CrossFit workouts are a high-intensity blend of functional movement sports ranging from weightlifting, gymnastics, rowing, to running. Since these exercises are dynamic, you will need to invest in the best CrossFit shoes that are flexible, supportive and durable. High-quality CrossFit shoes can help you perform at the top of your game with minimal risk of injury.
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If you are a new CrossFit trainee, you must be wondering what exactly these CrossFit shoes are, and what makes them different from other shoes such as basketball or running shoes. It is for this reason that I have put down this article to help you understand why purchasing the best CrossFit shoes is essential and also offered a few recommendations from my favorite CrossFit brands.
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Top 5 Best CrossFit Shoe Recommendations
It is worth mentioning that there is no one fits all perfect CrossFit shoes. What works for you may not work for another and vice-versa. However, I have put up a list of my top five favorite CrossFit shoe to help narrow down your search.
Product | Our rating |
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**Below, you'll find our reviews, but you can also click the links above to see current prices or read customer reviews on Amazon.
1. Reebok CrossFit Nano 4.0 Training Shoe
This is a personal favorite of all cross fit training shoes on the market, and as usual, Reebok has a lot of things right with this shoe.
First, it is so comfortable that you may not feel like you are wearing a shoe. Its 4mm heel to toe drop offers a natural ground feel along with an increased level of stability. It has an anti-moisture lining all-around that helps prevent wetness in your feet with unmatched breathability levels.
It also has a RopePro protection wrap that offers the extra support you may need for your rock climbing expeditions. It provides unparalleled levels of lockdown and has rubber padding all over the upper part which provides excellent rigidity
Pros
- Great lockdown
- It has a wide toe box that makes it extensively comfortable
- Extremely durable
- Better traction for gripping ropes
- Bright, fun design
Cons
- Sizing is inconsistent
- Its tread does not provide sufficient traction for trails
Cross-fit workouts demand footwear that is not only tough but also versatile to ease the workout process. Luckily for you, Nike’s Metcon 2 CrossFit shoe was engineered with these features in mind. This shoe is focused on all things CrossFit. It is flat lifting and flexible enough for dynamic exercise.
One of the highlight features of this shoe is its versatility. It offers flexibility for moves like lunges, light for gymnastics, durable enough for climbing and running, and supportive for lifts.
Another outstanding feature of this shoe is its exceptional grip. It has a grippy flat sole that makes it great for exercises such as deadlifts. The other great feature is its light weight nature and flexibility that makes it excellent for dynamic exercises like box jumps. It also has a low profile TPU heel clip that provides stability for heavy lifting and flexibility for runners doing sprints and climbs.
Pros
- They are lightweight
- Their stiff wide heel offer great support and stability
- They are excellent for rowing exercises
- They have a wide toe box which makes them very comfortable shoes.
- They are flexible and stable, making them suitable for squats and deadlifts
- Comes in a wide variety of colors
Cons
- They are pricey
- Colors tend to bleach
- They are louder than other Nike Models
This shoe is ideal for athletes willing to take their CrossFit training to another level. While most people tend to go for the more popular brands in the market, the ASICS TR 3 might just be your perfect choice. Infused with a super flexible flat-platform outsole and soft rear-foot cushioning, this shoe is ideal for your amped-up gym session
The shoe boasts of excellent cushioning with a flexible forefoot, low profile and a 3mm drop.
Its sole is designed to provide maximum grip on any surface. Its abrasion resistant, rubberized sole and toe cap offer long-lasting durability and comfort
Pros
- Lightweight
- Versatile in Crossfit
- Excellent grip
- Maximum Support
Cons
- Narrow fit
- A little too stiff for running
This ultra-lightweight CrossFit shoe is delicately designed for women.
It includes a heel tab for easy entry, a mesh and synthetic upper for sufficient airflow, and a durable rubber outsole for hitting the tracks, ropes, and rocks.
It is low-cut below the ankle for maximum freedom of movement but with a contoured, secure fit that helps prevent missteps and slipping.
Pros
- Low cut design for easy motion at the ankles
- Mesh and synthetic upper for breathability and comfort
- High abrasion rubber sole for added durability
- Heel tab for easier entry
Cons
- It is a bit Stiff
This shoe not only has an aesthetically pleasing design, but also offers sufficient ventilation, amazing fit and comfort.
