Crossfit is a fitness regime that has found popularity worldwide because of its accessibility and the variety of activities involved. It is based around doing a wide range of different exercises in a communal environment, combining the best elements of gymnastics, running, rowing, cycling, and has a particular focusing on weightlifting.
Naturally, most of the load that will be endured during these sessions will go through your feet and this means that the best Crossfit shoes need to be adaptable to each discipline with an emphasis on providing you with a stable platform for the lifting activities. So it is vital that you choose the right footwear to keep you comfortable; give you the grip you need; and extend your training time.
We have compiled our guide for the best Crossfit shoes to help you find the shoes best suited for your needs.
Shoes reviewed in this guide;
For Men:
Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 4.0 Training Shoe
Reebok Men’s R Crossfit Nano 5 Training Shoe
Asics Men’s Gel-Fortius TR Training Shoe
Nike Men’s Metcon 2 Training Shoe
New Balance Men’s 20V5 Vibram Minimus Training Shoe
For Women:
Nike Women’s Metcon 2 OC Training Shoe
RYKA Women’s Influence Training Shoe
Asics Women’s GEL-Fit Sana Training Shoe
Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 5.0 Training Shoe
Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 4.0 Training Shoe
Best Crossfit Shoes for Men
Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 4.0 Training Shoe
- Made from synthetic materials
- Multi-surface outsole
- Cushioned footbed
- Shock-absorbing heel pods
- Snug fit
Reebok has a long history with designing shoes for sporting activities, so it’s no surprise that these shoes that are specifically for Crossfit training provide you with all the features you need for all aspects of your regime.
They are surrounded with a breathable open weave mesh and a Duracage protective synthetic overlay that ensures a durable and snug fit around your feet. The textile lining and well-cushioned footbed will keep your feet comfortable throughout your workout, and the multi-surface rubber outsole gives you just the right amount of grip whether you are running or weightlifting.
My favorite part of these shoes, though, is the cushioned heel pods. They absorb a lot of the shock and pressure that is exerted on these areas of the foot throughout the various exercises and help you keep going for longer. They are also available in a wide range of vibrant colors to suit any taste.
Reebok Men’s R Crossfit Nano 5 Training Shoe
- Made from synthetic materials
- Kevlar-infused upper
- NanoShell midsole
- Contoured heel
- Tough outsole with improved grip
These best cross fit shoes from Reebok are tough and durable and will keep your feet protected and feeling great during the most rigorous of Crossfit training regimes.
The outsole, made from carbon rubber, has raised lug patterns that increase the surface area of contact and gives you a great level of traction. This is especially useful for activities like rope climbing and weightlifting where you will have the confidence in your shoes to push even harder.
The anatomical lace-up design allows this shoe to fit tightly and comfortably around your feet without compromising your mobility at all. They are available in a good range of colors, so you’ll be sure to stand out as you work out with your best shoes for Crossfit.
Asics Men’s Gel-Fortius TR Training Shoe
- Made with leather
- GEL cushioning
- AirMesh material on the upper
- Reinforced toe cap
- Abrasion-resistant outsole
Asics have designed this shoe for high-intensity workouts and have used a bunch of features to ensure you will feel comfortable wearing them and be provided with the support you need for the variety of disciplines involved with Crossfit.
Starting with the toe cap, which is made from an abrasion-resistant synthetic leather, you will immediately notice how durable the upper part of the shoe feels. The double-stitched quarter panel provides a brace to support your foot, which is kept in place during training even during quick lateral movements.
Comfort and shock absorption are provided by the inclusion of GEL cushioning in the heel, which helps you train for longer by reducing the impact felt by each step, and the AirMesh upper is made from a breathable material to keep your feet feeling fresh. The outsole is made from an abrasion-resistant rubber- so it will give you grip where you need it.
Nike Men’s Metcon 2 Training Shoe
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- Made from synthetic materials and mesh
- Flywire midfoot technology
- Dual-density foam midsole
- Plastic heel clip
- Designed for intense workouts
Nike’s attempt at making a shoe specifically designed for Crossfit has resulted in a sleek-looking, durable product that provides the support and stability you need for various disciplines involved with the regime.
They are intended to fit around your feet like a glove, and are made from a flexible synthetic and mesh material to allow it to move in conjunction with your foot to provide stability without interfering with your movement. The flywire midfoot technology keeps your feet locked in places during lateral loads, which, along with the grip provided by the rubber outsole, will give you the confidence to push to the limit.
The dual-density foam midsole puts soft padding against your foot to improve comfort while incorporating a harder foam that provides further support and stability. There’s also a heel clip to stop the heel rubbing against anything; a durable material around the toe box that gives extra grip when climbing ropes; and they come in a wide range of colors so you’ll be sure to find a variant that will make them the best Crossfit shoes for you.
New Balance Men’s 20V5 Vibram Minimus Training Shoe
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- Made from fabric and synthetic materials
- Vibram sole and outsole
- Revlite midsole
- Reinforced toe
- Lightweight design
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These shoes from New Balance have been designed from lightweight material to ensure you feel unencumbered by your footwear while working out. These fabric and synthetic materials are breathable, so your feet remain feeling fresh, and provide good support to your arches during intensive activities.
