8 Best Crossfit Shoes, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023

Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo on
8 Best Crossfit Shoes, 70+ Shoes Tested in 2023
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WOD entails a lot of different movements: lifting, jumping, sprinting, and more. That’s why Crossfit shoes must live up to a large span of expectations. We have tested over 40 trainers from 7 different brands to select the best options in five different categories.

The best overall Crossfit shoes host all the necessary features to face the most demanding training sessions and competitions. Highly stable for lifting exercises, they are just as versatile for box jumping, agility, rope climbing, and other activities. As for the other categories, they highlight some features slightly above being versatile.

And if want to know why regular trainers don’t always make a good Crossfit shoe, scroll down to the guide below.

How we test crossfit shoes

  • We’ve gathered and read reviews from 84 experts and 7,413 users
  • We applied our CoreScore on them: to filter out spam and add more weight to the reviews of proven and experienced experts 
  • That’s how we were able to create the collection of the most dependable crossfit shoes out there

Best Crossfit shoes overall

Nike Metcon 7
Nike Metcon 7

Corescore

87
Great!
4.3 / 5 from 1,956 users
90 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • True to size
  • Stable
  • Awesome grip
  • Very comfy
  • No break-in period
  • Lightweight
  • Very breathable
  • Amazing durability

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • A bit pricey

What makes it the best overall?

This shoe is made to be comfortable, versatile, and performs at a high level, and it hits them all on the head. It is expensive, but they hand you everything you would expect with your money - killer lockdown, great cushion, versatility, and overall performance. Whether you are looking to hit your PR or repping it out to failure, these will be the shoe for you.
Read our full review of Nike Metcon 7 here
nike metcon 7 midsole
nike metcon 7 outsole
nike metcon 7 heel collar

Best medium toebox training shoes for crossfit

Nike SuperRep Go 2
Nike SuperRep Go 2

Corescore

81
Good!
4.1 / 5 from 737 users
87 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Great support for bodyweight workouts
  • Comfortable for casual wear
  • Good for short runs
  • Reasonably priced
  • Feels light despite the bulk
  • Athletic look with an oomph
  • Snug fit
  • Breathes well

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Not for weightlifting or serious Crossfit

What makes it the best medium?

The SuperRep Go 2 takes up that neat middle ground among all training shoes from Nike. With its average price point, the Go 2 indeed shows up as a no-frills cross-trainer. It will keep you nice and supported for a regular gym session. Plus, it stands out from the average-joe shoes thanks to its unique style.
Read our full review of Nike SuperRep Go 2 here

Best lightweight training shoes for crossfit

Reebok Nano X2
Reebok Nano X2

Corescore

89
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 7,914 users
85 / 100 from 19 experts

Pros

  • Wraparound comfort
  • Effective lacing system
  • Heel clip ensures stability
  • Balanced cushioning
  • Great traction
  • Ready for rope climbing
  • Durable

Cons

  • So-so breathability
  • Non-snug forefoot fit

What makes it the best lightweight?

The Reebok Nano X2 shoe carries over the dependable grip of the X1. It also has its well balanced cushioning. It is far more stable because of the modified implementation of the heel counter and heel clip. The Nano X1 was already hailed as the "ultimate fitness shoe" because of its solid performance and versatility, yet the X2 is still able to improve on it and ultimately sway more people into the Reebok Nano X fandom.
Read our full review of Reebok Nano X2 here

Best extra wide toebox training shoes for crossfit

Reebok Nano X1 Froning
Reebok Nano X1 Froning

Corescore

87
Great!
4.5 / 5 from 1,043 users
90 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Versatile gym use
  • Stable for lifting and squats
  • Great for all-day wear
  • Instant comfort
  • Easy-to-adjust lacing
  • Appealing design
  • Fairly light

Cons

  • Too long laces
  • Loose-fitting
  • Bad for rope climbs

What makes it the best extra wide?

A do-it-all workhorse with style — this is quite a fitting description for the Nano X1 Froning by Reebok. Whether your workout involves jumping, lifting, treadmill running, or flinging the barbell around, this model delivers. If you can get along with its bootie upper and bungee lacing, the trainer has the potential to become your reliable go-to.
Read our full review of Reebok Nano X1 Froning here

Best low drop training shoes for crossfit

Xero Shoes 360
Xero Shoes 360

Corescore

92
Superb!
4.8 / 5 from 1,177 users
95 / 100 from 2 experts

Pros

  • Amazing trainer overall
  • Functional versatility
  • Dependable grip
  • Allowance for toe splays
  • Flat and highly stable for lifting
  • Incredibly light
  • Super comfortable
  • Fairly durable

Cons

  • Not for narrow feet
  • Has to be broken in

What makes it the best low drop?

The Xero Shoes 360 is not to be discounted when it comes to minimalist barefoot-feel shoes. This trainer just provides all that's important to a typical gymgoer. What's even more amazing is that it is not limiting at all! Reviewers use these in a wide range of sports and even mundane activities. Getting this trainer is like paying for only one but enjoying the performance of many.
Read our full review of Xero Shoes 360 here

Best minimalist Crossfit shoe

Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 v3
Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 v3

Corescore

90
Superb!
4.5 / 5 from 887 users
88 / 100 from 6 experts

Pros

  • Feels like being barefoot
  • Planted for lifting
  • Highly abrasion-resistant
  • Featherweight
  • Breathable
  • Tacky grip
  • Good-looking

Cons

  • Upper lacks support
  • A bit pricey

What makes it the best minimalist?

