I ran across this article the other day so I figured I would share it. I have a “few” pairs of CrossFit shoes, mostly Reebok Nano’s. I tried the Nike Metcons but tossed em after they developed a “squeak” on every step. I have a couple pair of NOBULLs but haven’t worked out in them yet. Look and feel good. Check out this article for some opinions that will help direct you in spending your money wisely.
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The Best CrossFit Shoes To Crush Every Set, WOD And Long-Term Goal
Leoni Jesner
Contributor
Forbes Vetted
Contributor Group
Feb 22, 2023,12:00pm EST
If you’ve spent any time at a gym, yoga studio or local track, there’s a good chance you’ve heard someone mention CrossFit. What began as a simple concept in 2001 has since become an acclaimed workout regimen with more than 150 independent gyms worldwide and a dedicated competition—the CrossFit Games—that showcases the sport’s most elite athlete. As far as fitness classes go, CrossFit is perhaps the most dynamic, with components that include a workout of the day (termed ‘WOD’), high intensity interval training, conditioning, weight and power lifting, and functional exercises. And because CrossFit embraces dynamic, explosive movements, it stands to reason that you’ll need a pair of the best CrossFit shoes to make the most of every session.
Before stepping foot into a CrossFit gym, you’ll want to kit yourself out with a pair of shoes tasked with reinforcing your form through all manner of movement. The most effective CrossFit shoes are a hybrid of weightlifting shoes—which have a lifted heel for additional depth—and men’s and women’s running shoes that offer unparalleled flexibility. Designed for clean and jerks, cardio workouts and constant impact, CrossFit shoes are built for all manner of exercise.
As a whole, the optimal CrossFit shoe will emphasize stability for lateral movements, lightweight craftsmanship and durability to outlast even the most grueling workouts. With this in mind, we pored over reviews, technical specs and personal experience to find the best CrossFit shoes on the market today. While the Nike Metcon 8 stood out as the overall winner, other models from Reebok, Altra and Adidas will cater to different needs. Below, the best shoes for CrossFitters new and old.
Best CrossFit Shoes Overall: Nike Metcon 8
Best CrossFit Shoes For Men: Reebok Nano X3
Best CrossFit Shoes For Women: Nobull CrossFit Trainer+
Best Honorable Mention Men’s CrossFit Shoes: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
Best Honorable Mention Women’s CrossFit Shoes: Reebok Nano X2
Best Casual CrossFit Shoes For Men: Altra Solstice XT 2
Best Casual CrossFit Shoes For Women: Adidas Dropset Trainer
Best Crossfit Shoes Overall
An Ultra-Durable Shoe With A Breathable Upper
Nike Metcon 8
NIKE.COM
Nike Metcon 8
$130
AT NIKE.COM
Buy Men’s From Nike.com
Buy Women’s From Nike.com
When it comes to CrossFit shoes, the Nike Metcon 8 offers nothing but the finest. In terms of stability, Nike React foam in the midsole supports your cleans and jerks, while the wider toe box allows your toes to spread out freely with each step. In back, the block heel is precisely what you need for a strong take-off during squats and heavy lifts. On the traction side, a rubber outsole helps to plant your feet in place for a solid lift without the threat of slips or slides.
While the shoe is incredibly stable, it still features a degree of cushioning to improve comfort during cardio sessions, yet it doesn’t come at the expense of traditional explosive movements. That cushioning is paired with a textured overlay that’s tougher than its predecessor, the Metcon 7, to improve the shoe’s long-lasting performance.
Both the men’s and women’s Metcons feature a lace-locking mechanism to keep your laces out of the way while you’re training, which is perfect when you’re getting after it and would rather not fret over your footwear. The 7s had a Velcro tab on the top and bottom of the tongue that could keep the laces down during training; the 8s only have it on the top. Find this shoe in a range of colorways, or design your own to stand out at the gym.
