Here are 7 choices of men’s athletic shoes to look at when purchasing for CrossFit training. I personally own Reebok NANOs and NOBULL trainers. I have always found the NANOs comfortable and durable. I haven’t trained in the NOBULLs yet. Quick history- Reebok kind of grew with the rise of CrossFit and were the favorite shoe for a number of years. A couple years back the contract between the 2 companies expired and CrossFit is now working with NOBULL.
The 7 Best CrossFit Shoes for Men of 2022
Stay on top of your WOD with the right sneakers for all your needs (from verywellfit.com)
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If you’re one of the four million people that practice CrossFit, you know that the type of cross-training shoe you buy is the key to optimizing your fitness. CrossFit is a form of interval training, made up of strength and conditioning exercises and functional movement performed at high intensity levels. What’s on your feet goes a long way in determining your fitness success in the CrossFit box.
When looking for a shoe, consider your primary focus. While CrossFit is, by definition, multi-activity training, some participants lean more towards certain activities like weight lifting or running. Most shoes are versatile enough to support various activities. However, specific shoes do have certain features that support specific training.
Here, the best men’s CrossFit training shoes on the market.
Best Overall: Reebok CROSSFIT Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer
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The popular Nano from Reebox gets high marks from users for its comfort and stability. It features a sturdy, minimal drop sole that provides a solid foundation for lifting. The stability and grip of the toe and heel make it a great shoe for CrossFit, whether you’re landing box jumps, doing burpees, or climbing ropes. The shoes’ seamless upper construction provides durable ventilation, keeping your feet dry and comfortable. Users also love the wide toe box, which really adds to the shoe’s overall comfort.
The shoes also feature an extremely durable Kevlar patch for protection from ropes when climbing. Like most CrossFit shoes, they’re stiff, perfect for CrossFit activities, but not as comfortable for running. The Nano is available in sizes 6.5 through 14. The shoe comes in over 20 colors to choose from.
Best Budget: Under Armour Charged Commit 2 Training Shoes
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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly, entry-level shoe, the Under Armour Charged Commit 2 Training Shoes is an ideal choice for those new to cross-training. Lightweight mesh covers the upper, allowing for breathability. Complete with a sockline to mold your feet, it delivers an ideal underfoot, keeping you from slipping while you train.
This shoe is finished with leather on the top of the foot for stability and flex grooves on the bottom for mobility. This trainer is topped off with Charged Cushioning for impact absorption. The shoes are available in sizes 7 through 15 and come in black and two different shades of gray.
Best for Lifting: Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 v3 – Cross Trainer, Fitness & Weight Lifting Shoe
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Many cross-training shoes feature flat soles and enough ankle support for weightlifting, but the Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 v3 – Cross Trainer goes above and beyond. This shoe delivers the ideal heel-to-toe drop for lifting and functional movements, enhancing a natural feel.
Not only does the shoe boast excellent support for lifting, but it’s light and flexible as well. The outsole technology in the forefoot provides the foot with flexibility and freedom to move naturally during workouts. The toe box is roomy enough for toes to spread, offering stabilization.
Best Minimalist: Merrell Bare Access Flex
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The Merrell Bare Access Flex shoes offer a minimalist feel with just the right amount of stability that works for both running and CrossFit. The rubber outsole has superb traction, giving you excellent grip at both the gym and while running on the trails. Users also love the shoe’s lightweight feel and durability. The shoes are available in sizes 7 through 15, and they come in black and red.
Best for Running and CrossFit: Nike Free Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoe
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Nike Metcon series is a marquee player in the cross-training footwear industry, which is why so many athletes are quick to purchase the latest model. This CrossFit-inspired shoe was built with a flat sole for lifting but had enough cushion for the midsole support when you need to sprint.
Along with running, the Nike Free Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoe is also ideal for climbing, lifting, and jumping. A firm heel, dual-density foam midsole, and a grippy rubber sole provide the combination of stability and cushioning that CrossFitters need. Users also love the minimal heel lift. The shoes also feature Flywire mid-foot technology, which helps lock your foot in place. The shoe is available in sizes 3.5 to 15. Stylish and sleek, it comes in bold color combos and the standard black and white.
