Best Shoes for Crossfit
cs6 of the Best Shoes for CrossFit
The CrossFit craze shows no sign of slowing down! There are now more than 13,000 gyms offering CrossFit programs in more than 120 countries around the world. Globally, there are about 4 million people regularly performing CrossFit workouts, a number that is rapidly increasing each year.
CrossFit is often described as a “cult” because of how addictive it is! It is no surprise that people become addicted to it because it is such an exhilarating way to exercise. It is also extremely effective at burning fat because of the many different full-body exercises that CrossFit routines include.
If you are hooked on CrossFit, you are probably interested in improving your performance as much as possible. One essential piece of equipment you will require to perform well is a good pair of shoes. This guide will share some tips for choosing a CrossFit shoe, then share the 6 best shoes for CrossFit. Let’s get started!
Tips for choosing a pair of CrossFit shoes
Having a great pair of shoes can make a dramatic difference to your CrossFit workouts. You will have a solid platform to stand on, improving how you handle weights, run and jump. If you are just getting started with CrossFit, a pair of high-quality running shoes might suffice. However, if you are really keen to do well, you should purchase a pair of shoes specifically designed for CrossFit. Here are a few tips for choosing a shoe that is perfect for CrossFit:
Consider using a shoe with less drop.
The “drop” of a shoe is the difference in height between the forefoot and the heel of the shoe. It is sometimes called the shoe’s “offset” or “ramp angle.” If a shoe has a drop of 0 millimeters, the heel of the shoe is the same height as the forefoot.
Traditionally, running shoes have a drop around the 10-millimeter mark. This has been widely accepted as the right drop for running comfortably. However, because CrossFit involves many types of activities, athletes usually obtain better results with a lower drop. Some CrossFitters will only use shoes with a drop of less than 4 mm. This allows them to quickly transition between performing a clean and jerk, climbing a wall, and performing box jumps.
Choose a shoe that is lightweight
Because CrossFit involves running and activities like box jumping, it really helps to have a shoe that is quite lightweight. Look for shoes that are light while retaining a high level of durability.
Look for shoes with a hard sole
Having a stable platform is crucial when you are performing CrossFit. You don’t want to be lifting weights or performing burpees with shoes that have a squishy sole. That will increase the risk of a slip or fall.
Using shoes with harder soles will help keep your feet stable on the ground — regardless of the load that you are carrying. You will also be able to distribute your weight across the entire sole, which is useful when pushing large objects, rowing, or cycling.
Consider shoes with tread on the insole
Rope climbs are one of the toughest exercises in CrossFit! If you have not mastered legless rope climbs, consider purchasing shoes that have tread on the insole. This will help you gain some additional traction with your feet as you climb.
Choose a shoe with a very durable outer
CrossFit is a very demanding form of exercise that involves a lot of sudden movements. Performing box jumps, squats, rope climbs, and skipping ropes can really punish your shoes, so look for new products with a durable outer. The best shoes for CrossFit will have a “cage” around the shoe’s mid-foot or a very well-built upper. This helps to protect the shoe when performing rope climbs and other exercises.
Do you need a breathable shoe?
You work up a sweat very quickly during a CrossFit routine! If you are in a particularly warm environment, consider shoes with a permeable outer that helps your feet remain cool. Conversely, if you exercise outdoors and often run in the wet, purchase a shoe with a sealed outer.
How often should I replace my CrossFit shoes?
The lifespan of CrossFit shoes can vary based on factors such as the frequency and intensity of use, individual biomechanics, and the specific activities involved in your workouts. Here are some general guidelines to help you determine when it might be time to replace your CrossFit shoes:
- Mileage and Frequency:
- If you use your CrossFit shoes regularly, the overall mileage they accumulate can impact their lifespan. High-frequency use, especially in intense workouts, may wear out the shoe materials more quickly. Consider replacing them every 6-12 months, depending on usage.
- Visible Wear and Tear:
- Check the physical condition of your shoes regularly. If you notice visible signs of wear and tear, such as frayed seams, worn-out soles, or flattened cushioning, it’s a clear indication that your shoes may have reached the end of their effective lifespan.
- Loss of Support and Cushioning:
- The support and cushioning provided by CrossFit shoes are crucial for injury prevention and optimal performance. If you start to feel discomfort, notice a decrease in support, or experience more impact during your workouts, it may be a sign that the cushioning has deteriorated, indicating the need for replacement.
