Introduction
The goal of this post is to provide fair and balanced information about the best cross training shoes available and how to choose the right cross trainer for your training needs.
There are hundreds of training shoes, some good, some bad. With the information on this post you’ll not only be able to determine what cross trainer is right for you but we’ll help you find the best prices available!
Many people fail to see the benefit of using the best cross training shoes for their specific type of training. A lot of people are under the impression that a shoe is a shoe. Far too many people simply buy the cheapest pair of running shoes they can find and use them as their cross trainers (Read below Training Shoes vs Running Shoes).
This is bad for a number of reasons, but most importantly because it can lead to injuries such as stress fractures, pulled muscles, tendonitis, sore ache joints, muscle soreness and discomfort. All of these things could potentially be avoided all by purchasing the right shoe. If you can't afford the price of the right shoe, you can invest in insoles instead.
If you’re serious about your training then you should be using the best cross training shoes for your training purposes. You need the right shoes for the right job, this will give you better performance and a better workout not to mention decrease your risk for the injuries mentioned above.
What To Look For In The Best Cross Training Shoes
When selecting the best cross training shoes we need to know what type of training you’re going to be doing. This is important because if we run, we want running trainers; if we walk, and do other lighter activities we want a different type of shoe. Agility training and high impact plyo-metric training will require a different style of training shoe as well. Understanding your training methods is paramount when you’re considering what type of training shoe is best for you.
If the shoe you need is for running, you will want a running trainer. This type of trainer will need to be selected based on your running style. The running shoe you choose will be based on over-pronation, pronation or under-pronation. The type of trainer you need will want to reflect this type of running style. These types of trainers are technology driven, which means, from the studies that have been done on these running styles, this information was compiled and went directly into the design of the shoe. You will get a perfect shoe that will assist you in conditioning and agility.
If the shoe you need is for multi-directional fitness, meaning more than one area of fitness. The Best Cross Training Shoes for you are Multi-trainers. These are specifically designed for the multi-tasked individual that has more than one type of workout to do. You are looking for a shoe that is designed for lateral movement. It must have ankle support as well as shock absorption. The shoe must fit well and be very comfortable. These shoes come in a wide range of varieties and normally are fairly affordable.
The Best Cross Training Shoes are the shoes that fit your needs to the tee. The key is making sure you buy the shoes that will work for you and accommodate your training needs. There are many different companies that make these shoes and all have different features. So by looking at what they have to offer, you will find the right training shoes that are best for you.
Training Shoes vs Running Shoes
The fitness world has seen a lot of changes in the last 2 decades regarding the types of shoes to use, and for which sports to use them for. There are a lot of different shoes to choose from, this is made possible because of the different companies that are manufacturing shoes.
The sportswear shoe industry is a multimillion dollar annual business and is growing each year. Because of the technology that has been developed over the last few years, it has been made possible for shoes to be designed for different levels of training. What we will talk about here, are the differences between Training Shoes vs Running Shoes.
If you are a running enthusiast or involved in fitness sports, there are a variety of shoes to choose from. Because different types of movements are required for different types of sports, the correct kind of footwear is necessary. A specific type of shoe with its own characteristics is available for each level of sport. Taking this into consideration each type of training shoe or running shoe is therefore different and should not be interchanged between sports.
Training Shoes vs Running Shoes: Differences in usage
Trainers – if you’re looking for training shoes they are not meant for everyday use. Training shoes or cross training shoes are used for multi-directional movements or training. They provide ankle support in different types of fitness environments. These shoes are meant for many kinds of physical movements such as, jumping, side-to-side movements, weight training, and even kickboxing. They should be used according to the reasons they were purchased. There are many types of training shoes available today. Some have technology that will allow anyone with any type of foot issue to purchase a pair that will allow better performance and conditioning.
Jogging or Running shoes – are built specifically designed for forward motion. With the “toe off heel strike design” these shoes are designed for better running starts as well as comfort during the run. Running shoes provide maximum benefit for the runner allowing for flexibility and promoting agility. Running shoes are mainly designed to be thicker with more cushioning on the sides and the soles. The midsoles and heels are thicker for more flexibility in the toes. To keep the foot arched the soles have a curve shape for better performance.
