If you are riding the wave of the CrossFit tsunami, odds are high that you’ve started noticing that footwear plays a large part in performance and comfort when rocking WODs. Whether you’re a veteran CrossFit warrior or relatively new to the game, shoes play a crucial role in getting the most effective workout possible. We tested the best CrossFit shoes from Nike, Reebok, Inov-8, NoBull and more. This guide gives you our picks for the top performers and helps you figure out which ones are right for you.
In this guide to the best CrossFit shoes, we dive into our top shoe options. We also cover our testing criteria, give some advice, answer frequently asked questions and more. When you finish reading, you are armed with the knowledge necessary to pump out AMRAP box jumps and more with ease.
Best CrossFit Shoes – Quick Summary
While we wish that we could recommend every single CrossFit shoe that went through our research and testing phases, but such cannot be the case. We expected that there were going to be standouts amongst others in this realm. Our expectations were correct.
Below is a quick summary of some of the top choices, along with a specific area that they standout. Not every CrossFit enthusiast is the same, and depending on your focus some shoes might be better than others.
Here are the Best CrossFit Shoes you can buy:
- Best All-Around: Nike Metcon 7 – Men’s | Women’s
- Runner Up (Best for Running): Reebok Nano X1 – Men’s | Women’s
- Best CrossFit Shoe for Lifting: adidas Powerlift
- Best Shoe for HIRT/HIIT workouts: Nike React Metcon Turbo
- Minimalist Trainer: Inov-8 F-Lite 235 v3 – Men’s | Women’s
- Best FiveFingers: Vibram V-Train 2.0 – Men’s | Women’s
- Slightly More Minimalist: Inov-8 Bare-XF v3 – Men’s | Women’s
- Best for Flat Feet and Plantar Fasciitis: Under Armour Tribase Reign 3 – Men’s | Women’s
- Best for Simplicity: NoBull Trainer – Men’s | Women’s
How We Tested the Top CrossFit Shoes
The only way we could truly put these CrossFit shoes to the test was to try them out doing CrossFit. The perfect location for us in sunny Jacksonville, Florida was the new “Corkscrew” on the iconic Northbank Riverwalk on the picturesque St. Johns River.
The Corkscrew features workout equipment and amenities including free weights, yoga mats, jump ropes and medicine balls. A sculpture combines art and exercise by including pull-up bars and exercise rings. There is also outdoor seating and access to public restrooms. Perfect for us to spend plenty of time over a few weeks testing shoes.
This location provided us the opportunity to truly test out the breathability of these CrossFit shoes, as well as their performance across a variety of movements and exercises.
Our WODs Performed
For the shoes we tested, we wanted to ensure we got a solid, equal set of exercises in for each of the shoes. We wanted to perform enough WODs to get a good sense of how the shoes performed under a variety of circumstances. This meant avoiding chest-only work WODs. The WODs performed were as follows.
- Ten to One Countdown WOD. Perform ten kettlebell swings and ten dumbbell thrusters. A dumbbell thruster is when you hold a lighter dumbbell in front of the chest with both hands, squat in place, and then stand straight and raise the dumbbell overhead simultaneously. When ten of each are done, then rest, do nine, rest, do eight, all the way down to one rep of each.
- SPPR WOD. This stands for squats, presses, pull-ups, and runs. This is three rounds of the following: a dozen front squats, ten pull-ups, and eight push-presses. Once this is complete, do a 200-yard sprint along the Riverwalk.
- Ten for Ten. For ten minutes, perform as many possible rounds of ten reps of each: kettlebell swings, box jumps, and ring dips.
- Burpees and Push-Ups in 5s. Finally, we performed five sets of the following three exercises – Five push-ups, five burpees, and a 200-yard sprint along the Riverwalk.
These four WODs, along with rest periods between sets, were a solid hour of conditioning work and intense interval training. Perfect for well-rounded, outdoor testing of some of the most effective CrossFit shoes ever manufactured.
The Best CrossFit Shoes – Detailed Reviews
The list below details the standouts that we put through rigorous training in a real-world setting. To be honest, they all performed excellently and the best choice is going to depend somewhat on your specific needs. That’s why we gave a quick indication of each shoe’s sphere of expertise in the little summary above.
1. Nike Metcon 7
Available for Men at
Available for Women at
We all know Nike. They are always going to put 110 percent into every shoe they develop. The Metcon 7 is no exception. Nike makes these with durable materials, and manufactures them with speed, grip, stability and explosive movement in mind. In short, Nike builds these for CrossFit and similar workouts.