- Changes in Fit and Feel:
- If your shoes no longer feel snug or if there are noticeable changes in how they fit, it could be due to stretching or compression of the materials. Ill-fitting shoes can contribute to discomfort and potential injuries, signaling that it’s time for a new pair.
- Specialized Needs:
- If you engage in specific activities within CrossFit, such as weightlifting or running, and your shoes are no longer meeting the demands of those activities, it may be time to consider specialized shoes tailored to those specific needs.
- Biomechanical Changes:
- Changes in your biomechanics or any physical conditions that affect your gait may impact how your shoes wear. If you notice uneven wear patterns or discomfort related to changes in your movement, it might be time to assess whether new shoes are necessary.
Remember that these are general guidelines, and individual factors play a significant role in shoe lifespan. Regularly inspect your shoes, pay attention to how they feel during workouts, and listen to any discomfort or signs of wear. Investing in a new pair of CrossFit shoes when needed will help maintain optimal support, reduce the risk of injury, and ensure a more effective and enjoyable workout experience.
Reputable Crossfit Shoe Brands
there are several reputable brands known for producing high-quality CrossFit shoes. These brands have gained recognition for designing footwear that meets the demands of CrossFit workouts, combining features such as stability, durability, flexibility, and support. Here are some well-known brands for CrossFit shoes:
- Nike:
- Nike’s Metcon series is widely popular in the CrossFit community. Shoes like the Nike Metcon 7 are known for their stability, durability, and versatility, making them suitable for a variety of CrossFit movements.
- Reebok:
- Reebok is a brand that has a strong association with CrossFit. The Reebok Nano series, including models like the Nano X and Nano X1, is designed specifically for CrossFit, offering a balance of stability and flexibility.
- NOBULL:
- NOBULL has gained popularity for its minimalist and durable approach to CrossFit shoes. The NOBULL Trainer is known for its toughness, versatility, and straightforward design.
- Under Armour:
- The Under Armour TriBase Reign is recognized for its stable base, excellent traction, and support during various CrossFit exercises. Under Armour emphasizes stability for weightlifting combined with flexibility for agility movements.
- New Balance:
- New Balance offers CrossFit shoes such as the Minimus Prevail. These shoes provide a low-profile design for a natural feel, stability for weightlifting, and flexibility for cardio workouts.
- Inov-8:
- Inov-8 is known for its F-Lite series, including models like the F-Lite 235 and F-Lite G 300. These shoes are lightweight, grippy, and versatile for a range of CrossFit activities.
- Adidas:
- While Adidas doesn’t have a dedicated CrossFit line, some of its training shoes, such as the Adidas Adipower Weightlifting Shoes, are popular among CrossFit athletes for heavy lifting sessions.
Best CrossFit Shoes
These shoes are well-made, affordable, and are guaranteed to improve your CrossFit performance! Let’s check them out.
Reebok Women’s Nano X3 Training Shoes | TYR CXT-1 Men’s Trainer | Under Armour Tribase Region 6 Training Shoe | Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 10 | Inov-8 Women’s F-Lite 235 Cross-Training Shoe | New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Training shoes |
Materials: Rubber outer material and rubber sole | Materials: Foam midsole and engineered upper mesh | Materials: Full-rubber outsole and strategic rubber built under the toe box. |
Materials: Synthetic and mesh outer material with a rubber sole material | Materials: Synthetic/Mesh upper with synthetic sole | Materials: Leather upper with a rubber sole |
Weight: 12 ounces | Weight: 12.3 ounces | Weight: 13.66 ounces | Weight: 9.5 ounces | Weight: 8.5 ounces | Weight: 9.8 ounces |
Heel drop: 7 mm | Heel drop: 9 mm | Heel drop: 2 mm | Heel drop: 10 mm | Heel drop: 3mm | Heel drop: 10 mm |
Colors: 18 color combinations available | Colors: 1 color | Colors: 3 color combinations | Colors: 23 color combinations | Colors: 6 color combinations | Colors: 3 color combinations |
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- Reebok Women’s Nano X3 Training Shoe
- Materials: Rubber outer and sole material
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Heel drop: 7mm
- Colors: 18 color combinations available
- Check Price
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- TYR Men’s Trainer Shoe
- Materials: Foam midsole and engineered upper mesh
- Weight: 12.3 ounces
- Heel drop: 9 mm
- Colors: 1 color combination
- Check Price
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- Under Armour TriBase Region 6
- Materials: Full-rubber outsole and
strategic rubber built under the toe box. - Weight: 13.66 ounces
- Heel drop: 2 mm
- Colors: 2 color combinations
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- Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 10
- Materials: Synthetic/Mesh outer with a rubber sole
- Weight: 9.5 ounces
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- Colors: 23 color combinations
- Check Price
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- Inov-8 Women’s F-Lite 235 Cross-Training Shoe
- Materials: Synthetic/Mesh upper with synthetic sole
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Heel drop: 3mm
- Colors: 6 color combinations
- Check Price
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- New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer
- Materials: Leather upper with rubber sole
- Weight: 9.8 ounces
- Heel drop: 10 mm
- Colors: 3 color combinations
- Check Price
Reebok Women’s Nano X3 Training Shoes
The Reebok Women’s Nano X3 Training Shoes have been designed for CrossFit from the ground up! It is a very durable shoe that is packed with useful features perfect for CrossFit. These shoes have the ability to take your workout to the next level with a lift-and-run chassis system.
