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Be Better in the Box with the Best CrossFit Shoes

From circuit-crushing mainstays to budget-friendly bests, there’s a CrossFit shoe for everyone on the list.

collage of three shoes Reebok, Nike, Puma

By Ben Emminger and Steve Mazzucchi

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A decade ago, asking someone about their WOD might get you a funny look. But these days, the Workout of the Day is damn near ubiquitous — as is the host of footwear options aimed squarely at pleasing CrossFit fiends the world over.

But just because there are dozens of CrossFit-friendly shoes flooding the market doesn’t mean any old shoe will do. In our assessments of what’s out there, we’ve identified some of the best while considering key factors like cost and preferred moves, from cardio to kettlebell swings.

So, whether you’re a seasoned CrossFitter or just getting into the game, you’re sure to find a pick here that’s right up your alley. All that’s left to do is strap them on, rip through your next workout, flex and scream to your fellow athletes, “WOD’s up now??” Then quietly pack your things and go — perhaps to a well-deserved recovery session.

Products in the Guide

  • Reebok Nano X3

    BEST OVERALL CROSSFIT SHOE

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  • Nike Metcon 8

    BEST UPGRADE CROSSFIT SHOE

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  • Puma Fuse 2.0

    BEST BUDGET CROSSFIT SHOE

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  • Nobull High-Top Trainer+

    MOST STYLISH CROSSFIT SHOE

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  • Under Armour UA TriBase Reign 5

    MOST VERSATILE CROSSFIT SHOE

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  • Inov-8 F-Lite G 300

    BEST CROSSFIT SHOE FOR ROPE CLIMBS

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How to Choose CrossFit Shoes

Your workouts and movements vary a ton in CrossFit, so your shoes should be capable of accomplishing whatever you throw at them. When looking at CrossFit shoes, there are a few keys to consider, none of which are more vital than heel support.

One of the defining characteristics that separates CrossFit shoes from your daily sneakers is how firm the heel is. This is intended to help add support and responsiveness, especially when weightlifting. Some brands even beef up the heel with additional plastic components and clips for more rigidity and firmness. At the same time, CrossFitters need a cushioned base to perform sprints or runs. Our picks – and most well-designed CrossFit shoes – balance support and cushioning perfectly for well-rounded silhouettes capable of any WOD.

Also, you should look for CrossFit shoes that are durable enough to withstand the rigors of intense training. After all, you’ll be wearing these kicks through some of your most grueling workouts. Look for uppers with a resilient construction. To go along with the upper, pay close attention to the shoe sidewalls. Having sidewalls with reinforced materials or extra support can help extend your footwear’s lifespan, especially when you’re taking them through countless agility sessions or rope climbs.

The Difference Between Gym Shoes and CrossFit Shoes

When it comes to determining proper gym shoes vs. CrossFit shoes, it’s very similar to the square and rectangle comparison. While all CrossFit shoes can be excellent footwear options for your gym-based workouts, you’re unlikely to enjoy your WODs if you train in a general fitness sneaker. If you’re locked into CrossFit training, you want to look for footwear with the aforementioned heel support and durable upper. Additionally, CrossFit-specific footwear often includes added specs like medial and lateral support for movements like rope climbs and side-to-side agility training, which isn’t exactly a necessity if you’re staying static in your bicep curls or barbell rows.

While you can get by benching, squatting and deadlifting in other kicks, the requirements of a CrossFit workout require a little more speciality.

How We Tested

Pros

  • Lift and Run Chassis System promotes more versatility across cardio and strength workouts

Cons

  • Slight heel slippage on initial wears

As the latest iteration of Reebok’s iconic training silhouette, the Nano X3s are quite possibly the best profile in the brand’s history. Our tester really enjoyed the all-new Lift and Run Chassis System that created efficient, effective support and responsiveness across multiple training disciplines. This versatility is key to CrossFit, as any WOD can have a number of movements throughout the routine. While some athletes may experience some heel slippage at first, requiring further attention to lacing setups, we believe these are the top CrossFit kicks for any workout you have this year.

Read our full Reebok Nano X3 review.

Pros

  • Reworked upper significantly improves durability in the toe box

Cons

  • Blockier heel still makes these not as ideal for cardio-based training

The eighth iteration of this impressive training silhouette still lives up to the hype, furthering the battle between this profile and the above Nano lineup. We really like the stability for static lifts, and the reworked upper definitely fixed any durability concerns we had with its predecessor. The Metcon 8s are also surprisingly impressive when it comes to rope climbs, despite the lack of a rope guard on the medial side. Like its previous iterations, however, the blocky heel, while great for static lifts, does hinder performance slightly when it comes to cardio-based workouts.

Pros

  • More room in the midfoot than previous models, making this more approachable for those with wider feet

Cons

  • Insole compression can occur when performing heavier exercises

Puma has been a go-to for budget-friendly CrossFit shoes for a while — the brand’s original Fuse trainers sat at this spot for quite some time. With a roomier fit and stable platform, we’re happy to see the Fuse 2.0s keep hold of the cost-effective crown. The lockdown fit is still present, and we appreciated the grip and traction provided by the PUMAGRIP outsole. We wouldn’t recommend these sneakers for PR days, though, as we did notice some unwanted compression when squat and deadlift totals began to creep into heavier territory.

Read our full Puma Fuse 2.0 review.

