Your workouts are only as good as the shoes on your feet. This is important when it comes to cross-training, which needs all kinds of movement. Cross-training style workouts are very versatile and require high-quality shoes to complement their different workouts.
But what should you look for in the best shoes for cross training? Here is everything you need to know about cross-training shoes. We’ve also included the 5 best cross training shoes out there.
Table of Contents
What is Cross-training?
Cross-training is any other exercise apart from running that makes you move in different ways, exercise other parts of the body, and strengthen different muscles. For some, cross-training entails weightlifting, while for others, it’s yoga. This training is important to a successful workout routine since it majors on body parts not taken care of in running.
Difference between Running Shoes and Cross-trainers
Whereas running shoes are light, shock-absorbing, and supportive to shield your joints from the high impact of running, cross-trainers are usually flat and have a wide base to help you in other physical exercises.
Cross-trainers have a heavy design since they’ve more cushioning and padding in the sole. The soles of cross-training shoes extend past the width of the shoe’s main structure so you can easily cut, lunge, and make other lateral moves.
Workouts such as burpees, sprinting, jumping jacks, kicks, and other moves require support in the toes and across the foot; that’s where cross-trainers come in handy. Cross-trainers are built with a rugged material designed to withstand dynamic workouts even when your moves are not consistent.
FAQs
What are Crossfit Shoes?
Cross-training shoes are sneakers designed to handle several types of exercises, hence called cross-trainers. Mostly cross-training shoes will have a perfect blend of lifting, running, and other training shoe styles in one model.
What are the Most Crucial Construction Features to look for in Cross-trainers?
Like in most high-quality shoes, the most crucial construction features depend on the intensity of your activities. For cross-trainers, you should look for construction characteristics like outsole material, outer construction, mid-foot durability, midsole stability, and heel cup support.
What’s a Good Heel-to-toe offset for Cross-trainers?
The heel-to-toe offset varies greatly in cross-training shoes, but normally, 2mm to 8mm is great for these shoes.
What’s the Best Price for Cross-training Shoes?
The prices of cross-trainers vary greatly depending on the brand, quality, among others. Mostly, a new pair of cross-training shoes will cost you between $100 -$130. The best price should be determined by how often you plan to use your pair.
Ifyou’re looking for a cross-trainer for daily use, invest in a nice pair that comes with a durable design and has sufficient cushioning. Additionally, if you’re operating on a budget, you can get nice shoes at better price tags.
Best Shoes for Cross trainer Buying Guide
There are several factors you need to consider before adding a cross-training shoe to the cart. Here are a few tips that will help you get the best cross-trainer shoes for all your training needs.
Comfort
Just as it is with every other fashion apparel, you should always prioritize comfort when buying cross-training shoes. To check if the shoe fits comfortably, it is important to check it out and determine how it feels on your feet. If it has a secure and reliable feeling and you can move and run without any discomfort on your feet, then you’ve landed a perfect shoe.
Breathability
The material of your favorite cross-trainer should be highly breathable. A highly breathable pair of cross-trainers will always keep your feet comfortable and dry.
Drop
This is the distance between the height of the toe and the height of the shoe. Mainly, the drop determines how your foot lands on the ground after a jump. A medium or low drop is great for forefoot or mid-foot strike, while a high drop helps with heel striking.
Performance
This is another crucial factor you need to put into consideration. Cross-trainers are designed to help improve your workouts. Therefore, before making a buying decision, ensure that your favorite shoe has a great balance of optimal performance and comfort.
The aspect of performance and comfort work together; you don’t need a comfortable cross-trainer that won’t help you in your workouts.
Arch support
If you experience pain in your feet after a workout, you may have the wrong shoe for your foot shape. Check your feet to determine if you have a flat-foot or high arch, or you can also ask for assistance to determine your arch shape. If you’ve normal to high arches, you need a highly cushioned sole. For flat feet, go for a neutral or stability shoe to keep your feet in a natural position.
Traction
No one wants to slide in the middle of an intense exercise. For this reason, go for cross-training shoes that have sufficient grip to the ground. When you try on the shoes, you’ll want to feel like the shoes are gripping to the ground below you.
