CrossFit was invented back in the year 2000 in Santa Cruz, California, but it really started getting popular around 2007. Since then, it’s taken gyms around the world by storm and is currently one of the most popular, if not the most popular workout discipline. And, as with most athletic activities, it requires the appropriate footwear. Since we review a lot of cross training shoes, we decided to put together a list of the best CrossFit shoes currently available.
One of the most attractive aspects of CrossFit is the wide variety of exercises that are tackled: everything from sprints to deadlifts to burpees are all regularly done in the same session. This is great for building strength while simultaneously gaining endurance, but it also means that you will need gear that can keep up with the diverse workload.
At Weartesters, we test hundreds of sneakers each year. To put together this list we found outstanding cross training performers that can offer a little bit of everything in the gym. We chose shoes that cushion jumps and sprints, can grip the floor like no one’s business, and remain as flat as possible for heavier lifts. CrossFit is no easy task for one shoe, but we think you’ll enjoy our picks for the best CrossFit shoes.
Categories are used below so you can easily find what’s important to you. If you know what you need, you can simply click the category link. If not, feel free to browse the whole list.
Updated: 05.31.2024
Best CrossFit Shoes Show
Best CrossFit Shoes 2024
GORUCK Ballistic Trainer
The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer may not stand out visually but never judge a book by its cover or, a shoe by its picture. The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is so high on our list because it excels in the most crucial feature of a CrossFit shoe: versatility.
The upper uses a ballistic Cordura mesh which is soft, flexible, and tough. For the cushion, the Ballistic Trainer features Gradient Density EVA foam which means the shoe is more cushioned in the forefoot to accommodate jumping, running, and explosive movements, while the heel is denser and stiffer for a stable platform while lifting. The traction is also a highlight. The outsole actually uses 3 different rubbers. A grippy compound in the forefoot, a harder more durable formulation in the midfoot, and a denser heel to endure heel strikes and create a stable platform. One thing to remember is that the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer fits longer than other training shoes so make sure to go down half a size. Read the full review. Price: $125
Inov-8 F-Fly
The Inov-8 F-Fly gives CrossFitters an option that sits between a beefy cross trainer and barefoot trainers. It’s versatile, flexible, and comfortable with a surprising amount of Powerflow Pro cushion alongside elite level ground feel. The outsole grips everything, and though the upper is a basic engineered mesh and may face some durability issues if climbing rope, it’s comfortable. The F-Fly’s versatility provides the ability to handle PR lifts and any scheduled treadmill cardio sessions. See the full review. Price: $130
TYR CXT-1
The TYR CXT-1 is in the top tier of weightlifting shoes and one of the better cross training options on the market. The upper is basic but built well for comfort. Cardio could be better but it can handle jumping rope and sprinting without issue. The real star of the CXT-1 is the stability. It has an impressive ability to be a strong base for heavy lifts, one legged movements, and other exercises requiring multiple foot positions. See the full review. Price: $140
RAD One
The RAD One uses nicer than average materials, has a stable base with impeccable traction, and can handle any type of weight room exercise you throw at it. Running in the RAD One isn’t ideal, but it can handle everything else you want to do. It’s a great-looking but super functional weightlifting and cross training shoe that provides enough old-school shoe vibes to be different than what anyone else is wearing at your gym. Read the full review. Price: $150
Reasons to buy: Herringbone traction, high-quality materials
Reasons not to buy: Running in it feels clunky
Reebok Nano X4
The Reebok Nano X4 is an excellent performer on all lifts, offering great stability in all situations, and an extremely comfortable Flexweave upper. It’s our favorite Reebok Nano to date and one of the best training shoes of the year.
It’s not great for cardio but it can handle enough plyometrics and sprinting to work well for CrossFit. It’s a versatile shoe that’s dependable and should be on the short list for any hard-charging gym goer. See the full review. Price: $140
Nike Metcon Turbo 2
The Nike Metcon Turbo 2 is as versatile as CrossFit because it can easily handle many different workouts. The cushioning is the cross training version of the Nike GT Cut 2. There’s a removable React drop-in midsole with Zoom Air in the forefoot. The Metcon Turbo 2 is plenty stable thanks to a wide footprint that steadies the foot during most movements, especially lateral ones. And the traction is grippy with gapless rubber all over the outsole. Wherever and however you land, the traction grabs the floor. Read the full review. Price: $150
Best Budget CrossFit Shoes
Puma Fuse 3.0
The Puma Fuse 3.0 is a minimalist cross training shoe that’s ultra-stable and packs insane traction. Where does the insane grip come from? Puma Grip. It’s Puma’s proprietary rubber compound that’s best in class. It sticks to the ground, so you won’t slide or shift during lifts.
The stability is also top of the line as the outrigger at the lateral forefoot, raised midfoot sidewalls, and a beefy TPU heel counter combine to keep the foot in place no matter how much weight you’re slinging. The cushion is super thin (don’t run in them), so some people may get too much ground feel for their liking. But for those lifting weights, you can spread your toes inside the roomy toebox and press into the ground, and generate extra force.
The mesh and fuse upper is surprisingly comfy in large part thanks to the comfy padded tongue. You’re unlikely to find a better weightlifting shoe at this price. Read full review. Price: $120
Best CrossFit Shoes Now on Sale
Reebok Nano X3
The Reebok Nano X3 is a return to form for the greatest training shoe line of all time. It’s been a long time since we enjoyed a Nano this much. And while it isn’t the perfect shoe, we’re confident any typical gym goer that purchases it will have a great experience. The fit is great (though some people experienced heel slippage), and the new LAR Chassis system combined with Floatride feels bouncy but stable underfoot.
You’re also getting a long-lasting shoe that, after a break-in period, is one of the most comfortable Nanos ever. True, $150 feels steep for a cross training shoe, but by the end of 2023 most cross trainers will be around that price point due to our current pricing trends and inflation. See the full review. Price: $150
Nike Legend Essential 3
The Nike Legend Essential 3 is by far the cheapest shoe on this list, but don’t be fooled. You might be surprised about how well these lock down your heel. Honestly, it’s one of the best cross trainers if you’re looking for that solid heel containment and support. The performance lives up to the name. Read the full review. Price: $70
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best CrossFit shoes list? We’d also like to hear your thoughts on this list and see your best CrossFit shoes list in the comments. Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
The Nike Metcon 9 is a great shoe for CrossFit as well. I do CrossFit 3-4 x a week. If you want a shoe that provides stability when lifting and durability while cross training, the Nike Metcon 9 gets my approval! It’s my favorite Metcon so far. I almost gave up on them after the 7s and 8s!
We have a review on the Metcon 9 on the site. It was better than the atrocious 7 and 8 but it’s still got a long way to go to match the performance of our top picks.