When comparing Training Shoes vs Running Shoes, we need to understand the reasons in which we are making the purchase. Are you buying them to run in, or are you making a purchase to train? This will help you to get the maximum benefits from your workouts or training, and to give your body the best chance for conditioning. This will also allow your feet to feel more comfort and support while reducing the chance of injury due to wearing the wrong shoes.
Whether you need shoes for training or running, the idea is to take good care of your feet. Your feet are important, and you want to allow them to experience less stress, in-turn this will create minimal problems in the future. Also remember that using the wrong pair of shoes could result in lifelong injuries to you ankles, knees, hips and lower back.
Best Cross Training Shoes
Nike Metcon 10 Training Shoe
Nike Metcon 10: Now in its tenth generation, the Metcon remains the shoe most gyms point beginners toward when they ask what to wear for mixed training. It leans hard into stability for barbell work while still flexing enough for burpees and box jumps, which is exactly the balancing act a true cross trainer needs to pull off.
The standout feature is the Hyperlift plate tucked under the heel. It creates a firm, slightly raised platform that keeps your foot from wobbling during squats, deadlifts, and cleans, similar in spirit to what a dedicated lifting shoe offers but without giving up the ability to run or jump right after.
Up front, the Metcon 10 gets a noticeably wider toe box than earlier versions, letting the toes splay naturally under load. Nike paired that with a responsive ReactX foam midsole, which the brand says returns more energy than the foam used in the previous model while adding a touch more give for cardio intervals.
The outsole wraps up the sides in a full rubber layer, guarding against the rope burns and toe drag that wear out cheaper trainers quickly. A new lace-lock loop keeps the laces tucked away so they don't catch during rope climbs or lateral shuffles.
The upper uses a durable woven textile that resists stretching over time, and the insole is thin by design, keeping you close to the ground for better balance on lifts. Weighing in at a bit under 12 ounces, it's not the lightest shoe on this list, but the tradeoff is stability that holds up set after set.
If your training mixes heavy lifting days with metabolic conditioning, the Nike Metcon 10 is the shoe most people land on eventually. Available in men's and women's sizing with a wide range of colorways.
New Balance Minimus TR v2
New Balance Minimus TR v2: New Balance built the Minimus line around the idea that a lot of training benefits from feeling more like being barefoot, just with a bit of protection underneath. The TR v2 is the gym-focused version, and at a lower price than most of its Nike and Reebok competitors, it's an easy shoe to recommend to anyone testing out structured training for the first time.
The dual-density midsole is firmer under the heel and softer under the forefoot, a setup meant to steady you during lifts while still cushioning the balls of your feet during higher-rep, higher-impact work like jump rope or box step-ups.
A herringbone rubber pattern covers the forefoot and heel of the outsole, giving reliable grip for pivoting movements and lateral drills without the tread being so aggressive that it slows down quick direction changes.
The upper is a mix of mesh and synthetic overlays, kept low-profile and free of unnecessary padding. Combined with a low stack height, this keeps your foot close to the floor, which is the main reason minimalist trainers like this one are popular for Olympic lifting variations.
Some versions come with a BOA dial closure instead of traditional laces, which gives a more even, adjustable fit across the top of the foot and eliminates loose laces as a distraction mid-set.
For lifters and CrossFit-style trainees who want that close-to-the-ground feel without paying Metcon or Nano prices, the New Balance Minimus TR v2 is a smart, budget-friendly entry point. It comes in men's and women's builds with a handful of color options.
NOBULL AllDay Ripstop Trainer
NOBULL AllDay Ripstop Trainer: NOBULL built its name in CrossFit gyms with a stripped-down approach to training shoes, and the AllDay Ripstop continues that philosophy. It skips the flashy tech features found on the Metcon or Nano in favor of a simple, flat, durable build that a lot of lifters actually prefer.
The upper is made from a perforated ripstop polyester, a material borrowed from outdoor and tactical gear for its resistance to tearing and abrasion. It's noticeably more breathable than NOBULL's older canvas-style uppers, which matters once a workout starts generating real heat.