The burrito tongue is a little unusual, as it is attached to the side of the shoe, but it is padded so it feels comfortable against your foot. The outsole is made from a durable rubber that provides a good amount of grip, and extra material is used to reinforce the toe area for even further grip during rope climbing.
Padding within the sole and midsole in these best Crossfit shoes will keep your feet feeling comfortable, while absorbing some of the shocks, so you don’t feel the impact so much in your ankles.
Best Crossfit Shoes for Women
Nike Women’s Metcon 2 OC Training Shoe
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- Made from synthetic and mesh materials
- Flywire midfoot technology
- Dual-density foam midsole
- Plastic heel clip
- Designed for high-intensity workouts
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These best cross fit shoes from Nike come with all the same features as the Men’s versions but are designed for the different contours and sizes of women’s feet. They give a tight, snug fit and will provide all the grip and stability you need for your Crossfit workout.
To do this they are made from a flexible mesh material that moves with your feet to give you stability without interfering with movement at all. The flywire midfoot technology keeps your feet locked in places during lateral loads which, along with the grip provided by the rubber outsole, will give you the confidence to push to the limit.
The dual-density foam midsole puts a soft padding against your foot to improve comfort while incorporating a harder foam that provides further support and stability. My favorite thing about these shoes is the extra material that has been added around the toe box to give you the perfect amount of grip for those grueling rope climbs.
RYKA Women’s Influence Training Shoe
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- Made from synthetic materials
- Padded tongue and collar
- Bouncy insole
- Dual-impact midsole
- Added layers for support
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RYKA’s best Crossfit workout shoes are designed to be multi-purpose that will provide you with the support and comfort required across the wide variety of disciplines that Crossfit involves.
The layers are made from what they call “Flex-Foil” and “Direct-Fuse”, which act to support your feet during lateral movements while being incredibly light and breathable. This reduces the loads on your feet and keeps them feeling fresh. The bouncy insole helps with your movement and energy efficiency, and the padded tongue and collar ensure your feet feel comfortable and prevent them from rubbing.
Dual foam midsole cushioning is put in at the important pressure points, and gives a soft foam against your foot for comfort, with a tougher foam behind that provides support. The really good thing about these shoes is the way the sole has been designed with class-leading grip and pivot point that allows for more natural movements throughout the workout.
Asics Women’s GEL-Fit Sana Training Shoe
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- Made from fabric
- MONO-Sock fit system
- GEL cushioning in rearfoot
- High abrasion outsole
- Low profile midsole
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Asics have designed this shoe to be effective during all workout activities, with a comfortable fitting and lightweight material. It provides support to the parts of your feet that experience the most pressure while keeping them comfortable and feeling fresh.
The upper is made from a breathable mesh material that is extremely lightweight and flexible, which allows the shoe to move with your foot without compromising your range of movement. The GEL cushioning in the rear-foot area provides comfort to your heel, as well as acting as an effective shock absorber.
The MONO sock fit system ensures your feet feel snug and comfortable within the shoe, and the low profile midsole keeps you closer to the ground and more able to control your motion. The high abrasion outsole gives you a great level of grip, so whether you are lifting weights or climbing ropes you’ll have the confidence to keep ongoing.
Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 5.0 Training Shoe
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- Made from textile and synthetic materials
- Infused with Kevlar
- Nanoshell midsole
- Contoured heel counter
- Stiff design
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Reebok has designed these shoes to be all you need for the various activities in Crossfit. They are lightweight, durable, provide a good level of grip, and will keep your feet feeling comfortable and looking great.
The upper is made from synthetic materials that are infused with Kevlar to keep them breathable and flexible but extremely tough. This means you will be supported throughout the most intensive regimes, the shoe will move with your motion without restricting movement, and your feet will feel cool and fresh.
Further support is provided with the thermoplastic midsole shell, which is soft on your foot but helps with medial and lateral movements as well as during heavy lifts. They have spent a lot of time designing this shoe to fit the contours of your feet, with even further support being given by the strong heel counter.
Reebok Women’s Crossfit Nano 4.0 Training Shoe
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- Made from synthetic materials
- Open weave mesh upper
- Multi-surface outsole
- RopePro protection wrap
- Duracage protective upper
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This shoe has been designed with the rigors of Crossfit in mind and provides great support and comfort to allow you to continue training hard without the fear of problematic feet.
Made from a breathable mesh material, your feet will remain feeling fresh throughout the most intensive of activities, and the dual-density foam heel keeps you comfortable. The multi-density Duracage covers the upper to provide a heightened level of protection and support, and the RopePro outsole and midsole wraps give you the grip you need for climbs and lifts.
Anti-friction lining and a comfortable sock liner will keep your feet firmly in place, and the flexible material allows the shoe to stretch in tandem with your movements. The padded tongue and collar add an extra level of comfort and prevent your feet from rubbing.
Bottomline
Your feet can be the first parts to start aching during exercise, especially in regimes like Crossfit that involve a lot of activities that pass a lot of load through them. A lot of shoes that are supposedly designed for Crossfit are available, but it can be tricky to decide which ones are suited for you.
Our choice for the best Crossfit shoes is the Reebok Nano 5.0’s for both men and women. They provide a high level of grip, comfort, and the support you need to keep going for long periods of time.
