In recent years, Crossfit has taken center-stage as one of the hippest, coolest ways to get in shape. The revolutionary training program combines a number of different sports and fitness activities to give participants an intense full-body workout. But because Crossfit can be extensively varied, it’s hard to figure out what type of shoes to use for the routine. Running shoes? Lifting shoes? Basic athletic shoes?
These days, different brands have come out with a variety of footwear designs specifically made for Crossfit. These shoes take the most important features of specialized shoes from other disciplines to come up with the ultimate training shoe that works well for any activity that Crossfit might toss at you.
Eager to find out which shoe designs take the cake as the best training shoes for Crossfit? Check out my top 8 picks.
8 of the Best Shoes for Crossfit
| Picture | Item | Rating | Price |
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Reebok Crossfit Lifter 2.0 Training Shoe | 4.5 | $$$$ |
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Reebok Crossfit Lite LO TR Training Shoe | 4.4 | $$ |
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Adidas Originals ZG Bounce Cross-Trainer Shoe | 4.4 | $ |
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New Balance MX20BS4 Cross Minimus Training Shoe | 4.3 | $$$$ |
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Adidas Originals Athletics 24/7 Cross Trainer | 4.3 | $$$ |
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Reebok Crossfit Sprint TR Training Shoe | 4.2 | $$$ |
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Asics Met-Conviction Cross-Trainer Shoe | 4.2 | $$ |
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Reebok Crossfit Nano 7.0 Cross-Trainer Shoe | 3.8 | $$$$$ |
Reebok Crossfit Lifter 2.0 Training Shoe
After extensive research, I’ve come to find that the Reebok Crossfit Lifter 2.0 Training shoe is among the top performers in the market. This shoe was designed specifically for Crossfit, boasting flexible construction and impressive stability that make them ideal for users who are more advanced lifters.
The sturdy outsoles provide a solid base of support that makes it easier to establish firm footing for lifting weights. A single strap secures the midfoot region of the shoe, further improving lockdown to keep your feet in place and safe from injury all throughout your workout.
These features come together with flexible uppers that allow superb breathability and flexion. So despite the somewhat resistive sole construction, the shoes still provide you the capacity to run and move with minimal restriction.
Pros
- Flexible uppers are comfortable and breathable, minimizing restraint on minute movements of the feet.
- Solid sole construction offers unbeatable stability for firm footing during weightlifting.
- Secure strap keeps the foot in place for reliable lockdown.
- Durable construction prolongs the life of the shoes even with daily wear.
- Comfortable footbed provides ample support and rebound for high intensity exercises.
Cons
- As the second most expensive shoe on the list, it might not be practical for some buyers.
- Not exactly a handsome shoe.
Reebok Crossfit Lite LO TR Training Shoe
The Reebok Crossfit Lite LO TR Training Shoe doesn’t look like your typical Crossfit shoe, and actually takes on a lifestyle sneaker silhouette. But don’t let its laid-back aesthetic fool you – this design packs a mean punch when it comes to performance.
A Duragrip Toe Cap protects the shoe from damage during high intensity sports and exercises. Fitted with a high-abrasion rubber outsole, the shoes are particularly reliable on a variety of surfaces, giving you solid footing to help improve your performance especially when it comes to heavy weights. Inside the shoe, a padded foam sock liner maximizes comfort to reduce fatigue.
Finally, the shoe boasts impressive construction. High wear areas are impeccably reinforced with leather, and robust stitching keeps all the different parts of the shoe securely in place even after months of use.
Pros
- Duragrip Toe Cap protects against damage and prevents injury caused by falling weights or gym equipment.
- High-abrasion outsoles are well-equipped to resist wear and tear.
- Impressive traction keeps your feet firmly planted especially during heavy weight lifting.
- Mesh tongue maintains breathability despite thick upper construction.
- Durable build gives the design an impressive lifespan so you won’t have to buy a new pair too soon.
- Ample support and lockdown maintain the feet in proper alignment all throughout your workout.
Cons
- Runs a half size large.
- Not a lot of bounce or flexibility for running.
Adidas Originals ZG Bounce Cross-Trainer Shoe
In search of a high-quality pair of Crossfit shoes that won’t put too much of a dent on your wallet? Look no further. The Adidas Originals ZG Bounce Cross-Trainer Shoe comes at less than half the price of my first pick, but offers some pretty solid performance on the overall.
The ultra-flexible shoes are comfortable, responsive and breathable. The lightweight construction makes them very easy on the feet, reducing discomfort and fatigue for those long days in the gym. The shoes also boast a pliable rubber outsole that features unique tread patterns that provide superb grip on indoor surfaces.
