. We recommend the Road to Unity Midi Pleated Skirt. It’s made of comfortable, recyclable materials and it comes in two alluring plaids.

Keep Puma’s stunning apparel in closets and out of landfills by thrifting it on ThredUp, starting at just $6.99.

8. New Balance

New Balance is a go-to brand for supportive, functional trainers and simple lifestyle shoes. We’d recommend anything from the 990 Collection. These vintage-inspired dad shoes offer an on-trend aesthetic with high-performance features like FuelCell cushioning and mesh underlays.

There isn’t just high-quality footwear at New Balance––check out their high-rise leggings and thermal jackets to pair your shoes with something practical and sleek.

Browse various New Balance items on ThredUp, from tees to shorts, starting at $7.99.

9. Brooks

Brooks carefully crafts their shoes with knee and hip health in mind, making them one of the top brands recommended by podiatrists. They have a recognizable aesthetic with fun splashes of color, encouraging you to add a little personality to each workout.

We also love their size inclusivity. Take the Ghost 16, for example, which is available in sizes 5–13 and four different widths. As a bonus, it comes in 17 colors, including raspberry/apricot and coconut/sunset.

Find practical pieces from Brooks on ThredUp, starting at only $8.99.

10. Converse

While they’re owned by Nike, Converse has an aesthetic all their own, synonymous with scene style and retro vibes. They’re famous for the iconic Chuck Taylor All Stars: classic canvas shoes we recommend for any urban outing, from skateboarding to drinks with friends.

Don’t stop at their footwear—Converse has a vast collection of cropped hoodies, pullovers, and polo shorts. Most have a relaxed fit and breathable cotton/poly fabric, making them a great choice for fitness or lounging.

Thrift Converse footwear—and more—to make a bold statement, starting at just $7.99.

Find amazing Nike alternatives on ThredUp

ThredUp is the ultimate platform for thrifting preloved sneakers and sports apparel, whether you’re looking for Nike or one of their competitors. Shop your favorite brands at a fraction of the cost—up to 90% off retail price—and, as a bonus, reap the eco-friendly benefits of thrifting.

Dive into endless sizes, colors, and styles to find your new go-to athletic wear and give your closet a refreshing update. Our Improved Search makes it easy: Type using natural language and receive relevant items—no keywords needed. Try searching for a phrase like “smooth athletic joggers in pale neutral colors” and browse results tailored to you.

FAQ

Do Nike and Adidas have a rivalry?

Yes, Adidas and Nike have a long-standing rivalry as two of the most prominent sportswear brands in the world. They compete closely, producing similar sports apparel and sneakers yet maintaining unique brand identities.

Is Fila a Nike competitor?

Fila is a Nike competitor, offering runners that are similar to Nike shoes but focusing their attention on a different niche. While they are a sportswear brand, they emphasize retro-inspired lifestyle clothing and aesthetics rather than Nike’s heavy investments in cutting-edge performance wear.

Which is better, ASICS or Nike?

Both ASICS and Nike are excellent choices, depending on your needs. ASICS has a lighter palette with an emphasis on bright, retro colors. They’re also more affordable and put extra effort into the stability of their running shoes, focusing on support and cushioning.

On the other hand, Nike provides pieces for a greater range of sports, including basketball and soccer. They also have a more iconic look and logo if you love making a brand statement.

Is Lululemon a competitor of Nike?

Yes, in terms of running shoes and sportswear. But Lululemon has an audience all their own with their athleisure clothing and yoga gear. While Nike has a similar collection, it’s relatively small, and the sports giant is certainly more well-known for runners and sports equipment.

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