Before recommending any of the best cross training shoes, we put them to the test to check their comfort, see if they have breathable fabrics, and whether they're suited to particular styles of exercise. Wearers were impressed with the versatility of the training shoes and liked that they stayed cool during intense workouts. The Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 cross training shoes are made with heavy lifting in mind. The mid-sole rubber design helps maintain grip and stability, while the front and rear portions of the shoe are flexible for fast-paced movements, like those you'd typically find in a HIIT or CrossFit session. The shoe upper is usually made of a lightweight, breathable fabric that'll keep your foot in place and help you stay cool during exercise. As they double as everyday sneakers, it's not surprising that the Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High-Top sneakers achieve a 4.7 rating out of five on Google Reviews from over 30,000 reviews. Fit&Well is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. The one issue I had with this shoe was it gave me massive heel blisters the first three times I wore them (while I had on quality socks, no less), both on workouts and walks. You won't want to run in these, as the flat sole doesn't cushion the impact as your foot hits the ground, but this design does make them an excellent choice for weightlifting. Pro: Great traction, great stability, great for running, sock-like design very comfortable, Cons: Took some breaking in, a bit supportive for heavy lifting. Most reviewers have been long-time Metcon wearers and particularly liked the updated design compared to previous editions. If your main focus is HIIT and agility workouts, these are definitely not the shoes for you. The sole is divided into three parts; insole, midsole, and outsole. When you slip your foot into the shoe, it'll be in physical contact with the insole. It's clear that the company has designed these for multi-exercise workoutsthe Metcon name comes from a training style known as metabolic conditioning, which combines strength-focused moves with intense cardio. Heres why you can trust us. The Metcon is, hands down,the CrossFit shoe of choice and its performance holds up to that reputation. As personal trainer Rachel Penrose of F45 Training (opens in new tab) says, finding a shoe that can "cross over between a strength workout to a cardio workout, all the while supporting your foot correctly, benefits your body enormously.". The grey and white fabric body is accented with neon-colored 3D-print wraps for added support. 
The internal liner also means that you don't need to wear socks during training either. The New Balance Minimum TR cross training shoes currently have a 3.3-star rating on Google Reviews from 188 reviews. compared to 11.25 oz. But that's also why you're better off looking for a pair like the Reebok Nano X1 if you enjoy some high-intensity cardio workouts or need something a little more flexible. This is in contrast to other louder shoes like the Under Armour HOVR Apex 3, for example. She's most passionate about mental health, exercise physiology, cooking, the science of cannabis, and making the outdoors more accessible for all (but actually).After growing up in Atlanta and living in New York, Rachael wanted out of cities so she packed up her belongings into her Honda Element to van-lifed around the country. Some reviewers noted that the heel area was a bit tough, leading to chafing when wearing no-show socks. But in my experience, the roomier toe box leaves a bit of material in front of the toe that feels awkward when you're in a pushup or plank. However, because the soles offer a lot of stability, we tried wearing them to the gym. Because cross-training runs the gamut of exercises, most of all you want a shoe that's versatile (i.e., can handle jumps, runs, and lifts) and comfortable, Jennings added. If you aren't a big runner or tend to use short sprints for cardio exercise, then a pair of cross training shoes might do. as well as other partner offers and accept our. This makes for smart propulsion and stabilization not only as you run but when you're cutting side-to-side on shuffles and ladder drills or landing jumps via lunges and air squats. Cross training shoes need to be flexible, and a large part of that is down to the materials. The padded tongue means that you shouldn't get any discomfort on the top of your foot as you run. Hoka Tivra ($91.99): In true Hoka fashion, these shoes are great for running and walking but, even though they're specifically designed for jumping and cutting, they tested the worst of the 9 cross-trainers I couldn't do a single burpee without my feet sliding out from under me. If you enjoy working with weights, then we found that these help build a stable base for your workouts. The best desk lamps can make working from home much more comfortable no matter your budget, By Becks Shepherd As the best cross-training shoes, they're comfortable enough to run in, stable enough to lightly lift in, and were the only pair of cross-trainers I tested that didn't slip out whatsoever on the burpee jump back. And there are six colorways, all of which are attractive. Similarly, different designs are better for specific uses. Cross-training can encompass everything from circuit training, which involves cardio mainly on a rower or treadmill and light lifting; CrossFit, which is split between high-intensity dynamic movements like box jumps and medium-to-heavy compound lifts; or generic bodyweight or lightweight high-intensity interval training (HIIT), which incorporate a lot of agility moves to get your heart rate up. We take note of essential design considerations like the amount of lift around your heel, how much cushioning is in the sole and where on your foot it is, and if there's sufficient support around your ankle. For the Rise 2, Under Armour took its HOVR running shoe cushioning and integrated it with an outsole pattern designed to stop your momentum on side shuffles and back lunges. Like other cross training shoes, they aren't going to replace your running shoes, but they can handle pretty much everything else. 
