Best Shoes for Crossfit
- By Team Shoethority
I looked for the best CrossFit training shoes, and out of 16 products, I found that the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 v3 is the best CrossFit shoe overall for both men and women.
I compared shoes with their features, style, design, cost, and efficiency as cross-training shoes. Each shoe needed to withstand strenuous activities and different movements to be an effective shoe for CrossFit.
The Inov-8 F-Lite for both men and women is an exccreellent choice for CrossFit training. I’m confident that it’ll keep up with any kind of high-intensity training. May it be jogging, running, jumping, and even lifting weights. There’s the minimalist design to talk about too, but more on that later.
However, the Reebok Nano X is also a fantastic choice for cross-training starters. It is relatively cheaper than the usual CrossFit shoes, but the quality suggests otherwise. It has a flexible and durable upper mesh which provides a breathable feel.
Now enough talking, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty! Keep reading till the end for the buying guide.
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Table of Contents
Best Overall (Men & Women)
Being the best overall shoe is not an easy title to give, but the Inov-8 F-Lite makes a very compelling winner. It’s got everything you need for CrossFit, whether you’re working out in the gym, in the park, or underneath the rain. May it be the quality and design, this shoe can never disappoint you.
Doing cross-training workouts requires you to have highly durable and comfortable shoes to perform your routines well. Aside from that, your feet’s security and safety must still be ensured.
The Inov-8 F-Lite has the best qualities a cross-training shoe can offer. The F-Lite 235 has performance-driven outsole technology, which allows you to move naturally and comfortably.
When it comes to fitting, F-Lite 235 has a narrow midfoot and a spacious room for the toes. Its narrow midfoot ensures stability of your foot’s position inside, which helps you move without slipping. The wide toe section allows you to align and move your toes freely, preventing numbness, especially when wearing the shoes for an extended period. Wide toe sections are also helpful when doing weight-bearing activities that require support from your feet.
Inov-8 F-Lite 235 is available for both men and women with different sets of colors. For the men’s variant, the color combinations come in Black/Gum, Red/Gum, Blue/Gum, Grey/Gum, Khaki/Gum, White/Gum, and Silver.
On the other hand, the women’s variants have Black/Gum, Pink/White, Purple/Black/Purple, White/Gum, Purple/Black color combinations.
The F-Lite 235 has a classic design with minimalist details on it. These details contribute to making it the best quality CrossFit shoes. Its removable sockliner was also upgraded to 6mm from the previous 3mm thickness, which provides even better underfoot cushioning and shock absorption.
All in all, Inov-8 made a shoe for lifting, running, and everything in between. It has a flat heel and strong arch support that stops the foot from going flat. There is enough cushioning too, so you can comfortably do sprints while staying flexible all over for your circuit training.
Pros
- Prevents slippage
- Prevents numbness
- Classic design
Cons
Best Value for Money (Men & Women)
For those of you a bit short on money (like me), these shoes might be the best value for you all while at a lower price. We’re looking at the Nano X from Reebok, an excellent yet affordable shoe for CrossFit beginners.
Reebok’s Nano X cross-training shoes serve as the best choice for beginners in CrossFit training. Despite being the most affordable, the materials used are still premium and durable.
With its woven textile Flexweave, Nano X provides a flexible stretch which is great for a sprint. It supports the balance of the foot that ensures comfort while running. As for the midsole, it’s lightweight and uses Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam which delivers excellent shock absorption while jumping and running. There are also three MetaSplit grooves on the outsole, meant to support splaying. The rubber outsoles also play a significant role in providing great traction.
The star feature of the Reebok Nano X, which has received tons of praise, is its durability and grip. With its tight grip on your foot, it can keep up with quick-paced movements, explosive jumps, and heavy lifts. However, the addition of layers for durability and security does make it less breathable, which is a downside.
It is an excellent shoe for the money. My only gripe with these is that the sole is a little rigid for circuits but that shouldn’t take away from what this shoe has to offer.