The upgrade from the Metcon 6 to the Metcon 7 added reinforced uppers pushing from the toe to the heel, and breathable mesh, providing a cooler workout. Nike makes these shoes with dependability as a major focus for the CrossFitter. Their snug fit and their lightweight and breathable construction ensure that these last workout after workout.
Features
With proprietary technologies that are Nike-only, the Metcon 7 is made with filaments placed perfectly through the construction of the shoe. They operate similar to how suspension cables of a bridge do when in use, cradling the midfoot.
The major innovation that Nike made starting with the Metcon 6 is the HyperLift inserts. These feature again with the Metcon 7. These inserts provide a raised heel to give you something closer to a weightlifting shoe for the lifting portions of your workout. In fact, we included the Metcon 7 in our list of the best weightlifting shoes. In that list they came with the caveat that the Metcon is really a CrossFit shoe, and not a pure lifter. They’re an ideal shoe for the CrossFitter that focuses on lifting and works on powerlifting in addition to CrossFit.
But what does this mean for your workouts? Pinpoint accurate support that moves as you do, providing absorption of tension when needed. This helps particularly with box jumps, calf raises, and more.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The Nike Metcon 7 contains a drop-in midsole, providing support in the sole. Additionally, molded flex grooves and sticky forefoot rubber allows for strong flexibility and a solid design. Finally, maximum heel support ensures that movement and pivoting won’t lead to pain.
Getting top marks as a lifting shoe for CrossFit, the Metcon 7 suffers a bit in running. If you’re really focused on the aerobic side of your work outs and don’t do much lifting, we recommend the Reebok Nano X1 or the Nike React Metcon Turbo as alternatives.
However, the Nike Metcon 7 also comes with a bit tighter toe box, which can make for difficult movement and limited roominess. Also, the laces can be a bit slick. This means that they will come undone more often than hoped, even when double knotted.
Our Verdict
Participating in the level of exercise that intense CrossFit workouts provide will cause extensive heat and friction throughout the body, most centered around the feet. The midsole of the Nike Metcon 7 is made with films that are resistant to abrasion. This helps to reduce friction and workout-related heat.
In turn, this makes sure you have a comfortable, supportive, and traction-focused experience throughout your time using the Metcon 7 for CrossFit.
For more details, read our complete review of the Nike Metcon 7.
2. Reebok Nano X1
Available for Men at
Available for Women at
Reebok’s Nano line of CrossFit focused footwear promises the ability to cross through barriers and push wearers to the next level of fitness. Their latest offering is the Reebok Nano X1. It provides the agility and support you expect from Reebok. In addition to quite a few new and innovative features, the Nano continues Reebok’s tradition of provided quality footwear for CrossFit generalists.
This model is versatile, provides a strong foundation, a good range of motion, and secure footing. Also, Reebok amped up the number of designs and colors available. For these reasons and more, they consistently rank highly on our list. We’ve listed it as the runner-up, getting edged out slightly by the newest Nike Metcon. However, if you focus more on running, jumping, and aerobic activities as opposed to lifting, then we give the edge to the Nano. It’s slightly more flexible sole and breathable upper let it outperform for these activities. The Nike’s more solid and stable design allows it to outperform on powerlifting.
Features
Reebok incorporates their patented “Flexweave” technology into these shoes, offering a scientifically-engineered woven fabric upper in a thin figure-eight style. This ensures flexibility and breathability in the upper. Only found in the lightweight upper, this feature does not detract from the durability, reliability and performance of the midsole and sole.
One of the features of the Reebok Nano X1 that ultimately led us to purchase and test these out was the incredibly roomy toe box. This went above and beyond competitors, providing stability and comfort, two of the most important things in the fast-paced world of WODs and lifting.
The Nano X1’s toe box has a powerful launch adaptation to it, providing a perfect foundation for power, stability and fit. A wider than average toe box also provides better movement and space, without making the parts of the shoe that should remain snug looser. It was truly the best of both worlds.
Results of our Testing
These shoes absolutely killed it in our testing (in a good way). They were the middle-ground weight-wise, with the V-Train 2.0 on the lighter side and the Inov-8 235 v3 on the heavier end of the shoes we tested. This being the case, they provided support and traction when performing standard exercises, and worked flawlessly in sprinting across a variety of surfaces.
For heavy kettlebell swings, the grip impressed. Also, for box jumps on a slippery and wet surface, we experienced no loss of traction or stability. The toe box is extremely roomy, and led to one of the most comfortable overall experiences that had with any shoe. Overall, these CrossFit shoes performed incredibly well, and we are more than satisfied with our purchase.
