Our guide to the best cross training shoes or workout shoes is intended to help you pick the perfect footwear for every type of exercise you can think of. All of our picks are based solely on performance, with special consideration for versatility. No points for looks here.
Our testers agree that one of the main characteristics of a good workout shoe is that it should be able to handle everything you can throw at them from box jumps to deadlifts. These shoes need to feature great traction, solid support, and enough cushion to keep you pain-free after a hard session in the gym.
We have tested a large number of models from an array of different brands. From well-known brands like Under Armour or Adidas to more niche brands like GORUCK or Vivobarefoot.
So, with that being said, check out our best cross training shoes guide!
Last updated 11.14.2024
Best Cross Training Shoes Show
Best Cross Training Shoes to Buy in 2024
GORUCK Ballistic Trainer
GORUCK is an upstart training gear company founded by a Special Forces veteran, that’s also pioneering a whole new sport called Rucking. The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is currently our favorite cross-training shoe.
GORUCK uses durable Ballistic nylon for the back two-thirds of the shoe. The nylon used on the Ballistic Trainer is tough and soft at the same time. Cordura nylon is used on very few shoes, mostly for cost reasons. It gives off a vibe that the shoe is ready for anything. The knit toe box and tongue are one seamless piece that flexes great and feels minimal on foot.
The shoe’s cushion is what GORUCK calls Gradient Density EVA. The shoe is more cushioned and better at rebounding in the forefoot to accommodate jumping, running, and explosive movement. The heel of the shoe is denser and stiffer to provide a stable platform while doing various lifting movements like deadlifts and squats. Perfect for your ever-changing workouts
On the bottom, what looks to be an outsole made of one type of rubber is actually made of 3 different rubbers. A grippy forefoot, a harder more durable midfoot made for climbing ropes, and a denser heel to endure heel strikes while running.
But remember that the Ballistic Trainer runs “about a half size larger than other athletic trainers.” We recommend going a half size down from your normal shoe size for the best fit. Read the full review. Price: $125
Reasons to buy: The best cross-training shoe on the market
Reasons why not to buy: None
Under Armour Project Rock 7
We were skeptical about the Under Armour Project Rock 7 but it’s not only the best training shoe ever from The Rock. but may be our favorite ever from Under Armour.
It’s a training shoe that makes the gym fun and is a great option for the masses. Fit, comfort, and usability all reached a new level and the line has chosen a good direction for the mass market. If you don’t have specialized gym needs, the Project Rock 7 will provide everything you need in a great looking package. See the full review. Price: $150
Reasons to buy: Cushion, versatility, comfort, fit
Reasons why not to buy: You only do Olympic style lifts
TYR CXT-2
The TYR CXT-2 is at the top of training shoe market and offers some solid improvements from the first version. The upper is basic but built well for comfort and includes 4mm of added forefoot wiggle room. Cardio is still clunky but it can handle jumping rope, agility drills, and sprinting. The CXT-2 is incredibly stable with an impressive ability to be a strong base for heavy lifts and one legged movements. The TYR CXT-2 will do everything you need it to. See the full review. Price: $150
Reasons to buy: Stability, responsiveness, comfort, wide foot friendly
Reasons why not to buy: Struggles with longer cardio
Inov-8 F-Fly
The Inov-8 F-Fly gives gym goers a different option that sits squarely between a beefy cross trainer and barefoot trainers. It’s versatile, flexible, and comfortable with a surprising amount of Powerflow Pro cushion alongside elite level ground feel. The outsole grips everything, and though the upper is a basic engineered mesh, it’s comfortable. It’s a shoe that gives your feet the freedom to both handle big PR lifts and a few miles on the treadmill. See the full review. Price: $130
Reasons to buy: Stability, ground feel, cushion, versatility
Reasons why not to buy: Minimalist feel, basic upper
Puma PWR Nitro Squared
The Puma PWR Nitro Squared isn’t built for heavy lifting or CrossFit, but it’s built to handle anything your HIIT workout will throw at you including normal lifting. It’s comfortable and bouncy which makes it great for basketball training or any jumping exercises like plyometrics. Single leg exercises aren’t ideal but this shoe can actually handle large amounts of cardio, something you don’t see often in this category. See the full review. Price: $120
Reasons to buy: Bounce, comfort, accommodating fit
Reasons why not to buy: Stability on heavy lifts
Reebok Nano X4
The Reebok Nano X4 is an excellent performer on all lifts, offering great stability in all situations, and an extremely comfortable Flexweave upper. It’s our favorite Reebok Nano to date and one of the best training shoes of the year.
It’s not great for cardio but it can handle enough plyometrics and sprinting to work well for CrossFit. It’s a versatile shoe that’s dependable and should be on the short list for any hard-charging gym goer. See the full review. Price: $140
Reasons to buy: Stability, forefoot cushion, comfort, durability
Reasons why not to buy: Not great for cardio
RAD One
The RAD One uses nicer than average materials, has a stable base with impeccable traction, and can handle any type of weight room exercise you throw at it. Running in the RAD One isn’t ideal, but it can handle everything else you want to do. It’s a great-looking but super functional weightlifting and cross training shoe that provides enough old-school shoe vibes to be different than what anyone else is wearing at your gym. Read the full review. Price: $150
Reasons to buy: Herringbone traction, high-quality materials
Reasons not to buy: Running in it feels clunky
Under Armour Reign 6
The Under Armour Reign 6 is an under the radar top tier weightlifting cross trainer. The TriBase system keeps feet glued to the floor and provides ultimate stability. Running doesn’t feel very good but jump rope, rowing, and other non-running cardio works. The WARP upper is snug and secure with plenty of comfortable padding while the fit is true to size with room to wiggle your toes. And with a price point below the norm, the Reign 6 deserves your attention. Read the full review. Price: $130
Reasons to buy: Stability, comfy WARP upper, price point
Reasons not to buy: Running feels clompy, laces
Best Training Shoes for Jumping
Check out our full list of the best training shoes for jumping here.
