CrossFit is said to be a lifestyle! It comprises safe and practical exercises that include heavy lifting, gymnastics, and distance running. It demands a lot from you, but most importantly, you need the best CrossFit shoes for running.
Not just any pair of shoes will handle the diversified terrains in a CrossFit competition! But with so many shoe models on the market, finding excellent CrossFit shoes might seem quite challenging.
In this review, we discuss some of the best CrossFit shoes for your training. We also guide readers on how to choose the best CrossFit shoes.
Comparison Chart with Best CrossFit Shoes for Running
| RANK | PICTURE | PRODUCT | RATING | SHOPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  |
Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0
|
For Men | |
| 2. |  |
New Balance Minimus Prevail V1
|
For Men | |
| 3. |  |
Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
|
For Men | |
| 4. |  |
Nike Metcon 6
|
For Men | |
| 5. |  |
ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 25 Shoes
|
For Men | |
| 6. |  |
Nike Free Metcon 3 CrossFit Shoes
|
For Men |
@media only screen and (max-width: 768px){ #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(1):before{ content: 'RANK'; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(2):before{ content: 'PICTURE'; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(3):before{ content: 'PRODUCT'; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(4):before{ content: 'RATING'; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(5):before{ content: 'SHOPS'; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(6):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(7):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(8):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } #nichetablewpwpe156c3ef-0dc2-4c26-bb81-bb648e85e40e td:nth-of-type(9):before{ content: ''; } } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px){ .niche_table, .niche_table th, .niche_table td, .niche_table tr{ border-color: #f1f1f1 !important; } .niche_table tr:nth-child(odd){background-color:undefined !important;} }
The Best Shoes for CrossFit Review
Our Top Pick
1. Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0
Best Overall
284 grams
Drop:4 mm BUY Men’s BUY Women’s
Things we liked OrthoLite inserts for comfort Breathable uppers Heel stability Toe protection Durable rubber outsole Flexible running shoe The midsole provides lifts Rope climbs
Things we didn’t like Insufficient traction on some terrains You may experience heel slippage
The Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 are training shoes with two layers on the upper unit. The Flexweave is the outer layer, while cleatie weave is the inner layer. The upper unit is, therefore, durable and offers sufficient support to any CrossFit enthusiast.
This shoe also features toe protection technology on the upper for enhanced durability and user safety. The heel counter also stabilizes the foot, making the Reebok Nano Cross trainer good training shoes.
The midsole offers all-round support and foot protection. The Reebok Nano 8.0 uses a dual-density midsole material to cushion the forefoot section and provide lifts around the heel section. The 4-mm heel-to-toe drop ensures the athlete has a secure footing for more safety.
OrthoLite inserts are present in the Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0. Their purpose is to give plush comfort and absorb extra shocks to the underfoot. The high-abrasion rubber outsole hands any terrain, especially with the rope climbs. Flexibility is a big plus since the Metasplit grooves allow you to flex your feet naturally in your Reebok Nano 8.0 training shoe.
2. New Balance Minimus Prevail V1
The Best for Everyday Use
315 grams
Drop:4 mm BUY Men’s BUY Women’s
Things we liked Breathable uppers Toe box protection 4mm heel-to-toe drop Lateral stability ASYM heel counter REVlite midsole for cushioning Multi-directional traction
Things we didn’t like Insufficient flexibility The tongue might cause discomfort
These CrossFit running shoes features an engineered Knit fabric in their upper unit. As such, the New Balance running shoes are very breathable and comfortable with their sock-like fit. The engineered knit material also has TPU fibers for good lateral support.
It also features lightweight overlays around the toe box and on the eyelets for support and stability. This shoe company understands the CrossFit community could use plenty of support for stability reasons. They have added ASYM Heel Counter to stabilize the rearfoot section.
The REVlite midsole material has a minimalist design for basic cushioning. It encourages a better ground feel, yet it offers good shock absorption. REVlite does all this without adding any weight to the CrossFit shoe.
A one-piece Vibram material makes the outsole. It is a broad and flat outsole, making this running shoe best for stability while running. The outsole edges have a good design to prevent your foot from rolling over the sides.
Grip and traction is a plus in these Cross training shoes. The lugs on the outsole provide multi-direction traction to prevent slips. As such, these CrossFit activities such as box jumps and deadlifts since they have a minimalist midsole.
3. Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
The Best Barefoot Experience
300 grams
Drop:6 mm BUY Men’s BUY Women’s
Things we liked 6mm heel-to-toe drop Breathable shoes Sufficient shock attenuation Rope climbs Toe box protection Heel stability Impressive traction Durable materials
Things we didn’t like Some users complain the men and women shoes perform differently. They might be pricey
This running shoe is an improvement of the Inov-8 F lite 235. The upper unit of these CrossFit shoes uses a Form-fitting fabric. The bootie-style upper only has a single layer, but this doesn’t affect the durability that these shoes for CrossFit have based their reputation upon.
They are breathable, and this makes them one of the best CrossFit shoes athletes looking for comfort. The pull tubs on their uppers make wearing the running shoes very easy. This cross trainer has a supportive heel, thanks to the extra well padding to the rearfoot section.
Cross training can come with plenty of risks. That is why you get TPU panels along the sides of inov 8 CrossFit training shoes. You get great lateral support and excellent protection from the TPU shoe cages.
You can do the heavy lifting in your CrossFit shoe, thanks to the Lifting Stabilizer in the midsole’s heel section. These F lite 235 improvement shoes are also best for workouts since they provide a responsive ride in their forefoot section.
The cushioning material offers good shock absorption to prevent injuries during runs and box jumps. More cushioning comes from the shoe’s removable Boomerang footbed. Graphenes are infused into the rubber outsole for impressive durability.
The abrasion-resistant outsole also has rope climbs for enhanced performance. The rubber material extends to the wide toe box to form a good toe protection. The blade-like lugs improve traction on all terrains without sacrificing forefoot flexibility. As such, these are one of the best shoes for crossties.
4. Nike Metcon 6
The Best for Running
357 grams
Drop:4 mm BUY Men’s BUY Women’s
Things we liked Nike Metcon 6 has a wide toe box Very comfortable ride Durable materials Great lateral stability Excellent grip and traction Great for climbing ropes Nike Metcon 6 has a secure fit
Things we didn’t like Ideal only for short runs They don’t run true to size
Metcon 6 is a superior Nike cross training shoe. It has everything an athlete needs to achieve training goals. The upper unit uses a reconstructed mesh with larger air vents. As such, the CrossFit shoes are very breathable to keep your feet fresh and dry.
The Flywire lacing system guarantees a secure fit. As such, your running shoes will give you proper feet lockdown. The heel has sufficient padding and bracing from a hard TPU clip. Therefore, your cross trainer protects your heels and provide great heel lockdown for a firmer foothold.
The bouncy forefoot cushioning makes these Nike CrossFit workout shoes best for running. The cushioning absorbs high impact shocks during forefoot strikes. Besides, Nike Metcon 6 is flexible for sprints under 1 km!
Their lightweight design makes them good running shoes. The rearfoot section has stiff foam material that benefits athletes who are into heavy lifts. As such Nike Metcon 6 supports weightlifting, besides being great for jumps.
Climbing a rope is sure fun, especially with the grooved side panels on the outsole. The grippy rubber outsoles provide excellent grip and traction on all terrains. Therefore, Nike Metcon 6 has what it takes to be one of the best CrossFit shoes.
5. ASICS Gel-DS Trainer 25 Shoes
The Best Cushioning
255 grams
Drop:8 mm BUY Men’s BUY Women’s
Things we liked Excellent cushioning Breathable uppers Durable performance Excellent traction A secure fit
Things we didn’t like They are not as lightweight as the predecessors The tongue might crinkle
ASICS Gel-DS trainer 25 uses Performance Knit in the upper unit. The crossfit shoe is, therefore, breathable and comfortable, with its cloth-like fit. It covers the top of your feet with great comforts, like the one you have from your regular socks.
It has printed overlays on the eyelets and the sides for stability and durability. The hot-melted external counter protects your heels, making these CrossFit shoes good for harsh terrains. FlyteFoam® material in the midsole cushions athlete’s feet against high impact shocks.
As such, Asics makes one of the best running shoes for athletes in CrossFit games. The GEL® material in the rearfoot section protects your heels from shocks. The Dynamic DuoMax™ Support System also works to prevent overpronation and absorb more shocks.
Since the heels have a low profile, this cross training shoe is also ideal for heavy lifts. This trainer uses the AHAR® outsole for durability and impressive traction. The wide toe box makes the shoes run true to size, and are great for CrossFit.
6. Nike Free Metcon 3 CrossFit Shoes
The Best Durability
298 grams
Drop:3 mm BUY Men’s BUY Women’s
Things we liked CrossFit shoes are breathable Multi-directional lugs for the best traction Well-cushioned running shoes Lightweight materials Ideal for all CrossFit workouts
Things we didn’t like Not the best shoe for arch support Limited color options
The top of Nike Free Crossfit shoes comprises a single-piece mesh for breathability. There are also fabric tabs on top of the Nike Free trainer for easy entry into the running shoes. The shoe features a slip-on design that also makes them comfortable on the feet.
