The 11 best cross training shoes of 2024

We’ve tested the best cross training shoes from Nike, Reebok, Hoka, and more so you can find a shoe to suit even the most varied training routine

Best Cross Training Shoes 2024: Jump Menu

Under Armour TriBase™ Reign 4 shoes resting against a wall.

(Image credit: Becks Shepherd)

The list in brief ↴
1. Best overall:  Reebok Nano X4
2. Best budget: Puma Fuse 2.0
3. Best for running: On Cloud X 3
4. Best for lifting: Inov-8 F-Lite G300
5. Best for circuits: NoBull Trainer
6. Best for all-day wear: R.A.D One
7. Best for wide feet: Under Armour HOVR Apex 3
8. Best Nike shoe: Nike Metcon 9
9. Best Hoka shoe: Hoka Kawana
10. Best barefoot: Vivobarefoot Motus Strength
11. Best for walking: Reebok Nano X3 Adventure

The best cross training shoes are ideal for anyone who enjoys mixing up their workouts. 

Blending a stable sole for lifting weights, a lightweight feel for HIIT workouts and a thin layer of cushioning for short runs, these sneakers are the epitome of versatility. 

If you only want to buy one pair of trainers to see you through most workouts, cross training shoes should be your first port of call. 

To help you decide which to buy, we’ve tested options from brands including Nike, Reebok, On, Hoka, and Under Armour. 

Whether you want a wider fit, added cushioning for longer runs, extra stability for strength-training or even a barefoot option, we’ve found a shoe to suit you.

Harry Bullmore
Harry Bullmore

Harry Bullmore tests cross training shoes for Fit&Well and Coach. He is a CrossFit addict, training for 90 minutes a day between five and six days a week. These sessions involve elements of weightlifting, bodybuilding, gymnastics, running and high-intensity circuit-style workouts, so the footwear he uses must handle the rigors of his schedule.

The quick list

Here are our 11 favorite cross training shoes, with picks for all training types. Here, you’ll find household brands, as well as some lesser-known names that could help you step up your exercise game. 

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The best cross training shoes you can buy right now

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Best overall

Reebok Nano X4

(Image credit: Harry Bullmore / Future)

1. Reebok Nano X4

A brilliantly versatile shoe that can support you through various modes of exercise

Specifications

Best for: CrossFit, weight training, exercise classes, HIIT, home workouts

Reasons to buy

+
Versatile Lift and Run chassis
+
Heel clip for multidirectional movement
+
Comfortable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for long runs
Buy it if

✅ You’re looking for a cross training shoe that can handle any gym activity.

✅ You value comfort, versatility, durability and performance in your cross training shoes. 

✅ You only want to buy one workout shoe to cover as many bases as possible.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want a shoe for running more than 3km.

When Reebok revealed the Nano X4 I was worried. I was a fan of its impressive predecessor, yet this latest release looked different. However, after two weeks of training in the shoe, I’m happy to say the brand proved me wrong. 

The Nano X4 finds subtle ways to improve on everything I loved about the X3, and even irons out the one flaw I found: a lack of lateral stability in the heel. The result is a cross training shoe that’s stable, supportive, comfortable, durable and versatile. 

The X4 still features the innovative Lift and Run chassis. This is a simple bit of technology in the heel that expands into a dome shape for cushioning during high-impact exercises, then compresses under weight to offer stability during weightlifting. I couldn’t actively feel this part of the heel change shape while I was working out, but I could feel the difference in performance when switching between activities. 

Just like the X3, the X4 felt great for a variety of activities during my CrossFit training. It offered a firm foundation for heavy leg exercises, as well as support for fast-paced, explosive moves and short running intervals. However, I’d recommend switching this model for a dedicated pair of running shoes for any distances over 3km. 

My one qualm with the X3 was that it didn’t offer enough lateral support around the heel, but Reebok has countered this by introducing a redesigned TPU heel clip to support “multidirectional movement”. I found it did just that, offering stability when landing in exercises like box jumps and skaters. 

The upper has been redesigned too, with ventilation zones in the Flexweave mesh keeping my feet cool during sweaty workouts and more padding around the heel to increase comfort and offer a locked-in fit. I found, as someone with narrow feet, this was missing from rivals like the Nike Metcon 9. The forefoot feels roomier too, which I like as it allows me to spread my feet for balance during dynamic exercises. 