Advantages of the Reebok Nano X1
These shoes had by far the widest toe box of any of the shoes on our list, which was one of the main reason we wanted to purchase them to try this feature out for ourselves. This feature, combined with the low-cut design, ensured free-flowing comfort throughout the workout process.
Additionally, these shoes come with minimal drop, which allows for a true barefoot experience. However, the thick padding in the sole ensures that you don’t end up dealing with after-workout soreness, all too common with the specific minimalist, barefoot shoe types that frequent the CrossFit realm.
Finally, an impressive level of traction on the sole helps the shoe grip better when sprinting, running or jumping, and when moving heavy objects. We have all seem someone (or been in a situation ourselves) drop a heavy weight because their feet come out from under them. With the Nano X1, the odds of this occurring greatly decreases thanks to the traction provided by the rubber soles.
Disadvantages of the Reebok Nano X1
While we were testing, we noticed that there was a significant lack of flexibility when compared to thinner-soled models such as the Inov-8 Bare-XF. Regardless of the thicker sole and lack of flexibility, they were still astonishingly non-structured when it came to those who suffer from either flat feet or plantar fasciitis.
If you are a sufferer of either of these ailments, we urge you to try an alternative model, such as the Inov-8 235. However, if you aren’t concerned about this, it will be difficult to find more qualified CrossFit shoes than the Reebok Nano X1.
For more details, read our complete review of the Reebok Nano X1.
3. adidas Powerlift
Available for both men and women at
It should come as no surprise that a shoe from a quality and athletic-focused brand like adidas shows up near the top of our list. Having launched the weightlifting shoe category in the 70s, adidas continues to provide quality lifting shoes. The adidas Powerlift (formerly known as the Powerlift 4) continues that tradition, and is the adidas lifting shoe with the lowest heel height.
Yes, this shoe is a lifting shoe with an elevated heel. However, the heel rise comes in at a modest 0.6-inches instead of the 0.75-1 inch elevation in a typical lifter like the Adipower Weightlifting II. This gives the Powerlift some added versatility, but it’s still primarily a lifting shoe. We recommend this for powerlifting where the solid stable sole and elevated heel shine. It does function decently in other areas of CrossFit, but won’t perform as well in jumps, rope climbs, etc, as shoes like the Nano or Metcon.
Features
LIke you’d expect with a proper lifting shoe, the adidas Powerlift comes with laces augmented by a hook-and-loop strap to lock down your feet. This provides stability for heavy lifts. The Powerlift also features a wider than normal toe box so your toes can spread during lifts. Again, this provides added stability.
A durable canvas upper made from synthetic textile that provides a comfortable fit and also keeps your feet cooler than a full synthetic or leather upper. This added ventilation is crucial to a lifting shoe for CrossFit. Even if you’re primarily lifting, you’ll still perform some non-lifting exercises that will cause heat to build up. Without a breathable shoe, you’ll get uncomfortably hot during your workout.
Finally, the Powerlift has a completely solid sole with minimal compression. Again, this shows the powerlifting focus of the shoe. For heavy lifts, you want an incompressible sole to keep your feet flat against the ground, and allow power transfer. Heavy cushioning that compresses in the sole leads to instability, and instability leads to injuries. The downside to this solid sole is that for running and jump, you have no cushioning. So, we’ll reiterate this is for CrossFitters really focused on their lifting game.
Advantages of the adidas Powerlift
A powerlifting focused shoe from a pioneer in the world of weightlifting shoes. These might lack some of the cushioning and comfort you’d want while running, jumping, or doing burpees, but they provide all of the heft and stability you could ever want in your squats, deadlifts, and power cleans.
The raised heel will let you crush your squats. It will also allow you to use these shoes for Olympic lifts: the snatch and the clean and jerk. If you go down the Olympic lifting path, you might want a higher heel, but if you’re doing a more varied lifting program, the lower heel height on the Powerlift will give you more flexibility. We personally dislike trying to deadlift in a 1-inch elevated heel as it feels unbalanced.
Disadvantages of the adidas Powerlift
These lack the versatility of some other options. We don’t envy the guys at the gym we see trying to sprint or run in their Powerlifts. These shoes are not made for that. They’ll function for quick bursts or jumps when required, but you don’t want to do serious aerobic workouts in these.
