The Best Cross-Training Shoes for 2024, Tested by Personal Trainers and Athletes

Cross-training shoes are your all-purpose kicks that can support you during weightlifting, CrossFit, cardio, and everyday life. They help you save on money, because you’re not buying several pairs of specialty shoes, and time, because you’re not changing them when switching from lifting to running. 

With that in mind, we’re aware that not every cross-trainer is a shoo-in (sorry, had to) for everyone’s gym bag. Some people may need more arch support than others, and your desired level of cushioning will be determined by how you train. It all comes down to what feels best on your feet, and only you can be the judge of that. 

That’s why, like a great cross-trainer, our list of the best cross-training shoes has a little something for everyone. Myself and the Garage Gym Reviews team has laced up shoes from Nike, Adidas, Reebok, New Balance, Asics, Under Armour…I could go on for hours but I’d probably start to bore you. The point is, we’ve tried out countless pairs, going back to long before I started posting my honest thoughts about them online. I’ve made it a point to actually try on every one before I tell you whether or not I think they’re worth your time and money.

That research has led me to compile the lists of the best CrossFit shoes, best weightlifting shoes, and even a training shoes guide to figure out what kind of shoes you should wear based on your style of training. We also look at important factors like:

• Cushioning: Does it have the level of cushioning for your preferred training style? Minimal cushioning is better for strength training and maximum cushioning is for those who prefer endurance training.
• Versatility: Can it be used for multiple exercises? Can you run and lift in them with ease?
• Breathability: Is your foot cool?
• Durability: Can it be used daily and still remain in good condition for multiple years?

I have a team of fitness enthusiasts and experts who aren’t afraid to debate me on the qualifications of certain shoes, so you’re not just getting my perspective here. We went back and forth and did plenty of “sole” searching before finalizing this list. 

My Picks for the Best Cross-Training Shoes 

• Best Cross-Training Shoe Overall: Nike Metcon 9
• Best Cross-Training Shoes for Flat Feet: NOBULL Outwork
• Best Barefoot Cross-Training Shoe: Xero 360
• Best Cross-Training Shoe for Men: Reebok Nano Gym Shoes
• Best Cross-Training Shoe for Wide Feet: Kuru Quantum 2.0
• Best Cross-Training Shoes for Squats: Adidas Adipower 3
• Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes: Reebok Nanoflex TR
• Best Cross-Training Shoes for Deadlifts: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star
• Best Super-Budget Cross-Training Shoes: Feiyue FE LO 1920
• Best Cross-Training Shoe for Arch Support: Inov-8-F-Lite G-300
• Best Cross-Training Shoes for Women: TYR CXT-2 Trainers

Best Cross-Training Shoes Overall: Nike Metcon 9

Good for: People who need a shoe for lifting and cardio

Best Overall

Nike Metcon 9

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Released August 2023
• Versatile, durable training shoe
• Meant for CrossFit workouts and training
• Enhanced rope guard
• Larger Hyperlift crash pad
• 11 colorways available at launch

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile training shoe
• Rope guard wrap-around
• Rigid heel great for stability
• Multiple colorways to choose from
• Lace locking system
• High-traction outsole
• Durable upper
• Breathable woven textile upper
• Wide toe box

Cons

• Not great for running or WODs with longer run intervals
• Some people may find them too rigid
• Expensive at $150 a pair

Bottom Line

The Nike Metcon 9 training shoes were released in August 2023 and build upon the Nike Metcon 8s with an enhanced rope guar wrap-around, plus a larger and more rigid crash pad. They feature a tightly woven and durable, but breathable, upper. The patterned, grooved outsole provides great traction during most weather conditions.

Metcon is a type of workout that combines strength training and cardio, so it’s no wonder the Nike Metcon 9 is our top pick for the best pair of cross-training shoes. The name aside, Nike changed the cross-training shoe game when they released these and made what is, in my opinion at least, the go-to gym shoes for anyone who needs a versatile pair of kicks.