This is an excellent addition to the Nano line and currently my favorite shoe for training. Released in January 2024, it’s likely to stay at full-price for a month or two, so it’s a pricier option—though we may see it discounted by March or April.

Best budget

Puma Fuse 2.0 posed with dumbbells in background

(Image credit: Future)

2. Puma Fuse 2.0

A versatile, affordable shoe

Specifications

Best for: HIIT, HIRT, gym classes, CrossFit

Reasons to buy

+
 More affordable than most
+
 Flexible for a natural fit 
+
 Very comfortable out the box

Reasons to avoid

-
Busy design
-
Lacks heel stability for heavy lifting
-
Tears in the heel lining after testing 
Buy it if

✅ You want a great all-round gym trainer for less than $100. 

✅ You’re looking for a shoe to wear to exercise classes that’s lightweight, cushioned and comfortable.

✅ You need a shoe that can handle most gym or home workouts. 

Don't buy it if

❌ You love lifting heavy in the gym and want an especially stable shoe to support this.  

❌ Your training is largely running-based and you want a shoe with enough support to cover long distances.  

Cross training shoes rarely come cheap; if you want a pair of our winning Reebok Nano X3, they retail at $140.

Luckily, the Puma Fuse 2.0 shoes cost less than $100 (often less than $40 in the sales) and have plenty of support for various types of exercise. I've worn them for two months now and I'm impressed at their comfort and versatility. 

The shoes have a soft, breathable upper paired with a generously cushioned tongue. When I put them on for the first time, it felt like I was sliding my foot into a sock rather than a shoe. I also didn't suffer with blisters or sore spots after my first training session in the shoe. 

As with most footwear designed with CrossFit-style training in mind, I wouldn’t wear the Puma Fuse 2.0 for runs longer than 3 km—that’s what dedicated running shoes are for. But I did find the shoes had more cushioning in the midsole than most of their rivals, giving them a springy and supportive feel during high-impact exercises. 

The only place the Puma Fuse 2.0 fell behind its pricier competitors was when I was lifting heavy weights. The wide forefoot allowed me to spread my toes for balance, and the flared heel makes it stable enough for light lifts. But it can’t match the Nike Metcon 9 and Inov-8 F-Lite G300 for rigidity underneath and around the heel when squatting high loads. Instead, the Puma Fise 2.0 has a more flexible feel, which made it better suited to HIIT and circuit style workouts.  

My only other complaint was the wear and tear in the heel lining that came after eight weeks of testing. But, a few months later, these tears haven’t worsened or impacted the shoe’s performance. 

Overall, this is an excellent cross training shoe that saw me through HIIT workouts, short running intervals and resistance training sessions. It looks better than its predecessor too, which is always a plus. 

Best for running

On Cloud X 3

(Image credit: On)

3. On Cloud X 3

A cross training shoe you can wear for regular runs

Specifications

Best for: Running, HIIT, HIRT, exercise classes, cardio

Reasons to buy

+
More cushioning for running
+
Lots of stability for a running shoe
+
Features like star laces to improve fit and performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Less stability than most cross training shoes for lifting heavy weights
-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ You enjoy staying in shape through a balance of running and other forms of exercise, like HIIT and lifting weights.

✅ You go to gym classes like circuits, which challenge you to work through a range of different exercises.

Don't buy it if

❌ Your focus is strength-training

❌ You want a shoe to wear for CrossFit classes, as the On Cloud X 3 doesn’t have the durability. 

You shouldn’t squat in running shoes. That’s one of the first things I was told when I started sniffing around for the best set of gym sneakers more than a decade ago. Why not? Because the thick layer of foam in the midsole compresses under weight, providing an unstable base, which makes it hard to generate power through the ground. 

Yet, the On Cloud X 3 persuaded me to break this rule, and I didn’t regret it. This is a running shoe with a twist. It still has On’s signature honeycomb-shaped CloudTec midsole to provide support for short to mid-length jaunts, but it also features a molded heel cap, wider base and lower level of cushioning than the brand’s other offerings to make it better for HIIT and strength training. 