Fit
If you buy cross-training shoes that are too small, you risk developing pesky and painful blisters. Make sure that your favorite pair fits comfortably and has an easy on and off design.
Budget
Ultimately, the cross-training shoe you choose is dependent on your budget. You can get a good shoe at an affordable price. However, if you’re not operating on a budget go for a cross-trainer that’s built with top-notch materials and one that guarantees durability.
Best Shoes for Cross Trainer Reviews
New Balance Women’s FuelCoreNergize V1 Sneaker
If you’re looking for the best cross-training shoes for women, this is a good bet. The New Balance Women’s FuelCoreNergize V1 Sneaker is an easy-on, easy-off women’s sneaker that’s designed to help athletes achieve their fitness goals. It comes with a lightweight REVlite midsole that offers sufficient cushioning and gives you all-day comfort.
With a high-quality NB Memory Sole Comfort insert, you can wear this sneaker everywhere and anywhere. This sneaker has a contemporary bootie design that gives it a stylish and comfortable design and supportive fit.
Features
- Sleek design
- Contemporary bootie design
- Rubber sole material
- REVlite midsole
Pros
- Lightweight midsole cushioning
- Stylish and comfortable
- Available in a range of colors
Cons
- Thin sole
- No arch support
Ryka Women’s Influence Cross-training Shoe Trainer
The Ryka Women’s Influence Cross-training Shoe Trainer is a solid shoe with decent cushioning and good support. With this cross-training shoe, you’re guaranteed a dual impact midsole cushioning and cushion precise insole that makes it incredibly comfortable on your feet.
It has sufficient arch support and padding on the collar and tongue to help your foot when grounded. It is designed with a breathable material and a synthetic mesh upper that keeps your feet cool and dry in a hot climate. If you’re looking fora greatshoefor everyday use, this is the right choice.
Features
- Synthetic mesh upper
- Rubber sole material
- Dual impact insole
- Padded tongue and collar
Pros
- It keeps your feet cool and dry in the hot climate
- Has a secure footbed
- The pivot points make turning feet convenient
Cons
- Not ideal for weight lifting training
Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 v3 – Cross-trainer, Fitness & Weight Lifting Shoe
The Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 v3 – Cross-trainer comes with lightweight outer construction, PowerFlow midsole, and dynamic fascia band outsole. This is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a tight-fitting model that provides reactivity and stability in several types of exercises. Additionally, it has a snug fit around the midfoot that offers stability when lifting heavyweight.
Features
- Lace-up closure type
- Synthetic outer material
- Rope guard technology
Pros
- Stable and supportive
- Durable construction
- Ideal for lifting heavyweight
Cons
- Not comfortable for lifters with wide feet
Adidas Men’s Alphatorsion Boost Running Shoe
Are you looking for the best cross-training shoe for men that offers all-day comfort? Look no further! The Adidas Men’s Alphatorsion Boost Running Shoe comes with a very stylish and eye-catching design and is ideal for long walks and indoor workouts. It has a soft midsole that makes it a favorite choice for most runners.
Features
- Lace-up closure type
- Rubber sole material
Pros
- An attractive design
- Comfortable and durable
- Soft midsole
- Very lightweight
- Affordable
Cons
- Not water resistant
Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Training Shoe
The Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Training Shoe is designed to take your training to the next level. This cross-training shoe is the best for regular gym-goers and professional athletes and is ideal for weightlifting. With this shoe, you will feel stable during lateral movements and has a lightweight Flexweave upper that offers more flexibility to handle dynamic moves.
Features
- Mesh outer material
- Lace-up closure type
- Flexweave upper
Pros
- Durable upper and sole
- Offers all-day comfort
- Sufficient padding on the upper
- Suitable for cross fit and boot camp
Cons
- It may be too wide for some users
Conclusion
The best shoes for cross-training play a big role in the way you achieve your fitness goals. Therefore, ensure you take time when choosing the best shoes for cross trainer. Always go for a shoe that can withstand the pressures that come with intense workouts. Make sure you go through our cross-training shoes reviews and select one that suits your budget and needs.