When you are doing CrossFit, it's not just about your form anymore. You may not even be getting enough agility training lately. Your success (or failure) is dependent on many things, and one of them is your type of shoes.
CrossFit shoes have features that can make a huge difference in your performance, injury risk, the weight and your overall feel for the workout.
They have to be lightweight and flexible enough to perform in different movements and styles, but strong enough to protect your feet from heavy weights.
To make your shopping easier, we selected the top 15 CrossFit shoes.
And we are sure it will help you choose the best one for your CrossFit needs.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Reebok Men's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker | Best Overall |  |
| ASICS Men's Conviction X Cross Trainer | Budget Pick |  |
| Vivobarefoot Men's Primus Lite Running Trainer Shoe | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Reebok Men's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker
Pros:
- Extremely light weight.
- Zero-drop platform.
- Large toe box.
- Fast drying.
- Super comfortable.
- Great design.
- Superior ankle support.
- Reinforced stitching.
Cons:
- Not good for squatting.
- Not for long-distance running.
The Reebok Nano 8.0 offers plenty of possibilities for CrossFitters. Weighing in at less than 9 ounces, it is almost half the weight of most of its competitors. Plus, it also has a unique design feature of a full-length lateral support which is a huge plus for ankle protection and stability.
This cross-trainer features a reinforced rubber sole that provides a sturdy kick platform and is ideal for use in many CrossFit activities. However, it is not the best shoe for long-distance running.
If you are thinking of running a lot with your cross trainers, then the Nano 8.0 is not the best option. It is very light and therefore lacks the stability and foot protection needed for good running shoes. Despite this, it is a very good shoe for lifting and CrossFit, as it is designed to accommodate the special movements and exercises performed in a CrossFit gym.
2. Vibram Men's V-Train Cross-Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Excellent grip on a variety of surfaces
- Great arch support for high impact & high intensity activities
- Relaxed fit; wide toe box
- Breathable and comfortable materials
- Unisex design; can be used for both men and women
Cons:
- Heel will take a little bit to break in; don’t expect them to be comfortable immediately
- Some users reported that the soles tended to wear out quickly
- Perfect hand-made fit for one foot or the other
- Evenly balanced
- Tear a rip into many surfaces, outperforms all expectations
The VIBRAM Men’s V-Train Cross-Trainer is a versatile piece of equipment that can be used in a variety of different situations. It is an excellent choice for athletes that are looking for a pair of shoes that will serve them well in a variety of different situations. The shoe can be worn in wet conditions as well as in dry conditions.
3. NOBULL Men's Training Shoes and Styles
Pros:
- Zero-drop shoes
- Lightweight and flexible foam outsole
- Minimalist design
- Good for everyday wear
- Slip-on entry for fast access
- Excellent customer service and quality of build.
This minimalist shoe was designed for the everyday man who wants to step up their training game. The NOBULL trainer is a popular choice for CrossFit athletes worldwide, boasting over 40,000 likes on their Facebook page.
If you are looking for a high quality shoe that performs well in CrossFit, then the NOBULL trainer may be for you.
It’s a zero-drop shoe, which means these shoes have an edge over competitors by establishing a closer connection to the ground for dexterity and injury prevention, especially lower back injuries.
4. Reebok Women's CROSSFIT Grace Tr Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Great for crossfit workouts and running alike.
- Comfort.
- Breathable mesh upper provides a cool feel.
Cons:
- Narrow.
- Insole not removable.
- Lacking stability.
Black/Carbon (Dark Grey/Carbon) 7.5
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This shoe is by far our favorite for everyday use, which includes running cross-training and general fitness workouts. The Reebok CrossFit Grace Tr is a well-cushioned crossfit shoe with a breathable mesh upper and an inner cage that secures your foot for intense workouts. The Sole has a lugged pattern for solid traction.
5. Vivobarefoot Men's Primus Lite Running Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Minimalist design and fantastic ground feel.
- Very breathable.
- Perfect for squats and weightlifting.
- Very popular among CrossFitters.
- Slip-on design for convenience.
- Multiple color choices available, including a variety of lo-top and high-top styles.
Cons:
- Clearly not suitable for serious trail running, but they work well on road running.
Sport-specific shoes are not a way for manufacturers to get you to spend more money. If you are participating in intense training – specifically, CrossFit – then you need footwear that is designed to perform at its best. The best sport-specific shoes are suited to a wide variety of sports, and are engineered to be worn for many hours at a time.
These Vivobarefoot running shoes (or trainers) are absolutely perfect for the punishing nature of CrossFit.
Where many shoes often do not last for very long, these Vivobarefoots are designed to be comfortable, durable and provide a great fit, all at the same time. Anyone who takes their CrossFit training seriously should seriously consider investing in a pair of these shoes.
6. ASICS Men's Conviction X Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Comfortable high-arched design for those with flat feet.
- Soft upper material for a wrapped-around feel.
- Sturdy toe box design. Resists wear from rope climbs.
- Flexible outsole is perfect for lifting, rope climbs and sprints.
- Lightweight design for easy movement.