Pros
- Provides flexible stretch
- Supports the balance of the foot
- Lightweight midsole
Cons
- Less breathable
- Sole is a little rigid for circuits
Best for Lifting
We’ve all tried carrying 300 pounds of weight only to feel our feet sink into our shoes. Okay, maybe not all of us—I can’t carry 300 pounds. However, that doesn’t mean I didn’t think about your problem! How heavy weights affect shoes are generally the last things people consider, but not me! These shoes will keep you up and strong, so say goodbye to jelly soles.
This lightweight and breathable training shoe is the best option for doing weight lifting. Its flat, stable, and stiff sole, comes essential in lifting weights, giving you a confident and comfortable stance.
The soles are raised on the side and middle part of the midfoot, making stability easier to achieve in lifting weights. Its flat sole also takes part in maintaining the balance when doing a stance. Its outsoles are specially made of high carbon rubber for better traction and higher tensile strength. The sockliner is inserted in the midsole for shock absorption and for avoiding strains.
NOBULL training shoes are made of SuperFabric, which is totally abrasion-free. Under it is a mesh textile responsible for making the training shoes breathable even during long workouts. This combination is made durable enough to withstand rigid workouts.
All in all, it’s a great pair for both men and women—I can’t complain!
Pros
- Lightweight
- Improves stability
- Breathable
Cons
Best for Circuits
Circuit training has always been one of the heaviest workouts, similar to High-Intensity Interval Training. With a series of endurance and resistance exercises, maybe your shoes will be the first one to give up before you. But hold up, because Merrell’s Bare Access Flex 2 here is the game-changer.
Merrell Bare Access Flex 2 takes the spotlight on being the best training shoes for circuits. Its shock-absorbing cushioning foam provides comfort when doing rigid workouts. Its excellent arch support helps your foot stay comfortable while doing burpees, sprints, and jumping jacks as well.
M Select GRIP outsoles make it even more durable and grippy higher traction both on dry and wet surfaces. It also features Vibram soles which are water-resistant. These are the small lugs and holes which greatly help in maintaining balance.
Its midsole utilizes FLEXConnect Technology which provides comfortable and flexible cushioning. It has a double directional flex groove Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam that’s responsible for stability and agility. That being said, some testers have complained about the wide toe box having too much space for their toes.
In conclusion, Merrell Bare Access Flex 2 is a good choice if you are into doing circuits as your workout. The asymmetric toe box makes it really pleasant to wear. If you’re someone who does a lot of burpees, push-ups, and other vertical exercises, you’ve found your match.
Pros
- Shock-absorbing
- Excellent arch support
- Water-resistant
- Promotes stability and agility
Cons
- Wide toe box
Best for Sprints, Farmer’s Walks, Sled Work (Men)
98/100
Our Score
ALTRA AL0A4PE7 Solstice XT
ALTRA AL0A4PE7 Solstice XT
Why this product?
The lightweight training shoe with all-rubber outsole has superb traction, which makes it great for sprints.
98/100
Our Score
Muscle toning exercises that need support from the lower limbs require shoes with great traction and balanced footbed cushioning. For that, ALTRA AL0A4PE7 Solstice XT works best for men, while Ryka’s Graphite Training Shoes work best for women.
ALTRA’s AL0A4PE7 Solstice XT is a lightweight training shoe that’s designed for running, sledding, and brisk walking. Its all-rubber outsole has superb traction, which makes it great for sprints. The midsole is made up of high abrasion EVA, making it durable for long periods of high-intensity activities.
Solstice XT utilizes more cushioning than its previous models, which massively helps in shock absorption while walking, especially when doing farmer’s walk. The upper is made of engineered mesh that maintains the cool feeling while doing activities.
Solstice did a phenomenal job with the ALTRA, especially as a shoe for both running and powerlifting. If you’re the type to power lift as well, you might want to look at the reviews for the product. There are a lot of them, and most swear by the brand and shoe.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Helps in shock absorption
Cons
Best for Sprints, Farmer’s Walks, Sled Work (Women)
95/100
Our Score
Ryka Women’s Graphite
Ryka Women’s Graphite
Why this product?
Ryka Women’s Graphite has extra arches and heel supports to make sure your feet don’t strain.
95/100
Our Score
Ryka’s Graphite Training shoes exhibit stance support with its Anatomical Precise-Return insole. This helps maintain balance and a confident stance while doing walks and sleds.