She settled in a small mountain town in Colorado where she now spends most of her time trying to keep up with a gang of rad adventure ladies and her dog Crocodile. In 2014 he was diagnosed with a chronic health condition, which spurred his interest in health, fitness, and lifestyle management.
Overall, I found the SuperRep Surge to have great traction and padding on the outside bottom of the foot. ; they're just slightly more shoe underfoot. Although it's best to have a set of running shoes and a separate pair of cross training shoes, the HOKA Kawana offer the best of both worlds for runners.
Even if you own a pair of the best running shoes for men or best running shoes for women, it's still worth investing in a cross training shoe. Published 20 July 22. We welcome your feedback. Similarly, we check to see if the fabrics are breathable to help you avoid sweaty feet. HOKA shoes generally keep you quite high off the ground, and the Kawana are no different, so this might not be to everyone's preference. Running shoes tend to have a higher drop, while cross training shoes often show up on the flatter end of the scale. While they were comfortable even during longer testing sessions, the heel cup area wasn't as sturdy as other trainers, so the On Cloud X might not offer the ankle support you need if you're hoping to wear them for weightlifting workouts. Fit&Well is supported by its audience. All rights reserved. However, for activities that require fast movements, like HITT or basketball, you can find the best cross training shoe for the job by choosing an outsole with enhanced grip, often made of carbon rubber. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in. So whether you're into building muscle with weights or raising your heart rate with HIIT, there are several vital points you need to look out for. 
If you're mainly going to be doing weightlifting, a flatter outsole might be best. We found the rubber midsole and heel meant that they were too stiff for running or fast-paced activities where flexibility is keyhowever, the HOVR Apex 3 shine as a durable, stable workout shoe. Females tend to have a smaller heel and their feet are shaped slightly differently so that there's more potential for the foot and toes to roll inward more. The ultralight ZoomX foam provides a springy cushion and slight energy return with each push-off, so these won't hold you back on the treadmill, ideal when looking for the best cross-training shoe. Before we even lace up a pair, we look at whether the shoe has a men's, women's, or unisex edition. If you're a regular runner who enjoys a few casual gym sessions, these flexible shoes might be right for you. Pros: Breathable upper, lightweight, super stable base. Before we recommend a set of the best cross training shoes, we put them to the test to see whether they offer the right level of support you need for multi-activity workouts. Historically, shoe manufacturers have used glues which have animal-derived products, although this is less common now. My only real issue with the SuperRep Surge is the same issue I have with all Nike training shoes as someone with a slightly-wider-than-average toe box: The toe box is on the narrow and tight side. Although cross training shoes are suitable for almost everything, some pairs may have modifications to the midsole for better performance in certain areas, such as HIIT or CrossFit. We wore them for heavy lifting, jumping, and circuit training, and they offered a firm, comfortable, supportive base for our workouts, especially during explosive movements. While they were comfortable for the most part, with a wide platform under the feel for stability, we did find that the heel design wasn't firm enough always to keep our heels in place, so they did slip up and down during some exercises. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This is thanks to Under Armour's TriBase design, which helps you stay close to the ground, maintain good posture, and produce more force during lifts. Best overall: UA HOVR Rise 2, $100 at Under ArmourThe Under Armour HOVR Rise 2 are incredibly comfortable, have fool-proof traction and stability, and are the cheapest on our list. The shoes get a lot of praise for their versatility, with many reviewers saying that they wear them during the day, at the gym, and out on a run. The On Cloud X are some of the lightest cross training shoes around. Still, the rubber outer soles and wraps keep your feet supported during heavy lifting and HIIT, making them an ideal all-purpose gym shoe. Many brands have moved to vegan-friendly glues, and stopped using as many animal materials. The Reebok Nano X1 has an average rating of 4.5 out of five for the men's shoes and 