Best for Comfort: NOBULL Men’s Training Shoes and Styles
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Diehard CrossFit competitive fans have probably already heard of this brand. NOBULL started in 2015 by a company that prides itself on lack of gimmickry. These nimble shoes are lightweight and breathable. The upper part of the Trainer features a seamless one-piece construction of SuperFabric, a durable and abrasion-resistant material. This functional but straightforward shoe has the perfect combination of traction, flexibility, and all-day support.
The shoes feature an outsole lug pattern, which was designed for training on different terrain. The footwear transitions quickly between indoors and outdoors, with the ideal blend of flexibility, stability, and traction. The NOBULL is available in sizes 8 through 18 and a wide array of colors.
Best for Wide Feet: New Balance Men’s Dynasoft Trnr V1 Cross Trainer
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If you’re a CrossFit enthusiast with wide foot problems, you know that aren’t many brands that cater to wide feet. New Balance consistently offers the most variety of shoes in the hard-to-find segment, so if you’ve been looking for the ideal wide shoe, you’ll appreciate the New Balance Men’s Dynasoft Trnr V1 Cross Trainer.
With the support and stability of a training shoe, combined with a running shoe’s lightweight cushioned midsole cushioning, this cross trainer delivers an ultra-responsive ride coupled with plush comfort for an amplified performance experience.
Those who’ve worn the shoe commended the lightweight solid rubber outsole along with multi-directional traction for any surface. The shoe is offered in sizes 7 through 15, in regular, wide, and extra-wide widths. It’s also available in black, white, and light aluminum.
PRICE SUMMARY ON A QUICK SEARCH BY DEAN
REEBOK $110
UNDER ARMOUR $80
INOV-8 $140-170
MERRELL -NO STOCK AVAIL-NO PRICE AVAIL
NIKE – $120
NOBULL – $129
NEW BALANCE- $80
FINAL VERDICT
CrossFit’s loyal fans often have several pairs of cross-training shoes in their closets. However, if you only purchase one pair, your best bet is the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Cross-Trainer shoes. With high marks for stability, comfort, and grip, you’ll appreciate them whether you’re landing box jumps, climbing ropes, or doing burpees.
A close runner up to the Nano, the Nike Free Metcon 3 Men’s Training Shoe is an excellent option for avid CrossFitters. It also combines stability and cushioning with a flat sole for lifting and a midsole for sprinting, suitable for any CrossFit activity. Whether you’re climbing, lifting, flexing, running, or jumping, the Nike Metcon can also handle just about anything you throw at it.
What to Look for in CrossFit Shoes for Men
Support
CrossFit workouts are focused on heavy weight lifting feats, so shoes that offer arch support and foot and ankle stability are a wise choice. The shoes should be non-slip, made of sturdy material, and feel stable when you are lifting.
Comfort
If your shoes are not comfortable, the rest of your workout will suffer. Choose shoes that provide enough room, but are not too big for your foot shape, whether that’s wide or narrow. Be sure your shoes can be adjusted with laces or straps for tightness to help them shape to your feet.
Flexibility
Along with heavy lifting, CrossFit workouts are also packed with functional high-energy movements like box jumps and burpees. Your shoes will need to be flexible to keep up with the tasks at foot. The upper and forefoot of your shoes should be bendable for jumping purposes.
SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK- MONDAY-FRIDAY 5 AM, 6 AM, 4:30 PM AND 5:30 PM. SATURDAY 8 AM. ON SATURDAY APRIL 30TH WE WILL HAVE A 5 K RUN STARTING PROMPTLY AT 7 AM FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO TEST THEIR CARDIO. INVITE ANY RUNNING FRIENDS TO JOIN US. WE WILL STILL HAVE A 8 AM CLASS THAT DAY.
WORKOUTS THIS WEEK- POKER ON SATURDAY, PULLUP/RUN DUO, ROW/BURPEE/RUN TRIPLET, SPLIT JERKS, AMANDA, RUN/ROW/ROPE SESSION
THANKS FOR READING ALL THE WAY TO THE END. WE WILL HAVE A GUEST WRITER EVALUATE THE BEST WOMEN’S SHOES IN THE NEAR FUTURE SO STAY TUNED.
HAVE A GREAT WEEK
SEE YOU AT THE GYM
3,2,1 GO!!!
DEAN