10 Best CrossFit Shoes Tested and Compared

Versatility

Added heel piece and heel drop provides even more stability for lifts than previous models. Anatomical toe box and multidirectional traction are designed for natural toe splay during lifts squats and jumps although some people feel the toe box is still too narrow to get the grip they are accustomed to.

Features

Nanoweave upper designed to provide secure but comfortable fit and increased durability. 360-degree TPU heel lock wraps around to increase stability. Strong foundation and multidirectional contouring enhance traction and durability all around. It also has a 4mm heel drop. These shoes are a little heavier than the other shoes on this list. Their flexweave technology also allows them to be breathable and flexible.

Comfort

These require a bit more work to break in than previous models but may be worth the payout. Some people feel the Nanoshell is too compressing and rigid initially but those who stick with them notice the fit eases up after a few workouts and report the shoe reaches a good level of stability without hindering movements. The higher heel lock and sturdy sole remain a bit controversial but many feel the contoured footbed is a step up from previous models.

Durability

These are highly durable and have an improved toe box that make them built to last.

Breathability

This model is much more breathable than the previous model.

Style

The Nanoweave overlay creates a mesh look to add contrast to the selection of brightly colors that climb up the heel lock and outsole.

Value

These are a tad pricey and have been more popular than the 7.0

Versatility
These are highly versatile shoes that feature a 6mm drop. While many CrossFit athletes feature a 0 drop, the 6mm drop on these allows them to be versatile for beginner to more proficient athletes. They also work for lifts (such ar back squats) where many athletes may want to use a pair of lifters. Overall, these shoes are a great option for CrossFit athletes who don't want to haul more than one pair of shoes around and are willing to compromise the 0 drop to so.

Features
These shoes are similar and different to the Nike Metcon 4 shoes in many ways. They feature flywire technology to provide you with a secure fit that keeps your stable supported and stabilized. There Laser siped flex groove allow for full range of motion and their ventilation system keeps your feet cool and dry during your runs.

Comfort
As far as comfort, these shoes are sure to keep you comfortable during all of your workouts. They are lightweight, breathable, and have foam cushioning--just like the Metcon 4 model. Their 6mm drop makes them a better option for beginners as well as a tad bit more versatile for those of you looking for a well-rounded pair of shoes to crush all of your WODs.

Durability
These are highly durable and built to last. They are lightweight, protective, and utilize TPU mesh for optimal durability while keeping the shoes lightweight and durable. Their higher fit allows for additional protection and ensure the shoes can withstand more.

Style
These come in several color and pattern options. Prices do vary according to what color or pattern you decide to go with. These looks great and have a sleek design that most people will love.

Value
These are pricey, but well worth the cost if you are looking for a durable pair of shoes that you can use long-term.

Versatility

The solid sole and supportive heel provides a stable foundation for squats and lifts with ample space in the toe box for optimal balance. Forefoot flex grooves allow for natural flexibility to assist with grip and quick movements. They also have enough cushioning to absorb impact during sprints and jumps.

Features

Flywire structure around the midfoot provides support to prevent the foot from slipping without adding any bulk to the shoe. “Zero-drag” heel specially designed for handstand pushups and box jumps. Outsole rope wrap adds abrasion protection and traction for rope climbs.

Comfort

Great improvement in comfort from the previous Metcon models. Strikes a good balance of padding and flexibility. A few people note occasional issues with heel slippage but this does not deter people from loving these shoes.

Durability

These shoes are relatively new and there has not been much feedback on durability. They do seem to have improved durability over the Metcon 2 but may not hold up quite as well as the Reebok Nano

Style

These shoes are great and much more stylish than the Nano's. They all come in lots of different color and pattern options as well.

Value

These are pricey and may cost more depending on the style or pattern you decide to go with.

Versatility

These shoes are highly versatile. They are meant to take you through quick transition and help you excel at each movement and workout in your WOD. You can go from sprinting to hang cleans, and complete them efficiently along the way.

Features

These shoes feature an outsole lug pattern--which allows them to easily transition between movements as well as from indoor and outdoor environments. They also use SuperFabric--to make them withstand anything.

Comfort

The No Bull trainers are comfortable, flexible, and breathable. The outsole lug pattern allows you to easily transition between movements and environments--comfortably. Their 4 mm heel drop allows you to have close contact with the ground during your workouts, which allows for increased stability, grip, and traction. Their flexibility optimizes your agility movements and their multi-directional grip patterns on the sole of the shoe are specifically there to help you with your rope climbs. These shoes will allow you to freely move in between movements and perform to the best of your ability.

Durability

As mentioned earlier, these shoes utilize SuperFabric--making them insanely durable and able to withstand almost anything. The upper of the shoe is made of one seamless piece of SuperFabric--making them abrasion resistant and long-lasting. The No Bull trainers also utilize SuperFabric Guard Plates, which further increase both their durability and their flexibility.

Style

These trainers have the typical No Bull design--they are more like the Nano's in the sense that they look practical and simple. These shoes get the job done and come in a variety of colors, but don't have a sleek design some athletes are looking for.

Value

The No Bull brand is well-known in the CrossFit world. They are highly durable, effective, and help you perform at optimal levels. So, these shoes are on higher end of the price spectrum-but they are well worth the investment if you are looking to continue CrossFit in the long run.

Versatility

These lifts are meant for weightlifting and will help you crush lifting PR's. They are not meant for running or WODs but are an excellent pair of shoes to keep with you so you can work on your lifting goals.