To test, I took the shoe for a 20-minute CrossFit workout combining these two moves—running intervals and air squats. The Cloud X 3 felt fantastic for running. It’s lightweight, springy and responsive, helping me feel fleet-footed as I wracked up the miles. The star lacing, an update from its predecessor, the On Cloud X, provided a snug fit for my narrow feet, too. 

I’d keep it for runs of 10km and below due to the lower level of cushioning, but if you don’t often tackle longer runs as part of your training then it’s a great option. It also felt good during squats. The wider base paired with the firm, flat (unlike the Hoka Kawana) sole provided a superb level of stability for a running shoe, which I also benefited from during explosive exercises like skaters in later HIIT-style workouts. 

For this reason I’d recommend this shoe to most people looking to follow an active lifestyle, and particularly runners who want to try cross training to fend off injuries while improving their performance. The one type of exerciser that may want to swerve these sneakers is someone who’s focused on strength training.

The On Cloud X 3’s less cushioned midsole is better than pretty much any other running shoe for lifting weights, but it still can’t match the stability of a dedicated training or lifting shoe, like the Nike Metcon 9, Inov8 F Lite G 300 and Reebok Nano X3. 

You should be fine squatting and deadlifting weights up to 60kg, but if you lift any heavier than this on a regular basis you’ll want to pick up some more purpose-built footwear. 

Best for lifting

Inov-8 F Lite G 300

(Image credit: Inov-8)

4. Inov-8 F Lite G 300

A stable option for those who love lifting weights

Specifications

Best for: Strength training, CrossFit, weightlifting, HIRT, exercise classes, home workouts

Reasons to buy

+
Stable sole for lifting weights
+
Comfortable
+
Cushioned for short runs

Reasons to avoid

-
Wide fit
-
Chunkier than others
Buy it if

✅ You enjoy strength-training and exercises like heavy barbell squats.

✅ You prefer a shoe with a slightly wider fit.

Don't buy it if

❌ You rarely lift weights and prefer gym classes and high-intensity home workouts.

❌ You have narrow feet. 

❌ You want a shoe for running more than 5km in one go. 

With products born in the testing terrain of the UK’s Lake District national parks, it makes sense this brand specializes in trail-running shoes and hiking boots, but those in the know are also aware of a penchant for quality cross training shoes.

Having tested the Inov-8 F Lite G 300 for several months, I found the shoe only elevates Inov-8’s reputation. It has a graphene “powerheel” and a sturdy outsole that mirrors the shape of a weightlifting shoe, providing excellent stability for exercises like squats and deadlifts. The wide toe box allowed me to spread my forefoot for balance during explosive exercises, and the upper felt light and breathable throughout the sweatiest workouts. 

Despite weighing just 300g, I felt the midsole (which is relatively thick for a cross training shoe) was clunky during circuit-style workouts containing fleet-footed exercises like burpees and box jumps. 

However, this thicker midsole came into its own during short runs, providing more support and bounce than rivals like the NoBull Trainer—something my knees were grateful for. The Inov-8 F Lite G 300 also fits wider than most other shoes I’ve tested on this list. As someone with quite narrow feet, I found there was a little bit of movement around the heel during high-impact exercises, but speaking to other owners of the shoe this problem isn’t universal. 

I think the shoe looks great, and it’s a breath of fresh air to see a name other than Nike or Reebok making moves in the cross training space. So, if you want to buy a quality shoe that bucks the trends set by big brands, look no further.

Best for circuits

NoBull Trainer cross training shoes stacked outside

(Image credit: Future / Harry Bullmore)

5. NoBull Trainer

A resilient shoe that’s great for HIIT workouts and lifting weights

Specifications

Best for: CrossFit, HIIT, HIRT, exercise classes, home workouts, strength training

Reasons to buy

+
Natural fit 
+
Lightweight and nimble feel
+
Durable

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited cushioning 
-
Narrow fit 
-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ Durability and resilience are your priorities.

✅ You enjoy a minimalist shoe with a natural fit.

✅ Your exercise sessions alternate between lifting weights and HIIT-style workouts. 

Don't buy it if

❌ You want lots of cushioning to soften the impact of explosive exercises on your hips, knees and ankles. 

❌ You have wide feet. 

❌ You want a shoe with features designed to help improve your performance.

