Whether you’re a competitive CrossFitter or you just include box-style drills in your training, you need versatile kicks that can handle a range of disciplines. Deadlifts and explosive box jumps one minute, clambering up ropes and 400m dashes the next.
The right footwear can also help you prevent injury – and your regular go-to workout trainers probably won’t cut it. Comfy as they might be for cardio, squishy-sole running shoes don’t provide a stable base for those ass-to-grass squats and heavy cleans. Unresponsive lifting shoes, meanwhile, lack the propulsion and power needed for more dynamic drills.
It’s a lot to ask for. So, before you throw down your hard-earned pounds on a pair of do-it-all daps, the MH experts worked out in some of the latest shoes to find you the best options for crushing your next WOD.
The best CrossFit shoes at a glance
What Shoes Should I Wear for CrossFit?
What makes a good all-round training shoe? In a word: balance. A killer cross trainer needs to be comfortable, agile and supportive, flexible but firm, light but durable. You want rock-solid stability for lifts, responsiveness for explosive push-offs and reliable grip for landings and hitting the breaks. Like any CrossFit athlete, they also need to be robust enough to withstand serious wear and tear. This year’s NOBULL CrossFit Games winner Jeffrey Adler opts for the TYR CXT-1 training shoe.
What to Look for When Buying a CrossFit Shoe
So what features should you be looking for when shopping for a CrossFit shoe?
• Rigid Sole: Look for a solid and firm base that will allow for stability and anchoring during lifts, but also something that is responsive and propulsive for when you’re performing more dynamic exercises.
• Heel Drop: With training shoes, the size of the heel drop will differ from shoe to shoe. A high heel drop (like you’d find in a running shoe) is great for dashes, but for lifting, you’re going to need something smaller for greater stability. Balance is key.
• Toe Box: A wide toe box is also desirable when it comes to lifting as it gives your toes room to spread when performing lifts and enables a greater distribution of weight.
• Durability: Due to the variety of strength and mobility exercises in a CrossFit workout, it’s important to choose a shoe that, while ticking all the above boxes, is designed to withstand the demands of both. Look out for reinforced mesh uppers, rope guards, thick heels and toe caps, to name a few.
The Best Shoes for CrossFit Training
Built for nailing demanding drills and outdoor sessions, the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure comes with a tougher woven upper than the previous version, as well as deeper lugs to boost traction. It has the highest drop on test and a sizeable wedge of springy Floatride Energy EVA midsole foam underfoot. A TPU frame wraps the heel for security.
VERDICT: The X3 is as tough as it sounds, but it was the 7mm drop and stack of punchy foam that stood out. The elevated heel makes it feel more like a traditional lifting shoe, while the raised stack takes strain off your heels and calves when jumping or running.
The standout attribute of the Nike Metcon 9 is the wide, flat heel with an inner plate that creates stability for big lifts. When it comes to HIIT drills, a springy, dual-density midsole foam levels up the cushion and response. A handstand heel clip cuts drag during wall drills, while arch wraps provide traction.
VERDICT: The Metcon 9 strikes a great balance, transitioning seamlessly from running to lifting. They’re nimble thanks to the foam midsole and a flexy groove-cut sole. Under the barbell, that base guarantees solid ground contact. And we were fans of the toe box reinforcements when plank time came.
Though a great all-rounder, the Reign 5 excels with big lifts, thanks to a triangular midsole unit for stability. Rubber forefoot outsole grooves add useful grip, while subtle micro-studded overlays offer durability without adding weight.
VERDICT: It feels the most minimal of our tested trainers but we loved the hugging comfort of the mesh upper and the control from the 2mm drop. The heel clip is a nice touch for handstand push-ups.
Inov-8’s tough 300g trainers can handle a beating. The graphene-enhanced outsole delivers grip, overlays prevent friction and a lifting stabiliser – and 6mm drop – supports work under the bar, while the cushioned midsole protects during cardio.
VERDICT: The G in the name stands for graphene but it should stand for G-reat. The larger drop is great for squats and they’re nimble on the move. We also loved the oversized tongue loops for yanking them on.
Clean and minimalist, this from NOBULL is a versatile dynamo of a shoe. The unique look comes from a one-piece, abrasion-resistant upper that protects like a butcher’s metal gloves. Light and fast on the move, they are also designed for indoor and outdoor use thanks to a outsole lug pattern.
VERDICT: The best looker, with substance behind that style. The flat, stiff base is great for big lifts. The moulded sock-liner wraps the foot for comfort, though on hotter workouts the breathability wasn’t the best.