- fairly reasonable heel to toe drop for a powerlifting shoe,
- everything is high quality construction, from the stitching to the laces.
- Brown / beige color combination looks great.
Cons:
- I would have preferred a wider toe box. My toes felt a bit cramped.
- Toe box is pretty stiff. It is not very flexible. You will have difficulty doing toe touch with these shoes. Overall width is perfect , but the front part near the toes feels like the shoes are smaller than the marked size.
Our second spot is for another high quality shoe, the New Balance MX623. In fact they run about equal to the Adidas shoes.
This other option provides the comfort of a sock like fit with a minimalist shoe design. It’s super lightweight and super flexible. So your feet will have space to move and you will enjoy the sudden boost in performance as you bound across the gym.
7. New Balance Men's Mx20v6 Minimus Cross Trainer
Pros:
- They are very breathable
- They are in the middle of stability and flexibility
- Superior support for the ankles, knees and hips.
- The Vibram Megagrip outsole provides the ultimate grip.
- They are ideal for those who spend most of the day on their feet.
- Come in wide sizes.
Cons:
- Not meant for people who do serious CrossFit.
- This cross-trainer is made for CrossFitters, marathon runners and athletes who need to be on their feet for long periods of time.
They are meant to be used in place of going to the gym. The help when you want to get in your cardio and run.
8. Nike Mens Metcon 2 Cross Training Shoes
Pros:
- Unique supportive upper
- Breathable construction
- Suitable for wide feet
- ULTRAPROOF technology
- Non-slippery (grippy) full length rubber outsole
- Durable
Cons:
- Lighter weight (split toe version is lighter)
- Not very flexible
- A little stiff out of the box
This is one of my most favorite shoes from the Nike Metcon series. The Metcon 2s are so well designed, with enough cushioning and support to take you from the gym to the trail and back again. They fit so well and are so comfortable, you may just wear them everywhere.
The supportive upper is lightweight and breathable and comes with a mesh tongue and inner bootie to keep your feet dry. A rubber toe guard and heel have an interesting design that wraps around your foot to give you a more secure feel. The inner strap on the heel is laddered and has hidden grommets to give you a secure fit.
They have a decent amount of cushioning and arch support, but the Metcon 2s have a very stable feel when running and jumping. They are so light and springy that you may be tempted to squeeze in a few steps of cardio between sets. They are a bit wide in the toe box, but can be a good choice for those with a wide foot.
9. Reebok Men's Crossfit Speed Tr 2.0 Cross-Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Socks are comfortable and offer good support.
- Lightweight
- Nice colors
Cons:
- Usually get holes in the fabric within a couple months.
- Sizing is not accurate
These are the best cross fit shoes for running and for CrossFit workouts. They are colorful, lightweight, and provide good support. Plus, the material is both breathable and durable so it should last you for quite a while.
While intended as a running shoe, they’re of course great for CrossFit too. The mesh design and padded ankle area make them really comfortable. You can use them for running, for CrossFit, for yoga, and much more.
They’re easy to clean and can be washed quickly as needed. They include a compression sock that protects your feet from rubbing and blistering.
10. ASICS Men's Gel-Quantum 180 TR Cross-Trainer Shoe
Pros:
- Very comfy and breathable
- High-quality build and design
- Very good value for your money
- Plenty of support
- Lightweight
- Solid outsole
- Realistic looking shoe
Cons:
- Runs a bit small side
- Some complaints about quality control
The ASICS Men’s Gel-Quantum 180 TR Cross-Trainer Shoes are ideal for any type of functional training or CrossFit workout routine. These shoes are made up of a mesh material which means they’re well ventilated and breathable.
The shoes have enough cushioning around the inside to absorb impact and give the wearer added comfort and support.
The outsole is made up of rubber and it provides enough traction to securely grip the floor.
11. Inov8 Men's F-Lite 235 V2 Cross-Trainer Shoes & Workout Visor Bundle
Pros:
- Excellent motion control
- Lightweight design
- Great traction on multiple surfaces
- Supportive upper
- Comfortable and well-made
The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 Cross Trainer Shoes: were made for CrossFit workouts and high-intensity running. It has a nice mix of support and road feel with well-cushioned midsole.
During my controlled testing, I found they provided excellent stability and support when playing baseball. The F-Lite 235 V2 shoes were supportive and comfortable when I wore them with my Catchers gear and catchers helmet.
As an everyday trainer, I like the Inov-8 235 V2 shoes for running and walking outdoors. The F-Lite shoes support your feet in a natural position with each step. The minimal design sports the F-Lite Foot-strike Platform and midsole technology that helps with total foot support.
12. Reebok Women's CROSSFIT Nano 6.0 Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Very supportive
- Ideal for high impact activities
- Excellent shock absorption
- Durable synthetic upper
- Reinforced toe guard
Reebok Crossfit Nano trainer is an excellent option for warm weather workouts because it has a breathable mesh upper and a semi tall design. They have a padded tongue that's very comfortable. Static the upper mesh is very breathable.