For one, they’re designed for just about every activity you can think of. The wide base keeps you stable during deadlifts and squats (we rated stability a 5 out of 5); a well-cushioned forefront makes cardio bursts a breeze; you can do handstand push-ups with ease thanks to the heel handstand clips, and there’s a mid-foot rope guard to give you additional grip during rope climbs. 

I’m a big fan of the grippy all-rubber outsole that provides awesome traction whether you’re doing box jumps, burpees, or heavy lifting. They have an extremely breathable mesh upper, which makes a huge difference during those grueling workouts. The flexibility is average, and I wouldn’t recommend running more than a mile in them, but if you’re doing anything more than that, you should probably switch to running shoes anyway.

I’ve worn every Nike Metcon from the Metcon 6 down to the OGs, and I think Nike perfected it with their last two versions. The 7s were the first iteration that doesn’t have a squeaking issue, which was caused by the prior versions having a combined midsole and insole, and the 9s continue that tradition. We rate the construction and durability of the Metcon 9s a 4 out of 5. 

If you’re looking for the best-of-the-best, these are my runaway favorites. And if you’re willing and able to spend the money, Nike also allows you to fully customize every part of the sneaker to truly make it your own. 

Read our in-depth Nike Metcon 9 review.

Best Cross-Training Shoes for Flat Feet: NOBULL Outwork

Good for: People with flat feet looking for a comfortable shoe

Best for Flat Feet

NOBULL Outwork

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• 4mm heel-to-toe drop
• Stylish looks
• Versatile
• Durable
• Great for CrossFit

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Performs well across a variety of exercises
• Stylish look
• Durable
• Several height levels

Cons

• Expensive
• Takes a while to break in
• 4mm heel-to-toe-drop may not be good for some movements (such as squats)

Bottom Line

A versatile and durable cross-training shoe with some unique colorways.

The NOBULL Outwork, formerly the NOBULL Trainer, comes in low, mid, and high-top height levels, but we’re going to go with the lows for this one because that’s what we tested. 

I’ll admit these shoes aren’t the most comfortable when you first put them on, and unless you’re a NOBULL loyalist (and there are plenty out there), there might be an adjustment period with these shoes. Once that’s time’s done, though, you’ll be rewarded with a shoe that’s comfortable, durable, and functional. 

One of the reasons we picked it for people with flat feet is it has a reinforced heel that offers more protection to tendons that stretch from your Achilles to your calf muscle. The low heel might be a pain for some, but with flat feet you generally want to avoid a higher heel because it can place stress on other parts of the foot. 

These shoes are definitely more suitable for someone who leans more toward strength training than cardio. You could do short cardio sprints with them, but really, I’d limit it to about 200 meters. But again, if lifting is your thing, these are great for squats, deadlifts, and even Olympic lifts due to the harder bottom (it has a 4 millimeter heel-to-toe drop, making it best for deadlifts but you’re fine using them for any lift). 

Where these shoes really shine is in the durability category, which we rated a 5 out of 5: The one-piece construction eliminates the possibility that your shoes could come apart at the seams, and the outsole is made with carbon rubber, so it can withstand your workouts and any outdoor elements. It’s also a great material for tendon protection, another reason why people with flat feet should check it out. 

My biggest complaint is the design is fairly minimalist for a shoe that costs anywhere from $130-$160. We rated the value a 4 out of 5, though, because they do offer a lot for the price. While I’m still a fan of the Outwork shoes’ look, our team is fairly split on their appearance—but, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? 

Read my full NOBULL Outwork shoes review for more.

Best Barefoot Cross-Training Shoe: Xero 360 

Good for: People who want to workout barefoot-style without actually being barefoot

Best Barefoot

Xero 360 Shoes

GGR Score: 3.8

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Product Highlights

• Barefoot-style shoe
• Surprisingly supportive
• Affordable
• Wide toe box

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Wide toe box that allows the toes to splay and grip
• Durable yet breathable materials
• Very comfortable if you're used to this type of shoe

Cons

• Will take some getting used to for people accustomed to cushioned shoes
• Feet and ankles might become sore at first
• Not as durable as most true CrossFit shoes (a la NOBULL and Nanos)

Bottom Line

A great shoe for those who want to try barefoot-style training.

