12 Best Crossfit Shoes (Review) in 2021

The best CrossFit shoes for both experienced and entry-level guys are the Vibram KSO EVO Cross Training Shoe. With individual toes, you’ll get the most control possible for gripping and flexibility, while the serrated blade lug construction ensures unrivaled traction. The XS Trek outsole is – at less than 5 millimeters – the thinnest and most lightweight sole we’ve found, but still offers adequate shock absorption for your protection.

Despite running a size too small, they are incredibly form-fitting once you get the size right, but are still immensely breathable, which is always something to look for in training shoes and the speed lacing system saves precious time. They’re also good for travelers, who can squeeze them into backpacks for a reliable pair of shoes for your weeks and months exploring without having to sacrifice other items of clothing. If you’re looking for stability and better control during your workouts, you’d do well to bring these into your life.

CrossFit shoes come in many shapes, sizes, and prices so if you’re not yet sure if CrossFit is for you, or if you’re just looking for a backup pair, then the ALEADER Mesh Cross Training Running Shoe is a great value option. The double mesh upper is breathable, while the 5 claw side provides the necessary security and protection for your foot, offering essential support. They’re also lightweight, which reduces a lot of the joint and muscle stress.

For outdoor use, the hydro-grip outsole can cope with a variety of environments and conditions, providing you with the traction you need to prevent injury. While not intended for high intensity sports like running, they’re an excellent option for the gym, and with the proper care should last you through the years, which is all you can really ask for. They may not be a groundbreaking pair of CrossFit shoes, but for the price you’re paying, you’d be foolish to neglect to potential, even if they’re just there as a quick fix replacement.

Breathable and lightweight, the Adidas Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer Shoes are an awesome pair of shoes for experts and beginners. It maximizes the open forefoot design to increase comfort and offer a flexible toe structure that also provides breathability. Along with this, the synthetic leather upper provides enough ankle support for intense lifting sessions, keeping you feet planted firmly on the floor and stable.

Unlike some CrossFit shoes, the Powerlift.3.1 are versatile enough for appropriate use in a variety of other sports and activities, essentially giving you two pairs of shoes for the price of one (or more). This is encouraged by the high density midsole, which can adapt to your movement and prevent injuries. If your gym routine involve squat after squat, these may be the shoes for you by helping to improve both form and posture during those heavy lifts. You need the shoes to fit properly, though, and to make this happen, you must buy one size higher than you’re used to for the best support and results.

With a new heel construction for increased comfort, the Reebok CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Flexweave is a massively effective and reliable pair of shoes that ensures successful workouts with none of the unfortunate aches and pains the next day. Designed with a variety of groundbreaking technologies including RopePro and Toe Tection, you’re guaranteed improved traction and durability when the blood starts pumping, chest starts heaving, and the sweat gets a-pouring.

It doesn’t end there though. You’ll also get a secure, as-expected fit, which is always a welcome feature, and this also gives you the stability required for safe, successful exercises. This is enhanced by the minimal drop outsole. The Flexweave material is breathable, preventing overheating during intense workouts, while also ensuring flexibility for increased control and, in turn, security when lifting. It’s also just a great-looking shoe, but the design hinders its effectiveness for anything other than CrossFit, which is a shame, but will at least ensure longevity.

The 5.11 Recon Trainer is shoe designed for the highest performance, giving you the confidence to smash your goals with ease, and not end up feeling sore the next day, either. Providing stability, traction, and comfort, it’s an all-around excellent shoe for all elements of CrossFit, and the Rope Ready zone is perfect for ensuring better grip during the dreaded climb. Along with this, it comes with a broadened forefoot which helps provide and increase speed, and it’s reliable both inside and outside of the gym.

It’s proven to be highly successful for walking, running, working, travel, and even activities of the more tactical variety that could put Salomon shoes to shame. You’re also guaranteed strength thanks to the HELCOR leather overlays which works to increase durability. While it isn’t the most expensive shoe on the list, it’s not far off, but all that really means is you’re getting the quality you deserve, so why not  treat yourself to another level of workout satisfaction?

Support is a key feature that even the most inexperienced CrossFit newbie looks for, and the Nike Metcon 2 has this in abundance. Using flywire cabling, it provides support that is almost unseen in the industry, all the while maintaining the lightweight design that’s essential for workout comforts. Even with this almost-featherlike weight, you’re still getting pressure-easing cushioning to make your workouts last longer than you thought possible so you can maximize your potential like we always believed you could.

This cushioning and comfort is amplified with breathable mesh material while the solid rubber provides the necessary traction and hold required for heavy lifting. Even though it works great as a CrossFit shoe, you can also transfer it seamlessly into running, hiking, or climbing with ease, giving you massively versatile footwear. The only thing we don’t like is the frequency of sizing issues, so be extra careful when ordering and do your research, otherwise you could end up a little disappointed.