4. Nike React Metcon Turbo
Available for both men and women at
Nike shows up on this list twice. First, with the lifting-focused standard Metcon, and now with the more running and cardio focused React Metcon Turbo. The drawback to the Metcon line was the heavy focus on lifting, leaving the shoe to underperform in running, jumping, rope climbs, and other cardio-based workouts.
The Nike React Metcon Turbo fills that void in Nike’s CrossFit shoe lineup. The Turbo has a very lightweight mesh upper that lets air flow to keep your feet cooler. It also has a thinner instep to cut the weight of the shoe compared to the Metcon 7. Nike even streamlined other features like the rope wrap and handstand heel clip to save on weight. They called it “Turbo” for a reason, and they do deliver a lightweight CrossFit shoe that will perform extremely well if you’re primarily running, doing burpees, and performing various jumping activities.
In addition to performing well for CrossFit, we’d go to this shoe for almost any HIIT or HIRT workout. It’s the highest performance cross-training shoe Nike makes that focuses on this type of activity. The original Metcon line is equally performant, but really focuses on the lifting aspects of your workout.
Features
- Extremely lightweight mesh upper. This stands out immediately when you first pick up the Turbo. The mesh upper is very thin and lightweight, perfect for keeping your feet cool.
- Dual-density rubber outsole. This is one of the more interesting features of the Turbo. The design of the outsole is interesting in that Nike flared it out at both the forefoot and the heel. This gives a wider base of support. This extra support proves useful in almost all jumping and lifting activities, and doesn’t slow down running noticeably. Having that wide base really improved traction, grip, and the overall feel of the shoe in our workouts.
- Sole traction design. Again, we focus on the sole. Nike designed the outsole with a raised heel and forefoot. This puts it on the edge of being a split-sole shoe. It’s not split-sole, but is close. However, the separation of the heel and forefoot gives you really insane flexibility and maneuverability. It allows you to perform lateral movements much more easily than other shoes, and in this area the Turbo outperforms the original Metcon and the Nano.
- Nike React Foam insole. Unlike the Metcon 7, Nike makes the Metcon Turbo with a React foam insole. Where the Metcon 7’s insole is dual-density to provide support in the heel, the React foam is softer and more responsive. This gives greater energy return when running and jumping, as well as providing extra cushioning on heel and forefoot impacts.
Our Verdict
Nike’s entry into the running-focused CrossFit shoe category is a winner. The React Metcon Turbo provides a cooler workout option when running and jumping, but still has sufficient stability and traction to work reasonably well for moderate lifting. This is more of an all-rounder than the Metcon 7 and compares favorably with the Reebok Nano X1. We’d say if your focus is really running stick with the Reebok, but if you’re doing HIIT or HIRT (High-Intensity Resistance Training), then the Metcon Turbo performs better.
5. Inov-8 F-Lite 235 v3
Available for Men at
Available for Women at
Inov-8’s F-Lite 235 v3 has been manufactured to specifically follow along with natural foot movements, adapting and enhancing without being a burdensome addition to your exercise regimen.
This shoe is chock-full of incredible features and highly innovative technology, protecting your foot and providing you with insane amounts of comfort, support, traction, supportiveness and stability. Whether you are sprinting, lifting, jumping, squatting, or anything in between, you won’t have any issues with this offering from Inov-8.
Features
The uppers of the F-Lite 235 v3 have been designed with protective overlays on top of incredible breathable and flexible mesh fabrics. Inov-8’s proprietary “ROPE-TEC” patterns across the upper of the shoes ensure that you won’t lose traction when doing rope climbing WODs and challenges.
Additionally, the midsole of this shoe carries PowerFlow+ technology, providing extensive absorption of impact and rebounds of energy. With an outsole that allows for forefoot flexibility, increased ease of movement from their v2 offering, and a 4-millimeter drop, this is the quintessential CrossFit shoe for those with the pockets to pay for quality.
Advantages and Disadvantages
The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 v3 comes with incredible versatility as a solid “all around” CrossFit shoe option. Additionally, it has an unheard of 4-millimeter heel to toe drop, providing great flexibility throughout the forefoot and midfoot, as well as comfort in a diminutive package. Also, its “Powerflow+” midsole provides great supportiveness, perfect for those with flat footedness or plantar fasciitis, and intense traction for wetter, more intense workouts.
The only con that we have been able to discern outside of the slightly elevated price point is that the fit tends to be a bit tight. If you plan on purchasing these and have wider feet, you need to take this into account when trying them on.
Our Verdict
Overall, our research and testing into the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 v3 have shown impressive results. With a cushion-fronted midsole, outsoles that glide and move with the foot, and uppers that support and protect the feet while remaining breathable, we were hard-pressed to find any downsides.