Key Features:
Lightweight mesh promotes breathability
Handstand heel clip ensures stability
Rubber tread improves grip
Various colorways promote your personal style
Best CrossFit Shoes For Men
Midsole Technology Promotes Stable Lifts And Soft Landings
Reebok Nano X3
REEBOK UNITED STATES
Reebok Nano X3
$140
Buy From Reebok
One of the main selling points of the Reebok Nano X3 is its versatility, and that comes courtesy of revolutionary midsole technology—coined the Lift and Run Chassis system—that delivers on two fronts. First, the dome-shaped heel offers rigid and sturdy support for lifts, which is a key component of CrossFit. And second, that same dome feature softens when you switch to cardio exercises, such as running and jumping, to absorb and reduce impact.
In terms of design, this shoe is surprisingly complex, but that’s because it’s designed to meet your needs throughout each and every element of your workout. Floatride Energy Foam is lightweight (and cushioned) for speed runs but it remains just stiff enough for security on more grueling lifts. The Flexweave woven upper gives your foot room to stretch and breathe when you need it, while the rubber outsole resists constant wear and tear.
As part of Reebok’s [Ree]cycled initiative, at least 30% of the Nano X3 is constructed from recycled or repurposed materials. Choose from a range of color options.
Key features:
Flexible midsole technology improves support
Flexweave woven upper offers breathability and flexibility
Floatride Energy Foam absorbs repetitive impacts
Multiple colors
Best CrossFit Shoes For Women
A Trainer Certified By CrossFit Itself
NOBULL CrossFit Trainer+
NOBULL
Nobull CrossFit Trainer+
$149
Buy From Nobull
Nobull champions training hard without excuses, as its name implies. With its sponsorship of the CrossFit Games beginning in 2021, the brand has created a line of merchandise in the sport’s honor, including a series of noteworthy shoes such as the CrossFit Trainer+. Combining stability, traction and comfort for a multi-functional shoe that brings its A-game to each and every element of CrossFit, these kicks are winners for more reasons that one.
For starters, the plush EVA midsole offers cushioned height for improved comfort, while the upper is made from SuperFabric—a durable material that lets your feet breathe. This shoe is particularly capable due to its herringbone outsole, which enhances traction in a variety of multidirectional motions whether you’re working up a sweat indoors or out.
Even the laces are thoughtfully constructed with an added foam layer on the tongue to allow for more secure tying without the ‘lace bite’. The heel and collar also feature padding that acts as a buffer, reducing the likelihood of blisters and hotspots.
Key features:
Durable SuperFabric gives your feet some fresh air
High carbon rubber outsole withstands wear and tear
Reflective details boost low-light visibility
CrossFit and NoBull partnership combines the best of both worlds
Best Honorable Mention Men’s CrossFit Shoes
A Responsive Shoe With Plenty Of Grip
Inov-8 F-LITE G 300
INOV-8
Inov-8 F-lite G 300
$155
Buy From inov-8
This light but mighty running shoe weighs in at only 300 grams, yet it’s infused with some of the world’s toughest materials to give you an edge during your workout. In fact, it claims to offer the world’s ‘toughest grip’ due to its graphene-enhanced power heel, a feature developed by scientists at The University of Manchester.
As the strongest material measured to date, graphene helps root your foot in place with superior grip, yet it’s flexible enough to switch between static and dynamic movements while wrapping your feet in solid comfort from heel to toe.
Thanks to Rope-Tec, you can cruise through rope climbs courtesy of blade-like grooves along the sides of the shoe that grip the rope for support, even on tough climbs. Other specs include a lightweight upper that prevents sweaty feet from stinking up your workout, and elongated rubber padding at the front of the shoe is positioned to protect your toes through difficult movements.
Key features:
Graphene powerheel offers unrivaled grip
Lightweight upper promotes breathability
Rope-tec protection helps you master every climb
Various color options
Best Honorable Mention Women’s CrossFit Shoes
A Performance Shoe With Support And Comfort In Its DNA
Reebok Nano X2
REEBOK UNITED STATES
Reebok Nano X2
90135SAVE $45 (33%)
Buy From Reebok
Reebok’s Nano X2 is a responsive shoe that will safely and easily transition from intense bouts of cardio to power lifts. And, given the Nano range is designed as a cross-training shoe, it shouldn’t be overlooked despite the fact that a newer model, the Nano X3, is on the market.