However, the upper is not well padded like many CrossFit shoes on the list, but you still feel comfortable on the skin. Athletes looking for workouts might appreciate the flexibility in their CrossFit shoes. The Nike Free foam technology guarantees flexibility for natural foot flexion.
The rope assist is carved out of the outsole for excellent rope climbing. With a thicker rearfoot section, you can be sure to find plenty of lateral stability without Nike Free adding any weight to the shoes. But men might find their trainer a bit heavier.
The high rearfoot platform doesn’t prevent athletes from lifting weight since the heels are well cushioned. The shoes have the best traction on various terrains, thanks to the multi-directional lugs. The 3mm drop is good for CrossFit, but the shoes are only ideal for short runs. If you like CrossFit competitions, these CrossFit shoes might be good for you.
Buying Guide
The Durability Of The CrossFit Shoe
Your running shoe should have the best materials if you’re looking for a durable training shoe. CrossFit is a competition that demands a lot from the athlete and the shoes. The material should be high-quality.
Look for a trainer shoe with TPU bracing for excellent longevity. The top should comprise a breathable material such as engineered mesh or Performance knit. The midsole should also be durable. This will ensure your shoe attenuates shocks for a long time. Lastly, go for high-abrasion resistant outsoles.
Comfort Level
The heel drop plays a crucial role in a shoe’s comfort. If your CrossFit running shoes have a high drop, they might not be as comfortable as competing shoe models, which will slow you down. Be sure to look for a 4mm heel-to-toe drop or less for great comfort.
Cushioning is one of the features not to overlook when shopping for some CrossFit workouts shoe. Make sure the midsole has materials such as GEL cushioning or dual-density foam for impressive cushioning. You can also go for midsole materials with a high reputation as far as cushioning goes.
Traction
The last thing you expect when in your running shoe is slipping and falling. Buy CrossFit running shoes with multi-directional lugs. Such lugs offer all-around traction to eliminate accidents.
The Fit Of The Shoe
Your CrossFit running shoe should have a secure and comfortable fit. A wide toe box isn’t best for everyone, but the forefoot section should be wide enough for toe splay. The rearfoot section should also fit snugly to eliminate internal slips.
Buy CrossFit running shoes with a rearfoot counter for proper foot lockdown. Since the Fit is a factor to consider, make sure your shoe has a lacing system for a secure fit before participating in a CrossFit competition.
Support
Lateral support is essential in any CrossFit running shoe. You will also need this type of support when lifting a heavy load. Men and women in the CrossFit competition could also use some ankle support for stability. Therefore, buy shoes that offer that type of support.
Weight Of The Shoes
Your CrossFit running shoe should be lightweight. But shoes for men are usually heavier than women. But the weight difference is subtle. If you’re looking to run fast, be sure to buy lighter shoes.
Flexibility
You can increase the shoe’s comfort level by going for flexible shoes. Such shoes have grooves cut out of their outsoles for free flexion of the feet. Therefore, be sure to buy CrossFit shoes with flex grooves if you want your foot free from the shoe chamber restriction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run in my CrossFit shoes?
Yes, you can run in your CrossFit running shoes. CrossFit is a competition that includes multiple sports such as running. Therefore, you can run in your CrossFit shoes, especially if they have cushioned midsoles.
Can I do the heavy lifting in my CrossFit shoes?
CrossFit shoes have stiffer rearfoot sections that support the extra weight from deadlifts. They are excellent for athletes looking to power-lift heavy loads. They have a design that encourages heavy lifting.
How do I know my shoes are flexible?
The best way is to try them on. But you can still tell flexible shoes by design for their outsoles. If they have flex grooves, they will be flexible. It is ideal to go for flexible shoes that allow you to flex your feet as naturally as you can.
How should my CrossFit shoes fit me?
CrossFit shoes should fit you like your regular shoes. They should not be too big or too small for improved performance in competitions.
Conclusion
You can always find the best CrossFit shoes for running on the market. But finding the best CrossFit shoes for you depends on your preferences. The shoes on the list have high-quality materials, making them able to handle the challenging CrossFit competitions.
You can use the buyer’s guide to find shoes that help you perform better. This article has presented some of the best shoes for athletes in the CrossFit world.
We hope our review has helped you choose your ideal shoes. We hope you find the shoes you prefer. You may as well leave a comment down below, and we will leave a reply.
Join the conversation