This CrossFit shoe is the ideal option for a versatile range of gym activities. In the end, what more can you ask for?
For more details, read our complete review of the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 v3.
6. Vibram V-Train 2.0
Available for Men at
Available for Women at
The V-Train CrossFit shoe of the FiveFingers line by Vibram is probably one of the most well-recognized training shoes to date. With its “five fingers” design that looks like a toe sock, there will be no question that your workout will be agile and explosive. The shoe is extremely comfortable, and feels light on your foot when used for extended timeframes compared to other “lightweight” training shoes.
Features
The Vibram FiveFingers V-Train comes with an extremely lightweight upper, mid, and a thin rubber sole, commonplace with Vibram products. With an impressive level of grip from both the sole and the split toe design, these shoes are ideal for versatile and multi-faceted CrossFit workout regimens and WODs.
With a vented mesh upper, your feet will feel nice and cool in these shoes, which provide enhanced flexibility akin to a barefoot shoe, but with a bit more structure. Additionally, specialized RTLs (rope traction lugs) are in the arch, providing enhanced grip for rope climbing activities. There are also circular lug patterns, providing grip when moving laterally. The upper material is a mixture of spandex and polyester, and the mesh TPU panels are throughout the upper as well.
Advantages and Disadvantages
There are plenty of advantages and disadvantages to the Vibram FiveFingers V-Train. Many were impressed with the barefoot-like feel that the trainers provided, along with the very efficient level of grip. Additionally, the lateral support compared to alternative thinner-soled shoes is top notch. Finally, many noted that the upper materials ensured the inside of the shoe remained well ventilated.
However, there were a few disadvantages noted. There are some who state that the laces and strap together are extremely redundant, and just lead to excessive tightness. Also, it is noted that the strap’s hook and loop Velcro-style closure consistently came loose, especially when wet or damp.
7. Inov-8 Bare-XF v3
Available for Men at
Available for Women at
Inov-8 has multiple entries in our list of the best CrossFit shoes. Another Inov-8 option that we were impressed with was the Bare-XF.
Features
The Inov-8 Bare-XF is unique in that it has zero drop. What this means is that the forefoot and the heel of the shoe lie completely flat on the sole. There is no height difference, and thus it feels as if you are standing barefoot on the ground. This, combined with a very thin midsole, means that this is one of the strongest option for those looking for a “barefoot-feel” CrossFit shoe. However, this comes at a disadvantage for those looking for a bit more shock absorption. We don’t recommend this shoe if you plan on doing any quick sprints.
Advantages and Disadvantages
One of the main advantages we found with the Inov-8 Bare-XF was a commonality among all Inov-8 CrossFit shoes: no need for break-in. What this means is that the shoes will feel like you’ve been wearing them for that sweet spot of three or so months as soon as you put them on. However, this can lead to a potential disadvantage. The shoe needs to be extremely comfortable upon first wear. If not, it could lead to painful WODs in the future. There is no middle ground with the Bare-XF.
However, with sticky, graphene gripping soles, prominent horizontal flex grooves, and Rope-Tec (Inov-8’s proprietary “ROPE-TEC” patterns across the upper of the shoes ensure that you won’t lose traction when doing rope climbing WODs and challenges), it’s difficult to go wrong with the Bare-XF.
Our Verdict
These shoes are a dream come true for those looking for a more minimalist, barefoot-style shoe. The upper materials were very breathable, even though the non-mesh sections seemed to be a bit “thick” (they weren’t). Even with a far thinner sole than the other CrossFit shoes we tested, we experienced no lack of traction or comfort as a result.
This shoe is very lightweight, making them more breathable, increasing their comfort, and decreasing fatigue in longer workouts.
Overall, if you are looking for a thinner-soled, zero drop CrossFit shoe that will make you feel like you’re wearing nothing at all, the Bare-XF is the perfect choice for you. Coming from a new to the scene company that is passionate about CrossFit and ensuring their users are satisfied, there are minimal disadvantages to this wonderful minimalist option.
8. Under Armour TriBase Reign 3
Available for Men at
Available for Women at
This is the ultra shoe, the perfect match-up for CrossFitters looking to truly step their game up. This is a tough shoe for tough workouts, the Under Armour Tribase Reign 3 training shoe has some of the most impressive technological advancements in sports-based multi-purpose shoes. We just had to grab a pair and check them out.
Under Armour's presence in the specialty exercise-related shoe world comes as no surprise. Perhaps better known for their high-performance workout clothing, they make great shoes as well.
