The 7 Best CrossFit Shoes To Conquer Your Next Workout

Main materials: Breathable mesh, rubber outsole and recycled materials | Sizes: 6 to 15 (men), 5 to 12 (women)| Colors: 8+ and a design your own option

• What’s notable: With a full rubber outsole and rope wrap, the Metcon’s have outstanding traction and support.
• What could be better: Like with any pair of new shoes, it might take a few sessions to fully break these in.

When it comes to CrossFit shoes, the Nike Metcon 9, much like its predecessors, offers nothing but the finest. In terms of stability, the Hyperlift heel plate is bigger than before and works by forcing weight down and out for firm grounding.

Aside from a larger heel plate, another improved feature is the rubber rope wrap for better durability and support for the most challenging and grueling workouts. 

An incredibly stable shoe to propel your lifts, it also features a dual-density foam with a firmer outer covering and softer foam on the inside. This cushioning should improve comfort during cardio sessions, but it doesn’t come at the cost of traditional explosive movements. The foam is dual-density, with a firmer outer covering and softer foam on the inside. This should give your feet ample comfort and cushioning for higher-impact movements. 

Heavy lifters will benefit from the dual density molded footbed (with a 4mm drop) that is dense at the heel for weight-bearing and softer at the front to facilitate your sprints and jumps.  

On the traction side, a full rubber outsole helps to plant your feet in place for a solid lift without the threat of slips or slides.

Both the men’s and women’s Metcons feature a lace-locking mechanism to keep your laces out of the way while training. 

What the reviews say: “Heavy lifts, circuits and daily use; this model has covered it all. Smooth while walking and handling daily tasks, yet sturdy for crossfit, but grounded for compound movements.”

Main materials: Made with at least 30% recycled materials and rubber outsole | Sizes: 5 to 14 | Colors: 27

• What’s notable: The flexible midsole improves support and helps these shoes excel at absorbing repetitive movements from high-impact exercises (jump squats, burpees, etc.).
• What could be better: Heel slips can occur from time to time, which may require some adjustment mid-workout.

One of the main selling points of the Reebok Nano X3 is its versatility, and that comes courtesy of revolutionary midsole technology—coined the Lift and Run Chassis system—that delivers on two fronts. First, the dome-shaped heel offers rigid and sturdy support for lifts, which is a key component of CrossFit. And second, that same dome feature softens when you switch to cardio exercises, such as running and jumping, to absorb and reduce impact.

In terms of design, this shoe is surprisingly complex, but that’s because it’s designed to meet your needs throughout each and every element of your workout. Floatride Energy Foam is lightweight (and cushioned) for speed runs but it remains just stiff enough for security on more grueling lifts. The Flexweave woven upper gives your foot room to stretch and breathe when you need it, while the rubber outsole resists constant wear and tear.

As part of Reebok’s [Ree]cycled initiative, at least 30% of the Nano X3 is constructed from recycled or repurposed materials. Choose from a range of color options. The Reebok Nano X4 dropped in January if you’d prefer to try the latest model.

What the reviews say: “These look so fresh. Wore them for a CrossFit competition day 1 out of the box. There was no break-in pain, or complications. Super comfortable, and well functioning in cross-training.”

Main materials: SuperFabric and high carbon rubber | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 4

• What’s notable: The high carbon rubber outsole has a lightweight feel without compromising on durability. Reflective details on the outer soles also boost low-light visibility, making these great for late night or early morning sessions.
• What could be better: These shoes are heavier than other options and some colors are known to stain socks.

Nobull champions training hard without excuses, as its name implies. With its sponsorship of the CrossFit Games beginning in 2021, the brand has created a line of merchandise in the sport’s honor, including a series of noteworthy shoes such as the CrossFit Trainer+. Combining stability, traction and comfort for a multi-functional shoe that brings its A-game to each and every element of CrossFit, these kicks are winners for more reasons than one.

For starters, the plush EVA midsole offers cushioned height for improved comfort, while the upper is made from SuperFabric—a durable material that lets your feet breathe. This shoe is particularly capable due to its herringbone outsole, which enhances traction in a variety of multidirectional motions whether you’re working up a sweat indoors or out.

Even the laces are thoughtfully constructed with an added foam layer on the tongue to allow for more secure tying without the ‘lace bite’. The heel and collar also feature padding that acts as a buffer, reducing the likelihood of blisters and hotspots.

What the reviews say: “Firm and sturdy to wear when doing any kinda workout. I wear them to attend group fitness class that focuses on strength and cardio, also wear them to do traditional weight lifting. They provide the firmness needed for weightlifting without compromising the comfort level!”

Main materials: Knitted fabric and graphene | Sizes: 7 to 14 | Colors: 4

• What’s notable: The graphene powerheel offers unrivaled grip, plus specially-designed Rope-Tec protection helps secure your grip during climbing exercises.
• What could be better: The laces don’t tighten as much as others, and some athletes find the sizing is off (can run big).

This light but mighty running shoe weighs in at only 300 grams, yet it’s infused with some of the world's toughest materials to give you an edge during your workout. In fact, it claims to offer the world’s ‘toughest grip’ due to its graphene-enhanced power heel, a feature developed by scientists at the University of Manchester.