The Adidas Vigor 6 TR M is a versatile CrossFit shoe for many activities. Its model is very comfortable to wear on any kind of surface, including rocks, mud, water, switchbacks and hills.
Its durable, non-slip outsole provides a firm grip on most surfaces that helps to protect you from slipping and falling. It can be used for a wide variety of activities including walking, running, working out at the gym, jogging or just as everyday wear. It has a lightweight design with an exceptional fit that offers moderate support and comfort that most people crave for.
Pros
- The tongue of the shoe stays in place firmly when working out and it is not prone to shifting
- It comes in four distinct and different styles
- Non slip outsole
- Exceptional fit
- Lightweight design
- Cool black look
- Durable rubber sole
Cons
- Its midsole is a bit on the firmer and stiffer side
- It is narrow
What Is a CrossFit Shoe?
This is a shoe that can withstand the rigors of different types of CrossFit movements. CrossFit exercises comprise of moves that help you to be fit, including squats, sprints, deadlines, box jumps and even scaling a long rope. A proper CrossFit shoe should be able to provide support during jumps and heavy lifts, but also have the versatility not to hinder you during runs and rope climbs.
What Makes CrossFit Shoes Different From Other Types Of Shoes?
First, CrossFit shoes are an offshoot of cross training and therefore have similar features as those of training shoes. However, they are more specialized to meet the demands of CrossFit workouts. They are heavier and more protective compared to running shoes. Their soles are broader, more supportive and stable than those of other shoes.
How To Choose The Best CrossFit Shoe
There are many factors one should consider when selecting the right CrossFit shoe for training. They include;
Lightweight – The main aim of a CrossFit shoe is to yield the feeling of being shoeless while providing the comfort and protection of a perfectly fitting shoe. This way, your feet can perform in an almost natural state as possible.
Minimal Heel to Toe Drop – The should not have a raised heel or have increased cushioning as opposed to the forefront. A raised heel transfers a lot of weight towards your heel which may be detrimental in the long term. The cushioning should be as consistent as possible from heel to toe for an even spread of shock absorption across your feet when working out.
Minimal Tread – The right CrossFit shoe should have a minimum tread for more stability. A shoe with more extensive treading increases the risk of losing footing thereby causing injury.
Wide Toe Box - Our feet expand outwards naturally to establish a firm, stable stance. Therefore, make sure your CrossFit shoe has a wide toe box to allow room for the expansion.
Breathable – A good CrossFit shoe should be made of a breathable material, preferably mesh. A breathable CrossFit shoe provides increased ventilation, helping control sweating, which minimizes the risk of chaffing, slippage and foot odor.
Comfort - Do not be swept away by the hype of the newest and greatest shoe on the market. Comfort is paramount when choosing the best CrossFit shoe. Make sure to try on a couple of shoes before settling on one.
Why Wear CrossFit Shoes?
Your feet are the first point of contact with the ground-where the energy is pulled from. Hence, the right pair of shoes could mean the difference between a good lift and a bad one. Crossfit shoes are versatile enough to allow you to engage in multiple exercises comfortably. Here are a few reasons why you should invest in the best CrossFit shoes:
• The structure of the shoe gives you the advantage of both a lifting and a running shoe.
• The current generation CrossFit shoes have improved in leaps and bounds. They are light, breathable, and brimming with tech to enable you to achieve that perfect workout.
• Running shoes are built solely for running with a flexible sole. CrossFit shoes, on the other hand, are not just built for running, but can also support your feet during lifting.
Hopefully, at this point, you understand why the best CrossFit shoes are essential for a great workout.
Final Thought
Choosing the best CrossFit shoe is a challenging task, especially due to the diversity of products on the market today. We have done the legwork for you. With these recommended CrossFit shoes, you can get a professional-grade shoe that delivers professional grade results.
Although the products I have reviewed contend highly against each other, the Reebok Men's R CrossFit Nano 4.0 Solar Training Shoe is the ultimate CrossFit shoe 2017.
This shoe will provide you with comfort, stability, flexibility all without skimping on the level of performance for your workouts. Most importantly, it won't make you break the bank. If you are still unsure about whether to buy it, just go for it. It might as well be the best CrossFit shoe decision you will ever make.