Features
The most notable feature of the Under Armour TriBase Reign 3, and many of their newer CrossFit shoe options, is the TriBase outsole. This trademarked technology helps to promote natural motion during your workout by maximizing contact with the ground. This gives you stability and flexibility during lifts. These outsole also feature full rubber construction that wraps up the sides to increase durability through activities such as rope climbs.
But, that isn’t the only solid feature of these shoes. They also feature Under Armour's Micro G foam midsole. This runs the full length of the shoe and provides a responsive and cushioned feel under foot. We found this midsole technology gave great energy return during jumps and higher impact exercise, but didn't quite have the shock absorption you'd want for longer runs.
The other main feature of the TriBase Reign is its durability. Very high-quality materials and construction feature throughout. For something like CrossFit, where your shoes inevitably take a beating, durability matters.
A product review has also stated that these shoes are “50% stronger, more elastic, and harder wearing than other training shoes on the market”. Needless to say, we had to try this for ourselves.
Results of Our Testing
And try it we did. These shoes performed incredibly well in our testing. The natural comparison for these shoes are to the Nike Metcon and the Reebok Nano. They were at a similar level in many aspects, and had a similar price point. One of the things we noticed right away, though, was that they were quite a bit heavier than these other two CrossFit shoe options we tested.
However, this added weight didn’t really translate into the wearing process. To be honest, we didn’t notice the added weight when exercising. What we did notice was the impressive combination of flexibility and responsiveness. This is usually a one or the other trade-off when looking at shoes, and this goes double for CrossFit shoes. The Nano was more flexible, the Nike's featured better stability. This was a solid middle ground of both, and we were fans of that.
We had no issues when sprinting, no issues when lifting, or doing box jumps, or kettlebell swings. The grip was perfect on wet concrete, and these are ideal for rope climbs as well.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Under Armour TriBase Reign 3
In addition to all the advantages we have already mentioned above, these shoes are built to last. They have the rugged nature that one would expect from a shoe twice its weight. We have been wearing these as our official workout shoes for a while now, and unlike most alternatives we have tried, these shoes are showing no signs of wear, not even in the sole as an over pronator.
So far in our long testing processes (outside of the initial test workout) we have noticed that the collar padding tends to get tight after long periods spent working out. They rubbed a bit, and this has persisted, but we got used to it. Additionally, compared to the Nike and Reebok options, the mesh didn't help much with breathability, meaning our feet got very hot, very fast.
Our Verdict
Overall, for the price point, these are absolute tanks of CrossFit shoes. If you’re looking for a shoe that will check all the boxes that are necessary for a stellar CrossFit workout, the Under Armour TriBase Reign 3 is the shoe for you. Between incredible technological advancements, impressive grip, and a wonderful level of receptiveness, you can’t go wrong!
9. NoBull Trainer
Available for Men at
Available for Women at
NoBull Training Shoes are a minimalist specialized CrossFit shoe to the scene. They have become incredible popular amongst CrossFit enthusiasts, due mainly that they truly live up to the name they have given to their brand.
Built to work across a wide expanse of exercise regimes and workouts, these CrossFit shoes work wonderfully in any environment in which you choose to exercise. From indoors to outdoors, dry to wet, hard surfaces to grassy fields, the NoBull Trainers will keep you powering through.
Features
These shoes have an upper that is manufactured from NoBull’s trademark “SuperFabric”. This fabric is an elastic, flexible, stretchy material that provides both enhanced breathability and a lighter overall weight for the shoe. Also abrasion-resistant, these shoes are not prone to wearing out or breaking down quickly.
Additionally, guard plates located in issue-prone areas have been added onto the upper, ensuring that there is no damage to the shoe or foot when climbing ropes or performing other high-impact activities that commonly can break shoes down quickly.
Finally, its impressive tread ensures that the NoBull Training Shoes work effectively regardless of terrain or weather conditions. You can traverse from a gym to running outside on wet pavement with zero problems. Stellar support and traction is the name of the NoBull game, ideal for those practitioners of CrossFit.
Advantages and Disadvantages of the NoBull Trainer
Advantages of the NoBull Training shoes include a multitude of pros for their SuperFabric, including thin, breathable uppers with thicker guard plates to prevent injury. Additionally, impressive levels of flexibility and support make this the ultimate cross-training shoes for serious competitive CrossFitters.
Also, resistance to abrasion is another layer of protection and support, and helps increase the longevity of the shoe, saving you money in the end. Finally, a durable lug pattern ensures that these shoes are built like a tank, and perform like one as well.