Underneath, the outsole is intentionally flat rather than heavily cushioned. That low stack height gives a stronger connection to the floor during squats and deadlifts, which is a big part of why the shoe shows up so often on lists aimed at lifters with flatter feet or those who prioritize ground feel over shock absorption.
A wrapped rubber toe cap adds durability where cross trainers wear out fastest, and the reinforced heel counter keeps the foot locked in place during lateral movements and rope work.
The lacing sits on a fairly simple flat webbing, without the eyelet or lace-lock gimmicks found on some competitors, which keeps the shoe easy to size and tighten evenly across the midfoot.
NOBULL doesn't chase yearly redesigns the way Nike and Reebok do, so the AllDay Ripstop tends to stay in the lineup for a while, making it a dependable pick if you find a colorway and fit you like and want to stock up.
Reebok Nano X5 Training Shoe
Reebok Nano X5: The Nano line has been Reebok's flagship training shoe for well over a decade, and the X5 represents the latest refinement of a formula that's already popular in CrossFit boxes worldwide. It's built to handle everything from Olympic lifts to short metcons without needing a shoe change in between.
The dual-response EVA midsole is the headline update, with a softer forefoot section for landing jumps and a firmer heel for anchoring squats and presses. It's a similar concept to what competitors offer, but Reebok's version flexes a bit more naturally through the midfoot during rope climbs and burpees.
A lightweight, breathable upper keeps the shoe from feeling bulky, and a reinforced heel clip adds lockdown support during quick direction changes. Reebok also updated the rubber outsole to flex more freely than on older Nano models, which helps during running-heavy workout segments.
There's also a Nano X5 Edge variant with a Flexweave upper for extra durability and a slightly more locked-in fit, aimed at people who put serious mileage on their training shoes each week.
Between the flexible outsole, supportive heel, and cushioned forefoot, the Reebok Nano X5 is a well-rounded option for anyone who wants one shoe to cover strength training, conditioning, and the occasional short run. It's available in men's and women's sizing across several colorways.
Cross Training Shoes: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run in cross training shoes?
For short efforts — a warm-up jog, sprint intervals, a 400-metre run in a workout — yes. Cross trainers have a flat, firm sole with little cushioning and a low heel drop, so they are not built for road mileage. Use dedicated running shoes for anything over a mile or two.
What is the difference between cross trainers and running shoes?
Cross trainers are flat and stable with a firm heel, lateral support, and a durable toe and midfoot for rope climbs and burpees — built for lifting, jumping, and moving side to side. Running shoes are cushioned with a higher heel drop, built to absorb repeated forward impact.
What heel-to-toe drop should a cross training shoe have?
4mm or less. A near-flat platform keeps your heel planted and your whole foot connected to the floor for squats, deadlifts, and Olympic lifts. The Nike Metcon and Reebok Nano both sit around 4mm; the NOBULL and Minimus are lower still.
How long do cross training shoes last?
Roughly 6 to 12 months of training three to five times a week. The flat outsole, the rope guard, and the upper usually wear out before the midsole cushioning does, so watch the sides and the medial arch for abrasion.
Do I need CrossFit-specific shoes for a regular gym?
If your sessions are mostly machines, cardio, and light dumbbell work, a normal trainer is fine. If you barbell squat and deadlift, do box jumps, or run varied WODs, a firm flat cross trainer noticeably improves stability and power transfer.
Should I size up in cross training shoes?
Most run true to size — aim for a thumb's width of space at the end of the longest toe. The Nike Metcon runs slightly narrow, so wide feet may want to size up a half or try the wide version.
Published: 5th Feb, 2025 · Last Updated: 31st Aug, 2026
We re-check the picks in this guide periodically and update it when models are discontinued or better options appear.
Tumay Kilinc
Tumay co-founded ReviewsByPeople.com in 2018 and focuses on turning long, confusing buying decisions into straightforward recommendations across electronics, outdoor gear, pets, beauty, clothing, and home & garden. Reviews are built by comparing real specs and verified buyer feedback rather than repeating marketing copy, and reader questions in the comments get read and answered directly.
Comments
Leave the first comment