The outsole of the Reebok Nano trainer is excellent for high impact workouts. It absorbs a lot of impact with its special design and delivers a lot of shock absorption with its molded midsole. The outsole of the CrossFit Nano trainer has a herringbone tread pattern that works very well for cross training or running, and its design also adds to the stability.
The Nano 6’s upper is made from synthetic and has an anatomical mesh construction that makes it very comfortable. The synthetic upper is very durable and it also looks very good.
13. Ryka Women's Influence Cross Training Shoe
Pros:
- Comfortable
- Fashionable
- Durable
- Affordable
- Stylish
- Provides great support to the foot and ankles
These are great for CrossFit or any other high-impact workout. The Ryka Influence is a well made and foot-friendly fitness shoe. It has a lightweight construction, providing great cushioning and shock absorption.
The Ryka Influence is breathable, supporting a mid-foot strike pattern. It’s also exceptionally comfortable, so you can work out for longer… it is a great option for crossfit!
This CrossFit shoe also offers great arch support and a padded collar. It’s also a great option for women who want a good-looking tennis shoe style with some added support.
14. Altra Hiit XT Men's Cross-Training Shoe
Pros:
- Zero Drop, minimalist design
- Breathable mesh
- Minimal cushioning
- Good price
Cons:
- Not as durable as most other CrossFit shoes
- Could be more durable for the price
The Altra Hiit XT is a supportive CrossFit shoe that offers an unusual minimalist design that is super light and breathable. It features a low profile, comfortable feel and flexible soles, so you can jump, skip, and run normally in them. This minimizes the risk of injury and allows you to work on muscular endurance rather than bulk.
It includes no heel cushion, so it is tougher on your Achilles Tendon, but that's what makes it so lightweight and comfy. The zero drop design allows for a more natural stride and it is really affordable.
15. Nike Men's Free X Metcon Training Shoes
Pros:
- Soft heel and thick heel cups
- Very breathable
- Laces are very sturdy
- Large tongue that won’t flap around
- The inside of the shoe has a great feel
- Deep waffle tread is great for running.
- Shoes are light and flexible
All in all, these are the best crossfit shoes for running and I would highly recommend them to anyone. They are a cross-trainer, not zero drop shoes, but the price is right. If you’re just starting out in running or need a good, inexpensive running shoe, these are the ones you want. They’re like a good pair of running shoes you’d get at the sporting goods store, but they’re not quite as expensive.
Now you know how to start your own home gym. In order to boost your progress, get yourself a personal trainer. A trainer will help you figure out if there’s anything you’re not doing properly and make suggestions on how to change up your workouts to get the most out of them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it bad to run in CrossFit shoes?
No, it's not bad. If you have never been on solid ground with long distances in shoes, this will be a bad experience. If you are going from a lighter shoe to a CrossFit shoe then the transition will be easier.
But, in most cases, it's not recommended but you can try it. Lean forward more than you normally do and take shorter steps. For example 6 long-strides instead of two for forward. If you don't like it then you need to remove the CrossFit shoe for running and find something a bit lighter.
Or you can go for treadmill GRUNTING effort running. Better stay off the roads for a while, especially on long distances.
What are the best Nike CrossFit shoes?
What are the best Reebok CrossFit shoes?
What are the best Inov-8 CrossFit shoes?
What are the best Adidas CrossFit shoes?
What are the best New Balance CrossFit shoes?
What are the best Mizuno CrossFit shoes?
What are the best RockTape CrossFit shoes?
What are the best Merrell CrossFit shoes?
What are the best Ecco CrossFit Shoes?
What are the best Asics CrossFit Shoes?
What are the best shoes for gym workouts?
Many of the best shoes for gym workouts are cross trainers. You can use them for a wide range of exercises and they are better suited for moving around and getting off your feet quickly than most of the other available options. If you’re going to be running some, you will want a shoe that offers you stability and good grip.
You may also want a shoe with a bit of arch support for your workouts. For the actual workout, you want a shoe that will give you great traction and fit your feet well. When you don’t need them for the gym, you can slip on a pair of sneakers to run errands, go visit friends or take a long walk on a beautiful day. Stylish looks are also a consideration.
What are the best shoes for plyometrics?
CrossFit shoes are designed to be lightweight, rugged and packed with features. Shoes that are designed for CrossFit tend to come with a good amount of cushioning and will also have a thick stick rubber sole to help you grip the floor during exercise. It is important that when you are using CrossFit shoes you feel comfortable with the amount of cushion they provide as the thicker the cushion the harder it will be to get a firm grip on the ground when you are lifting.
Conclusion
CrossFit is a great way to get in shape, tone your body and increase your strength and endurance. And you can only achieve all this if you get the right pair of shoes for CrossFit. But there are a lot of CrossFit shoes on the market that you can choose from. So how do you know which options are best for you? We have tested almost all of them to provide you with an accurate list of the best shoes for CrossFit in 2022.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Reebok Men's Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker | Best Overall | |
| ASICS Men's Conviction X Cross Trainer | Budget Pick | |
| Vivobarefoot Men's Primus Lite Running Trainer Shoe | Upgrade Pick | |