There’s many reasons why someone would want to workout barefoot, from increased body awareness to stronger feet and improved balance. But there’s many reasons why you might want to still wear shoes, whether that’s to protect your feet from the elements or people’s improperly-disposed-of trash. 

For that barefoot feeling without actually being barefoot, go with the Xero 360. If you haven’t trained barefoot-style before, be forewarned it’s unlike anything you’ve tried before. There’s no cushioning or arch support, and there’s little stability and a lot of flexibility. Don’t take these as bad things, these are just side effects of barefoot shoes. 

I actually really enjoyed working out with these and found they forced me to learn how to use my actual feet, instead of my shoes, to execute box jumps and burpees. On the strength training side, these are better for a powerlifter than an Olympic one. In other words, they’re great for static movements, like the deadlift and squat, rather than the dynamic ones, such as the clean and jerk, that require a little more stability. Despite this, we rate adjustability and ergonomics a 4 out of 5. 

When it comes to cardio, it’s a matter of preference over anything else. I like running barefoot on my TrueForm Runner (you can also check out my picks for the best treadmills here), because the tread supports my feet, but I don’t know how I’d feel about an outdoor jog without a well-cushioned shoe. You might think that sounds great, in which case the Xero 360 is awesome to ensure you don’t step on glass or that pile of dog doo your neighbor didn’t pick up. 

My only other warning is these shoes’ materials aren’t as durable as other workout shoes, so they’re not built to last as long, which lead us to rate construction and durability a 3 out of 5. Again, that’s a consequence of prioritizing that barefoot feeling. 

Read my full Xero 360 review.

Best Cross-Training Shoe for Men: Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

Good for: Those who want a great-value cross-training shoe

Best for Men

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

GGR Score: 4.43

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Product Highlights

• Cross-training shoe
• Meant for running, weight training, and fitness classes
• Mesh upper and cushioned EVA midsole
• TPU cradle for lateral support
• 8 mm drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile shoe
• Good value
• Comfortable
• Multiple colorways available

Cons

• Reviewers say they run a bit snug
• Not great for heavy lifting

Bottom Line

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes are meant to be the jack-of-all trades for your gym workouts. They provide enough support for short bouts of running, but enough stability for weight training. Reviewers say sizing one half of a size up is the way to go.

Reebok makes some of the best cross-training shoes out there, which is why they appear on this list multiple times. Their newest intro, the Nano Gym Shoes, are no exception to the reputation Reebok has built in the shoe space (not just for men—women, too) and we’ll tell you why. 

Nano Gym shoes are built specifically for what the brand calls “gym” workouts—this means a combo of running, weight training, and even HIIT. An EVA midsole and cushioned heel provide support for running, but the TPU cradle also provides support for lifting. 

Our tester, GGR staff writer and certified personal trainer Stephen Sheehan, tried these out, and as a diehard Nike Metcon wearer, he was pleasantly surprised by his Nano Gym shoes experience, giving them a 4.43-out-of-5-rating overall.

“Overall, I found the Nanos to be more comfortable due to the cushioned heel,” he explains. “I feel a little more stable in the Metcons for lifting, but I think the Nanos are a better shoe in terms of versatility and support.” Stephen rated construction and durability a 4.5 out of 5 and stability a 4 out of 5. 

The Nano Gym shoes are available for both men and women, with sizes ranging from 6.5 to 14. There are also five colorways available, including white and black, as well as a bright coral. And for $100, the value is there, as it’s a comparable price to similar shoes like the Metcons—we rated this category a 4 out of 5. 

Best Cross-Training Shoe for Wide Feet: Kuru Quantum 2.0

Good for: Athletes who need a roomier shoe

Best for Wide Feet

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

GGR Score: 4.6

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Product Highlights

• 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Wide design
• Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
• Available in men’s and women’s colorways

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel cushion
• Wide design and toe box
• Available in both men's and women's colorways
• 8.5 mm heel to toe drop

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
• 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes

Bottom Line

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.

If you have wide feet, it may be challenging to find comfortable shoes you can wear during your workouts. Enter the Kuru Quantum 2.0s; these shoes are designed to fit wider feet, with adjustable laces as well as a wide toe box that allows your toes to splay and breathe. 

Our tester, Erin Chancer, GGR senior editor and NASM-CPT, said “Overall, I like these shoes a lot—they’re stable and comfortable.” She rated the adjustability and ergonomics of the Quantum 2.0s a 4.3 out of 5, saying that once the laces are manipulated to fit your foot, the arch support that this shoe gives is very, very nice. 

The outsole, what she describes as “beefy,” has an 8.5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and could be considered rather bulky if you aren’t used to a heavier shoe (13.05 ounces, to be exact). That being said, we rated the stability of this shoe as a 5 out of 5 because of its supportive heel cup and adjustability. 

You can order the Quantum 2.0s in a medium or wide width, and the mesh upper is breathable and adds to the comfort level. In the wide width sizes 7 through 14 are available, and you can choose from three neutral colorways. We do realize these are an investment—$165 is a lot for a pair of shoes—but the top-notch construction as well as Kuru’s six-month guarantee make the price more bearable.

Read our full Kuru Quantum 2.0 review for our full breakdown on this shoe. 

Best Cross-Training Shoes for Squats: Adidas Adipower 3

Good for: People who need support to get deep down during squats

Best for Squats

Adidas Adipower III

GGR Score: 3.9

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Product Highlights

• High, 22-mm heel great for squatting and Olympic movements
• Comes in men’s and women’s sizes
• Breathable upper

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 22 mm heel
• Wide range of sizes for men and women
• Lace and Velcro closure system
• Uses recycled materials
• High-density midsole
• A unique ripstop upper to give strong support yet remain breathable
• Perforated toe holes to enhance airflow without sacrificing stability

Cons

• Expensive around $220
• Meant for weightlifting, not running or plyometric exercises

Bottom Line

The Adidas Adipower III is the latest iteration of this weightlifting shoe that features a high heel, sturdy midsole, and great feedback.

An elevated heel can be especially good during squat sessions because it allows the lifter to get deeper into the hole, and helps transfer force to your quads while decreasing the range of motion at the hips, according to studies¹. The Adidas Adipower 3’s 22-millimeter heel-to-toe-drop is one of the highest I’ve seen in a training shoe, and it’s incredible that you can do much more than weightlifting in these kicks.

The Adipowers have a forefoot that’s flexible enough for conditioning workout, though I wouldn’t run any more than a quarter of a mile in these things at a time.

Another great feature that lends it to those who like to squat is the toe box, which is just wide enough to allow lifters to spread their toes out (helping them gain balance).

These are not an inexpensive pair of shoes, and some designs go for over $300. They’re worth the price if you’re a serious weightlifter who’s still looking for a pair of shoes that can handle a quick cardio workout, but if you’re just a lifter or someone who primarily does cardio, you’ll want to look for a specialty shoe.

Read my full Adidas Adipower III review for more on this shoe.

Best Cross-Training Shoe for Running: Reebok Nanoflex TR

Good for: People who cross-train with lots of running

Best for Running

Reebok Nanoflex TR Training Shoes

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Extremely budget-friendly at under $100
• Great for everyday wear
• Versatile enough for most workout styles
• Narrow toe-box

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Extremely budget-friendly at under $100
• Great for everyday wear
• Versatile enough for most workout styles

Cons

• Not meant for serious athletes or hardcore lifters
• Toe box is super narrow
• Not the most durable pair of cross-trainers

Bottom Line

A budget-friendly version of the Reebok Nano that gets the job done at a lower price point.

If your cross-training workouts are more running-heavy, we find that the Reebok Nanoflex TR is a great shoe, due to a highly responsive foam midsole that makes plyometric movements feel effortless. There’s also more cushion, and therefore more shock absorption and joint protection than other cross-trainers. 

Our fitness writer and personal trainer Amanda Capritto put these shoes through the ringer to find out how much of a cross-trainer they truly are, and found they were OK for CrossFit and weightlifting workouts, but where they truly shined was during HIIT workouts.

Let’s touch on CrossFit and weightlifting again for a second. Can you wear these shoes during these workouts? Sure, but how well they perform is going to depend on your fitness level. If you’re a recreational athlete who doesn’t do anything too serious these will be fine, but if you’re a hardcore bodybuilder or CrossFitter, these might not have the stability you need. 

They’re also a great shoe for everyday use, and come in eight different colorways in men’s sizes and six in women’s. Because they have a little more cushioning, they’ll feel great on your feet throughout the entire day. That is, as long as you have narrow feet. The toe box is small so these might not fit people in the big foot club. We rated the ergonomics a 3.5 out of 5 because of this. 

The Reebok Nanoflex TR is the budget-friendly version of the Reebok Nanos, so if you need a pair of cross-trainers now and don’t have the money to spring for the Nanos or the Metcons, I’d suggest picking up a pair. Value gets a 4-out-of-5 rating.

As the age-old saying goes, though, you get what you pay for, and because these are so affordable, the material isn’t as durable as a more expensive pair. 

Read my full Reebok Nanoflex TR review. 

Best Cross-Training Shoe for Deadlifts: Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

Good for: People who want a reliable, inexpensive shoe with a stable base

Best for Deadlifts

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

GGR Score: 4.46

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Product Highlights

• Sturdy rubber outsole
• Minimal heel-to-toe drop
• Minimalist design
• Budget-friendly
• Lace closure mechanism

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flat heel is perfect for deadlifts
• Can get them in low-tops and high-tops
• Minimal midfoot cushioning won’t flex under heavy lifts

Cons

• Minimal heel-to-toe drop won’t help with back squats
• Narrow through the midfoot
• Canvas construction isn’t highly durable

Bottom Line

A classic shoe that performs well on the powerlifting platform and the streets.

We asked our Home Gym Community on Facebook (if you’re not a part of it, then what are you waiting for?) what their favorite training shoe is and while the No. 1 pick was the Nike Metcon 7, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star was a close second. 

Honestly, I like our readers’ style. I mean, what’s not to love about Chucks? You get a rigid outsole, great ankle support (if you choose the high-top version, which I recommend), and they look great so you can wear them in the gym and to dinner. Talk about versatility. 

RELATED: Best Deadlift Shoes 

Some of our readers pointed out, and I agree, that Chucks aren’t the best pick for every lift, particularly the back squat. This is due to the minimal heel-to-toe drop, which is fine for deadlifts and other moves. The flat, thin midsole is another reason why these shoes are great for people who need to feel grounded during their workouts. We rate stability as a 4 out of 5.

The shoe’s upper is made from canvas fabric, which isn’t great from a durability standpoint, but awesome because it’s breathable and flexible. Construction and durability get a 4 out of 5, though.

To put it bluntly, these aren’t the best if your workouts involve a lot of cardio. If you’re just doing warmups, they’ll hold alright, but I wouldn’t do anything too competitive in them like sprints, or even burpees. On the bright side, they’re great for everyday use and should hold up just fine on long walks.    

Read our full Coverse Chuck Taylor All-Star review for our full thoughts on this shoe as a lifting shoe.

Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes: Feiyue FE LO 1920

Good for: People who need a super-affordable training shoe

Best Budget

Feiyue Kung Fu Shoes

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Super affordable
• Very flexible
• Great traction
• Order a half-size up from what you usually wear

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Super flexible
• The tread offers great traction
• Great for recreational athletes

Cons

• Not the most durable shoe
• If you’re a serious CrossFitter or powerlifter, look elsewhere
• If you wear a half size, round up to the nearest full one (so if you’re a 7.5, go for an 8)

Bottom Line

A super-cheap pair of cross-training shoes that's been trusted by Shaolin monks and international Martial Arts masters for decades.

These might be the cheapest shoes we’ve ever recommended, but honestly, I like them. Plus, how can the shoe worn by actual Shaolin monks and international Martial Arts masters be bad? 

The first thing you have to know about these shoes is that they are flexible, and when I say that I really mean it. Seriously, go to the company’s website and you’ll find a picture of a guy twisting it like it’s a piece of dough. With that, you get great ankle mobility as well. What you give up on cushioning (more on that in a second) you get back in mobility. 

The all-rubber outsole also offers great traction, which is why they’ve also been adopted by professional parkour athletes (we rate the outsole as a 5 out of 5). It’s got virtually no heel-to-toe drop, and is as close to a barefoot-style shoe as you can get without actually going there. That means it’s fine for deadlifts and high-volume strength training, but not so much for people who squat frequently. 

There’s a little cushioning on these shoes––not as much as in a running shoe, but a little more than you’d get with something like the Xero 360. Ultimately, the goal of the shoe is to strengthen your foot to do things like hit a Chuck Norris-worthy roundhouse kick. But if you need a little more comfort, the insoles are actually removable so you can replace them with your own (and Feiyue sells its own insole inserts). 

For $35 these are obviously not going to be the most durable shoes (durability gets a 3 out of 5). If you use them regularly you can get a few months out of them, but since they’re so cheap, you can pick up four for the cost of a Nike Metcon. 

Read our Feiyue FE LO 1920 review for the rest of our thoughts.

Best Cross-Training Shoe for Arch Support: Inov-8-F-Lite G-300

Good for: People with larger feet, or those who need arch support

Best for Arch Support

Inov-8 F-LITE 300 G

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• Built for those with wide feet
• Durable construction
• Lightweight
• Easy to break in

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Comfortable for those with wide feet
• A durable shoe
• Only weighs 10.5 oz.
• No lengthy break-in period

Cons

• Laces don’t get very tight
• Not sold in a lot of stores
• Not good for people who like tighter shoes

Bottom Line

Perfect for people with wider feet or those who need a shoe that won't take long to break in.

If your arches need some TLC during your cross-training workouts, consider the Inov-8 F-Lite G-300s, which were crafted, according to the company, for “stability and support for high-impact lifting and cardio-based workouts.”

Not only do the F-Lite G-300s have a cushioned and responsive EVA midsole to help your arches, the ETPU insole is thick and tough, providing quite a bit of stability as well. You’ll also get a graphene-infused “Powerheel,” which provides extra support for heavy lifting. 

Overall, our tester, former GGR staff writer Caroline Lubinsky, rated the stability as a 5 out of 5 in these shoes and the adjustability and ergonomics as a 4.5 out of 5. “I wanted to be able to tighten the laces on these a bit more, but I have narrow feet so others may not run into the same issue,” she explains. 

These shoes are lightweight for a training shoe at only 10.58 ounces and have a 6-millimeter drop, slightly less than many others on this list, but that may make it even more versatile.   

You can purchase these in men’s sizes from a 7 to a 14 and in women’s sizes from a 6.5 to an 11, but presently, many sizes are sold out. The brand recommends sizing half a size down, but Caroline found them true to size. 

Read our full Inov-8 F-LITE G-300 review for more details. 

Best Cross-Training Shoe for Women: TYR CXT-2 Trainers

Good for: Those looking for an awesome all-around cross-training shoe  

Best for Women

TYR CXT-2 Trainers

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Latest iteration of the CXT Trainers
• 4 mm wider than CXT-1s
• Stronger TPU stability wrap
• Improved outsole for grip
• Smaller 7 mm drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good ankle and arch support
• Stable heel clip
• Durable outsole and grips
• Improved 7 mm drop

Cons

• Mesh upper could make for durability issues
• Feels heavier than other cross-training shoes

Bottom Line

The TYR CXT-2s are the 2nd edition of this training shoe. They're 4 millimeters wider than the CXT-1s, with improved grip and a more stable cradle for extra support. Any CrossFit athlete should give these a try.

TYR is mostly associated with competitive swimwear, but the company released its first-generation cross-training shoe—the CXT-1s—in 2023. We thoroughly tested and enjoyed the CXT-1s, which you can read about in our TYR CXT-1 training shoe review, but the latest model—the CXT-2s—is now available on the site.

While we haven’t tried the TYR CXT-2s yet, our tester for the CXT-1s, Amanda Capritto, former GGR senior staff writer, CPT, CrossFit coach and enthusiast, said she’d recommend the shoes to any CrossFit athlete (man or woman), which is a big endorsement. They received a 4.15 rating overall. 

So how do the CXT-2s look? They were redesigned slightly from the first model—notably, the CXT-2s are 4 millimeters wider than the CXT-1s, and the heel-to-toe drop is now 7 millimeters instead of a whopping 9 millimeters. While Amanda loved the higher drop of the CXT-1s, she recognizes that most people probably prefer a more minimal shoe during lifts, so the 7-millimeter drop is more ideal (and more commonplace among cross-training shoes.)

Other updates to the CXT-2s include improved grip thanks to the TYRTac outsole, as well as a stronger TPU stability wrap for enhanced support and durability, and an extended toe guard.

You can buy the CXT-2s in both men’s and women’s sizes, and they’re available in seven colorways and a wide option. 

What is Cross-Training?

“Cross-training” is thrown around a lot to describe exercise, but what does it actually mean?

“Cross-training means that you’re incorporating various types of exercise into one workout, as opposed to sticking with one modality,” explains Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and CPT. “For instance, instead of a bodybuilding-style weight training workout, a cross-training workout could combine weights, cardio, and even some mobility or flexibility training.” 

Cross-training can also refer to sports-specific training, meaning that, as an example, a runner could cross train with strength workouts to help improve their main sport. The idea behind cross-training is to help create a more balanced body and better performance overall. 

RELATED: Cross-Training for Runners

Benefits of Cross-Training Shoes

Do you need cross-training shoes? Well, it depends. If you’re someone who’s dedicated to one training style, such as bodybuilding or powerlifting, you may need something better suited for those activities. If you’re like the majority of people and like different training styles, a cross-training shoe can prevent you from needing to buy a weightlifting shoe and running shoes.

RELATED: Cross-Training Exercises for Endurance Athletes

Think of these as jacks of all trades and masters of none. You won’t run super fast or be able to lift super heavy in them, but they get the job done without having to untie one pair of shoes and get into another.

Other Cross-Training Shoes We’ve Researched and Tested

These are far from the only shoes we tested and tried out, and there were quite a few we went back and forth on that ultimately didn’t make the cut. 

Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V.2: Inov-8 has some great trainers, and one of them made this list, but the F-Lite 235 V2 isn’t as comfortable or durable as some of its other models. 

Nike Metcon 8: These are great training shoes, but honestly, the Metcon 9s are better and not that much more expensive so it’s worth the few extra dollars. 

On Cloud X: These are honestly more of a running shoe than a training shoe.

Altra Solstice X2: These are pricey, but our tester keeps coming back to them because he likes them so much.

Puma Fuse: A wide toe box, minimal heel-to-toe drop, and shock absorption? We have to try these!

How We Picked and Tested the Best Cross-Trainers

We wanted to see how much these shoes lived up to the cross-training name, so we did just about everything in them including, but not limited to, running, powerlifting, CrossFit, rope climbs, walking around the block, wearing them to dinner, and trail running. We also went to our Facebook group for your help and got some great recommendations! 

Naturally, no one shoe could do all of these as well as a specialty shoe so we wanted to find ones that worked well enough across a broad spectrum of activities. We also took a few other qualities into consideration. 

Durability

How well did these shoes hold up to our rigorous testing system? If they fell apart after a few weeks, or caused general discomfort, we crossed them off and started on a new pair.

Value

Some of these shoes cost a little more than others we considered, but we found they performed to a degree that we considered it worth the money. On the other hand, cheaper shoes we put on our list are considered a good value because they deliver optimal bang for your buck. 

Aesthetics

Functionality is key, but you also don’t want to wear an ugly pair of shoes. 

Versatility

We already covered this a bit, but a good cross-trainer needs to carry you through various workouts. At the very least they should be able to be worn as everyday shoes in addition to being your workout shoes, but it’d be great if they carried you through cardio, weightlifting, and your evening walks. 

Comfort

This goes without saying, but your shoes need to feel comfortable while you’re wearing them. That’s true even for dress shoes.  

What to Look for in Cross-Training Shoes 

Knowing what to look for in a cross-training shoe isn’t as straightforward as searching for the best weightlifting shoe or CrossFit shoe, because it depends on your training style. Here’s a general guide that should apply to most, if not everyone who’s in the market for a cross-trainer. 

Durable Outer  

Sneakers aren’t something you should buy multiple of every year, so you want to make sure it’s going to last you at least six months. Soft or cheap material can get easily torn up if you take them out during nasty weather, or put them through an hour-long workout that forces the material to stretch beyond its limits. 

Most shoe manufacturers will tell you what the outer layers are made of, though sometimes you have to click on “More Info” or “Specs” to find it, and you can do research to find out if that material is suited for the weather where you live or for the type of exercises you’re going to do. 

Cushioning 

This is one of those things that comes down to preference, but generally you want to find that sweet middle spot. Or maybe you don’t. Some people prefer a little more contact with the ground and that’s totally fine. 

If you’re not sure what to look for when it comes to cushioning, know that high cushioning is great for things like running to absorb the impact on your feet, and lower-level cushioning is needed for weightlifting when you need to push off the ground. 

Width and Toe Box 

Again, just like any other pair of shoes you buy you want to make sure your cross-trainers fit snug without feeling like a boa constrictor wrapping itself around its prey. But once more, this depends on how you’re going to train. 

If you’re running, you’ll want a good “foot hug,” which is exactly what it sounds like. Weightlifters and powerlifters, though, will want a little bit more wiggle room to drive their feet into the ground when eeking out those last few reps. 

Material

You’ll want to make sure that every part of the shoe, from the upper to the midsole, is made with durable materials such as Thermoplastic Polyurethanes (or TPU) or some type of responsive foam. Avoid cheap materials like plastic.

Cross-Training Shoes vs Crossfit Shoes

Cross-training shoes and CrossFit shoes are one and the same. This type of shoe is designed to help you to do many things—run, lift, jump, climb, and more. They have a lower heel-to-toe drop than a running shoe, plus a stable heel to support lifting. They’re also flexible enough to allow dynamic movements. 

Best Cross-Training Shoes FAQs

References

1. Lu Z, Li X, Xuan R, Song Y, Bíró I, Liang M, Gu Y. Effect of Heel Lift Insoles on Lower Extremity Muscle Activation and Joint Work during Barbell Squats. Bioengineering (Basel). 2022 Jul 8;9(7):301. doi: 10.3390/bioengineering9070301. PMID: 35877352; PMCID: PMC9312299.

Coop Mitchell

Cooper Mitchell ("Coop') is the creator of Garage Gym Reviews. He's produced more content on home gyms and training equipment than likely anyone else in the world and is recognized as the foremost expert in the space. When not writing about barbells, squat racks, and other pieces of equipment, he can be found eating tacos and reading biographies on dead people. Coop has been featured in prestigious publications such as The Art of Manliness, Starting Strength, Men's Health, Business Insider and many others.

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