4.3 out of five for the women's on Amazon. My tests found a small amount of slippage in the ball of the foot on burpees and side-to-side on shuffles, but not enough to be frustrating. But I wouldn't go so far as to say the Apex 2 are bulky as they're still only 11.25 oz. In the years since, he has become a devoted meditator, experimented with workout styles and exercises, and used various gadgets to monitor his health. To keep a seam-free construction so that the shoe is supportive all around your foot, the sole is often glued to the upper fabric portion. Rachael Schultz is the health & fitness updates editor for Insider Reviews, covering all things health, fitness, and outdoors.Before joining Insider, Rachael was on staff at Men's Health and Shape, and then spent seven years freelance writing for national outlets like Men's Journal, Gear Patrol, Outside, Women's Health, Cosmo, InStyle, and Real Simple. Shop products from small business brands sold in Amazons store. The knit-weave upper portion keeps the shoes on the lighter side and makes them breathable so that you won't end up with overly sweaty feet at the end of a hard workout. They are highly rated for CrossFit, weightlifting, and HIIT, with many reviewers praising the comfortable fit and breathable materials. They were supportive throughout and stayed cool, even during intense exercise. The uncomplicated design makes them extremely durable too. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider The On Cloud X shoes achieved an impressive 4.6 out of five on Google Reviews from 2,172 reviewers. The Under Armour HOVR Apex 3 shoes have a 4.6 rating out of five on Google Reviews. Many of the lower-scoring reviews compare them negatively to earlier editions of the Minimus trainers, noting that the materials are less durable. He has over five years experience in fitness tech, including time spent as the Buyers Guide Editor and Staff Writer at technology publication MakeUseOf. This makes them an ideal for muscle-building resistance training sessions, but the best shoes for HIIT also support you in high-intensity cardio workouts, and even some short distance running. Pros: Great traction and stability, versatile workout support, easy to slip on and off, attractive colorways, affordable, fits a diverse foot shape. They get high praise for comfort, and people appreciate the lightweight design for intense exercise. When not concerning himself with health and technology, James can be found excitedly checking out each weeks New Music Friday releases. Running requires very specific movements, and running shoes are designed to help support and propel you forwards. The Nike Metcon 7 shoes currently score 4.5 out of five on Nike's online store. HOKA ONE ONE Mens Clifton 8 Textile Trainers, HOKA ONE ONE Mens Rincon 3 Synthetic Textile Trainers, Under Armour Men's Charged Assert 9 Running Shoe, New Balance Men's 608 V5 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, Joomra Whitin Men's Supportive Running Shoes Cushioned Lightweight Athletic Sneakers, Skechers Men's Energy Afterburn Lace-Up Sneaker, PUMA Men's Tazon 6 Fade Cross-Trainer Shoe, in Men's Track & Field & Cross Country Shoes, WHITIN Men's Cross-Trainer | Barefoot & Minimalist Shoe | Zero Drop Sole | Wide Toe Box, Under Armour Men's Charged Commit Tr 3, Black (001)/White, 11 X-Wide US, Under Armour Men's Charged Commit Tr 3 Cross Trainer, Under Armour Men's Project Rock 4 Training Shoe, New Balance Men's 623 V3 Casual Comfort Cross Trainer, Avia Avi-Verge Mens Sneakers - Workout, Walking, Athletic, Cross Training, Tennis, Weightlifting, Gym Shoes for Men, Nike Men's Flex Control Tr4 Cross Trainer, Under Armour Men's Charged Engage Cross Trainer, Reebok Men's Nano X1 Tr Adventure Cross Trainer, Under Armour Men's Charged Commit Tr 3, Black (001)/White, 10 M US, New Balance Men's 481 V3 Trail Running Shoe, KEEN Men's Ridge Flex Low Height Waterproof Hiking Shoe, Joomra Men's Minimalist Barefoot Shoes Zero Drop Sneakers | Wide Toe Box, Xero Shoes Men's Prio Cross Training Shoe - Lightweight Zero Drop, Barefoot. It was even among the overall top performers on both the burpee and shuffle test, and, of course, excelled in the run test. However, if you're after a versatile, lightweight shoe for high-intensity cardio routines, the On Cloud X fit the bill. These are particularly common around the heel area to improve stability, too. Females also tend to have a lower body mass as well, which shoe manufacturers react to by including slightly less foam in the midsole of the shoe. However, they're on the lighter end of the scale for cross training shoesweighing just 0.5lbs/228gmaking them ideal for quick movements. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. If you love a minimalist shoe and will be running a lot in your HIIT workouts, this shoe could work for you. They're designed for explosive cardio workouts and more static resistance training, so we put them through their paces with gym workouts, HIIT classes, biking, and boxing. Instead, some shoes have wrap-around designs with rubberized or plastic inserts to add extra support. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. The New Balance Minimum TR are designed to support you in your workouts, but they also focus on comfort. 
