CrossFit… This fitness routine has sparked a major transformation in the exercise sphere recently. A vast number of people have taken up this program and attained varying degrees of success. Of course, initiating a CrossFit quest requires suitable equipment. In this case, it implies getting the right kind of CrossFit shoes.
Now, you might be thinking: why should I be bothered by the type of footwear for this endeavor? Well, you should be bothered, and for all the right reasons, too. CrossFit isn’t a carefree stroll through your local park. It gets intense. In fact, intense would probably be an understatement.
To protect yourself from unnecessary and avoidable injuries, you’ll need something very appropriate. Remember that not all shoes are made equal. There are differences between types that could make or break your entire experience.
Now, let’s look at the subject at hand: getting the best CrossFit shoes for your needs. How does one choose the best types of shoes for CrossFit? Fortunately — or unfortunately, depending on how you choose to look at it — there are several answers for these questions. That is what we’re going to try and figure out in this article. Below are a few prime examples of CrossFit shoes for both men and women. Take your time and browse through them; perhaps one or two will catch your fancy.
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3.5
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This product is made for both muscle support and balance. With a compression sleeve for stability, as well as metasplit flex grooves for improved toe splay, the quality of these trainers is through the roof.
Comfort and protection are also improved with its targeted underfoot cushioning. Not only can you expect high levels of quality, but you can also achieve maximum style with the integrated graphics.
This pair of shoes come in a few color schemes: Royal Slate, Cloud Grey, Hero Yellow, Crisp Blue, Lucid Lilac, Blue Ink, Collegiate Navy, Poison Pink, and Black. It comes modestly priced at $55.24 to $89.99, which definitely makes it one heck of a bargain
- More affordable than other CrossFit shoes
- Toecap is wide enough to allow comfortable movement
- Very versatile
- Will be too stiff if not broken-in properly
- Less cushioning than other CrossFit shoes
- About a half-size larger than advertised
The Reebok Men’s R CrossFit Nano 2.0 Training Shoe is one choice that you won’t be forgetting anytime soon. It is made of synthetic and imported materials and comes with rubber soles.
Its shaft measures approximately 2.98” from its arch. It also features mesh insets and has a logo that overlays at the upper part of the shoe. It possesses a DuraGrip toe cap as well as a textured outsole for grip.
This amazing product comes in a variety of colors for you to choose from. With an established name like Reebok, you know you’re getting something of quality if you opt to go for one of these training shoes. It won’t come cheap, but it’s practically a guarantee that it’ll be worth every cent you fork out.
- Well-established brand
- Large variety of colors
- Low profile design
- Offers less support than other CrossFit shoes
- Toecap can be too small for wider-than-average feet
- About a half-size smaller than advertised
This product comes with a RopePro wrap, textile lining, lace-up front, and cushioned footbed. It also offers a multi-surface outsole that significantly improves traction, as well as heel pods that provide great shock absorption and excellent cushioning, making it one of the best CrossFit shoes for flat feet. It even comes in a multitude of colors and designs.
At its lowest, it can be bought for $54.40. At its peak, it can be bought for $261.43. Although somewhat pricey, there’s no ignoring what you can get out of this product. Definitely worth a look if you’re in the market for amazing Crossfit shoes.
- Very versatile
- Wide toecap for increased stability
- Designed specifically for CrossFit
- Wide toecap may result in a loose fit
- Specialized design may make it less comfortable other activities
- Duracage feature makes feet feel boxed in
Choose this particular item and you’ll be choosing a full-grain leather product. You may be glad to know that it’s imported with rubber soles, leather on the toe, as well as dual hook-and-loop closures.
Another important feature to take note of would have to be its heat-sensitive u-form technology. Its flex grooved outsole and anti-friction lining are just extras that you’ll no doubt enjoy along with the rest of it.
It has an overall design that’s stylish yet it isn’t overly complicated. There are different colors for varying versions and each one usually has a dominant color, paired with another color that works as an accent.