GORUCK Ballistic Trainer
The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer’s isn’t only the best training shoe overall, it is also a great model for plyometric training. The Ballistic Trainer features Gradient Density EVA foam for the cushion, which means the shoe is more cushioned under the forefoot. Read the full review. Price: $125
Best Budget Cross Training Shoes
Check out our list of the best budget training shoes here.
UA Project Rock BSR 4
The UA Project Rock BSR 4 is similar to one of our previous budget picks, the Project Rock BSR 3. The $100 price tag is still best in class while the Under Armour design team improved the upper and fit to accommodate more foot types and longer wear. The BSR 4 is a great option if you want a gym shoe that will be “Rock” solid on your lifts, look good, and deliver performance beyond its price point. It’s likely the best option for most regular gym goers who aren’t gunning for huge PRs on olympic lifts. See the full review. Price: $100
Best Training Shoes For Weight Training
This is our top pick, but you can check out our full list here.
Reebok Nano X4
The Reebok Nano X4 is an excellent performer on all lifts, offering great stability in all situations, and an extremely comfortable Flexweave upper. It’s our favorite Reebok Nano to date and one of the best training shoes of the year.
The TYR CXT-1 is also a great option here as, depending on which of our testers you ask, it might be the better all around shoe. Both are dependable shoes and should be considered. See the full review. Price: $140
Best Training Shoes For Wide Feet
TYR CXT-2
The TYR CXT-2 is at the top of training shoe market and offers some solid improvements from the first version. It’s very accommodating and offers 4mm of added forefoot wiggle room versus the original. Read the full review. Price: $150
Best Training Shoes For Stability
Under Armour Reign 6
The Under Armour Reign 6 is an under the radar top tier weightlifting cross trainer. The TriBase system keeps feet glued to the floor and provides ultimate stability. Running doesn’t feel very good but jump rope, rowing, and other non-running cardio works. The WARP upper is snug and secure with plenty of comfortable padding while the fit is true to size with room to wiggle your toes. And with a price point below the norm, the Reign 6 deserves your attention. Read the full review. Price: $130
Best Minimalist Training Shoes
Inov-8 F-Fly
The Inov-8 F-Fly gives gym goers a semi-minimalist option that slots into the space between a beefy cross trainer and barefoot trainers. It’s versatile, flexible, and comfortable with a surprising amount of Powerflow Pro cushion alongside elite level ground feel. The outsole grips everything, and though the upper is a basic engineered mesh, it’s comfortable. It’s gives your feet the freedom to handle big PR lifts and treadmill cardio sessions. See the full review. Price: $130
Best Training Shoes For Squatting
GORUCK Ballistic Trainer
The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer, with its combo of an extremely grippy rubber outsole, gradient density midsole, and insole that cups that foot’s arches is ready made for squatting. It can do a lot of other stuff too but it gives squatting a natural feel that’s just not possible without going minimal or taking off your shoes completely.
Remember that the Ballistic Trainer runs “about a half size larger than other athletic trainers.” We recommend going a half size down from your normal shoe size for the best fit. Read the full review. Price: $125
Best Agility Training Shoes
Puma PWR Nitro Squared
The Puma PWR Nitro Squared isn’t built for heavy lifting or CrossFit, but it’s built to handle anything your HIIT workout will throw at you including normal lifting. It’s comfortable and bouncy which makes it great for basketball training or any jumping exercises like plyometrics. Single leg exercises aren’t ideal but this shoe can actually handle large amounts of cardio, something you don’t see often in this category. See the full review. Price: $120
Best Training Shoes on Sale
TYR CXT-1
The TYR CXT-1 is in the top tier of weightlifting shoes and one of the better cross training options on the market. The upper is basic but built well for comfort. Cardio could be better but it can handle jumping rope and sprinting without issue. The real star of the CXT-1 is the stability. It has an impressive ability to be a strong base for heavy lifts, one legged movements, and other exercises requiring multiple foot positions. See the full review. Price: $140
Reasons to buy: Stability, responsiveness, comfort
Reasons why not to buy: Not great for cardio
How We Test Cross-Training Shoes
Here at WearTesters we have a very rigorous testing method that is adapted depending on the product we are testing and its function within the sport it belongs to. In this case, we seek a blend of performance and versatility. There are so many different exercises that can be performed in a gym, and each demands different characteristics out of your footwear. Heavy weightlifting requires a flat, stable base with very little cushion, plyometric training will require support and good traction, cardio will likely require more cushion, etc. So you can either go super specific with your workouts, carry around 10 different pairs of shoes, or go with a great do-it-all model. And that’s where we come in.
We test the essential criteria as we do in our basketball and running shoe reviews: traction, materials, support, cushion, and fit. Then we give the shoe an overall rating. For training shoes, however, models get extra points for universality and versatility. Essentially, most people will like them, and they can perform most gym activities.
If a model isn’t featured, it’s either because the model has yet to be tested/reviewed or because we feel it does not belong among the current top cross training shoes. If you’d like to suggest we test a certain model, comment below or reach out via Twitter.