It also has extra arches and heel supports to make sure your feet don’t strain. Lifting weights while walking is also made easy because of the Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) heel clip which enhances stability while walking.
With its printed engineered mesh upper and light molded midsole, these make the shoe extremely lightweight and breathable. Flex gear overlays are also added to provide more weight support.
All in all, these are some really nice shoes. Features of every detail such as mesh quality, overlay quality, footbed quality, etc. are on par with Inov-8. Definitely a good choice for walking and running exercises.
Pros
- Helps maintain balance
- Prevents strain
- Lightweight
- Breathable
Cons
Best for Concrete (Men)
97/100
Our Score
New Balance Minimus Prevail V1
New Balance Minimus Prevail V1
Why this product?
Minimus Prevail V1 has a rubber and Vibram sole that helps maintain balance on wet or dry concrete roads.
97/100
Our Score
Shoes differ in features that are appropriate for certain surfaces. Notably, New Balance Minimus Prevail V1 and Reebok Ros Workout Tr 2.0 fit the best for workouts and activities on concrete.
New Balance Minimus Prevail V1 has a rubber and Vibram sole that helps maintain balance on wet or dry concrete roads. Prevail V1 is a good running shoe as its Vibram outsoles provide a strong grip.
Its midsole features REVLite which is 30 percent more durable than the usual foams. It is lightweight but still maintains the comfort and stability of the foot on the cushion.
Its knitted upper also provides a breath of fresh air to reduce the stress and smells of your feet by keeping it cool when doing high-intensity workouts. It also utilizes TPU fibers that can resist abrasion, oil, and grease. TPU also makes the upper a little elastic which has a major role in running shoes to prevent creases.
The Minimus is definitely built for CrossFitting on concrete. You’ve got flexibility and a thick sole to make sure you can last years on abrasive surfaces.
Pros
- Provides strong grip
- Maintains the comfort and stability
- Reduces stress and smells of feet
Cons
Best for Concrete (Women)
97/100
Our Score
Reebok Ros Workout
Reebok Ros Workout
Why this product?
Reebok Ros Workout has a removable OrthoLite insole for optional cushion depending on the activity.
97/100
Our Score
Ros Workout utilizes all-rubber outsoles for more durable protection. It also features forefoot flex grooves for better flexibility and greater traction from both indoor and outdoor surfaces. This combination of rubber outsole and grooves is definitely helpful to keep you confident and in place when doing workouts on any surface. The RopePro midfoot teeth also add traction during rope climbing.
Its midsole was injection-molded to give it a better bounce than the usual compression-molded midsoles. With that said, its midsole has higher shock absorption and increased cushioning responsiveness than regular ones. Moreover, it also has a removable OrthoLite insole for optional cushion depending on the activity.
Many testers claim that Reebok Ros Workout Tr 2.0 is one of the best all-around CrossFit training shoes for different terrains. However, some also do say that it has a rather narrow fit. Whatever the case, New Balance’s Minimus Prevail V1 is one of the best choices for doing workouts on either dry or wet surfaces because of its strong traction. Its upper is highly breathable too, which you would want when the concrete gets hot on a sunny day.
Pros
- Provides flexibility
- High shock absorption
- Removable insole
Cons
- Narrow fit
Best Lightweight Shoes (Men)
97/100
Our Score
Adidas FitBoost Trainers Cross
Adidas FitBoost Trainers Cross
Why this product?
FitBoost Trainers Cross is claimed to have the most responsive cushioning feature among the Adidas CrossFit collection.
97/100
Our Score
Ergonomic studies show that every footwear weight reduction is equivalent to a five-fold weight reduction off your back and an equally less amount of energy consumption. Adidas Men’s FitBoost Trainers Cross and Reebok Women’s CrossFit Nano 6.0 CVRT Cross Trainer are lightweight shoes that are durable enough to protect you, but light enough to feel like they aren’t there.
Adidas Men’s FitBoost Trainers Cross is claimed to have the most responsive cushioning feature among the Adidas CrossFit collection which is very important when engaging in plyometric training, jumping, and landing. The TPU overlays that make up the mesh upper make the shoe breathable, while the forefoot overlays aid stability and reinforce support.