Features

These shoes offer excellent support during your lifts and their mesh collar ensures your shoes stay cool and dry. They also have a flexible toe to ensure you have the right amount of flexibility and their weight distribution plate keeps you stable during your lifts and--like the name suggests--ensures your weight is evenly distributed.

Comfort

These shoes are incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. They have a midsole wedge to improve the shoe's cushioning and stability cabilities. They also provide a secure fit and ensure you stay comfortable during all of your lifts.

Durability

As far as durability, these are built to last. They are made of synthetic leather and are made to take a beating. While lifters aren't meant to encounter elements that need to be protected from, it is importabt to have a durable pair of shoes that will help you crush PR's longterm.

Style

These lifters are really stylish and feature a sleek design. They comes in lots of color and design options--I actually always get compliments on mine!

Value

These shoes vary in price--it honestly depends on the color and style you choose. However, they are definitely one of the most affordable lifters out there. I can personally attest that they are well worth the cost and have done wonders for me at the gym.

Versatility
These shoes are pretty versatile. They are comfortable, supportive, and stabilizing--something you need to ensure you have during all of your workouts. You'll be able to run, lift, and rope climb. While these shoes won't help you effectively crush lifting PRs, they will let you go from running 400s to power cleaning during your workouts.

Features
These shoes offer several features that ensure you get the most out of your workout. Their gel cushioning and Solyte midsole ensures comfort and support, while there high abrasion rubber material and Trusstic system ensures your shoes are durable.

Comfort

These shoes are really comfortable--they are cushioned, supportive, and stabilizing while remaining breathable and lightweight. Their gel cushioning system helps the shoes adequately absorb shock and provides you with effective energy return. Overall these shoes are really comfortable and don't have a long break in period to deal with.

Durability
As far as durability, these are built to last. They have a rubber sole and utilize high abrasion rubber to ensure they can resist whatever you throw their way. Their Trusstic system keeps these shoes structurally intact while helping them remain lightweight and breathable at the same time.

Style
These shoes have a modern and simple style. They come in several color and pattern options that will keep you looking great during your workouts.

Value
These shoes can be pricey depending on the color and style you decide to get--but you can get them at an affordable price if you are willing to get a simpler design.

Versatility

These shoes are specifically meant for lifting, although you can use them in CrossFit workouts that alternate between barbell movements and upper body workouts--they will not fair well in running or agility exercises). However, every CrossFitter needs a good pair of lifters if they want to crush their PR's and lift efficiently.

Features

These lifters are an upgrade from the Romaleo 2's. This model now has a flywire lacing system and a sleeker design than its predecessor. Its updated strap also provides you with more stability and support than they used to. And the biggest update in this model is how lightweight they are--this is why you can use them for most of your workouts and all of your lifting.

Comfort

These shoes are comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. They are designed for any athlete that lifts weights, whether its in CrossFit, power-lifting, or your local gym.

Durability

These shoes are highly durable, and are meant to last you at least a few years.

Style

These lifters have a sleek design and are stable enough to function as lifters while also being lightweight enough to function as a trainer during certain upper body or barbell WODs.

Value

These come at a high cost but will last you a long time.

Versatility

These shoes are versatile and multi-functional. You can easily transition from running to lifting and cycle through barbell work like nobody's business!

Features

Their REVlite heel technology allows them to provide maximum cushioning and shock absorption. They're responsive and their rapid rebound capabilities won't let you miss a beat.

Comfort

These are super comfortable, but it's important to note that they do have a narrow fit, so make sure to size up.

Durability

These are really durable and are made of high-quality material.

Style

These shoes have a sleek and minimalistic design and come in several color options.

Value

These are moderately priced but can get pricier depending on the color or pattern option.

Versatility

These were meant to help you cycle through your workouts and push you to perform better. While they aren't meant for distance running, they will get you through short runs that may be incorporated into your workouts.

Features

The shoe's perforated sockliner improves moisture management and allows for optimal breathability. Their seamless construction prevents irritation and blisters from forming.

Comfort

These are really comfortable and will help you power through your workouts on a daily basis.

Durability

These shoes feature RhynoSkin Synthetic Leather which is abrasion and tear resistant and adds a lot of durability to the shoe.

Breathability

They are pretty breathable and will keep your feet cool and dry.

Value

These come at a great price.

Versatility

This shoe provides support for almost any exercise without getting in the way. It is more flexible and snug-fitting than other cross training shoes allowing athletes to feel less restricted during plyometrics, cardio and climbing exercises. However, the wide toe box and structured heel still offer adequate support and stability to keep weight in your heels while lifting and squatting.

Features

Met-cradle lacing system provides snug yet flexible security to lock the foot in place so your shoe moves with you. Attachment to the laces allows a customized fit to optimize this natural feel. It has a Zero drop. Rubber toe cap provides extra protection without catching during box jumps. Sticky rubber outsole extends onto the upper to provide increased traction for rope climbs.

Comfort

Designed to fit like a glove, people love the secure and flexible fit. This shoe especially popular for cardio buffs who are not accustomed to the sturdier feel of lifting shoes.

Durability

These shoes feel well-made and sturdy but some do experience some wear in the mesh area between the fingers of the met-cradle.

Style

Fun and functional for the gym. They do not offer as wide of a variety as some other brands but they do offer one bright colorful pair for both men and women as well as a few other gray and black options with much more subtle color.

Value

Around the same price as those listed above. These shoes are not a cheaper option but are great for those not impressed with the standard CrossFit shoes. Worth the investment if you are seeking flexible and lightweight shoes that can still provide support and improve your form.