However, for every advantage there is likely to be a corresponding disadvantage. We found in our research that the NoBull Training Shoes tend to run small. As such, we recommend sizing up one to start, and working your way up or down from there. Additionally, with their minimal drop and extremely thin sole, we don’t recommend these shoes to those with knee issues, flat footedness, or plantar fasciitis.
Our Verdict
Overall, we were extremely impressed with the NoBull CrossFit shoes, and had no issues adding them to our list of the best CrossFit shoes. While they can run small, and come at a higher price point than most alternatives, we were still blown away by the laser-targeted feature set, ideal for CrossFitters.
For more details on the complete NoBullProject line of shoes, read our comprehensive guide to NoBull training shoes.
How We Made Our Decisions
There were quite a few factors that played into what landed us on the above cross training shoes as the best shoes for CrossFit. Three of the most prevalent factors involved in our research were shoe quality, feedback review and brand recognition.
Shoe Quality
The level of quality is by far the most important piece that we considered when researching which products would be present in our guide for the best CrossFit shoes. Quality is crucial when it comes to training-related shoes.
Remember, these shoes are going to experience extensive stress when training gets difficult. For this reason, they need to be durable enough to truly take a beating time and time again.
As such, we at Shoe Guide have taken the time to examine the shoe quality of each pair of shoes that we put into consideration. We do this to make sure that you won’t end up disappointed upon your experiences over time.
Feedback Review
Customers who purchased and tested the pairs of shoes already are going to be the most vocal critics of their experiences. You can always count on customers to have their opinion about their shoes.
Product reviews from existing owners are a wonderful medium for discovering in-the-field feedback about the product you are looking to purchase. This goes for everything, not just CrossFit shoes. We check reviews extensively to determine which “finalist” options are going to be tested.
A couple of negative reviews are not worth considering a shoe to be useless. There are times when customers may have had a one-off bad experience, or could even be reviewing the wrong shoe (their naming conventions can get tricky, after all).
We tend to avoid product reviews by people in the field or industry, as these tend to be paid advertising or promotional placements. Much like Instagram influencers finding products “incredible”, we aren’t going to let companies with extensive marketing dollars for promotional influence throw clear water on something that seems muddy.
Brand Recognition
Finally, we do put some weight into general brand recognition. Simply put, there are some brands that you know are going to put out solid products. Brands like Nike tend to have a winner in whatever category we review here at Shoe Guide, and that’s no coincidence.
Some brands have extensive research and development budgets, that go a long way into the manufacture of a shoe that serves a specific purpose or is meant for a specific subset of users. This is the case with CrossFit shoes.
Things to Look for in the Best CrossFit Shoes
While our research and testing at Shoe Guide is extensive, we are not perfect. As such, we try to stick to a credo and strict listing of features that we specifically examine and research as a baseline.
Even though there are a ton of different features available in even the simplest of shoes, for CrossFit, we are looking at a few things. These categories include: Level of comfort, ability to absorb shock, breathability, overall style, longevity and durability, and supportiveness.
Comfort Levels
Comfort is obviously the most important feature to be on the lookout for when considering CrossFit shoes to purchase. Performance and comfort go hand in hand. Imagine attempting to complete an intense WOD with shoes that crush your feet with every step, or have enough space in between your foot and the shoe to build a house. Things aren’t going to work out very well in the end.
However, a few general notions are relatively standard. Toe boxes, for one, need to usually be pretty wide for CrossFit workouts. Toes that are compressed are going to hinder the jumping and running process, and can cause extensive friction-based irritation. For CrossFit, the sole of the shoes need to be a good mix of rigidity and flexibility.
Ability to Absorb Shock - Critical Feature for CrossFit Shoes
Anybody who has worked through a particularly intense CrossFit workout understands shock absorption is one of the most important factors in your shoe. You will be hard pressed to find a type of exercise comparable to CrossFit in the level of intensity and shock that the feet go through.
Wearing a pair of shoes that fail to assist in lessening impact over the course of an intense WOD is going to be highly inadequate and can easily lead to strain, overextension, and injury. A pair of the best CrossFit shoes is going to provide shock absorption from the most basic to the most demanding CrossFit workouts.
Breathability of the CrossFit Shoes
Breathability is crucial. It influences the entire training process. Shoe designs that are totally sealed will lack the breathability of mesh alternatives. From this, comfort levels will decrease, sweat will build up, and you can experience severe rubbing and discomfort.