As the strongest material measured to date, graphene helps root your foot in place with superior grip, yet it's flexible enough to switch between static and dynamic movements while wrapping your feet in solid comfort from heel to toe.

Thanks to Rope-Tec, you can cruise through rope climbs courtesy of blade-like grooves along the sides of the shoe that grip the rope for support, even on tough climbs. Other specs include a lightweight upper that prevents sweaty feet from stinking up your workout, and elongated rubber padding at the front of the shoe is positioned to protect your toes through difficult movements.

What the reviews say: “Great to find a shoe like this that has a wide toe box/EE fit but still a tight fit in the heel and plenty of arch support. I use them for strongman events like yoke, farmers, and carry events where moving with the heavy weight puts too much stress on my arches for my usual vans/converse. Helps absorb impact without being too squishy/unstable. My favorite training shoe I've ever owned.”

Main materials: Lightweight knit, mesh and molded rubber | Sizes: 5 to 11 | Colors: 6

• What’s notable: The TPU heel stabilizer and wide toe box help stabilize your footing during weightlifting.
• What could be better: Tongue and laces are a bit short, which can make tying a chore.

Although classic in aesthetic, the Born Primitive Savage 1 is loaded with all the technical elements you’d expect from a quality CrossFit shoe. The shoe strikes a balance between flexibility for high impact movements and stability with a dense midsole. On the comfort side, a wide toe box gives your toes ample room to splay, while a lightweight knit upper with a mesh tongue keeps sweat at bay. 

Designed for movement and explosive speed, the EVA compound midsole has high cushioning for a solid rebound, especially handy during box jumps, yet is lightweight for flowing between movements. The outside is molded rubber and has both vertical and horizontal treads to support your feet with strong traction in all directions. There’s other features too—a TPU heel stabilizer and TPU toe overly that helps with side to side movements. 

The active-duty owned company pre-tests its products with athletes to ensure quality and functionality.

What the reviews say: “I love this shoe. It’s a nice wide toe box and low profile while being stable enough for the demands of all CrossFit WODS including lifting. Highly recommend it.”

Main materials: Synthetic upper, PumaGrip rubber outsole | Sizes: 7 to 14 (men), 5 to 11 (women) | Colors: 5 (men), 1 (women)

• What’s notable: Although these are more budget-friendly than other CrossFit options, they are just as versatile thanks to a TPU clip for heel support, PumaGrip rubber outsole and lightweight feel (great for cardio exercises).
• What could be better: The color options are limited for women and the heel clip may feel uncomfortable to some.

Although a notch cheaper, the Puma Fuse 2.0 is a staple in the CrossFit shoe line-up. Constructed to support three key training attributes, the footwear is designed to ensure enhanced stability, a comfortable fit and secure traction.

The outer rubber has a high sidewall for maximum coverage and better traction and grip (the streamlined upper construction reinforces its durability for tougher exercises like rope climbs). And there’s an intentional lightweight TPU heel clip to support handstands and push-ups.

Compared to its first model, the Fuse 2.0 is wider at the fore and midfoot for plenty of wiggle space during lifts. Plus, the FuseFlex grooves should help anchor your foot in place during heavy sessions, not to mention, preventing slips during polymetric style movements. For supportive landing, these shoes are constructed with Puma’s ProFoam, a lightweight EVA that protects your joints on impact.

What the reviews say: Great for a WOD where anything from running to lifting is mixed in. The footbed is comfortable but not squishy and there's plenty of room in the toe box (while the heel isn’t swimming).

Main materials: 50% recycled content and Traxion rubber | Sizes: 4 to 18 (men), 5 to 14 (women) | Colors: 8 (men), 5 (women)

• What’s notable: Despite the more laidback design, the dual-density midsole adds support and the rubber outsole delivers good grip.
• What could be better: We don’t recommend wearing these during rainy weather or wet workouts as water soaks through the shoe fairly easily.

Adidas’ Dropset Trainer is promoted as a versatile training shoe for a variety of workouts, including strength training and cardio. The shoe has a dual-density EVA midsole that blends cushioning at the forefoot for comfort with firm foam at the heel to bolster the heaviest of lifts.

Another significant feature of this shoe is the midfoot cage, which helps lock your feet in place for sturdy, stable weightlifting sessions. And at the heel, you’ll find a padded collar to prevent hot spots.

The non-marking rubber outsole is kitted out with a multi-directional tread pattern for traction, including jerky, sharp or quick-change movements in both indoor and outdoor settings. A breathable upper allows air to circulate around your feet while a wider toe box gives plenty of wiggle room. If you’re interested in sustainable buys, this shoe has at least 50% recycled materials, so it’s a little better for the planet.

What the reviews say: The comfort they offer is unparalleled, making those heavy lifts feel more manageable. And that toe box? It's a blessing for stability and balance during squats and deadlifts. The Dropset Trainer is now my go-to shoe for my lifting sessions, and I couldn't be happier with my purchase. If you're serious about weightlifting, these shoes are a must-have in your gear collection.