The NoBull Trainer isn’t like most other sneakers on the market. You won’t find any mesh panels, multi-layered midsoles or flash branding, just a simple single-piece upper and the word NoBull printed on the side (the name is a nod to the brand’s no-nonsense ethos). 

Having owned a pair for more than a year, I’ve found this refreshing approach delivers a cross training shoe that’s durable, versatile and not too shabby to look at. Aside from light creases around the toe box, my well-worn pair are showing few signs of wear and tear more than 12 months from when I bought them. The abrasion-resistant SuperFabric upper has repeatedly shown its ability to withstand scuffs and scrapes. 

I found the shoe supportive around the midfoot, without ever feeling restrictive or putting unwanted pressure on my feet. However, I do feel it’s better suited to narrow-footed people. 

The shoe’s sleek silhouette lends itself well to circuit or HIIT workouts. I felt nimble during jumping lunges and mountain climbers, and the minimal heel-to-toe drop twinned with a thin, flexible sole offered plenty of stability while allowing me to effectively transfer power from my feet to the ground during squat jumps. These design features are handy for lifting weights too, offering a firm base for weighted leg exercises. 

However, the “low-to-ground” design means there’s limited cushioning for jumping exercises or short runs. For this reason, if you’re someone who regularly adds sprints or high-impact exercises into your workouts, you may benefit more from options like the Reebok Nano X3 or Nike Metcon 9. If you want a shoe for a varied gym routine or lifting dumbbells at home, the NoBull Trainer checks pretty much every box.

Best for all day wear

R.A.D One shoe in a training gym

(Image credit: Future)

6. R.A.D One

A stylish training shoe that can take you from the rack to a restaurant

Specifications

Best for: Exercise classes, gym, CrossFit, home workouts, HIIT

Reasons to buy

+
Comfortable 
+
Cushioned-yet-responsive midsole
+
Stylish 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the most stable when lifting heavy weights 
Buy it if

✅ Support and comfort are your priorities in a training shoe.

✅ High-energy exercise classes like CrossFit or BodyPump are your go-to.

✅ You want a stylish sneaker you can wear in and out of the gym.

Don't buy it if

❌ Most of your training revolves around lifting heavy weights.  

The R.A.D One sticks out like a sore thumb in this list—surrounded by household names like Reebok, Nike and Puma—but, having tested it for a month, few shoes are more deserving of a spot in our round-up. It looks fantastic and improved my outfit whether I was at a squat rack or a restaurant. 

I found the R.A.D One comfortable from the moment I slipped it on. There was no break-in period, no pinch points and no rubbing, yet it still locked my heel down for a secure fit. It also hit the sweet spot with its cushioning: there was enough to feel supported during high-impact exercises, but not so much that it felt clunky like a running shoe. This is down to the Swell Foam midsole, which is designed to be light, springy and slim. 

The only area that fell below a high standard was stability. The stability cage (the thick layer of rubber wrapping around the bottom of the shoe) provides support for lifting lighter weights and multidirectional movements during circuit-style workouts, but doesnt’ have the same secure feel as the Reebok Nano X4 and Nike Metcon 9 when shifting heavy loads (for me, this is 175lb/80kg and above). This only applied to leg exercises like squats, deadlifts and Olympic weightlifting moves, and the shoe was still more stable than most. However, it didn’t offer quite the same firm foundations as a few of its rivals. 

The R.A.D One’s general workout performance (and its looks, and its comfort) make up for this. So, if you’re on the hunt for good-looking footwear to wear at the gym, home workouts, classes, CrossFit, HIIT or any other lively type of exercise, you’d be well-served by this shoe.

Best for wide feet

Under Armour HOVR Apex 3 laced up and stacked on a workout mat

(Image credit: Lee Bell)
A great all-rounder for home workouts and gym sessions

Specifications

Best for: Cross training, HIIT, HIRT, gym classes, home workouts, cardio exercises

Reasons to buy

+
Stylish design
+
Good support and cushioning
+
Solid all-rounder

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
Buy it if

✅ You are looking for a cross training shoe that prioritizes comfort and is well-suited to wide feet. 

✅ You want a non-specialist shoe that can do a bit of everything in the gym without specializing in one area. 