Heat accumulation of the inside of the shoe produces excessive sweat, leading to an overall decrease in the performance of a CrossFit workout. It can also have detrimental effects on the grip present between the inner sole of the shoe and the foot, as well as the generation of obviously unwanted odor.
Many times, including in our testing regimen, CrossFit workouts are performed outside in the sun. At these such occasions, breathability plays an even larger role. The best CrossFit shoes have breathable uppers, allowing air to flow freely around the foot and into the shoe.
Overall Style
This might seem a bit haughty, but the style of the shoe matters. We cover this in all our guides to various types of shoes. Why? You don’t want to get stuck with a style of shoe that you regret. Remember, you’re going to be looking down at these shoes dozens of times per workout for months on end.
While this might not seem like a big deal for some, it can be a deal breaker for others. Think about it. If you can get to 90% perfection but the shoe looks like a gaudy neon nightmare to you, you will feel worse about it than a shoe that gets you 80% of the way there and you are happy with the way it looks.
Longevity and Durability
This might seem a bit haughty, but the style of the shoe matters. We cover this in all our guides to various types of shoes. Why? You don’t want to get stuck with a style of shoe that you regret. Remember, you’re going to be looking down at these shoes dozens of times per workout for months on end.
While this might not seem like a big deal for some, it can be a deal breaker for others. Think about it. If you can get to 90% perfection but the shoe looks like a gaudy neon nightmare to you, you will feel worse about it than a shoe that gets you 80% of the way there and you are happy with the way it looks.
Supportiveness - Critical for CrossFit Shoes for Lifting
The feet and ankles of Crossfitters are bound to be experiencing a ton of movement across an amalgamation of positions over the course of an intense CrossFit session. What this means is that a good pair of CrossFit shoes will need ample support, lest you risk causing injury or worse.
While injury is still possible with the high-intensity workouts regardless of the supportiveness of the shoes you choose, having a good amount of support in your shoes serves to drastically reduce the level of risk involved with CrossFit. Supportiveness also assists for those who have flat feet or suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Frequently Asked Questions About CrossFit Shoes
How often should CrossFit shoes be replaced?
The feet and ankles of Crossfitters are bound to be experiencing a ton of movement across an amalgamation of positions over the course of an intense CrossFit session. What this means is that a good pair of CrossFit shoes will need ample support, lest you risk causing injury or worse.
While injury is still possible with the high-intensity workouts regardless of the supportiveness of the shoes you choose, having a good amount of support in your shoes serves to drastically reduce the level of risk involved with CrossFit. Supportiveness also assists for those who have flat feet or suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Are CrossFit shoes comparable to weightlifting shoes?
There are some major differences between CrossFit shoes and weightlifting shoes. Shoes made specifically for weight lifting and power lifting are notoriously bulky, thick and stiff. They provide a solid platform for those looking to move heavy objects. If you attempt to do serious CrossFit workouts like jumping, running and more with weightlifting shoes, you’re going to have a very rough time and extremely sore feet afterwards.
Can I use my CrossFit shoes for regular sports and running?
CrossFit shoes are more than adequate for such activities as lifting, sprinting, climbing, jumping and more. Terrains such as hardwood and concrete should not pose any issues. Dodgeball? Go for it. Boxing? Maybe you should check out our guide to the best boxing shoes. For most other activities, though, if you’re looking for a better general shoe, you might want to look into a pair of standard tennis shoes.
As far as running is concerned, we would not recommend these being your typical running shoes. Instead, we recommend our list of the best running shoes. These types of shoes will not have the cushioning and support needed for any type of distance running. While there are some brands that support runners in addition to CrossFit, those are few and far between.
Getting to the Finish Line
Purchasing a pair of the best CrossFit shoes is going to make all the difference in your intense workouts. Regular shoes just are not going to beat specifically-made manufacturing efforts, designed just for CrossFit.
However, with this, the advanced features and customized options come at a slightly higher cost when compared to standard footwear. Those who are looking to optimize every aspect of their CrossFit training, and are willing to pay for the added cost and investment, will experience the benefit.
Whether stability enhancements for heavier lifting of weights, or massive amounts of shock absorption for the explosive movements common in CrossFit, specialized cross training shoes will work to bring things up a notch.
All things considered, a high-quality pair of CrossFit shoes, like the ones reviewed above, and the knowledge needed for requested features and things to look out for, will provide the most optimal opportunities for CrossFit enthusiasts. We hope the information we have provided leave you with a more confident approach to your own CrossFit shoe research.
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