Can you wear running shoes for cross training? Generally, it's best to have a set of running shoes and a separate pair of cross training shoes. She focuses on why our bodies and brains work the way they do and how we can optimize both. The design is also quite subtle, so you won't need to change into another pair of shoes for your post-workout activities. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Before Converse trainers became a fashion shoe, the Chuck Taylor All Stars were designed with exercise in mind. What you need in a good cross-trainer depends largely on what kind of workouts you'll be doing. One of the most important factors is how comfortable they feel, so we evaluate the overall fit, the types of materials used, and whether the shoes need to be worn before they soften. Also, the Metcons are truly abysmal to run more than 200 meters in. The shoes often have supportive elements around your ankles, which you'll need if you're quickly hopping between exercise in a HIIT session or want to lift weights. Year-round, she's trying not to have an asthma attack at CrossFit and almost always ending the day with a glass of red wine. We wore the Apex 3 for a range of exercises and think they are best suited to functional training like weightlifting, jumping, and powerful movements. Some companies make specific vegan editions, while others have committed to vegan-friendly manufacturing for all their products. But they eventually broke in fine and I haven't heard of this being an issue for other wearers. These animal-free materials mean that you can find vegan-friendly cross training shoes from smaller brands and major manufacturers. Visit our corporate site. This sweet spot of support is important since cross-training shoes decrease impact and load on the joints and bones in your feet while also helping prevent stress-related injuries, said Megan Paulus, MD, and clinical assistant professor in the department of orthopedics at Stony Brook University in New York. For training experiences, it's best to turn to the Reddit community, where people rate the All Stars highly for lifting, with one user commenting that "it feels good to lift heavier than the person next to you that paid 10x the price for their shoes.". I also liked that these Nike training shoes had small details helpful for a Bootcamp class, like a rower clip at the heel and reinforced mesh across the top of the foot to hold up against foot straps. Best cross training shoes for high-intensity cardio workouts, Supportive for weights and explosive exercise, Internal liner means you don't need socks, Stiff tongue makes them challenging to put on, Best cross training shoes for versatility, Best cross training shoes for weightlifting, Flat sole not great for running or jumping, We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices, The best cross training shoes you can buy right now, How to choose the best cross training shoes, How we tested the best cross training shoes. The main reason these were beat out for best overall pick was that the Rise 2 are more lightweight (9 oz. The Under Armour HOVR Apex 3 have a relatively unique and possibly polarizing design, but we found that they offer a stable base for weightlifting and general gym workouts. But the best cross training shoe for you will depend on which types of training you'll do most. Meanwhile, we found that the grippy soles, along with the internal and external heel clips, meant that you had a solid base for lifting weights, making them some of the best cross training shoes for resistance training. Wearers have been particularly impressed with the sneakers' comfort and stability, especially when working with weights. They performed decently on the agility tests. Although there are only four colorways, all are very unique and attractive. Pros: Great traction, great stability, versatile workout support, attractive colorways, clip at heel for rowing machine. In the winters, you can find her skiing and skinning, and in the summers, happily rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. These all move your body in different ways, so you'll need an adaptable shoe for support.
