Watch My Shoes
In CrossFit, there are many pieces of equipment which people may deem “essential.” These so called essential equipment pieces include gymnastics grips, knee sleeves, belts, and wrist wraps. While all of these can certainly improve your performance, none are essential. One piece that definitely hedges toward the essential direction would be the quality of your footwear. CrossFit is a methodology of varying movements where one day we could be inside climbing ropes and deadlifting a heavy weight, while the next we could be outside running the Murph loop. With such a variance in the movements we complete each week, it is important that you buy sneakers that will be conducive to helping you complete these movements efficiently and comfortably.
Below is a quick guide to help find the best footwear option for you. I have worn each of these shoes for multiple workouts and put them through almost any test you will put your shoes through. For each shoe, I’ve listed the main qualities that I feel are most important. These qualities include durability, fit, flexibility, stability, value, MSRP, and the bottom line up front (BLUF). Below that I’ve also included the key pros and cons to each shoe. While these evaluations are not a complete comprehensive review of each shoe, it is a quick way to narrow down your search. Additionally, this is a list of CrossFit shoes that are most popular and readily available. If you would like a full review on any specific shoes or have any request for shoes to test please feel free to reach out!
Instagram: @waynekline3
Reebok Nano 9
Durability: 9/10
Fit: Size down ½ size
Flexibility: 6/10
Stability: 9/10
Value: 10/10
MSRP: $130
BLUF: Tried and true
Pros:
One of, if not the most durable shoes on the market
Solid base for any type of lifting
The most well rounded shoe
Reebok constantly has sales of 40% - 50% off on these
Cons:
Heavy and a bit clunky
Not the best for running, 800 meters seems to be about where the discomfort will start
Nike Metcon 5
Durability: 6/10
Fit: True to Size
Flexibility: 9/10
Stability: 7/10
Value: 8/10
MSRP: $130
BLUF: Second best, not second rate
Pros:
Lightweight
Best for running and plyometric movements
Side panels “actively” grip the rope during rope climbs
Available in tons of colors and models with the option to customize them on Nike’s website
Each pair comes with a set of interchangeable inserts to increase ankle flexibility
Heel clip on the back of the shoe slides easily up the wall during handstand push-ups
Cons:
Tend to deteriorate faster than most training shoes, especially near the toe, lace loops, and the laces themselves
Fits narrow, wide-footers should size up ½ size
Not bad for heavy lifting but I wouldn’t go for a 1-Rep max in these
Nike’s sales usually aren’t the greatest
NoBull Trainer
Durability: 9/10
Fit: True to Size
Flexibility: 7/10
Stability: 8/10
Value: 6/10
MSRP: $129 - $169
BLUF: If it ain’t broken, don’t fix it
Pros:
Incompressible midsole/outsole makes these great for lifting
Durable, these should last you an extended period of time
Flexible upper materials
Cons:
Incompressible midsole/outsole can become uncomfortable during longer periods of use
Wouldn’t recommend running long distances in these due to the midsole being so solid
Super slick for rope climbs
Since their creation NoBull trainers have had virtually the same design, while this is not necessarily bad, the trainers do lack some of the upgraded features that other major brands offer because of the companies reluctance to change
NoBull rarely runs sales, so you will have to pay full retail price for a vanilla shoe (Not that vanilla is bad, it’s just nothing special)
Under Armour TriBase Reign
Durability - 8/10
Fit - True to size
Flexibility - 5/10
Stability - 6/10
Value: 6/10
MSRP: $130
BLUF: Tri again UA
Pros:
The midsole is made with Micro-G which makes these shoes comfortable to wear
The Upper material is different than other training shoes and hugs your foot in a supportive way
Surprisingly very durable for rope climbs, actually feels as if you’ve locked onto the rope
Different aesthetics than most trainers
Cons:
Super narrow
Possibly the worst shoes to run in, these rub on the heel and near the midfoot shank
Rigid, feels almost as if you weren’t meant to bend the shoe at all
While Micro-G can be soft and fairly comfortable, it is by no means stable enough to handle any weights on the heavier side
The lockdown isn’t the greatest, there is a slight heel slip which can become annoying during longer workouts
Vans Authentic
Durability - 8/10
Fit - Size down ½ size
Flexibility - 7/10
Stability - 6/10
Value: 3/10
MSRP: $50 - $70
BLUF: An off the wall choice for CrossFit
Pros:
Super solid midsole makes these an excellent choice for heavy lifting
Cheapest MSRP on this list
They look dope
Cons:
Don’t even try to run in these (Yes, I actually tried it)
While these were made for skateboarding the durability of the newer models is a little shoddy
The upper provides no support
Clunky for faster movements such as running, box jumps, or burpees
Converse All-Star (Chucks)
Durability: 9/10
Fit: Size down one full size
Flexibility: 6/10
Stability: 6/10
Value: 5/10
MSRP:$50 - $55
BLUF: just (Don’t) Do It
Pros:
Durable, strong for rougher movements like rope climbs
Flat, which makes these a solid choice for deadlifting
Traction is no problem on any surface
Cons:
For the health of your feet do not run in these
Crazily narrow, rubs against the side of your pinky and big toes
While this is a popular powerlifting shoe many lifters have complained that the midsole got softer when Nike bought Converse in 2003, making this a less attractive option to lift in
The canvas upper offers literally zero lateral stability
Nike Epic React
Durability - 2/10
Fit: True to Size
Flexibility - 8/10
Stability - 1/10
Value: 2/10
MSRP: $130
BLUF: Just run
Pros:
The best shoe for running on this list, the React cushion makes running feel free and easy over long distances
The most comfortable shoe on this list
Flyknit upper is soft, breathable, lightweight, and flexible
This is a shoe to buy if you have a little extra cash laying around and want to dedicate a whole shoe to running, not required but can be a really nice addition
Cons:
While the React cushioning is amazing for running, it is extremely mushy and will feel as if you are sinking into them when doing anything weighted (DB and KB movements included)
Rope climbs will destroy these after just one climb
Because the Flyknit is so stretchy you will sometimes slide around inside of the shoe