✅ HIIT-style training is your chosen exercise method.

Don't buy it if

❌ You want a sleek and stylish shoe.

❌ You’re looking for sneakers to provide stability for weightlifting.

❌ Your training plans have a running bias. 

Many of the shoes we’ve listed so far have been created specifically for CrossFit. Given the diverse nature of this training style, this means these shoes are similarly versatile, but they usually have limited cushioning to allow you to perform Olympic weightlifting moves and heavy barbell leg exercises while feeling stable. 

The Under Armour HOVR Apex 3 is different. This is a cross training shoe through and through, and as such it has more cushioning courtesy of a fairly thick UA HOVR foam midsole. I found it was brilliant for HIIT-style training, providing great bounce, energy and support during explosive exercises. The shoe has a breathable mesh upper which kept me cool during sweaty sessions and a strap construction for extra heel stability and midfoot support.

The extra cushioning doesn’t mean you can’t lift weights though. The shoe is still stable enough for leg exercises with light-to-moderate kettlebells, dumbbells and barbells, due to Under Armour’s popular TriBase technology. This maximizes contact with the ground to provide a low, stable outsole, and I found the shoe came into its own during weighted squats and deadlifts. Combined, these features create a quality, versatile workout shoe.

The design of the shoe was bulky and busy to me, but this is subjective. What can’t be argued is its reliable all-round performance, which will satisfy general gym-goers who split their time between the weights section, workout classes and HIIT sessions.

Best Nike shoe

Nike Metcon 9

(Image credit: Nike)

8. Nike Metcon 9

Pricey, but this is a strong option for any cross training enthusiast or CrossFit fan

Specifications

Best for: Weightlifting, cross training, CrossFit, HIIT

Reasons to buy

+
Stable sole for lifting weights
+
Cushioning for cardio exercises
+
Wider toe box

Reasons to avoid

-
Reduced footprint lacks grip underfoot
-
Not enough support for long runs
-
Narrow fit
Buy it if

✅ You want a great all-rounder that has stability for lifting weights while being lightweight and cushioned enough to keep you comfortable through cardio-heavy sessions.

✅ You appreciate features that elevate the performance of the shoe, like the lace-lock, Hyperlift plate and midfoot rubber wrap. 

✅ You regularly attend CrossFit classes and are looking for a shoe that can stand up to the rigors of this training style. 

Don't buy it if

❌ Your training plans involve a heavy amount of running and you don’t also own a pair of running shoes.

❌ You’re looking for a cross training shoe that costs less than $100.

Nike’s latest CrossFit shoe is the best entry to the brand’s Metcon line yet. This is because it features key upgrades from its predecessors that take it to the next level. 

I found it more comfortable than the Metcon 8 and the Metcon 7, earning the shoe plenty of brownie points straight off the bat. And that’s not the only area where it surpassed them. These older models placed emphasis on providing a stable base that’s great for lifting weights, and I was happy to dish out further gold stars after discovering this was still the case. 

The latest iteration goes one better, however, with a wider toe box allowing lifters to splay their toes for balance during heavy leg exercises. There is an enlarged Hyperlift plate in the heel, too, forcing wearers’ weight downward and providing rigidity. The shoe isn’t a one-trick pony. Its stable foundations are now paired with a more plush layer of dual-density midsole foam to provide extra cushioning for high-impact cardio exercises. 

If your focus is on lifting heavy weights, I prefer the superior foot-ground connection of the Nike Metcon 8, but the new Metcon on the block beats its older brother on the versatility front. It allowed me to switch between shuttle runs, barbell lifts and wall balls with more freedom, although I’d still want a bona fide running shoe for any distances more than a mile. 

Despite this one hole in its game (which is fairly uniform among purpose-built CrossFit footwear) the Metcon 9 is still an impressive cross training shoe.

Another upgrade is to the rope guard—the large, eye-catching wall of rubber that wraps around the middle of the shoe, which I like. The primary purpose is to provide grip and protect the shoe when climbing ropes, which is a staple movement in the CrossFit training sessions the Metcon was designed for.

The Nike Metcon 9 delivers solid scores across the majority of the board. I would choose this model over its predecessor for versatility; it never let me down through technical lifts, jumping rope, burpees and box jumps.

