These 10 Cross-Training Shoes Can Stand Up to Any Type of Workout
Many people go to the gym and stick to only one form of exercise. They stay on the treadmill the whole time, only attend the studio spin classes, or park themselves by the strength machines. While there's nothing wrong with focusing on a single type of exercise, cross-training tends to be more beneficial overall, because it involves supplementing your routine with a variety of different workouts. If you primarily run, for example, cross-training by adding plyometrics or weightlifting to your workouts will help improve your strength and performance.
To effectively cross-train, you might assume that you need a bunch of different shoes — a dedicated pair for running, another made for lifting, and one specifically for HIIT. But according to Jake Boly, strength coach and founder of That Fit Friend, the right pair of cross-training shoes can go a long way. "I like to think of shoes as tools for accomplishing the task and goal at hand," Boly tells PS. The more tailored your shoes are to your workout, the more efficiently you'll be able to train.
There are many cross-training shoes out there, but since there isn't just one way to cross-train, not all of them are made equal. "If you're taking classes and doing HIIT workouts, then you'll want a shoe with a responsive midsole and lightweight construction to keep you light on your feet and to give you more 'bounce' when training," Boly explains. "If you're lifting heavy weight, you'll want a midsole that provides stability for balance and power production purposes."
When shopping for cross-training shoes, Boly says there are three key areas you want to look at: the outsole, midsole, and upper.
- Outsole: The outsole is the material on the very bottom of the shoe. This part of the sneaker is important for creating traction, which is especially important if you train on slippery gym floors.
- Midsole: The midsole is the layer of foam between the outsole and the upper. It influences stability and responsiveness, Boly explains.
- Upper: The upper is the part of the shoe that covers your foot. Breathability and durability are the most crucial factors here, Boly says, and they vary from shoe to shoe.
Still not sure exactly what you'll need based on your workout routine? If so, read on to shop 10 of the best cross-training shoes, including a few of Boly's favorites.
Experts Featured in This Article:
Jake Boly, is a strength coach and founder of That Fit Friend, a training shoe and apparel review site.
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Best Cross-Training Shoes on a Budget
Nike MC Trainer 2 Shoes ($69, originally $80)
Cross-training shoes can cost upwards of $200, but these Nikes are under $70. Despite their comparatively lower price point, these shoes are ideal for cross-training due to specially engineered rubber tread that is thick along the heels for added traction, and thin along the front for increased dexterity.
What reviewers say: "I needed a new pair of black sneakers and have been searching for the right ones for months. The Nike brand is always dependable, fit great, and are perfect for the gym or every day for errands."
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Best Cross-Training Shoes For CrossFit
Reebok Nano X2 Shoes ($85)
"If you're doing CrossFit workouts, then you'll want a shoe with an upper construction built for withstanding abrasion and the stress that can come from this type of workout," Boly says. These Reeboks accomplish that with their durable Flexweave uppers, and they even have ROPEPRO outsole teeth designed for rope climbing. The responsive Floatride Energy Foam also allows you to spring off the ground faster during all those burpees and box jumps.
What reviewers say: "Got these sneakers when I was doing crossfit and they look and feel great for weight training. Would wear them out to casual setting too since they're sleek, understated, clean look. A little less on support so running in them feels weird. Walking and all other activities, this shoe is great for."
Editor quote: "I'm never been a Crossfitter, but I've worn these cross-training shoes for all sorts of at-home workouts, from strength training and rowing to cycling on a stationary bike. I can't attest to their flexibility for running or jumping, but on all other accounts they were super stable, comfortable, and great for functional training. Even better: after tons of workouts, they still look brand new." — Lauren Mazzo, senior fitness editor
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Best Cross-Training Shoes For Weightlifters
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer Shoes ($120, originally $150)
When it comes to weightlifting, Boly swears by these Strike Mvmnt cross-training shoes. The wider toe box and low heel-to-toe drop provide the stability and grip you'd typically want out of weightlifting shoes. At the same time, they also support lateral training because of their raised sidewall chassis, so your foot won't roll even when you're bounding through speed skaters or lateral shuffles.
What reviewers say: "They're low profile enough to gather a great feel of the ground and generate power through your lifts, but not too harsh for high impact stuff like running and jumping."
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Best Cross-Training Shoes For Runners
Hoka Kawana 2 ($140)
Hoka's Kawana shoes have many qualities that are beneficial for cross-training, including strong traction and impact-reducing cushion. However, the extended crash pad and ergonomic support around the Achilles make it an especially practical choice for runners. If you're heading to a workout that incorporates running as well as strength intervals, for example, these cross-training shoes could be a good choice.
What reviewers say: "I really love these super comfy and use them for work where I do a lot of walking. When I saw them on sale I didn't hesitate to purchase another pair."