The soft cushioning provided by the midsole protects the foot from the impacts of high-intensity activities. The midsole also gives the shoe an extra shock-absorbing boost as the tiny TPU balls inside it squeeze under pressure and quickly return to their original form once pressure is released.
However, despite being suitable for a wide range of activities, FitBoost Trainers is not comfortable for either lifting weights or running more than two miles. With plyometric training’s gradual increase of intensity, FitBoost Trainers can only keep up until the average intensity.
Nevertheless, Adidas Men’s FitBoost Trainers Cross is a lightweight shoe you can use for high-intensity training if both comfort and fashion is important to you.
Pros
- Durable
- Breathable
- Supportive
- Soft cushioning
Cons
- Can only keep up until the average intensity
Best Lightweight Shoes (Women)
97/100
Our Score
Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 CVRT
Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 CVRT
Why this product?
This is a footwear with a cushioned and shock-absorbing midsole, and a rubber outer sole that makes them comfortable and breathable.
97/100
Our Score
Reebok Women’s CrossFit Nano 6.0 CVRT Cross Trainer is lightweight footwear for women that offers slightly similar features to the Adidas Men’s FitBoost Trainer Cross. They both have a cushioned and shock-absorbing midsole, and a rubber outer sole that makes them comfortable and breathable.
Although it is an older Nano model, it is lighter than the new ones and is suited for athletic women who are always on the move.
The Nano 6.0 CVRT also sports grooves that add flexibility to your foot. The low-cut design around the ankles is intended to aid and enhance mobility and agility without sacrificing stability. Equipped with the RopePro technology on the midfoot and a lug pattern on the outer sole, the traction of the shoe is reinforced. This is useful for rope climbing, box jump, and pivot.
It is unfortunate that some testers claim that running with the Nano 6.0 CVRT is not comfortable for over one to two miles. Nevertheless, it is well-suited footwear for CrossFit workout, cardio-burst, and high-intensity sessions for women.
Pros
- Comfortable
- Breathable
- Provides soft cushioning
Cons
- Not comfortable for over one to two miles
Best Minimalist Shoes (Men)
97/100
Our Score
Xero Shoes Speed Force
Xero Shoes Speed Force
Why this product?
Super lightweight, ultra-flexible, and slightly stretchy running shoe. The best minimalist shoes for CrossFit.
97/100
Our Score
Using minimalist shoes harnesses the foot’s innate ability to support the body which allows you to carry out various activities. Xero Speed Force for Men and Xero Prio for Women deliver you the best minimalist shoes for CrossFit.
The Xero Shoes Speed Force is a super lightweight, ultra-flexible, and slightly stretchy running shoe that is great for trail and road running, and workouts. It feels almost like a sock when worn, thanks to how breathable it is because of its mesh upper.
The great grip from the flexible 4.5mm rubber sole comes with the perk of having your foot low to the ground. This lets you feel the pavement and signals the brain about the body’s position and alignment more naturally.
The thin barefoot zero-drop design also means less cushioning. It lets you have a flexibility that fully allows the feet to bend, flex, and move freely. Its minimal tread also revamps the sole’s traction, making it easier to step foot on off-angle surfaces. A tester tried running on a side-leaning trail and the Speed Force satisfyingly prevented him from sliding down.
Lastly, the reinforced toe section enables the toes to spread and move more freely but not to the extent that it creates a loose feeling while running.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Ultra-flexible
- Slightly stretchy
- Prevents sliding down
Cons
Best Minimalist Shoes (Women)
97/100
Our Score
Xero Shoes Prio
Xero Shoes Prio
Why this product?
It is super flexible and comfortable—it even comes with a 5,000-mile warranty!
97/100
Our Score
Although appearing to be quite bulky, Xero Shoes Prio is a lightweight, zero-drop running shoe undeniably suitable for barefoot trail and road running with its ultra-thin barefoot design. It is super flexible and comfortable—it even comes with a 5,000-mile warranty!