Best-looking: UA Apex 2, $105.99 at Under ArmourIf you want a dope-looking cross-trainer that still performs, the Under Armour Apex 2 is incredibly responsive, supportive, and lightweight with a basketball-trainer aesthetic.
In addition to running each pair of cross-training shoes through multiple 30- to 45-minute HIIT and bodyweight workouts, I tested each shoe's performance on 10 consecutive burpees, 10 side shuffles, and both a 200-meter and 1-mile jog. When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. ), cheaper, and have a more mainstream aesthetic. When looking into cross training shoes, many brands reference the dropthe difference in height between the heel and the toe. During testing, we found that they lived up to their name. Sign up for Insider Reviews' weekly newsletter for more buying advice and great deals. Not everyone was sold on the reasonably minimal design, though. The outsole is the part of the shoe that comes in direct contact with the ground. After viewing product detail pages, look here to find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are interested in.
As Lucy Arnold, a personal trainer and founder of Lucy Locket Loves, says, "cushioning in the heel and forefoot is important to enable you to spread your weight evenly when lifting weights and for extra balance.". Although most people find them a great workout companion, some were left disappointed with the aesthetic design and limited range of colors. These were already my top pick thanks to their performance across the board, so I was very happy to learn that they are also the most affordable on my testing list. However, if you have narrow feet, you might find that these slip around a bit during fast-paced workouts. In general, the best cross-training shoes should be lightweight to minimize the extra work on your feet, breathable to keep you as cool as possible, have reliable traction to keep your footing secure on hardwood or rubber mats, and be supportive, though this last one highly depends on whether you're doing more jumping, running, or lifting. These classic trainers, best known for their links to alternative music and popular culture, quickly became one of the most popular basketball shoes in the early 20th century thanks to their flat rubber soles and lightweight canvas upper. The best gym shoes don't need to be stylish; they just need to be supportive and comfortable. Of the three running hybrid cross-trainers I tested, the Salomon Predict Soc performed the best on agility, traction, and stability. The best cross training shoes are designed to make your workouts more comfortable and effective. window.scriptsToLoad = window.scriptsToLoad || []; window.scriptsToLoad.push("%3Cscript%20type%3D%22text%2Fjavascript%22%3E!function()%7B%22use%20strict%22%3Bwindow.addEventListener(%22message%22%2C(function(a)%7Bif(void%200!%3D%3Da.data%5B%22datawrapper-height%22%5D)for(var%20e%20in%20a.data%5B%22datawrapper-height%22%5D)%7Bvar%20t%3Ddocument.getElementById(%22datawrapper-chart-%22%2Be)%7C%7Cdocument.querySelector(%22iframe%5Bsrc*%3D'%22%2Be%2B%22'%5D%22)%3Bt%26%26(t.style.height%3Da.data%5B%22datawrapper-height%22%5D%5Be%5D%2B%22px%22)%7D%7D))%7D()%3B%3C%2Fscript%3E"); Nike SuperRep Groove ($110): With its grippy sole, these performed really well in all my tests and the seamless tongue, were very comfortable and secure. Some trainers are made of leather, but modern cross training shoes are designed with mesh, breathable fabrics, rubber, and plastics. Best for narrow feet: Nike ZoomX SuperRep Surge, $126.97 at NikeThe Nike SuperRep Surge excels with traction, stability, and running support making them ideal for any HIIT or cardio Bootcamp but they fit narrow. Email us at reviews@insider.com. The lightweight, breathable mesh fabric keeps your feet cool, and the large tongue sits comfortably over the top of your foot. Most wearers rate the shoes a perfect five out of five, but the rating is skewed by a handful of one-star reviews related to comfort, fit, and delivery issues. Get honest reviews on top products & services delivered weekly to your inbox. While the shoe is technically designed with a softer foam in the forefoot, there isn't much of a comfort or cushion feeling in these. Thanks to the minimal design, they also don't look like workout shoes, so they'll suit the gym and won't look out of place if you wear them out during the day. Similarly, the integrated heel clip provides some support when lifting weights. They are slightly wider than most cross training shoes, but not in a bad way.