Best Hoka shoe

Woman wearing the HOKA Kawana outside on a brick floor

(Image credit: Future)
A running shoe that can hold its own in the gym

Specifications

Best for: Running, gym classes, home workouts, HIIT

Reasons to buy

+
Great for shorter runs
+
Firm and bouncy 
+
Secure fit

Reasons to avoid

-
Not stable enough for lifting heavy weights
-
Expensive
-
Not enough cushioning for long runs
Buy it if

✅ Running 5km or 10km is something you do regularly. 

✅ Your exercise routine is mostly running, with some exercise classes added in for cross training. 

✅ You want a stylish running shoe with more stability for cardio moves.

Don't buy it if

❌ You’re looking for a gym trainer with plenty of stability to wear for strength-training. 

❌ You want to run distances of more than 10km. 

❌ You like running shoes with plenty of cushioning or are a Hoka fan because of the brand’s thick midsole. 

Most shoes in this roundup are only designed to handle running distances of up to 2km. Not so with the Hoka Kawana, a running shoe first and foremost, but with features to make it suitable for the gym. 

For running, it boasts Hoka’s signature Meta-Rocker design, which consists of a curved outsole that rolls the foot through its stride from heel to forefoot. There is a layer of CMEVA foam in the midsole to provide a responsive ride, and a heel designed to reduce the impact of landing on each stride. But, the midsole is thinner and firmer than most Hoka models, offering more of the stability needed for gym classes and home workouts. 

I found the shoe an ideal companion for distances up to 10km, with its firm-and-energetic ride sure to suit fans of 5K and parkruns. It did start to feel heavy during longer runs of seven miles and above and didn’t deliver the “lively” ride it promised. This makes me think it will thrive in a varied exercise routine of shorter runs and home workouts.

For exercises other than running, the Hoka Kawana’s firmer foam midsole makes it more stable for HIIT or circuit-style workouts. This, paired with its bouncy feel, will keep you comfortable through high-impact exercises. What I found it wasn’t so good for was lifting weights. The foam midsole wasn’t stable enough for exercises like weighted squats. The curved rocker also doesn’t offer the flat foundations I want for weighted leg exercises. 

If your exercise plans involve a mix of shorter runs and exercise classes, the Hoka Kawana could be for you, offering enough cushioning to keep you comfortable while providing more stability than a standard running shoe. Yet, if you often set out on longer runs or make a beeline for a barbell during your trips to the gym it doesn’t quite hit the mark.

Best barefoot

Vivobarefoot Motus Strength

(Image credit: Vivobarefoot)

10. Vivobarefoot Motus Strength

A barefoot shoe with bonus support features for strength training

Specifications

Best for: CrossFit, strength-training

Reasons to buy

+
Strengthens your feet
+
Wide, ergonomic fit
+
Thin sole for improved ground feel

Reasons to avoid

-
No cushioning
-
Not for everyone
-
Takes time to adjust to
Buy it if

✅ You want to strengthen your legs and feet by reducing the cushioning in your shoes.

✅ You’re looking for a shoe that offers a natural fit that mirrors the shape of your foot with a wide toe box.

✅ You want a thin sole for improved ground feel, training your feet to react to uneven surfaces to improve your balance. 

Don't buy it if

❌ You want a shoe you can wear straight away, as barefoot shoes take time to adjust to.

❌ You enjoy plenty of cushioning in your shoe to take pressure off your lower-body joints. 

❌ You want lots of features and tech to help improve your weightlifting, such as the Nike Metcon 9’s Hyperlift plate.

Off the back of the boom in barefoot shoes, Vivobarefoot has released the Motus Strength: a minimalist shoe designed for strength-training. It has the usual ultra-thin outsole, as well as added stability elements—like durable rubber that rises around the side of the shoe—to provide support.

However, the brand still aims to provide a natural feel with a lightweight, flexible shoe that moves with your foot. It also retains the signature wide toe box that mirrors the shape of the foot, allowing you to spread your feet for balance during dynamic exercises. But what are barefoot shoes, and who should consider switching to them?