Comfy and top-notch in quality, it doesn’t come cheap either. Save up or gut it out; either way, this is one pair of shoes that you won’t be complaining about once you’ve actually gotten them.
- Excellent for weightlifting
- Very solid and stable sole
- Comfortable fit
- Less versatile than other CrossFit shoes
- Despite the name, it is not suitable for long-distance running
- About a half-size smaller than advertised
Say hello to the brilliantly made Nike Men’s Metcon 2 Synthetic Trainers. This exquisite pair has the expected rubber sole and imported material, along with a synthetic-and-mesh type of element that makes it utterly irresistible.
This sneaker is specifically made for intense CrossFit workouts that involve heavy lifting, sprints, climbs, and flexibility work. Helping lock the foot in place is flywire mid-foot technology. Its dual-density foam midsole provides both lasting support and cushioning.
If you’re concerned about how this will all feel, well, fear not. It feels just as good as it looks.
Speaking of how it looks, take comfort in the fact that there are at least twenty-one different designs that you can choose from to suit your personal tastes. It’s an amazing blend of functionality and aesthetics that can be quite difficult to ignore, especially at a reasonable price.
- Wide variety of designs
- Good support and traction
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Will be too stiff if not broken-in properly
- Toecap can be too small for wider-than-average feet
- About a half-size smaller than advertised
Take a look at this pair of shoes and you’ll see a product that is as beautiful as it can get. It shares many qualities of the previous shoes previewed here: synthetic, imported, and rubber soles.
What sets it apart is its DuPont Kevlar-infused mesh that also features a CMEV midsole, anatomical heel, and footbed. It comes with a RopePro carbon rubber protection wrap construction and a raised outsole lug pattern.
It is reasonably priced and also offers free returns on some of its sizes and colors. Speaking of the color, there are only a few options available, with the limited choices being Red Rush/Black/White, Electric Peach-Black-Ultima Orange, and Navy-Grey-White. Despite the limited selection, each one looks stunning and should be quite pleasing to anyone who wants to give this item a shot.
- Wide toecap makes it great for wider-than-average feet
- Solid and stable base makes it good for weightlifting
- Very durable
- Wide toecap may result in a loose fit
- Less flexible than other CrossFit shoes
- Can use some added support to improve versatility
The Reebok Men’s R CrossFit Lifter 2.0 Training Shoe is especially helpful due to the balanced power and agility that comes with wearing it. It’s practically a guarantee that these shoes make for a very well-rounded CrossFit experience.
Like many similar products, it has a synthetic and rubber sole. This lifting shoe features a textured upper, dual lace-up, and hook-and-loop closures. Another notable feature would have to be its Powerbax midsole.
The quality of this item easily justifies its cost and it comes in various color schemes, so if you have something specific in mind, you’re free to browse through the design choices and pick out the one you want. The overall look isn’t too fancy but it certainly does the trick, so this pair of CrossFit shoes comes highly recommended.
- Excellent for weightlifting
- Very solid and stable sole
- Good for a variety of activities, e.g. short runs, box jumps, burpees, etc.
- Not suitable for long-distance running
- Solid sole may make it uncomfortable for some activities
- About a half-size smaller than advertised
With its kevlar-infused mesh upper, the Reebok Men’s CrossFit Nano 6.0 Cross-trainer shoe is likely to end up as one of your favorite pairs of CrossFit shoes. Its outsole is equipped with piston technology and is anatomically shaped to fit incredibly well.
Considering all of its great features, there are few products out there as impressive as this one.
It comes in black, white, red, dark royal, neon, and blue ink-white-riot red-navy, and its price can range from as low as $120.00 to as much as $130.00. There are even free returns for some of the available colors and sizes.
- Very versatile
- Stable and solid base for weightlifting
- Reasonable price
- Less suitable for long-distance running
- Solid sole may make it uncomfortable for some activities
- Wide toecap may result in a loose fit
Few shoes on the market look as sleek and as smooth as the Reebok Men’s CrossFit Lite TR Training Shoe. Among its features include a DuraGrip Toe Cap for both protection and abrasion resistance. It also has a full rubber outsole and lateral flange support.
