Best Shoes for Crossfit Training for Men and Women

Crossfit refers to a type of training that combines strength and conditioning with cardio workouts that are consistent with high-interval training.

Choosing the right footwear for CrossFit is crucial to prevent common injuries and optimize performance. The right shoes can make a significant difference in your training experience.

The best shoes for CrossFit training for men and women are durable, comfortable, and protect your feet as needed.

Shoe manufacturers noticed the difference in cross-training adoption. They released new shoes in the past few years, particularly for cross-training—this article covers some of the best CrossFit shoes.


The Benefits of Cross Fit Training

  • Weight Loss – Crossfit training burns very high calories quickly, and you will still be burning calories even afterward when resting.
  • VO2 Max – With Crossfit training, your heart rate remains elevated throughout the entire workout, increasing your endurance and improving your cardio fitness and body composition.
  • Mobility – Due to all the varied movements involved in a CrossFit workout, you increase joint mobility and reduce your risk of injuries.
  • Social Life – Crossfit workouts are fun and not boring; you also have a chance to make friends with others who participate in Crossfit training.

Common Crossfit Training Foot Injuries

Here are a few of the most common Crossfit injuries;

  • Achilles Tendonitis – When the Achilles tendon becomes overused, causing pain in the lower leg and heel area.
  • Peroneal Tendonitis – Is inflammation of the Peroneal Tendons outside your ankle, resulting in swelling and pain.
  • Metatarsal Stress Fractures – These are hairline breaks in the bone caused by repetitive stress.
  • Acute Fractures – This is a break in the bone that occurs quickly, whereas a non-acute fracture occurs over time.
  • Plantar Fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia or the ligament connecting your heel bone to your toes becomes weak, inflamed, and swollen. This, in turn, weakens the arch of your foot, which it supports.

Features of a Good Shoe for Crossfit Training

  • Heel-to-Toe Drop – A good Crossfit shoe should have a much lower heel-to-toe drop, particularly for heavy weight lifting.
  • If you are not going to do any heavy lifting, you could choose a shoe with a heel-to-toe drop close to zero.
  • Support Type – For a more stable foot, you will need a flexible shoe, but if you have a short Achilles tendon, you will need a stiff and stable shoe. You will need extra arch support and cushioning in a shoe that will limit excessive pronation.
  • Toe Protection – A reinforced toe wrap for forefoot protection.
  • Cushioning – You will need light cushioning for shock absorbency.

Reviews: The Best Crossfit Training Shoes

Here are a few of the top choices of training shoes for all-around Crossfit training;


1

All In One Top Crossfit Shoe

The Reebok Crossfit Nano, an All-in-One Crossfit Training Shoe, is a perfect choice for cardio and weightlifting workouts. It features a textile lining for breathability, a RopePro protection wrap for durability, and a lace-up design for a snug fit.
  • A textile lining for breathability and RopePro protection wrap for durability and protection.
  • The lace-up design provides a snug fit.
  • A cushioned footbed for added comfort and shock absorption.
  • The 4mm heel-to-toe drop improves stability.
  • Forefoot and heel pods for cushioning and shock absorption.
  • A durable outsole provides superior grip and traction.
  • Available in a vast range of colors.

2

Crossfit Weight Lifting Training Shoe

The Reebok Lifter Plus 2.0 is an excellent CrossFit shoe for heavy weight lifting. It provides a stable platform and customized fit.
  • Full-grain leather uppers with a heat-activated U-Form technology foot wrap mold to your feet for a customized fit and no break-in time.
  • The two added strap closures lock down the feel, and the heel clips hold your foot in place.
  • A durable rubber outsole with flex grooves for better movement and excellent traction.
  • An anti-friction lining to keep your feet blisters free.
  • A large color variety is available.

3

Minimalist Crossfit Trainer

The Nike Free Trainer, a lightweight and flexible training shoe, is a minimalist training shoe that promotes more natural movement, giving you a barefoot-like training experience.
  • Mesh upper for breathability with added polyurethane support in the form of strand-like lines increases and decreases with the size of the shoe, keeping the shoe flexible and supportive.
  • The material protects against abrasion and retains pliability, giving the shoe a second-skin feel as it moves with your foot’s natural biomechanics.
  • A Phylon midsole for lightweight and responsive cushioning.
  • A 3 to 0 toe heel-to-toe drop and a low-to-the-ground fit for a barefoot-like training experience.
  • A durable outsole provides excellent traction.

4

Trainers for Crossfit Routines

The Metcon 5 from Like is one of their latest innovations in cross-training and CrossFit shoes.
  • Breathable mesh uppers with Flywire cables integrated with the laces for a more dynamic fit.
  • A Drop In Midsole and a stable heel with a more flexible forefoot.
  • The low-profile heel clips help to minimize drag by rolling up on the sides.
  • A thin web of rubber stretches from the durable rubber outsole to wrap the midfoot for even better durability and reinforcement.

5

CrossFit Training Shoes

  • The shoe has a midfoot cage to look your foot into place and does not restrict movement.
  • A rubber outsole wraps up the sides of the shoes for abrasion resistance during rope climbs.
  • The foam midsole provides cushioning and absorbs shock on impact.
  • There are deeper flex grooves along the sides for flexibility.

6

Shoes for Crossfit

  • The midsole is contoured and cushioned for shock absorbency.
  • The sole is quite flexible and allows easier movement.
  • There is additional rubber on the outsole for grip and durability.
  • The uppers are synthetic, and there are more colors available.

