Crossfit can be a crazy way to workout. From climbing ropes to HIIT, that amount of activity requires a versatile sneaker, ready for any situation.
Luckily, in the competition for best cross-training sneaker, is just about every major brand has a great pair, and the fight is a close one. Between superior rope guards, light, breathable mesh, and maximum stability, the specs are serious. So whether you’re picking back up a new habit or finally getting around to that New Year’s resolution, look at your sneaker purchase like you look at working out – go above and beyond expectations.
The Metcon 6 is Nike’s most recent iteration of the cross-training silhouette which features a mesh-covered upper for maximum breathability. The sneaker is known for being super light, comfortable, and perhaps most noticeably, safe from ropes with a reinforced rope guard on the side known to be a must-have for rope climbing workouts.
The Reebok Nano X is hailed as one of the best sneakers for cross-training and even featured Reebok CrossFit branding when it originally released. The shoe is a bit bulkier than most CrossFit silhouettes but is recognized for its tall ankle collar which gives it unbeatable comfort and security for training.
UA’s Tribase Reign 2 is affectionately referred to as the “Metcon Killer” in the CrossFit community as the sneaker competes with the Swoosh silhouette in most ways. It’s hailed for its flexibility, comfort, shape, and protection for rope climbing.
Reebok’s Flexweave technology is a little dated in terms of the company’s innovative specs but still stands as one of the better cross-training options out there. The sneaker is hailed for its combination of being a light and flexible sneaker with tremendous grip and durability.
New Balance has a stronger reputation with running and other sports but there’s no doubt about how slept on their training product line is. The low key design takes on a minimal silhouette with highlights like a perforated upper and Vibram midsole, all serious draws for those in need of a serious training silhouette.
The Vibram V-Train 2.0 is the “other” type of footwear option for those looking for a more natural feel to their workout. The hyper-minimalistic style trades out the bulky shape of most sneakers with a sleek, form-fitting rubberized shape. The “sneaker” comes dressed down with a forefoot strap for a locked-in feel.
The Asics Gel-Unifire TR 3 ranks among some of the most reliable silhouettes for cross-training, mainly due to Asics’ Gel technology. Laid in the midsole, it’s the true glue that makes most of their sneakers durable and comfortable for almost any activity. Overall, the flexible sole design and breathable mesh upper separates it from other cross-training sneakers.
Adidas has been banking hard on their Boost technology and for good reason, it’s maybe the most comfortable material of at least the last five years. Here, in the FitBoost PrimeBlue, the brand’s material finds a home in a sneaker made for the gym, not the pavement. The sneaker features highlights like a responsive midsole made to be more firm for side-to-side movement and stability.
For the most part, Mizuno is a rather slept-on Japanese sneaker brand that truly doesn’t get enough attention. With a wide variety of sneakers for multiple activities they have something strong in store for those looking for a serious training sneaker; the TC-01. It’s mostly made from a mesh upper but hides some tech under the hood – COB technology, a patent-pending design featuring sensor pod clusters that enable enhanced feedback from the feet to aid in balance.
The Swoosh has plenty of gym-ready options perfect for a multitude of workouts but the Legend Essential 2 is one of those sneakers that brings a touch of style to an overall versatile and ready-for-action sneaker. It includes a flat and stable sole for optimal training movement and a reliable outsole grip.