The sport of CrossFit has been growing rapidly over the years, and many people are fans. Known for its intense workouts and close, friendly community, CrossFit has replaced the typical bodybuilding and powerlifting training that many gymgoers have religiously done. However, it does combine the two and add other dynamic movements, making it great for those who want to build muscle and burn fat.
If you’re considering trying CrossFit or are already a religious member, having the right gear is essential for making the most of your workouts. Keep reading to discover the top brands we recommend for the best CrossFit shoes.
Nike Men’s Metcon 9 Training Shoes
The Metcon 9 is praised as being a great addition to Nike’s Metcon Collection. As stated in the name, these shoes were created with MetCon training in mind. For those of you who are still new to CrossFit, MetCon stands for Metabolic Conditioning, which effectively burns calories and revs up your metabolism. This latest version has been improved with a larger Hyperlift plate and added rubber rope wrap, making it even more supportive for intense workouts.
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent stability for weightlifting
Durable construction for high-intensity workouts Comfortable fit, even during extended wear Versatile design suitable for multiple types of exercises |
Some users report the shoes being slightly narrow
May be uncomfortable during longer wear |
Specifications
| Size range | 6-15 |
| Available colors | Yellow, gray, multicolored, white |
Reebok Nano 9 Cross Trainers
Reebok is often recognized as the progenitor and blueprint for CrossFit athletic footwear, and with nearly 3,500 reviews and a rating of 4.7/5 on Amazon, this shoe is a great option for comfortable CrossFit action. What makes this shoe an amazing option? Well, with nearly 10 years of iterative design, the Nano 9 delivers a shoe that was not only created for CrossFit athletes but designed by them. Designed with a strong foundation, durable comfort, and secure footing, this line will weather even your most intense workouts.
| Pros | Cons |
| Stylish and visually appealing design
Comfortable and supportive for exercises True to size, fits well Great for squats, lunges, and running |
Mixed feedback on durability
Some users may prefer softer cushioning |
Specifications
| Size range | 6.5-14 |
| Available colors | Gray, red, black, blue, white |
NOBULL Men’s Training Shoes
This footwear brand was launched in 2015, and as the name suggests, this shoe was created for people who love to train hard and don’t believe in excuses. This no-nonsense approach to fitness is reflected in the logo for visibility when you need it the most. This simple yet extremely durable design has you covered on all fronts; whether you climb, run, lift, or slide, you will be delighted by this shoe’s lightweight, breathable, and flexible protection.
| Pros | Cons |
| Perfect for varied workouts like running and burpees
Comfortable for walking and everyday use Stable and cushioned enough for gym activities Stylish change from mainstream brands |
Not enough arch support for heavy lifting
Feet may get sweaty quickly despite claims of breathability |
Specifications
| Size range | 3.5-6 |
| Available colors | Gray |
New Balance Men’s 517 V2 Cross Trainers
New Balance is an O.G. in the athletic footwear department with this line intended to help “take your workout to the next level.” With its patented technology, you can expect optimal traction and solid stability for side-to-side or cutting movements, perfect for not only optimizing your CrossFit regimen, but also great for everyday wear. This newest version is designed with advanced shock absorption, cushioned comfort, and flexible soles.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable fit for wider feet
Simple, stylish designs Good value for the price Great for walking and other exercise forms |
Some customers report durability issues with the heel |
Specifications
| Size range | 4-19 |
| Available colors | Black, gray |
PUMA Men’s Tazon 6 Fracture FM Cross-Trainer Shoes
This shoe offers a perfect combination of utility mixed with style and an eye-catching design. What purchasers loved about this shoe in addition to its design are the features and functionality that make this shoe a highly effective CrossFit shoe. Engineered with heel bubble for support and complete with rubber outsole for traction and control, this shoe will help keep feet stable.
| Pros | Cons |
| Comfortable and great for walking
High quality and easy to keep clean Stylish with good value for money Satisfied with overall walking performance |
Mixed feedback on fit and build quality
Some customers feel arch support is lacking |
Specifications
| Size range | 6-14 |
| Available colors | Black, white |
Oranginer Men’s Barefoot Shoes – Big Toe Box – Minimalist Cross Training Shoes for Men
What makes this shoe stand out from the rest on this list is its barefoot-inspired design. What makes a barefoot design optimal for CrossFit is that it engages your feet more to strengthen the muscle fibers that often get no love when you’re all laced up, which in turn helps to reduce foot injuries. In addition, this shoe has incorporated a wide toe box design, that enables your toes to relax and spread out naturally for more stability.
| Pros | Cons |
| Wide toe box offers comfort and ground feel
Comfortable and good value for money Quality, weight, and exercise capacity are appreciated Lightweight and supportive for daily use |
Mixed feedback on fit and overall quality
Some customers dislike the style |
Specifications
| Size range | 6.5-13 |
| Available colors | White, black, gray, green, blue, red, orange |
Vibram Men’s KSO EVO Cross Training Shoes
Often lauded as one of the best minimalist shoes around, you can expect a perfect combination of flexibility and cross-training utility. With its barefoot design keeping your feet feeling light and airy, this line provides a maximum grip that adjusts to almost any activity or environment.
| Pros | Cons |
| Extremely comfortable with great terrain feel
Promotes good foot health and quality build Wide toe box allows natural foot movement |
Some struggle with putting them on easily
Mixed opinions on stitching, fit, and traction |
Specifications
| Size range | 5.5-14 |
| Available colors | Black |
Adidas Men’s Powerlift 5 Cross Trainers
As suggested in its name, these shoes were designed specifically for weightlifting. Although you can absolutely lift weights with regular shoes, these shoes were crafted with zero shock absorption, which makes them optimal for all your jerks, squats, and snatches.
Unfortunately, that means that these shoes are not ideal for other activities such as running (lack of shock absorption can compromise the heel’s integrity). And did we mention that these shoes were engineered by powerlifters? The Adidas Men’s Powerlift 5 shoes are lightweight while still being durable, and their rubber outsole grips are designed to keep you planted during your lifts.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable, lasting over five years for some customers
Excellent stability for weightlifting Perfect flat base for lifts Stylish and comfortable |
May have to go up in size for better comfort |
Specifications
| Size range | 4-16 |
| Available colors | Black, white, silver, charcoal |
Frequently asked questions
What factors should you consider when choosing CrossFit shoes?
When it comes to athletic footwear, comfort and support are the most important things. The best CrossFit shoes should be on the tighter side but not to the point that they are restrictive when it comes to lateral movements. Because CrossFit is a fast-paced workout, your feet should not be sliding as you run from station to station. It’s also advised that you look for enough cushioning so your feet aren’t aching after a workout during which you were under heavy loads.
How long does a pair of CrossFit shoes last?
The lifespan of your CrossFit shoes depends on how many times a week you wear them and how intense your workouts are. However, on average, a pair of shoes should be replaced every six months. If you wear them more than five times per week, consider making a purchase more frequently.