7

Box Jumping and Weightlifting Cross Training Shoe

The New Balance Minimus 20 is not strictly a weightlifting shoe; it also provides cushioning and support during jumps and sprints and is lightweight and breathable enough to keep you cool and fast on your feet.
  • The lightweight and breathable fabric and synthetic upper are complemented by a burrito tongue and asymmetrical collar with molded foam for a more comfortable fit.
  • A sturdy and durable Vibram outsole for excellent traction.
  • A comfortable Revlite midsole for cushioned support.
  • Odor-resistant treated linen keeps your feet dry and fresh.

8

Asics Cross Training Shoes for CrossFit

The Asics Conviction X combines top-of-the-line cross-training technology with a comfortable fit and exceptional support system perfect for Cardio Vascular Training.
  • Lightweight and breathable mesh uppers with synthetic overlays for comfortortablertrt and support.
  • A padded tongue and collar for a more comfortable fit.
  • The Rearfoot and Forefoot Gel cushioning systems absorb shock and cushions the feet.
  • A hidden Trusstic system provides excellent stability.
  • The durable rubber outsole ensures the best grip and traction.

9

Shoes for CrossFit

  • The shoe features Trusstic technology and a FlyteFoam shock absorbing midsole.
  • There is a High Abrasion Rubber Outsole AHAR.
  • The uppers are durable and synthetic.
  • There are also plenty of colors available.

10

Crossfit Trainer for Weight Lifting

These are an excellent choice for weight lifting as part of your Cross Fit Routine.
  • Durable and well gripping rubber outsole.
  • An open forefoot and flexible toe design for better comfort and breathability.
  • Lace closure with a strap for a secure and comfortable fit.
  • The midsole wedge offers lightweight stability.

11

Crossfit Training Shoes

  • The shoes offer a comfortable and regular fit.
  • It has synthetic uppers and a moisture-wicking interior lining.
  • The sole is durable and high traction leather.
  • There are also many available color options.

12

Cross Trainer for Cross Fit Routines

The Inov-8 lite is ideal for indoor and outdoor Crossfit training and offers superb grip and lightweight flexibility.
  • Ideal for versatile training.
  • Features a high gripping sticky grip rubber sole.
  • Next-generation meta-Flex technology, for better multi-directional flexibility.
  • The heel cage offers structural support and stability.
  • A 360-degree Rope-Tec system that provides excellent traction and durability during rope climbing.

Index Table: Top Rated Crossfit Training Shoes

No.ShoeMen ♂Women ♀FeaturesBrandScore
1Reebok® - All In One Top Crossfit Shoe Crossfit Nano 9.0 Crossfit Nano 9.0
  • Cushioned Footbed
  • Protective Wrap
  • Heel Pods
  • Heel to Toe Drop
Reebok98.4
2Reebok® - Crossfit Weight Lifting Training Shoe Lifter Plus 2.0 Lifter Plus 2.0
  • Rubber Sole
  • Heat Activated U-Form Technology
  • Flex Grooves
  • Anti-Friction Lining
Reebok96
3Nike® - Minimalist Crossfit Trainer Flex Control TR3 Flex Trainer
  • Flexible
  • Phylon Midsole
  • Lightweight
Nike94
4Nike® - Trainers for Crossfit Routines Metcon 5 Metcon 5
  • Drop In Midsole
  • Low Profile
  • Flywire Cables
Nike98
5Nike® - CrossFit Training Shoes Fitness Fitness
  • Rubber Wraps Sole
  • Foam Midsole
  • Deep Flex grooves
Nike97.4
6Nike® - Shoes for Crossfit Legend Legend React
  • Rubber Outsole
  • Contoured Cushioned Midsole
  • Flexible Fit
Nike97
7New Balance® - Box Jumping and Weightlifting Cross Training Shoe Minimus 20v5 Minimus 20v5
  • Breathable
  • Revlite Midsole
  • Vibram Outsole
New Balance97
8Asics® - Asics Cross Training Shoes for CrossFit Conviction X Conviction X
  • Gel Cushioning
  • Rubber Sole
  • Trusstic System
Asics96
9Asics® - Shoes for CrossFit Gel DS Trainer Gel DS Trainer
  • Flytefoam Midsole
  • Rearfoot Gel
  • AHAR Outsole
Asics97.6
10Adidas® - Crossfit Trainer for Weight Lifting Powerlift Powerlift
  • Flexible
  • Heel Support
  • Low Profile
Adidas97
11Adidas® - Crossfit Training Shoes Strutter Strutter
  • Leather Uppers
  • Rubber Sole
  • Regular Fit
Adidas97.3
12Inov-8® - Cross Trainer for Cross Fit Routines F-Lite F-Lite
  • High Grip
  • Meta-Flex Technology
Inov-898

Cross Trainers the Versatile Choice

Cross Trainers are perfect for Crossfit training and any exercises that include aerobics, weight training, or kickboxing, usually done on hard-floor surfaces.

Cross Trainers’ selection that we have added for you features shoes with all the comfort and support features required for these exercises and Crossfit training workouts.



About the Author

David Alegeta

David is a long-distance hiker, a writer and an editor whose favorite topics include backpacking and trail running. He is an adventure athlete who covered over 20,000 miles. He frequently speaks to groups about the benefits of proper footwear and has written numerous articles on this subject. He lives in Dallas, Texas with his family.