Pros

  • Herringbone outsole pattern provides better traction during agility training

Cons

  • High-top construction might not be ideal for everyone

If we’re being honest, we could’ve picked any one of the Nobull Trainer silhouettes for this spot, but thanks to a grippier outsole and improved midfoot feel, we opted to list the High-Top Trainer+s. This lineup was unveiled earlier this year, and the brand has already begun to add its trademark stylings to the stable with vibrant and subdued colorways fit for any aesthetic. And for those not keen on the high-top silhouette — we’ll admit, getting these on and off at times is a workout in itself — there’s a plethora of low-cut Trainer+ profiles to choose from.

Read our full Nobull High-Top Trainer+ review.

Pros

  • UA WARP upper delivers great breathability and support

Cons

  • Staggered lacing system can place unwanted pressure across the top of the foot

If your WODs are particularly eclectic or random, it helps to have a sneaker that can perform at its highest no matter what your circuit calls for. We love the updated UA TriBase Reign 5s for versatile training scenarios thanks to its Micro G Foam midsole that packs in just the right amount of comfort and support for a bevy of movements. Plus, the UA WARP upper is durable enough to withstand countless abrasions while still promoting a cozy, breathable fit. Just be sure to pay close attention to how your lacing system works. Our tester noted some uncomfortable pressure across the top of the foot during initial wears, which they attribute to the staggered lattice structure.

Pros

  • Great stability and grip for a number of modalities

Cons

  • 6mm drop might be too much for some

Toughness and durability are definitely not lacking in this impressive CrossFit shoe. These kicks boast a Graphene Powerheel for added support and stability. A durable knit upper stays breathable while still protecting your digits and resisting abrasions. And extended Rope-Tec protection provides plenty of grip, which was more than evident when we tested these shoes in a series of rope climbs. Seriously, it might be more difficult finding a workout these CrossFit shoes aren’t capable of completing.

Pros

  • Wider toe box promotes more natural toe splaying for optimal stability

Cons

  • Hook-and-loop midfoot straps can be too long for some

Lifting clogs can be great implements for those heavier Olympic lifts, and in testing, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the stability and performance baked into the all-new TYR L-1 Lifters. The toe box is wider than other clogs out there, which allows for better toe splaying as you brace for a heavy lift, and the overall aesthetics are downright impressive, especially when you consider TYR has seemingly come out of nowhere in the footwear category. Do make sure you have your midfoot straps secured properly, though, as they can hang over the lateral side a bit and potentially get caught underfoot.

Read our full TYR L-1 review.

Pros

  • Premium cushioning for comfort across multiple exercises

Cons

  • Limited releases make getting a pair sometimes difficult

New to the scene but quickly making an impact, the R.A.D. Ones boast an eye-catching aesthetic and plenty of workout-ready specs. A Swell Foam sole provides ample energy return for short sprints, and we felt plenty of support in Olympic lifts like clean and jerks. If you want a pair for yourself, however, you best be on the ball. R.A.D. only releases limited quantities in each colorway, so we recommend signing up for their newsletter and getting the drop on these innovative newcomers.

Read our full R.A.D. One review.

Pros

  • Patent-pending Stability Platform makes finding that lockdown, sturdy base much easier

Cons

  • Mesh upper could be suspect to durability issues down the road

When your resume includes six of the top 10 male competitors at the 2022 CrossFit Games, it’s safe to say your arrival on the scene was impactful. In testing these TYR CXT-1 Trainers, it’s evident why so many top tier athletes turn to these kicks for performing at the highest stage. The patent-pending Stability Platform and grippy outsole allowed us to achieve the proper brace and position in no time, and the Sure NRG Foam midsole provides all the stability and responsiveness you’d want when pushing the limit in the gym. We’re curious to see how the softer mesh upper holds up over time, but for now, these are some serious training kicks worth considering.

Read our full TYR CXT-1 review.

Pros

  • Responsive and explosive, making these great for sprints

Cons

  • No medial or lateral additions, limiting rope climbs

No outsole? No problem. The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295s are constructed with the tough-as-nails, Graphene-enhanced G-FLY+ foam that can withstand session after session. We enjoyed the responsiveness of these fast CrossFit shoes, and while they don’t feature the same medial and lateral elements of the G 300, we wouldn’t think twice about lacing these puppies up for cardio-heavy training days.

reebok nano x2 froning shoesReebok

BEST CROSSFIT SHOE FOR HIGH-INTENSITY TRAINING

Reebok Nano X2 Froning

Pros

  • Lightweight, breathable open-mesh upper creates the lightest silhouette in the Nano lineup

Cons

  • Can experience some heel slippage due to less material holding your foot in place

Now these CrossFit shoes know how to cut weight for the sake of breathability and performance. As the latest installment of the brand’s partnership with the “Fittest Man in History,” the Nano X2 Fronings are prime for pushing your limits thanks to the race car-inspired silhouette that totals just 10.4 ounces. We really noticed this bare bones makeup in speed work, as the lightweight build made pickups and transitions much smoother than other, clunkier silhouettes. We would’ve loved to have seen an extra eyelet to implement a lace lock structure, though, as your heel can begin to slide if you’re really powering through agility training.

Read our full Reebok Nano X2 Froning review.

Pros

  • BOA Fit System makes for quick, easy lockdowns whether in-training or post-workout

Cons

  • Collapsible heel doesn’t provide a ton of support when upright

You know what’s better than knocking out a grueling WOD? The post-workout recovery session. Boasting an innovative collapsible heel that turns these versatile trainers from sneaker to slide in a matter of seconds, we really enjoyed how simple it was to transition between intensities with these shoes. We also admired the BOA Fit System that helped us achieve that perfect lockdown feel (and much simpler exits when our exercises were complete). While not the answer to all training disciplines — the collapsible heel, naturally, is not as supportive as others on this list, if you want a simple silhouette that can easily pull double duty, slide into these all-new kicks from Under Armour.

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