These shoes are particularly helpful when lifting heavier weights because the heel clip is made for superior stability and response.
With all the Olympic lifts that you’ll be doing in CrossFit sessions, how can you not go for the Reebok Men’s CrossFit Lite TR Training Shoe? That aside, it’s also a very good-looking pair of shoes that will look splendid on just about anybody.
- Excellent for weightlifting
- Wide toecap for increased stability
- Reasonable price
- Less versatile than other CrossFit shoes
- Thin cushion may make it uncomfortable for some activities
- Mid-cut design may not be comfortable for some activities
With its well-ventilated mesh toe, hook-and-loop straps, and lightweight design, the Reebok Women’s Lifter 2.0 Weight-Lifting Shoe offers much in terms of comfort. However, it doesn’t lag behind when it comes to looks and functionality either.
The product features heel clip grips in the rear foot section to secure stability, foot placement, and disperse excess weight. It also comes with an anti-friction lining that reduces both heat and moisture build-up, helping you keep your feet cool and dry.
- Reasonable price
- Breathable mesh and anti-friction lining helps keep feet dry during workouts
- Excellent for weightlifting
- Less versatile than other CrossFit shoes
- Not suitable for long-distance running
- About a half-size smaller than advertised
The Inov-8 Women’s F-Lite 235 provides a greater range of durability, flexibility, and versatility, which are all must-haves for CrossFit enthusiasts. Among its features include Rope-Tec burn protection, as well as a much denser heel, making it one of the best CrossFit shoes for plantar fasciitis.
It also has a very flexible outsole, increased cushioning, and even a toe bumper that’s designed especially for those troublesome burpees.
It comes in various colors, including blue/pink, purple/yellow, black/grey, grey/purple, and purple/teal/navy. As noted previously, there are free returns for some of the sizes and colors available. If you find this pair interesting, you’ll be happy to know that you can get one at a low price.
- Good support and cushioning
- Lightweight
- Good base for weightlifting
- Not suitable for long-distance running
- Toecap can be too small for wider-than-average feet
- About a half-size smaller than advertised
Frequently Asked Questions
What do CrossFit shoes do for you?
CrossFit is a program that involves a variety of movements. You climb, you run, you crawl, and you lift heavy weights. It is a very specialized activity which means having a specialized set of shoes.
Although you can use any athletic shoes that you deem fit, it’s best to go for an all-around lightweight flat shoe that can help you achieve everything you need to accomplish for a CrossFit session.
These shoes can create stability and protection for your feet. Having it light can lead to a greater degree of comfort for you as well since other types of shoes can get heavy very quickly.
Are CrossFit shoes necessary?
No. CrossFit shoes are not necessary, but they can be quite beneficial for you in the long run.
Are CrossFit shoes good for lifting?
Yes. CrossFit shoes are made with all the various CrossFit-related exercises in mind, which includes Olympic lifts.
Are CrossFit shoes good for running?
They can be used for running, but you would not benefit as much from them as you would with actual running shoes.
CrossFit shoes provides cushioning as well, but running shoes often go much further when it comes to providing protection for your feet from every bump and impact you feel from each step.
To minimize potential foot, knee, and back injuries, you should rely less on CrossFit shoes if running is what you primarily do. In other words, you’ll want to get yourself specialized shoes for CrossFit and running.
Conclusion
If you’re going to take up something as exciting and intense as CrossFit, you’ve got to come prepared. Fortunately, there are tons of CrossFit shoes for men and women out there for you to choose from. They all work quite well and are of superb quality.
Whether you choose a pair for a particular feature or because its design appeals to you in some way, it doesn’t really matter. What matters, in the end, is whether or not you are satisfied with your purchase and that it goes a long way to providing you with the amazing CrossFit experience you are looking for.