The low-to-ground sole supports and improves balance, as well as agility. On the other hand, the non-elevated part of the sole aids proper posture. Prio also creates a barefoot feel that is like the Speed Force except that it could be modified by the removable 2mm insole for extra support and cushioning.
Though its features appear slightly similar to Xero Speed Force, Prio’s outsole is not as grippy on the trail as the former. Rest assured, the extra-wide toe box allows the entire foot to spread out, taking advantage of the anatomy of your feet.
All in all, both Xero Shoes Speed Force and Xero Shoes Prio are perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, lifting, and walking.
Pros
- Supports balance
- Lightweight
- Promotes agility
Cons
- The outsole has less grip
Best for Stability (Men)
97/100
Our Score
Mizuno TF-01
Mizuno TF-01
Why this product?
Mizuno TF-01 uses COB technology which is designed to give you more feel of the ground.
97/100
Our Score
Most cross-training exercises require a lot of balance to successfully accomplish your workout. Mizuno Men’s TF-01 and Ryka Women’s Influence cross-training shoes offer the perfect balance in features and stability.
Mizuno TF-01 uses COB technology which is designed to give you more feel of the ground. This, plus its sensor pod clusters and foot arch, improve your stance and balance as it increases your body’s awareness for orientation.
Moreover, the shoe’s rubber outsole directly linked to its EVA midsole enables your feet to feel more natural. Its external heel counter plays a vital role in providing excellent foothold and weight efficiency. The toe box crawls all the way up to the front, protecting your toes from any brash points of impact.
It’s also pretty grippy as well, the traction is due to the sharp outsole that’s designed to grip on any surface. Additionally, the woven mesh upper gives this shoe a soft and breathable feel, perfectly matching its lightweight design.
When you’re looking for a stable shoe, a pair that feels solid and cemented to the ground is your best bet. For men, Mizuno’s TF-01 is definitely a stable choice.
Pros
- Improves stance and balance
- Protects toes
- Soft and breathable
- Lightweight design
Cons
Best for Stability (Women)
97/100
Our Score
Ryka Influence
Ryka Influence
Why this product?
This shoe has a dual impact insole which reduces joint and muscle stress.
97/100
Our Score
This stylish and comfortable training shoe has a dual impact insole which reduces joint and muscle stress.
Its N-Gage midsole gives it maximum shock absorption on impact areas as well. Since its springy nature gives it an extra bounce, these shoes are comfortable to run on and even lift weights in.
Also, its midfoot is slightly raised to separate the heel from the forefoot, resulting in enhanced foot flexibility.
Ryka Influence is indeed a great pair of shoes for running and lifting with its shock-absorbing midsole and great arch support. On the other hand, Mizuno’s revolutionary COB technology makes it as great as Ryka in keeping yourself balanced.
Pros
- Reduces joint and muscle stress
- Enhances foot flexibility
- Shock-absorbing
Cons
Best Fingered (Men & Women)
Fingered shoes are slowly becoming mainstream and some of us couldn’t be any happier about it. These shoes take advantage of the anatomy of your foot the best. Vibram has made it easy for anyone to move freely and naturally with their Vibram Fivefingers.
Five-finger shoes are innovations of Vibram which aim to let our feet function in their bare form. It mainly wants to make the users more comfortable doing high-intensity activities.
Vibram KSO EVO is best for sprints, yoga, trekking, and doing water sports. With its XS Vibram Trek outsole rubber, a highly durable material used for trekking shoes, it makes for a good choice for long walks and sprints.
It utilizes a 2mm EVA foam underfoot cushion in a foot-shaped shoe form that’s meant to keep you comfortable and mobile.
Vibram doesn’t just think about style, but also about hygiene. Above the EVA foam cushion is a Drilex nylon cover. It has anti-microbial and anti-moisture capabilities which keep your feet cool and fresh even after a long day of working out under the sun. This way, both your feet and shoes will stay clean all day. However, nothing replaces a good wash!
Its main upper is made of durable polyester fabric with a lining of polyester mesh, which makes it soft and smooth. The gentle texture of the mesh lining and the secured grip from the upper contributes to the comfort of your feet. This way, the shoes can be worn without any socks.