We did find that the toe area was quite wide, though this can be an advantage when working with weights as you have more space to press your toes into the ground.
Be sure to try them on with quality socks, too, Dr. Paulus added. Learn more about how Insider Reviews tests fitness products here. We found that the upper design was a real highlight, as the durable mesh material keeps your feet cool and is made of recycled materials. We operate independently from our advertising team. Best elliptical machines 2022: top-rated cross trainers for working out, Best desk lamps to make working from home easier. But regular runners will need both pairs of shoes. The Metcon 6 is more breathable than past iterations to keep you cool and moving. Fortunately, they found that switching to ankle socks prevents soreness. To see if they're best suited for certain activities, we wear them during HIIT workouts, quick cardio sessions, and resistance training and weight lifting. While it would be more accurate for the industry to use sex instead of gender delineation, the design of a women's shoes reflects the ideal support for a female's foot and overall physiology, while a men's shoe reflects that for a male's. We didn't find them suitable for longer runs, but they're lightweight, supportive, and comfortable enough for a 7-mile run. When we tested a pair of the Reebok Nano X1, we thought they were excellent, durable, all-purpose training shoes. This reflects the fact that you need cushioning in the heel for running and a more level shoe for HIIT, gym workouts, and weight training. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. This affects how the shoe is shaped overall, and where the cushioning is placed. "There are some well-made cross-training shoes that may not necessarily be a good fit depending on the patient's foot width and the shape of their arches." I love that these are easy to slip on and off without untying, too. When it comes to supporting other dynamic movements of CrossFit or HIIT, I'd say they certainly can make it through lunges, burpees, and side shuffles, but this is definitely not where they shine, largely because the sole is so stiff it's hard to get that bend in your toes. But not everyone was critical. As a guide, a 4mm drop means the shoe is relatively flat, while an 8mm drop would imply the heel is raised. They were a strong runner-up for the best-looking pick, but Nikes (and the SuperRep Groove specifically) fit a little tighter in the toe box and therefore aren't a great pick for all feet. Like many of the best gym shoes, the TriBase Reign 4 have quite a flat sole, and little cushioning, which is what we found makes them so effective for resistance training.
The HOKA Kawana have a 4.4 rating out of five on Google Reviews from 65 reviews. We found that the foam padding around the collar meant they were particularly well-suited to high-impact moves like box jumps. Generally, a high-quality set of gym shoes will set you back between $100 and $200 but you'll find a range of options below. While we feel strongly that someone should be able to wear whatever they want, regardless of its gender designation, there are real differences between a male and female foot so you should buy a shoe according to your biological sex for the best support and lowest injury risk. As Jennings pointed out, a flatter shoe like the Metcon is great for cutting and turning. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners.