Comfortable cross-training shoes are essential for anyone who enjoys a variety of workouts, from HIIT classes and boot camps to weightlifting and cardio.
They provide the support, stability, and cushioning you need to safely and effectively perform a wide range of exercises, which can ultimately help you prevent injuries, improve performance, boost motivation, etc.
A good cross-training shoe should have ample cushioning in the midsole to absorb shock from jumps, squats, and other high-impact exercises.
The shoes should be flexible enough to allow for a natural range of motion, but not so flexible that they compromise support.
We have listed some of the best shoes for cross training with their prices.
Nike Metcon 9
Price: $127.97 at Nike
About The Product
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Width: Medium/Slightly Wider
- Meant for CrossFit workouts and training
- Enhanced rope guard
- Larger Hyperlift crash pad
- 11 colorways available at launch
- Rope guard wrap-around
- A rigid heel is great for stability
- There are multiple colorways to choose from
- Lace locking system
- High-traction outsole
- Durable upper
- Breathable woven textile upper
Metcon is a workout that mixes strength training and cardio, so it's no surprise that the Nike Metcon 9 is among our top choice for the best cross training shoes mens.
Aside from the moniker, Nike altered the cross-training shoe game with these, making them the go-to gym shoes for anyone looking for a versatile set of best cross training sneakers.
NOBULL Gum Trainer
Price: $129.00 NoBull Project and Amazon
About The Product
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Weight: Men's 9 / Women's 10.5 is 11oz / 311.8g
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Stack Height: 11/15
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Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
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Upper Material: SuperFabric®
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Midsole Material: Phylon (EVA)
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Outsole Material: High carbon rubber
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Warranty: 1 Year
- Outsole arch grip for rope climbing
- Circular tread shape for multi-direction traction
- Molded, anatomical insole for comfort
- Reflective branding for visibility
The NOBULL Gum Trainer is a niche shoe that prioritizes exceptional grip and durability over plush cushioning. It's ideal for athletes who value stability for lifting, CrossFit, and high-intensity interval training on diverse surfaces.
If you prioritize grip and a firm platform and don't mind a slightly higher price tag, the NOBULL Gum Trainer is worth considering.
Reebok Nano X3 Shoes
Price: $94.98 - $150.42 at Amazon and $119.97 - $150 at Reebok
About The Product
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Mesh
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- [REE]CYCLED: Made with at least 30% recycled or repurposed materials
- Regular fit
- Flexweave woven textile upper
- Lace closure
- Designed for: Training
The Reebok Nanos have long been popular in the CrossFit world, and we believe the Nano X3 is among the best mens cross trainer shoes.
The cushioned midsole and wide, flat base provide adequate support for cardio bursts and lifts, though there may be too much cushioning if you're hoping to set a new PR. But for high-volume tasks, these are an excellent choice.
The cushioning is also ideal for those searching for a shoe with excellent shock absorption, particularly during box jumps.
Inov-8 F-LITE 300 G
Price: $94.84 to $210.50 at Amazon and $154.95 at Shop Box Basics
About The Product
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Synthetic
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Built for those with wide feet
- Durable construction
- Lightweight
- Easy to break in
This shoe's standout feature is the ETPU cushioning on the footbed, which is similar to the TPU cushioning found in the Reebok Nanos but has the added benefit of being treated with high pressure and heat to improve elasticity and shock absorption.
Because of this, the material is frequently used in insole inserts, safety footwear, and even heavy-duty industrial shoes. It is one of the best rated cross training shoes.
NOBULL Rec Trainer
Price: $129.00 at No Bull Project
About The Product
- Weight: Men's 9 / Women's 10.5 is 10.7oz / 303g
- Stack Height: 9/13
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Upper Material: Knit
- Midsole Material: EVA
- Outsole Material: EVA
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Training and everyday shoes
- Roomy toe box
- Seamless knit upper material
- Herringbone outsole pattern
- Reflective NOBULL branding
According to NOBULL devotee and certified personal trainer Amanda Capritto, the NOBULL Rec Trainers offer the flexibility, grip, and stability required for fast bursts of multi-directional motions during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts.
Feiyue Kung Fu Shoes
Price: $51.99 at Amazon
About The Product
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Canvas
- Inner material: Canvas
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Super affordable
- Very flexible
- Great traction
- Order a half-size up from what you usually wear
These could be the cheapest shoes ever advised. Furthermore, how can the shoes worn by real Shaolin monks and worldwide martial arts professionals be bad?
The first thing you should know about these shoes is that they are flexible. Seriously, go to the company's website and you'll see an image of a man twisting it like a piece of dough.
This also allows for excellent ankle movement. What you sacrifice in cushioning (more on that later) you make up for in mobility.
Xero 360 Shoes
Price: $119.99 ZeroShoes and $114.99 to $124.99 at Amazon
About The Product
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Barefoot-style shoe
- Surprisingly supportive
- Affordable
- Wide toe box
There are various reasons why someone might want to train barefoot, from heightened body awareness to stronger feet and improved balance.
However, there are other reasons why you may still wish to wear shoes, such as protecting your feet from the outdoors or carelessly disposing of rubbish.
The Xero 360 provides that barefoot feeling without actually being barefoot. If you've never trained barefoot before, you should be prepared for a unique experience.
Adidas Adipower III
Price: $114.86 - $230.00 at Amazon and $92 at Adidas
About The Product
- Sole material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant
- High, 22-mm heel great for squatting and Olympic movements
- Comes in men's and women's sizes
- Breathable upper
- High-density midsole
- Uses recycled materials
- Lace and Velcro closure system
An elevated heel is especially useful during squats since it allows the lifter to go deeper into the hole, transferring force to your quadriceps while lowering the hip range of motion.
Among the top rated cross training shoes, the Adidas Adipower 3's 22-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is one of the highest seen in a training shoe, and, amazingly, you can do so much more than just weightlifting with these shoes.
Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0 Training Shoes
Price: $49.97 at Reebok and $59.58 - $99.00 at Amazon
About The Product
- Regular fit
- Mesh upper
- Breathable feel
- Lace closure
- Textile lining
- TPU heel clip for stability
- High-traction rubber outsole
- Product color: Core Black / Pure Grey 6 / Smash Orange S23-R
- Product code: 100062192
- Extremely budget-friendly
- Versatile enough for most workout styles
- Narrow toe-box
The Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0 is the more affordable variant of the Reebok Nanos; as of this writing, several patterns are available for under $50. So, if you need a pair of cross-trainers right now and don't have the money to pay for the Nanos or Metcons.
Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars High Top
Price: $65 at Nike and $62.59 - $417.50 at Amazon
About The Product
- Fabric type: 100% Textile
- Care instructions: Machine Wash
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Lace-up, high-top sneaker
- OrthoLite insole for cushioning
- Medial eyelets for airflow
- Canvas upper
The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars High Top is a timeless classic that exudes style and affordability. But, their lack of support, padding, and durability renders them inappropriate for certain activities.
Chucks are an excellent choice for a fashionable and economical everyday shoe. However, if you require a shoe for more strenuous activities or value comfort and support, you may want to examine different options.
Nike Free Metcon 4
Price: $88.97 Shop Box Basis and $96.97 at Nike
About The Product
- Colorway: Black / Black / Volt
- Style Code: CT3886007
- Release Date: April 02, 2021
- Department: Men
- Brand: Nike
- Product Line: Nike Free
- Great foot hug
- Lightweight
- Grippy
- Stable
Cross-trainers are designed to merge many shoe traits into one, and Nike took this literally with the Free Metcon 4, combining the greatest features of the Free running shoe and the Metcons.
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
Price: $114.97 - $160.00 at Amazon and $111.00 at Vivobarefoot
About The Product
- Width options: No
- Drop : 0 mm
- Support: Neutral
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Recycled PET
- Inner material: Fabric
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Best for: light, moderate, and heavy resistance training; walking
- Lightweight
- Not appropriate for high-impact activities
The Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III is a great option for minimalist enthusiasts who are looking for a shoe that provides a close-to-barefoot experience. It's lightweight, flexible, breathable, and stylish.
If you're new to barefoot shoes, it's best to start with shorter distances and gradually increase your usage as your feet adjust.
Reebok Nano X2
Price: $69.99 - $114.36 at Amazon and $89.97 at Rogue Fitness
About The Product
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Width options: No
- Drop: 7 mm
- Support: Neutral
The Nano X2 is an all-purpose cross-training shoe designed for squats, box jumps, burpees, and wind sprints. A tough rubber outsole with a strategic lug design provides dependable traction, while Reebok's ROPEPRO technology in the outsole-midfoot adds extra bite for rope climbs.
The X2 edition's new features and hues mix with legendary Nano performance and flair, propelling the X2 to the forefront of both durability and adaptability.
Puma Fuse 2.0
Price: $100.00 at Puma and $72.15 - $82.06 at Amazon
About The Product
- Color: Black-Harbor Mist-Cherry Tomato
- Width options: No
- Drop: 4.0mm
- Support: Neutral
- Fit: True to size
- Best for: Resistance training, HIIT, walking, rope climbs
- PROFOAM midsole lightweight EVA
- Durable all-surface traction
- Wide toe box
- Great foot-to-floor connection
The Puma Fuse 2.0 is a solid budget-friendly cross-training shoe that offers decent versatility for a variety of workouts. It's comfortable, breathable, and comes in a range of colors to suit different styles.
However, it's not the most stable for heavy lifting and lacks the high-end performance of some of its competitors.
Under Armour HOVR Apex 3
Price: $98.57 to $108.07 at Amazon and $119.99 at eBay
About The Product
- Sole material: Rubber
- Closure type: Lace-Up
- Water resistance level: Not Water Resistant
- Best for: Cross training, HIIT, HIRT, gym classes, home workouts, cardio exercises
- Stylish design
- Good support and cushioning
- Solid all-rounder
The Under Armour HOVR Apex 3 is unique and one of the good cross training shoes. This is a cross-training shoe through and through, thus it features extra cushioning from a rather thick UA HOVR foam midsole.
As a result, buy these cross train shoes if you want a cross-training shoe that stresses comfort and is well-suited to wide feet, as well as a non-specialist shoe that can do a little of everything in the gym without focusing on a single area.