“The defining features of this footwear include razor-thin soles, a wide toe box and flexible materials. These features combine to afford your feet ultimate flexibility and feel,” says the strength-and-conditioning coach Seth Forman, head of education and training at mobile gym brand Kayezen

“It’s also important to understand they’re not for everyone,” says podiatrist Dr Sondema Nikpmo Tarr. “There are some benefits to wearing barefoot shoes, but whether they are better will be different from person to person. 

“The level of padding seen with traditional cross training shoes can make your leg and foot muscles work less, making them weaker over time. One advantage of barefoot shoes is that they have been shown to strengthen leg and foot muscles over time.”

However, you can’t just slip a pair of barefoot shoes on and start training. 

“The drawback of barefoot shoes is that, for many people, it will take time for your body, and especially your feet, to adapt to this style of shoe if you have been wearing standard modern footwear,” says Tarr. 

Tarr adds: “To be able to wear barefoot shoes for a full day, it can take upwards of a month for your feet to adapt to these shoes—longer if you are a runner. The breaking-in period for barefoot shoes is key in order to prevent joint, tendon or bone injuries.”

If you’re going to switch to the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength for strength exercises or cross training make sure to ease yourself into wearing them before using them for a full session. If your training has a running bias, you may also want to look at the Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III

Best for walking

Nano X3 adventure training shoes on a muddy background

(Image credit: Future)

11. Nano X3 Adventure

A tank of a gym sneaker to take you from workouts to long walks

Specifications

Best for: Walking, HIIT, HIRT, gym classes, CrossFit

Reasons to buy

+
Lift-and-run chassis for versatility
+
Vibram outsole for grip on trails
+
Water resistant upper

Reasons to avoid

-
Chunkier than the Nano X3
-
Ground feel isn’t as good due to thicker outsole 
Buy it if

✅ You only want to buy one pair of sneakers to wear for a variety of exercise styles

✅ You like to try lots of different workouts, both in and out of the gym

✅ You want a water resistant shoe with good grip that you can walk in. 

Don't buy it if

❌ You’re looking for a dedicated gym sneaker for CrossFit or lifting weights

❌ You want a shoe for running long distances

A spin-off from the popular Nano range, the X3 Adventure is a versatile shoe built to handle pretty much any activity. It has the same lift-and-run chassis as the Nano X3 model that tops this list, so it’s great for short sprints and weighted workouts. The addition of a water resistant upper and durable Vibram outsole turn it into a hardy walking shoe, which can handle difficult turf and terrain. 

While the original X3 was incredibly comfortable straight out the box, I found the X3 Adventure a bit stiff at first, particularly around the ankle. But after taking a few walks, the upper started to soften, and after a month of using it the shoe it feels great. 

My favourite thing about the X3 Adventure is its practicality; I can finish my workout, cycle home and take the dog straight out for a walk without wasting time changing shoes. It’s kept my socks blissfully dry while wading through wet grass and the thick lugs (grooves) in the Vibram outsole help me feel steady on my feet. 

It offers a solid performance in the gym too. It feels sturdy underfoot while lifting weights, and there’s enough cushioning in the midsole to keep you comfortable during high-impact workouts. 

The only reason this shoe falls behind the standard X3 in my rankings is because I found the thicker Vibram outsole made it feel a bit clunkier during explosive, quick-footed exercises like burpees and jumping lunges. As a result, I didn’t think the “ground feel” was as good. 

But if you’re someone who wants one pair of shoes that will see you through most activities then this is a great option, particularly if you like taking your workouts outdoors with a hike or al fresco HIIT session. 

How we tested the best cross training shoes

Before we recommend a set of the best cross training shoes, we put them to the test to see whether they offer the right level of support you need for multi-activity workouts. Before we even lace up a pair, we look at whether the shoe has a men's, women's, or unisex edition.

One of the most important factors is how comfortable they feel, so we evaluate the overall fit, the types of materials used, and whether the shoes need to be worn before they soften. Similarly, we check to see if the fabrics are breathable to help you avoid sweaty feet.

As we use them for our own workouts, we consider how supportive they feel during different exercise styles. To see if they're best suited for certain activities, we wear them during HIIT workouts, quick cardio sessions, and resistance training and weight lifting.

We take note of essential design considerations like the amount of lift around your heel, how much cushioning is in the sole and where on your foot it is, and if there's sufficient support around your ankle.