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Best Cross-Training Shoes For HIIT
ON Cloud X 3 Shoes ($150)
ON Cloud X 3's reactive "zero-gravity" foam and Speedboard heel cushioning ensures you can do as many HIIT circuits as possible without feeling it in your knees and ankles. Best of all, these shoes are also lightweight and breathable, maximizing your agility instead of weighing you down.
What reviewers say: "My first pair of ON shoes, and I find they run large, which surprised me - I'd heard the opposite . . . I bought these not for running (still have Nikes for that), but for strength training and HIIT. For that, they are perfect. Supportive yet light, structured and stable while disappearing into the background so I can concentrate on my workout. An excellent show for the gym. Not sure how they'd do outside for running, though, as they are more stiff than I like a running shoe to be. I have low arches, and these have helped prevent injury in even jumping lunges and other boot camp-type moves. Recommend a half size down unless you have wide feet. Worth the price."
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Best Cross-Training Shoes to Splurge On
Adidas Ultraboost 1.0 Shoes ($180)
You can't go wrong with this Adidas pair if you're willing to spend a bit more on quality cross-training shoes. They feature a molded heel counter and Continental Rubber treads, plus a cushiony BOOST-enhanced midsole and a Stretchweb outsole. Translation: you'll feel stable yet light on your feet no matter what type of cross-training you're doing. If you like a more flexible, lightweight training sneaker, these are a great bet.
What reviewers say: "These are my go to gym trainers - super comfortable, i am now on my second pair. With these particular pair i had to go half a size up but the exchange process was seamless so i didn't mind."
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Best Cross-Training Shoes For Wide Feet
Inov-8-F-Lite G-300 Shoes ($85–$90)
Shoes built for wide feet can sometimes fit well in some areas but loose in others, and that's definitely not what you want when cross-training: you need your foot to feel locked in. These Inov-8 shoes are the perfect amount of roomy, supportive where they need to be, and never slippery. They also have plenty of elasticity and shock absorption, thanks to the ETPU cushioning.
What reviewers say: "I enjoy the stability from the heel which provides a great shoe that is well rounded for lifting and WODs, and it's stretchy for wider feet in the toe box area providing lots of comfort."
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Best Cross-Training Shoes For Flat Feet
NOBULL Women's Outwork ($139)
If you don't have a natural arch, you know that wearing high heels can put a lot of stress on your tendons. A cross-training shoe with an elevated heel can be just as pain-inducing. These NOBULL Trainers, on the other hand, have a relatively low heel-to-toe drop of only 4 mm and are reinforced at the heel, making them ideal for those who are flat-footed.
What reviewers say: "Ample room in the toe box, flat, yet grippy on the floor. Perfect for lifting. Loved that it came with the patterned laces."
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Most Versatile Cross-Training Shoes
Under Armour Women's Dynamic Select Training Shoes ($100)
When cross-training brings you from weight training one day to a cardio series the next, you'll want to be wearing a shoe that's as supportive as Under Armour's Dynamic Select Training model. The tough rubber outsole can handle any workout, but it's still flexible enough to support a wide range of motion and is equipped with shock-absorbing cushioning with ample arch support.
What reviewers say: "Comfortable, stable and really nice looking shoe. I'm in between an 8 and 8.5. 8.5 fits perfect. UA sizes might run a bit short so the 8.5 fits me perfect. I normally have to wear a thick sock for 8.5. Not too narrow at all and roomy in the toe box. Feels great and wonderful performance for weight training and into cardio workout, my feet never hurt in these and they are machine washable. What could be better."
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Most Stylish Cross-Training Shoes
R.A.D. One V2 ($150)
For a cross-training shoe that looks as good as it performs, Boly's go-to is R.A.D. One and he recent reviewed the second version shown here. Not only is this shoe environmentally friendly and lightweight, but it also has Swell Foam cushioning (made partly from sugar cane) that makes it stable and springy so you can rely on it for everything from lifting to CrossFit. These features are all wrapped up in a modern silhouette — and seriously fun colorways — designed to be worn both in the gym and on rest days.
What reviewers say: "I really like the mid foot security and the tongue gusset in this model. So similar to the R.A.D. One V1 something I really like in that shoe is how it locked down your foot, how the tongue doesn't feel overbearing even though it does have a gusset to it and how it does slide. That's going to be similar with this shoe. I feel like a lot of different foot anatomies will work well with this model," Boly says in a recent R.A.D. One V2 review.
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Kalea Martín is a lifestyle writer and PS contributor who mostly writes about food and cooking, but also covers fitness as a former figure skater and hockey player herself. You can find more of her writing in Tasting Table, Better Homes & Gardens, and Martha Stewart Living.