This is a good choice of shoes when you want to do walks, sprints, and even treks. Gives walking a whole new meaning to “feeling the Earth”.
Pros
- Durable
- Comfortable
- Anti-microbial and anti-moisture capabilities
Cons
Best High-Tops/Mid-Tops (Men)
97/100
Our Score
SEVE High-Top
SEVE High-Top
Why this product?
With the high top tongue, your foot is prevented from slipping out when performing exercises wherein calves rise.
97/100
Our Score
High-top and mid-top shoes are suitable choices for those who engage in activities that are very much exposed to risks of ankle injuries. SEVE Men’s High Top and Otomix Women’s Stingray are both high-tops, best used for weightlifting and other hardcore gym training.
With a completely flat zero-drop rubber outsole, outstanding flexibility, lightweight design, and adequate ankle support, SEVE Men’s High Top was ultimately loved by sportsmen who work with heavy weights on a regular basis.
The very solid grip of the flat, rubber outsole onto the ground gives you a non-slip and stable stance when lifting, enabling you to exert your maximum power. It is also the 360-degree stitch from the upper to the outsoles that secures the non-slip feature of the high-top.
A 3mm elevation on the inside heel of the insole was enforced to make it easier to do squats. With the high top tongue, your foot is prevented from slipping out when performing exercises wherein calves rise.
Being a high-top, SEVE has removable velcro straps that bring an option for further ankle protection. Reviews not only profess their love for the intrinsic features of the shoe but also the sleek design that appeals to those who are quite fashion conscious.conc
Pros
- Outstanding flexibility
- Lightweight design
- Adequate ankle support
- Non-slip feature
Cons
Best High-Tops/Mid-Tops (Women)
97/100
Our Score
Otomix Stingray
Otomix Stingray
Why this product?
This is lightweight, yet very durable and flexible shoe. Its thin rubber sole provides exceptional gripping especially when lifting.
97/100
Our Score
The Otomix Women’s Stringray is lightweight, yet very durable and flexible. The high-top is made from leather and synthetic textiles that are also used for shoes in wrestling, MMA, martial arts, and bodybuilding.
Its thin rubber sole provides exceptional gripping especially when lifting—letting you stabilize your feet and body until you can proceed onto the next workout.
The laces that start on the higher part of the shoe allow for a tighter and more secure lacing job that further reinforces the ankle support provided by the high-top feature of the Stingray. Without heel elevation, it is harder to perform a full range of motion when doing squats.
Fortunately, the absence of heel elevation and cushioning makes the overall structure of the Stingray thin, which is ideal for lifting. This lessens the range of movement during heavy exercises and reduces the risk of injury.
Pros
- Provides exceptional gripping
- Provides ankle support
- Reduces the risk of injury
Cons
The Best Shoes for Crossfit - What to Look For
There are many things you need to keep in mind when planning to buy your first cross-training shoes. Listed below are the things I considered to make this guide. There’s a lot to go over here, but if you’re unsatisfied with the choices above, at least this buying guide will help you with your personal purchase.
A Thin, Flexible Sole
Comfort and balance are some of the factors you would want to consider in looking for your cross-training shoes. Doing squats, lifts, push presses, and sledding requires you to be as mobile as possible.
Choosing a pair of shoes with a thin and flexible sole gives you a more stable stance and balance. This also lets you move naturally as you can feel the ground just enough not to hurt your feet.
The right thickness of the sole depends on your activity, and the wrong thickness can cause you injury and discomfort.
A Uniform Sole
Different workout injuries are sometimes caused by using the wrong sole on your shoes.
Look for shoes with a uniform sole. It helps with your balance, mobility, and natural ability to absorb shock from jumping, circuits, and lifting weights.
Having relatively high heel-drop training shoes often leads to back pain, knee pain, and a flat heel.
Non-slip
Doing CrossFit workouts is normally high-intensive and it does get sweaty, so shoes with a strong grip are extremely important in this field. The last thing you want is your foot to feel loose in your own shoes.
A high-traction outsole has a significant role in keeping you from slipping on a sweaty floor too, especially during a heavy workout. Just keep in mind as to where you’ll be working out, as concrete, grass, or smooth cemented areas each require a different type of sole.