FAQs

Will Griffiths, Retail Manager at specialist cross training and CrossFit retailer, WIT Fitness
Will Griffiths

Will Griffiths has eleven years' experience in sports retail, with a focus on footwear. For the past five years he has specialized in training apparel with cross training and CrossFit specialists WIT Fitness, working with most major sportswear brands and other training specialists as the company's retail manager. Through this, he has become an expert on training apparel, footwear, and accessories.

Are cross training shoes good for CrossFit workouts

A one word answer might suffice for this one: yes, cross training shoes are good for CrossFit workouts. However, we wanted to give you a slightly more in-depth response, so called on the expertise of Will Griffiths, retail manager at cross training specialists Wit Fitness.

“Most of them are actually built specifically with CrossFit in mind,” he explains. “This is because most cross training shoes owe their heritage to CrossFit, and as such have been designed with those demands in mind.”

He said that, in conjunction with CrossFit’s growing popularity as a sport and training method over the last decade or so, an ever-growing variety of cross training shoes have hit the market. 

And, with CrossFit’s mission statement of providing workouts with “constantly varied functional movements executed at high intensity”, cross training shoes have had to become increasingly versatile and robust to handle the diverse demands athletes throw at them. 

What activities are cross training shoes designed for?

Cross training shoes are designed with the sole purpose of not having a sole purpose. Instead, they’re supposed to be able to turn their hand (or feet) to almost any gym-based activity.

“Cross training shoes are designed for a massive range of activities, they should be able to handle anything from a short run to a max back squat,” says Griffiths. “In essence they're designed for versatility, so (can be worn) if you're doing any form of training or working on your fitness.”

So, who can benefit from investing in this flexible form of footwear? In Griffith’s opinion, it’s more a question of who can’t benefit from picking up a pair. “Everyone that trains in a gym or fitness class should absolutely have a pair of cross training shoes,” he says.

How often should you buy new cross training shoes?

This is a hard question to respond to without knowing a bit of background information first. For example, the answer will largely depend on the number of times the wearer is training each week, as well as the intensity and nature of their workouts. 

However, as a ball-park figure, Griffiths estimates most people can expect between one and two years of solid use out of a quality pair of cross training shoes. Although, he adds, “a new color or style will likely take your fancy before you actually need to replace your shoes.” 

Is it okay to walk in cross training shoes?

Although a pair of cross training shoes are tremendously versatile, there may be better footwear options for other physical activities you do. For example, are cross-training shoes a good choice if you like walking? 

According to Wendy Batts, a regional master instructor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine, "when it comes to shoes, versatility typically comes at the expense of specificity."

"The design of many cross-training shoes is such that there is a limited drop — meaning the heel of the shoe is relatively even in height to the forefoot of the shoe — and possibly limited cushioning in the midsole."

"Both of [these features are] intended to make them more stable during strength training and other high-intensity activities. For walking, this limited heel drop can be okay, provided ankle mobility is sufficient."

"However, limited cushioning could pose issues depending on how frequently, intensely, or far you plan to go," she adds. Batts also points out that it depends on your exercise routine.

For example, if you plan to primarily strength train with some walking or the occasional run thrown in, then wearing a pair of the best cross training shoes should be fine for shorter walks. 

Whereas, if walking is your primary means of exercise, it will be worth your while checking out shoes specifically for this activity, like our roundup of the best shoes for walking.

Headshot of Wendy Batts
Wendy Batts

Wendy Batts is a regional master instructor for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) and an assistant professor for the exercise science programs at Pennsylvania Western University (PennWest). Wendy holds a Master's degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and is a licensed massage therapist specializing in neuromuscular therapy.

Harry Bullmore
Fitness Writer

Harry Bullmore is a Fitness Writer for Fit&Well and its sister site Coach, covering accessible home workouts, strength training session, and yoga routines. He joined the team from Hearst, where he reviewed products for Men's Health, Women's Health, and Runner's World. He is passionate about the physical and mental benefits of exercise, and splits his time between weightlifting, CrossFit, and gymnastics, which he does to build strength, boost his wellbeing, and have fun.


Harry is a NCTJ-qualified journalist, and has written for Vice, Learning Disability Today, and The Argus, where he was a crime, politics, and sports reporter for several UK regional and national newspapers. 

With contributions from