As simple and minimal as its looks may be, the Bare-XF 210 v3 is a great option for workouts that don't involve a lot of jumping. It is a minimalist cross-training shoe that works excellently as a barefoot lifting shoe. Past its few flaws, this pair is a charmer in both form and function.
Read our full review of Inov-8 Bare-XF 210 v3 here

Best value

Reebok Nano X3
Reebok Nano X3

Corescore

88
Great!
4.6 / 5 from 544 users
92 / 100 from 3 experts

Pros

  • Awesome fit
  • Extremely comfortable upper
  • Cloud-like cushioning
  • Good stability for moderate lifting
  • Nice bounce for take-off
  • Great for rope climbing
  • Scene-stealing appearance

Cons

  • Still has to be broken in
  • Quite heavy
  • Not for heavier weightlifting

What makes it the best value?

The Reebok Nano line still gets the approval of many fitness enthusiasts with the release of the Nano X3. This trainer is appreciated because of its versatility: it can be used satisfactorily for lifting and cardiovascular exercises. It's also stylish and comfortable enough to be worn in non-training contexts. When you get this, it will be like getting multiple shoes for just the price of one.
Read our full review of Reebok Nano X3 here

Features of crossfit shoes 

We will cover the features of crossfit shoes in comparison to running shoes. This will give the answer to the “can I use running shoes for crossfit” question. 

As with any other training shoe, comfort is imperative. Crossfit shoes should feel comfortable when lifting weights but also during the HIITs. 

Features-of-a-crossfit-shoe.png

  • Cushioning and heel drop: minimal 

Cushioning and mid or high heel-to-toe drop are usually great for running. However, they are not a desirable feature in Crossfit. When pressing a barbell over your HEAD, you want your heel firm on the ground, or as close as possible. Look for heel drop that’s in the 0-4mm range. 

  • Rigid soles 

Softer shoes are usually good for running. In Crossfit, you want them firm - this will allow for stability during squatting, cleaning, deadlift, snatching. This also means you should not expect crossfit shoes to work well for running. They will enable you to do some short warmups but are not intended for longer runs, especially outside. 

  • Wide toe box 

When running shorter distances competitively, racers tend to look for a more snug feel. In crossfit, it’s important to have a wide toe box that allows your toes to wiggle and spread. This way you’re more stable because weight is distributed evenly throughout the feet. In competitive running, this extra space might cause trouble, especially on downhill trails. 

  • Durability features

There are a few durability features that usually come with crossfit shoes: 

  • a rope-guard to shield the midfoot from rope burn with a good rope grip
  • a thick toe cap also protects the toe area during burpees, pushups, and weighted planks
  • a sturdy heel counter protects the heel and ankle-end part of the shoes from abrasions due to headstand pushups. It also ensures that the rear is held firmly in place throughout the training session.

These features are usually lacking in running shoes, since their upper is usually highly breathable. It might offer toe protection in trail running shoes, though. 

Crossfit shoes vs. other workout shoes 

To understand the features of crossfit shoes, the best thing to do is compare them to other workout shoes. 

Short runs (< 5km) HIIT & Agility training Weightlifting
    moderate heavy (using weight that you can only lift for 1-5 reps)
Comfort-stability-meter.png

Cross-training/CrossFit shoes

CrossFit-shoes.png

Best for: intermediate to advanced gym sessions

flat and firm sole

more durable

better side support

better ground feel

low drop (0 - 4 mm)

has protection for rope climbs

Everyday workout shoes

Everyday-workout-shoes.png

Best for: moderate gym workouts; can double as casual wear

cushioned sole

high impact protection

lightweight (~200 - 300 grams/shoe)

Weightlifting shoes

Weightlifting-shoes.png

Best for: Olympic weightlifting

very durable

heavy (~400 - 500 grams/shoe)

elevated heel (15 - 25 mm)

non-compressible platform

How will I know if a training shoe is appropriate for CrossFit?

Most brands don’t usually market their shoes using the CrossFit name because Reebok is the only brand licensed to do so. But they have found a way to work around this restriction by naming their CrossFit-dedicated lines of shoes after specific terms used within the CrossFit community like Nike’s Metcon line. Brands like Inov-8 tend to market their CrossFit trainer shoes as functional fitness shoes as opposed to everyday training shoes.

As for the construction, a surefire way to tell if the footwear is ideal for CrossFit is if it has a rope-guard in the midfoot. It also has a more robust exterior thanks to the toe guard, midfoot rubber cage, and heel counter.

FAQ about crossfit shoes 

How much do crossfit shoes cost?

Here’s an overview of the average MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price) of the most popular crossfit shoes (brands) in the RunRepeat database.

Keep in mind that MSRP is only a listed price, so if you’re not eager to get the shoes the moment they hit the market, you can always look for a good deal. We’ve covered this process in our guide on finding cheap shoes

Can I wear crossfit shoes every day? 

Given their features, crossfit shoes aren’t intended for everyday use. They might be too expensive as well to wear casually. 

Do you wear socks in crossfit shoes? 

You do. Preferably the long ones. They protect your shin during rope climbs, but also during activities where you keep the bar close to your shin (deadlifts, clean, snatch). 

Metcon 5 hype - what’s that about?

These shoes have caused great hype within the crossfit community. The most innovative feature they offer is the Hyperlift - foam risers you can insert in the shoe when needed. These inserts are also compatible with previous Metcon versions. They offer a good boost on heavy lifts, thrusters, pistol squats. Unfortunately, they aren’t sold separately. 

Which Reebok Nano is the best? 

Reebok Nano was the first official crossfit shoe, released in 2011. 

Here you can see all the current Nano models ranked by their score. When you choose a certain model you can also see how it compares to the most similar ones. 

Author
Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo

Nick combines 10+ years of experience in the health and fitness industry and a background in the sciences in his role as the Fitness Research Director. During his competitive powerlifting years his PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Bodybuilding.com, LiveStrong, Healthline, WebMD, WashingtonPost, and many more. Along the way, collaborating with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.