A soft and durable upper is made from Flexweave knit that allows your foot to move and breathe when it needs to (toes included during flexing exercises), yet it remains solid during weight-centric movements. Plus, Floatride Energy Foam gives the shoe its lightness, but it also acts as a soft cushion for heavier landings, which means this shoe is suitable for short-distance runs.
The rubber outsole has a high-traction lug pattern for ample support on a range of surfaces, both indoors and out. As far as comfort is concerned, reviews have noted that the style accommodates wide feet, the tongue is wide enough to cover the top of your foot and the eyelets keep the laces tightly secured.
Key features:
Floatride Energy Foam absorbs impact
Flexweave woven upper keeps your feet feeling fresh
Rubber outsole features small lugs to improve traction
Supportive heel clip offers a stable base
Best Causal CrossFit Shoes For Men
For Moderate Lifters Who Also Like To Run
MOST POPULAR
Altra Solstice XT 2
ALTRA
Altra Solstice XT 2
$130
AT ALTRA UNITED STATES
Buy Men’s From Altra
Buy Women’s From Altra
While it’s not a CrossFit shoe per se, the Altra Solstice XT 2 hits the mark for casual CrossFit goers who are moderate lifters but still enjoy longer runs. As a ‘low-to-the-ground’ shoe infused with innovative technological features, it provides a great platform for stability when performing light to intermediate lifts and intense cardio workouts.
The shoe features Altra’s signature FootShape that promotes interior space for your foot to spread—which is ideal if you’re in the wide foot camp. And, its Balanced Cushioning is positioned in such a way as to level your heel and forefront with the ground.
The shoe has a firmer caged upper than the first iteration of the Solstice, which makes for smoother and more supportive lateral and fast-paced movements. Additionally, the toe reinforcement provides another layer of protection when dealing with heavy weights.
The upper’s mesh is breathable to keep your feet from overheating, while the outsole is lined with grooves that allow the shoe to bend with your foot and provide excellent grip on indoor surfaces.
Key features:
Balanced Cushioning platform promotes a stable base
FootShape comfort allows your toes to splay
High-abrasion EVA midsole adds lots of underfoot support
Athletic rubber outsole provides grip
Best Casual CrossFit Shoes For Women
A Durable Shoe For Intense Cardio And Lighter Lifts
Adidas Dropset Trainer Shoes
ADIDAS
Adidas Dropset Trainer
$130
Buy From Adidas
Adidas’ Dropset Trainer is promoted as a versatile training shoe for a variety of workouts, including strength training and cardio. The shoe has a dual-density EVA midsole that blends cushioning at the forefoot for comfort with firmer foam at the heel to bolster your lifts.
Another significant feature of this shoe is the midfoot cage, which helps lock your feet in place for sturdy, stable lifts. And at the heel, you’ll find a padded collar to prevent hotspots.
The non-marking rubber outsole is kitted out with a multi-directional tread pattern for traction, including jerky, sharp or quick-change movements in both indoor and outdoor settings. A breathable upper allows air to circulate around your feet while a wider toe box gives plenty of wiggle room. If you’re interested in sustainable buys, this shoe has at least 50% recycled materials, so it’s a little better for the planet.
Key features:
Dual-density midsole adds support
Rubber outsole delivers confidence-inspiring grip
Synthetic upper resist wear and promotes breathability
Partly constructed from recycled materials
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SCHEDULE FOR THE WEEK- MONDAY-FRIDAY 5AM, 6AM, 4:30PM 5:30 PM, 8 AM POKER THE LAST OPEN WORKOUT 23.3 WILL BE ANNOUNCED THURSDAY SO WE WILL HAVE IT AVAILABLE THURSDAY EVENING AND ALL CLASSES ON FRIDAY. MAKE AN APPOINTMENT IF YOU CAN’T MAKE ANY OF THOSE CLASSES
WORKOUTS THIS WEEK- OPEN 23.3, POKER, OPEN WORKOUT 12.1, CINDY, PULLUP/CLEAN/ROW TRIO, SITUP/PUSH PRESS DUET AND ROWING.
MARCH IS ALMOST HERE. WE WILL FOCUS ON PULLUP WORK ALL OF MARCH, HANG ON TIGHT!!
SEE YOU AT THE GYM
3,2 1 GO!!!
DEAN