What you wear on your feet matters, and a pair of CrossFit shoes are going to take your workouts to the next level. Whether you are doing high-intensity cardio or weightlifting or even aerobic movements during your CrossFit session, CrossFit shoes will help to enhance your training and keep your feet as healthy and strong as before you even walked out of the door.
This buying guide aims to give you the rundown on what some of the best brands are offering in terms of shoes designed specifically for CrossFit, from sportswear giants like Nike to CrossFit specific brands such as No Bull.
While CrossFit workouts can be intense and have you using a variety of different movements, making sure you have a stable pair of shoes will increase the effectiveness of your exercise.
Features to look out for in CrossFit shoes
The most important thing to look out for in CrossFit shoes is whether they strike that balance between the heaviness needed for lifting weights while offering a thin and breathable construction. Plus, they need to be durable enough to endure the whole ordeal. A good CrossFit shoe does all three and will keep your feet healthy and injury-free.
The adaptability that shoes for CrossFit offer are the ultimate selling point as even outside of CrossFit, they can be used for any kind of physical activity that may require lateral movement of the legs, and they will keep you stable and supported comfortably.
What separates a CrossFit shoe from a running shoe?
The main difference between CrossFit shoes and running shoes is the overall design. To be able to perform the variety of activities that are involved in a Crossfit workout, your shoes need to be lighter and more flexible to comfortably adjust between cardio and lifting motions.
Compared to a running shoe, CrossFit shoe soles are thicker and have a lower heel-to-toe differential, sometimes referred to as the heel-to-toe drop, which is the measure of how much material is under the forefoot of the shoe. A running shoe generally has more due to the higher impact that long-distance running has on the feet.
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We’ve rounded up the best CrossFit shoes on the market, that’ll guarantee your next workout is your best one yet.
Athletic Propulsion Labs
The company's range of training and CrossFit shoes blurs the line between fashion and athletics, using a unique combination of fine leathers and suedes for a shoe that will perform just as good as it looks. With their latest ‘Techloom Tracer’ series, you’ll get exceptional comfort for your workouts thanks to a lightweight propelium midsole.
Nike
Designed for strength and stability, the range can withstand the push and pull of lifting and high-intensity workouts. They are also constructed with lightweight fabrics, so they are breathable and won’t be broken down by sweat over time.
Under Armour
The goal became to develop apparel and the best CrossFit and training shoes that were comfortable but performed at the highest level. This is exemplified by their range of training and CrossFit shoes that promote natural motion and flexibility. With their ‘HOVR Apex’ series, you’ll find advanced cushioning and durable layering.
Reebok
Today, they have an extensive range of shoes that were tailored for CrossFit, whether you are in it for daily fitness or training for a competition. With their ‘Nano X1’ series, you’ll find the very best and latest shoes for CrossFit on offer. They offer a flexweave knit that is soft yet strong and a lightweight heel clip that allows for stability during quick movements.
New Balance
While we hope that is true, the fact remains that New Balance are among the very best, and their range of CrossFit shoes proves that. Designed for any workout and at any pace, they have something to fit your routine. With their ‘857v2’ series, you’ll find a heel reinforced by their ‘Rollbar’ technology to help reduce rear-foot movement and possible injury.
Inov8
In their range of cross-training and CrossFit shoes, you’ll find these graphene-infused shoes designed for any workout environment, although they do demand a higher price. However, Inov8 also has a range of well-rounded shoes within a comfortable budget. If you are looking for the best, the ‘F-Lite G300’ will offer graphene-level strength, striking the perfect balance between toughness and power.
Puma
With history comes expertise, and the brand's current range of cross-training shoes will have you working out with confidence. Engineered for performance but styled for the streets, they are designed to be taken to the next level, and with the ‘FUSE ’training shoe you will be doing just that with its wide toe box and internal midsole that provides shock absorption.
No Bull
The look of their shoes are styled more towards sneakers but they perform as well as every other shoe in this guide. They have hi-top options along with conventional low-cut models, all of which are made from the very best materials that won't crack under the pressure. We love the ‘High-Top Leather’ trainer which is perforated for breathability and has a high-cut collar that provides a secure fit.
LALO
With the ‘BUD/S Maximus Grinder’ CrossFit shoe, you’ll find unique innovations such as the lateral stability wrap for extra mid-foot support and a ceramic-coated toecap for extra strength. This shoe was made in collaboration with Bobby Maximus, elite strength and conditioning coach, former first responder, and UFC fighter.
Altra
Whether you are weightlifting, running on the treadmill, or putting yourself through a gruelling CrossFit session, the ‘Solstice’ is one of the best shoes for CrossFit to help you get the most out of whatever workout you choose. With a balanced cushioning platform that positions your heel and forefoot at an equal distance for better alignment, and a lightweight, comfortable fit, this shoe is ready to take it all on.
Mizuno
The range of cross-training shoes offers versatility for every kind of workout, from running to CrossFit. They have options geared more towards speed and agility, and others optimised for stability and provide care for your feet during intense exercises. With the ‘TC-11’ shoe, you will find the very best in construction, design, and performance.
Vivobarefoot
Their range is influenced by wide, thin and flexible designs that give your feet the space they need to function as nature intended them. They are suitable shoes for running, playing court sports and even CrossFit. The ‘Primus Lite III All Weather’, our favourite, has a water-resistant mesh for training anytime and anywhere, all within a sleek minimalist design.
RyderWear
Their range of shoes are tailored for athletes, bodybuilders, and all-round gym junkies. They want the shoes to complement all the hard work you’ve been putting in and are designed with those long sessions in mind, and with materials that will keep your feet safe and comfortable from any extreme movements. You’ll find the very best in their ‘D-MAK’ series of shoes.