The Reebok Lifter Pr Cross-Trainer Shoe is a smart and effective option for anyone looking for that mix between style and efficiency. It comes with a flex-grooved outsole and anti-friction lining to prevent abrasions and increase comfort. Furthermore, it’ll improve your squat game by providing a solid, secure base. Now, we’re not saying they’re magic shoes, we’re pretty sure they aren’t too far off, and the reliable, very durable construction is just another point towards that.

It’s also a CrossFit shoe with both laces and velcro straps, which while looking like it’s merely trying to appeal to those who haven’t yet learned to tie their shoes (gotta start ‘em young, after all), actually helps benefit you. The dual system increases tightness, giving you as much mobility as you need while also preventing injury. This is useful, as the leather upper isn’t as flexible as other products, but you can easily remedy this with a little more intense breaking-in to give you the range of movement necessary.

HIIT (or, High Intensity Interval Training) requires the best CrossFit shoes money can buy, but if you’re not willing to splash out too much, the Altra HIIT XT Cross Training Shoe is a more than capable addition to your workout wardrobe. Altra have designed it to improve your natural foot position and increase toe splay which increases comfort and stability while the Zero Drop platform is fully cushioned.

It’s Quick Dry air mesh will be a welcome addition, especially for those who like to use their shoes for more than one activity, and there’s also a removable insole, if that’s how you want to wear them should you need extra room inside. As for traction, the wrap around sticky midsole feels like you’ll never suffer an unfortunate slip at the worst moments, and gives you a stable platform especially for lifting. They come in a more unusual shape than your average shoe, which may take some getting used to if you’ve never owned Altras before, but dedicated customers may never look back.

Our premium choice CrossFit shoes for men are the NOBULL Training Shoes. Crafted with attitude and for survival, they’re the type of shoes that’ll take you successfully through zombie apocalypses, hazy post-party workouts, and more normal situations with ease. They’re lightweight and flexible, giving you both comfort and easing your range of motion, while still being sturdy and durable enough to last. This is something you don’t always get from CrossFit shoes and gives you peace of mind that you won’t need to replace them every six months.

Their durability is made possible by the one-piece construction, ensuring no fraying, tearing, or falling apart at the seams, which justifies the price you’re paying. The exterior lug pattern on the outsole helps you overcome a variety of terrains and conditions and further guarantees protection and stability.. If you focus primarily on Olympic lifting or box jumps, these are an excellent pair of shoes for maximizing your potential and giving you the ground support for a successful – if slightly exhausting – workout.

Balance by name, balance by nature with the New Balance 20v7 Minimus Cross Trainer shoe comes with nylon infused yarn to improve your lateral support, along with REVlite midsole foam. They’re lightweight and breathable, with sufficient ventilation and are neither too wide nor too thin but just right, further solidifying the balance we expect. Because of this, there’s no rubbing, no blisters, just a wholly comfortable workout shoe

The arch support is one of the best we’ve come across, while the sticky sole is flexible but firm. As for the tongue, it doesn’t get in your way and restrict your movement the way others might do, which while not a massive problem normally, saves you hassle which is always appreciated. Finally, we understand some of you may think it’s just a pair of shoes, but appearances matter, and the 20v7 is up there as the coolest, most attractive pair you’re likely to find in our selection.

With a name such as The Charged Ultimate 2.0, you’d expect this sneaker from Under Armour to send do all the hard work for you as you smash your way through 2019. This isn’t the case, and nobody got fit and healthy just from the shoes they wore, life isn’t a comic book, after all. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t still a lot of power potential to be found here. The upper mesh provides excellent traction and upper mobility while the external heel gives you a stable platform lock perfect for overcoming your Personal Best.

The burrito tongue is different, and may take getting used to if you’re not familiar, but more importantly, it’s effective in ensuring a precise fit and comfortable support, which is all that matters, haters be damned. Inside, there’s also a 4D sockliner which molds to the shape of your foot. This won’t happen overnight, and it also means you might not be able to sell them off later, but additional support you gain from this will be hard to find even imitations of elsewhere.

Our final CrossFit shoe is the Inov8 All Train 215 Knit which is is sold with a brand new design that solves the previous issues and replaces them with an entirely welcome lightweight and breathable upper. This is expected by now, though, so it’s a good job Inov8 didn’t stop there. You also get excellent stability, and the construction allows for flexibility and remarkable responsiveness to even the slightest shift for increased maneuverability.

These features are essential for support during high-impact strength, and speed workouts, making it perfect for boh CrossFit and HIIT, while you could also (probably) get away with wearing them in everyday situations. As a bonus for those who love a package deal, it comes as a headband bundle, so you can represent your new favorite brand like the dedicated, slightly obsessed fan boy you are. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.