All in all, the ZG Bounce Cross-Trainer just hits all the right notes if you want that extra energy to get you through a tough Crossfit workout, especially if you’re more focused on high-intensity, movement-centric exercises.
Pros
- Flexible uppers allow a wide range of motion with minimal restriction.
- Sticky rubber outsoles feature a unique tread pattern that grips tight against indoor surfaces.
- Naturally cradled silhouette gives superb bounce on heel strike.
- Breathable material reduces sweat production and maintains a cool interior climate.
- Reinforced side panels keep your feet locked down and safe from inversion or eversion injuries.
- Incredibly affordable coming in at less than half the price of my top pick.
Cons
- Narrow fit might feel too tight for some users.
- Lacks the burliness for heavy weight lifting.
New Balance MX20BS4 Cross Minimus Training Shoe
Coming in at the fourth place on our list is the New Balance MX20BS4 Cross Minimus Training Shoe. This shoe boasts a no-sew mesh upper that incorporates stabilizing overlays to maximize your movement and freedom. The unique upper construction also makes the shoe incredibly lightweight, perfect for people who want to stay quick on their feet for high intensity training.
The Vibram outsoles on the MX20BS4 features repeating geometric shapes that bend and flex with the user’s movements. These treads provide substantial grip, allowing fast and fancy footwork without the need to worry about injury. Combine this with the Cross Minimus’ sleek and seamless construction, and you’ve got yourself a shoe that maximizes your freedom to move.
Pros
- No-sew uppers push the limits of flexibility, letting you move freely with excellent breathability and pliability.
- Support overlays keep feet locked in and well-supported despite the shoes’ pliable design.
- Sleek construction fits the feet like a glove, allowing you to navigate a space without fear of slipping or losing your footing.
- Design built for speed, perfect for high intensity exercises and sports.
- Geometric pattern tread outsoles give reliable grip on indoor surfaces.
Cons
- The price on these shoes might not be practical for most buyers.
- Treads don’t perform well on outdoor terrain.
- Runs a size large.
Adidas Originals Athletics 24/7 Cross Trainer
If you struggle to regain comfort and climate after a workout, then the Adidas Originals Athletics 24/7 Cross Trainer are the ideal shoes for you. This particular design was developed with the thought of recovery in mind, allowing you to give your 100% in the gym without having to worry about the pain or discomfort it might cause once you cool down.
The Athletics 24/7 Cross Trainers are lightweight and breathable, and are known for their impressive capacity to cool down your feet and provide the comfort you need to alleviate pain and fatigue after your session. On top of this, the shoes offer pretty solid support, traction, and flexibility, letting you step up your performance without worrying about post-workout pains.
Pros
- Intuitive design optimizes comfort and cooling to help you recover sooner after your workout.
- Pliable uppers are soft and flexible, letting you move freely throughout your range of motion.
- Small nibs of various sizes cover the entire surface of the outsoles, providing ample traction on indoor surfaces.
- Lacing system allows a wide range of adjustment, and helps lock down the feet to prevent injury.
- Splint tongue design makes the shoes incredibly easy to on and off.
Cons
- Lacks the structure to sustain long term use without damage from wear and tear.
- Lateral support could be subpar, especially if you intend to lift with these shoes.
- Tread patterns can wear out after a short while.
Reebok Crossfit Sprint TR Training Shoe
Tired of having your shoes give up on you just a few months after buying them? The Reebok Crossfit Sprint TR Training Shoe promises to stick around a little longer than most other designs you might find. It does this by using a breathable mesh upper material that’s supported by highly durable synthetic overlays that prevent the mesh from warping, stretching, and losing its integrity even with heavy, everyday use.
The shoe also features a multi-directional sole tread pattern that locks the foot in place as soon as the heel strikes the ground. This, in combination with the durable upper construction, makes it a shoe that you can rely on through some of the most extreme Crossfit routines.
Pros
- Mesh upper material maintains breathability and comfort.
- Anti-friction lining inside the shoes reduce moisture and heat build-up.
- U-Form wrap built into the shoe hugs the feet closely for a custom fit straight from the box.
- Synthetic soles feature aggressive sole tread patterns that plant the feet firmly in place with each step.
- Lightweight design reduces fatigue and discomfort over long workout periods.
Cons
- Flexibility takes a bullet with the synthetic upper support overlays.
- Runs narrow around the toe box area.
- Lack of pliability makes them difficult to move in during high intensity cardio.
Asics Met-Conviction Cross-Trainer Shoe
Of course, Asics isn’t one to be outdone by competition. The brand has their own extensive line-up of Crossfit shoes, and their best one to date is the Asics Met-Conviction Cross-Trainer Shoe.
The shoe is lightweight and sleek compared to traditional Asics designs. Using mesh that’s reinforced with synthetic around high-wear areas, the Met-Conviction may serve you well for a long time if you treat them right. Fit and support are a dream, and the shoes are exceptionally comfortable thanks to the Comfordry sock liner that works just as the company intended.
My only issue with the Met-Conviction Cross-Trainer from Asics is that it doesn’t have quite as rugged an outsole as I would have preferred. This makes it slightly less impressive when it comes to weight lifting use.
Pros
- Sleek and streamlined design is both functional and stylish.
- Great lockdown with a wide spanning lacing system.
- Comfortable foot bed cushions the feet with just the right balance between density and pliability.
- Comfordry linings prevent overproduction of sweat.
- 3mm toe drop feels just right to get you to explosive speed in little time.
Cons
- Treads lack the bite to give you the confidence for heavy weight lifting.
- Breathability isn’t the best.
- Low cut collar can dig into the ankle and cause friction.
Reebok Crossfit Nano 7.0 Cross-Trainer Shoe
My last choice for the top 8 best training shoes for Crossfit is the Reebok Crossfit Nano 7.0 Cross-Trainer Shoe. This is by far the most expensive shoe on the list, costing up to double the price of my first choice.
The high end shoe boasts Nano Weave technology which is Reebok’s latest upper material, promising the best breathability around. A thick heel counter outside of the uppers provides sturdy lockdown and keeps the foot in place impressively throughout even the most demanding work out routines. Traction wise, they provide just enough bite and work well as weight lifting shoes because of their rubber outsole design.
I do want to mention though that Reebok seems to have missed the target with their Nano Weave tech on this particular design. The 7.0 Cross-Trainers can be significantly stiff for some users, and might not break-in very well even after months of use.
Pros
- Nano Weave makes the shoes exceptionally breathable.
- Thick heel counter on the exterior of the shoe keeps the foot locked in place effectively.
- Traction is impressive, providing a satisfyingly sticky feel on indoor surfaces.
- Collar height provides sufficient support for ankles, minimizing the risk of a variety of injuries.
Cons
- Stiff feel doesn’t seem to break-in even with daily use.
- Runs too narrow even if you step up several sizes.
- Expensive!
Best Crossfit Shoes 2019: General Info & FAQs
Benefits of Crossfit Shoes
While your regular running shoes will suit you well when hitting the treadmill or walking the track, they don’t quite hold up to the rigors of an intense CrossFit workout.
They’re easy to overlook, but the benefits of good CrossFit shoes become much more obvious once you’re aware of how your shoes can be a limiting factor in your workouts. Some benefits of quality CrossFit shoes include:
Solid Platform
While running shoes typically have a raised heel and some bounce to them, a solid pair of CrossFit shoes will be flat, with a dense midsole that’ll keep you grounded while moving heavy weight.
Exceptionally Durable
While running shoes are typically well made, they usually focus on the treat and out-soles. A good quality pair of CrossFit trainers will have added protection on the upper as well, so that heavy weights, ropes, and flexion do not prematurely damage your shoes.
Multi-Functioning
Running, weightlifting or deadlifting shoes are all great for their intended purpose and not much else. CrossFit trainers try to incorporate the best of all of these into a shoe that’ll keep you performing at your best.
Things To Look For In The Best Crossfit Shoes In 2022
Comfort
As with any shoe or trainer, you want it to be comfortable. When it comes to working out and athletic performance, you don’t want your CrossFit shoes to become a hindrance.
When trying on CrossFit shoes, bare in mind that they should be light, and the upper should fit snug but move with your foot. Look for a shoe with a wide enough toe box to accommodate your toe spread.
People talk about the need for shoes to be broken in before truly being comfortable, but when it comes to CrossFit shoes, this isn’t necessarily the case. If the shoe fits you, it should feel comfortable right out of the box!
Durability
When you’re paying good money for your new CrossFit trainers, you want to be sure they’re going to last. Many of the best CrossFit shoes have added structural supports and reinforcements to keep them together even after countless tough workouts.
Solid Platform
Quality CrossFit shoes feature a solid base from which you can lift off of. They should not feel bouncy at all, like a running shoe. A bouncy shoe limits your lifting ability, as some of the force you put down ends up being absorbed by your shoe!