A Flexible, Breathable Upper
CrossFit training involves a lot of workouts that require multiple complex movements.
The comfort of the toes inside the shoes depends on the upper of the shoe. Shoes with a mesh upper is recommended because of its gentle and soft structure which allows the toes to move and stretch freely.
Enough toe box space should also be considered. A shoe that is too tight and restrains the movement of your toes greatly causes discomfort and stress to the feet.
Lastly, make it breathable because the last thing you want is your feet to ferment in your shoes.
Versatility
We can say that it is indeed a good CrossFit shoe if it is an all-around shoe, and not limited to certain use cases.
Working out can also be done outdoors, so your cross-training shoes should be able to withstand different exercise intensities on various terrains and surfaces.
The durability of the whole shoe itself must be guaranteed in order to have a great cross-training experience. It should also save your money from buying one after another.
Best Outdoor Shoe
An outdoor shoe is a combination of a running shoe, trekking shoe, and training shoe. Shoes with great traction work best as outdoor shoes.
These shoes must withstand different activities on different ground surfaces. Some of the important features you might want to look for in a good outdoor shoe are its lightweight, high traction, and strong grip.
It is expected to do different complex movements when doing activities outdoors because of the free space. And you wouldn’t want to do sprints while your foot slides and contours in different ways while you run.
Best Budget Shoe
There is always a special case for cross-training starters who are choosing the right shoes. Thankfully, some brands are affordable and perfect for beginners.
The first thing you must consider is the activities you are going to encounter in training. That way, you can sort out the characteristics you need to look for in your training shoes.
Reebok Nano X is here for starters who want a much cheaper shoe but still provide high-quality materials. Its grip won’t disappoint you as well as the flexible sole.
The comfort and stability are both A+ as well—definitely a great cross-training experience for first-timers.
Best for Lifting
High heels and flat strong outsoles are the most important features you should search for when looking for a lifting shoe. Flat outsoles are best for your balance and stability when you are lifting weights.
High heels, on the other hand, help you squat with ease. Sometimes, lifting shoes have a strap on them to keep your feet intact. But some brands make their shoes with a strong grip, so there’s no need to put a strap.
NOBULL training shoes are good lifting shoes for starters. Its 4mm heel drop makes it easier for you to squat while lifting those dumbbells with minimalist style.
Best for Circuits/Bodyweight Exercises
Circuit training is a series of endurance training, resistance training, and high-intensity aerobics.
These exercises target strength building and muscular endurance and definitely need support from your lower limbs. It is also important to consider the midsole or footbed cushion to make sure not to stress your feet when doing the whole training.
Merrell Bare Access Flex 2 offers good quality circuit training shoes. With their M Select GRIP outsoles, it is guaranteed that you have shoes with high traction even on wet or dry surfaces.
You wouldn’t have to worry about slipping while doing your burpees and squats. Its midsole also utilized FLEXConnect Technology which provides you a good footbed cushion that is highly shock-absorbent.
Best for Running/Jumping
High traction and great cushioning are the first things you need to consider in looking for running shoes.
Its outsoles must have a strong grip to avoid slipping and to have good experience from different terrains and surfaces. Not only that, but the durability and weight of the shoe must also be guaranteed.
It is important to run and jump without the hindrance of the shoe’s weight pulling you back on the ground.
Ryka Graphite Training shoes make the best example for good running shoes. Its lightweight and breathable characteristics make your feet move naturally and do exercises comfortably.
It also features a lightweight EVA midsole with great shock absorption to assist every bounce of your sprints and jumps.
Conclusion
Finding the best of something is always challenging. Here, we made it easier for you to find the best shoes for CrossFit by categorizing them according to their specialty. Information about each shoe was discussed in detail to help you identify the most appropriate shoes for your training.
Now, if you are looking for the finest cross-training shoes that can provide you the best training experience, you would want to consider buying Inov-8 F-Lite. This comes in variants for both men and women, so there’s one for the Mr. and the Mrs. perfectly designed and polished down to the details, it’s an ideal choice for your training.
If you want to check out these shoes, you can visit their websites and look for the pair that matches both your fitness style and taste.
