CrossFit was invented back in the year 2000 in Santa Cruz, California, but it really started getting popular around 2007. Since then, it’s taken gyms around the world by storm and is currently one of the most popular, if not the most popular workout discipline. And, as with most athletic activities, it requires the appropriate footwear. Since we review a lot of cross training shoes, we decided to put together a list of the best CrossFit shoes currently available.
Why are these the best CrossFit shoes in 2025?
One of the most attractive aspects of CrossFit is the wide variety of exercises that are tackled: everything from sprints to deadlifts to burpees are all regularly done in the same session. This is great for building strength while simultaneously gaining endurance, but it also means that you will need gear that can keep up with the diverse workload.
At Weartesters, we test hundreds of sneakers each year. To put together this list we found outstanding cross training performers that can offer a little bit of everything in the gym. We chose shoes that cushion jumps and sprints, can grip the floor like no one’s business, and remain as flat as possible for heavier lifts. CrossFit is no easy task for one shoe, but we think you’ll enjoy our picks for the best CrossFit shoes.
Categories are used below so you can easily find what’s important to you. If you know what you need, you can simply click the category link. If not, feel free to browse the whole list.
Updated: 03.05.2025
Best CrossFit Shoes Show
Reebok Nano X5
Our testers were unanimous on the virtually unrivaled performance of the Reebok Nano X5, dubbing it the “new best Nano ever” and an absolute top-tier option for anyone who hits the gym on a regular basis. The EVA in the forefoot has the type of plushness you’d find in a modern running shoe; whereas the EVA in the heel is still comfortable, but firmer, offering the support needed for a variety of weight-based movements. Planting securely throughout cleans and snatches isn’t a problem. The Nano X5 has the sort of elite-level stability that even allows you to feel rock solid during split squats and deadlifts. Yet it also maintains a shockingly natural feel on-foot – thanks in part to the decoupled, Metasplit outsole.
Similarly, the Flexweave upper (while it may take a moment to break-in), provides solid lockdown and moves with your foot instead of restricting it – meaning everything from burpees to skaters feels natural but secure. The cushioning and flexibility allow the X5 to handle 1-3 warmup miles on the treadmill, sprints, biking, jump rope, other gym-based cardio, agility work, and even long travel days involving plenty of walking. With its accommodating fit, the Nano X5 is going to work for many (though not all) wide-footers, and the length fits true-to-size.
While the $10 price increase seems a bit steep from a materials and inflation-based standpoint, the performance of the X5 definitively meets or exceeds that of its competitors at the $150 price point. The only other downside is that colorways with a lighter midsole and upper seem to pick up stains easily – particularly if you’re someone who regularly straps into a rower. But the Reebok Nano X5 is extremely well-rounded and packs both the performance reliability and comfort to make it one of the best cross training powerhouses on the market. See the full review. Price: $150
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
Inov-8 F-Fly
The Inov-8 F-Fly gives CrossFitters an option that sits 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 and may face some durability issues if climbing rope, it’s comfortable. The F-Fly’s versatility provides the ability to handle PR lifts and any scheduled treadmill cardio sessions. See the full review. Price: $130
GORUCK Ballistic Trainer
The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer may not stand out visually but never judge a book by its cover or, a shoe by its picture. The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is so high on our list because it excels in the most crucial feature of a CrossFit shoe: versatility.
The upper uses a ballistic Cordura mesh which is soft, flexible, and tough. For the cushion, the Ballistic Trainer features Gradient Density EVA foam which means the shoe is more cushioned in the forefoot to accommodate jumping, running, and explosive movements, while the heel is denser and stiffer for a stable platform while lifting. The traction is also a highlight. The outsole actually uses 3 different rubbers. A grippy compound in the forefoot, a harder more durable formulation in the midfoot, and a denser heel to endure heel strikes and create a stable platform. One thing to remember is that the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer fits longer than other training shoes so make sure to go down half a size. Read the full review. Price: $125
RAD One V2
The small European company, RAD, certainly caught WearTesters’ attention with the RAD One. But the recently released RAD One V2 manages to improve on that already high-performing cross trainer. The definition of a versatile training shoe, the V2 is well-equipped for weightlifting, functional fitness training, and bodyweight training. The herringbone traction pattern is a particular standout (other than its propensity to attract pet hair) that shines when doing agility drills, plyometrics, and heavy deadlifts. While the supportive setup feels a bit stiff and rigid at first, both the upper and midsole break in very quickly over the first workout or two and eventually mold nicely to your feet (think your favorite pair of initially stiff jeans). Elements like a microfiber stability rand that wraps the midfoot and heel, a TPU heel clip and beefy internal heel counter, and a Wave Ridge that protects the shoe from rope abrasion add to the RAD One V2’s rock-solid containment.
The SwellFoam midsole (which is partially bio-based) is good and certainly comfortable enough but not great. It handles what you need it to with regard to offering some energy return when rowing, doing very short sprints, jumping rope, or hopping on the air bike. But if you’re looking to do a more extensive amount of specialized cardio, the overall setup will start to feel clunky and forced (and, in fairness to RAD, the company isn’t claiming cardio-focused performance). While not super wide-foot friendly, the RAD One V2 is more accommodating than many models from big-name brands, particularly in the toebox. Note that it does narrow slightly as you progress toward the heel, however.
The original RAD One may have had a bit more casual appeal, but this latest version has a mild basketball shoe aesthetic going on that will be sure to catch people’s eyes in the gym. The RAD One V2 easily justifies the $150 price point with the high-end materials, stability, and comfort it brings to the table, making it a great shoe to consider alongside other WearTesters favorites like the Reebok Nano X5. Read the full review. Price: $150
Best Budget CrossFit Shoes
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
Best CrossFit Shoes Now on Sale
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
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
Thinking of a shoe we should add to the best CrossFit shoes list? We’d also like to hear your thoughts on this list and see your best CrossFit shoes list in the comments. Comment below or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
The Nike Metcon 9 is a great shoe for CrossFit as well. I do CrossFit 3-4 x a week. If you want a shoe that provides stability when lifting and durability while cross training, the Nike Metcon 9 gets my approval! It’s my favorite Metcon so far. I almost gave up on them after the 7s and 8s!
We have a review on the Metcon 9 on the site. It was better than the atrocious 7 and 8 but it’s still got a long way to go to match the performance of our top picks.