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The 10+ Best Cross Training Shoes in 2024. Expert-tested and Reviewed

Best cross training shoes

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 do in a gym. 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 the gym can throw at it 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 03.17.2024

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

Buy at GORUCK

Reebok Nano X4

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

Buy Reebok Nano X4

TYR CXT-1 Trainer

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

Buy Men's TYR CXT-1 Buy Women's TYR CXT-1

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

Buy Men's at Under Armour Buy Women's at Under Armour

Puma PWR Nitro Squared

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

Buy Puma PWR Nitro Squared

RAD One

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

Buy at RAD

Nike Metcon Turbo 2 Jumping

Nike Metcon Turbo 2

The Nike Metcon Turbo 2 packs a lot of attractive aspects. First is the cushioning. It’s sort of the cross training version of the Nike GT Cut 2. We have a removable React drop-in midsole with Zoom Air in the forefoot. Second is the shoe’s stability. The wide base keeps you stable for most movements, especially lateral ones. The third is the traction. The rubber outsole does not have any gaps. It’s rubber everywhere. Wherever and whenever you land, you’ll grip the floor. Read the full review. Price: $150

Reasons to buy: Awesome cushion, broad base, excellent traction

Reasons not to buy: Lack of arch support

Buy Nike Metcon Turbo 2

Best Budget Cross Training Shoes

Puma Fuse 3.0

Puma Fuse 3.0

The Puma Fuse 3.0 is a minimalist cross training shoe that’s ultra-stable and packs insane traction. Where does the insane grip come from? Puma Grip. It’s Puma’s proprietary rubber compound that’s best in class. It sticks to the ground, so you won’t slide or shift during lifts.

The stability is also top of the line as the outrigger at the lateral forefoot, raised midfoot sidewalls, and a beefy TPU heel counter combine to keep the foot in place no matter how much weight you’re slinging. The cushion is super thin (don’t run in them), so some people may get too much ground feel for their liking. But for those lifting weights, you can spread your toes inside the roomy toebox and press into the ground, and generate extra force.

The mesh and fuse upper is surprisingly comfy in large part thanks to the comfy padded tongue. You’re unlikely to find a better weightlifting shoe at this price. Read full review. Price: $120

Reasons to buy: Stability, traction, price

Reason not to buy: Cushion

Buy Men's Puma Fuse 3.0 Buy Women's Puma Fuse 3.0

Nike Legend Essential 2 Featured

Nike Legend Essential 3

The Nike Legend Essential 3 is by far the cheapest shoe on this list, but don’t be fooled. You might be surprised about how well these lock down your heel. Honestly, it’s one of the best cross trainers if you’re looking for that solid heel containment and support. The performance lives up to the name. Read the full review. Price: $65

Reasons to buy: Awesome heel containment  

Reasons why not to buy: Tall stack height

Buy Men's Nike Legend Essential 3 Buy Women's Nike Legend Essential 3

Best Training Shoes For Weight Training

This is our top pick, but you can check out our full list here.

Reebok Nano X4

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

Buy Reebok Nano X4

Best Training Shoes For Wide Feet

TYR CXT-1 Trainer

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. It offers wide fit versions in addition to the normal version’s accommodating fit. See the full review. Price: $140

Buy Men's TYR CXT-1 Buy Women's TYR CXT-1

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

Buy Men's at Under Armour Buy Women's at Under Armour

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

Buy at GORUCK

Best Agility Training Shoes

Nike Metcon Turbo 2 Jumping

Nike Metcon Turbo 2  

The Nike Metcon Turbo 2 is great for those looking for a training shoe that’s sure to keep you agile. The react drop-in midsole with its forefoot Zoom Air unit will make sure you don’t have much delay in movements, and you’re well protected against impact. The base is wide so you remain stable on whatever exercises you put this through. To top it all off, the traction is consistent on most surfaces. Read the full review. Price: $150

Reasons to buy: Awesome cushion, wide base, excellent traction 

Reasons why not to buy: Lack of arch support

8/10
Total Score
Buy Nike Metcon Turbo 2

How We Test Cross-Training Shoes

Here at Weartester we have a very rigorous testing method that is adapted depending on the product we are testing and it’s 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 probably 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, will 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.

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