The dome-shaped heel compresses under load for a stable platform, then softens when you push off to run. The floatride energy foam provides lightweight, responsive cushioning while maintaining the stability of these women’s training shoes, making running the easiest part of working out. It is available in 18 different styles, with some very eye-catching designs. A high-quality shoe perfect for intense workouts.
TYR Men’s Trainer Shoe
A leading name in specialized athletic apparel for nearly 40 years, TYR has now developed a line of premium cross-training and weightlifting shoes that’s been quickly adopted by many of the top strength athletes in the country. The CXT-1 Trainer is designed with rigorous training regimens and competitions in mind, combining a patent-pending stability platform with a responsive NRG foam midsole, flexible forefoot, and breathable mesh upper.
The CXT-1 also includes a smooth and durable heel tab for effortless glide during handstand push-ups; an extended toe guard for greater durability and traction; and a wrap-around side gripper around the heel for added stability. Each trainer has a 9mm heel-to-toe drop with a solid base for weightlifting and comfortable, ergonomic support through sprints, climbs, and box jumps.
Under Armour TriBase Reign 6
Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 10
The Under Armour Men’s Charged Assert 10 is a running shoe designed for comfort and performance during various athletic activities. These shoes may feature Under Armour’s Charged cushioning technology in the midsole, providing responsive and supportive cushioning to absorb impact and enhance energy return.
The outsole is likely designed to offer good traction on different surfaces, providing stability and grip during runs or other physical activities. Additionally, the overall design prioritizes durability, making the shoes suitable for regular training sessions.
Inov-8 Women’s F-Lite 235 Cross-Training Shoe
The F-Lite 235 Cross-Training shoe has been designed to be a versatile shoe that can be used for everything from jogging through to intense CrossFit workouts. It features Innov-8’s “Rope-Tec” technology, which protects the shoes while climbing ropes and provides additional traction. There is a strong focus on stability, with the inclusion of a very dense heel unit and multi-directional outsole.
This shoe also has a toe bumper, which reduces compression on your toes when performing burpees or pushups. The F-Lite 235 features a breathable textile upper and a high-quality rubber sole. This is a great choice for anyone looking for a well-made and versatile CrossFit shoe.
New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer
The New Balance Women’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer, while not explicitly designed as a dedicated CrossFit shoe, offers several features that make it a potentially suitable option for certain individuals engaged in CrossFit or similar fitness activities. One notable aspect of the 608 V5 is its emphasis on comfort and stability. The shoe incorporates a cushioned midsole, providing a soft and supportive feel that can be advantageous during a variety of exercises, including those in a CrossFit regimen.
The 608 V5 is designed with stability in mind. CrossFit often involves weightlifting and other strength training movements where a stable base is crucial. The shoe’s construction aims to provide the necessary support, promoting a secure footing during various exercises. The durable materials used in the 608 V5 suggest that the shoe can withstand regular use, making it a reliable choice.
Versatility is another factor that might make the New Balance 608 V5 appealing to individuals involved in CrossFit. While CrossFit demands a diverse range of movements, including weightlifting, running, and agility exercises, the 608 V5 is crafted to handle different types of activities. This versatility makes it a potential go-to option for those with mixed workout routines who appreciate the convenience of a single pair of shoes.
We hope you enjoyed reading 6 Best Shoes For CrossFit! Make sure you check out the best shoes for spartan races.