Over the last few years, functional fitness and cross training style workouts have become popular. For the uninitiated, cross-training refers to combining multiple exercises all in one bout. Cross training style workouts can include disciplines such as cycling, squats, power cleans, swimming, box jumps, deadlifts and rope climbs. Based on the highly versatile nature of these workouts, you need shoes that can keep up the different exercises all day and handle different terrains without feeling heavy like boots on your feet (or too lightweight, like sandals).
Happy feet equals a happy mind, especially when running and training. Having a pair of training shoes that fit right is vital for those who cross train to get the most out of every workout, including jogging, running, high-intensity interval training and other training for any nearly sport, any day of the week. When your foot is well supported, you will feel confident to push yourself harder. Cross trainers are great as they can help you increase stability, improve performance and more importantly, keep you happy and comfortable during your workouts and when running. Incorrect sizing or poor fitting training shoes can cause a sprained ankle or foot injury because of the high-intensity workouts
Put simply, cross trainers are not just for running. So if you think cross training shoes are just regular running sneakers, think again. While running shoes are geared exclusively towards running and similar cardio, cross training shoes are designed with purpose and functionality for all day comfort and performance. They differ from other types of footwear as they don’t specialize in any specific type of activity. Instead, cross training shoes combine the best of both worlds: the sturdiness of powerlifting shoes and the breathability and flexibility of running shoes. Unlike running shoes, these are not made ONLY for running. They are the jack of all trades of the athletic footwear world, allowing for maximum performance and training in physical activities well beyond running. A cross training shoe supports athletes in all kinds of physical activity, enabling you to perform to your best. Basically, these shoes try to balance between a firm and forgiving feeling to offer maximum stability and versatility, whether you’re running, lifting, doing HIIT workouts or other athletics.
Cross training shoes usually have a stretchable mesh or fabric, a wider toe box and a deep body enough to cover your entire foot. Your toes need to have enough wiggle room to avoid swelling during exercise. These trainers also feature firmer outsole and midsole to provide them with harder feeling than normal sneakers/tennis shoes. Every shoe manufacturer provides its own take on outer construction, but for the same purpose – to withstand jumps, heavy lifts, rope jump, etc.
When shopping for cross training shoes for wide feet, shop for width, not size. The default width for training shoes is D for men and B for women. Some brands make wider shoes, D for women and E2 for men. While these wider widths are hard to find in retail stores, you can easily get them on Amazon.
Because cross training has exploded in popularity, training shoes that accommodate these workouts have exploded too. To meet the demands of these workouts, all of the major athletic shoe companies have joined the race to design shoes with tech and functionality. In 2022, there are so many great cross training shoes to choose from. This is good news if you’re in the market for new cross trainers, but the process of picking the perfect pair is far from easy. Finding the proper footwear is especially a challenge for those with wide feet.
Before you impulse buy your next pair of cross training shoes, you should consider factors such as durability, stability, breathability, versatility, comfort and price. The following reviews will help support your next logical cross trainers purchase.
What to Know about these New Balance Cross Training Shoes
New Balance is often considered the “VIP” of for gym wear and running footwear, and there’s a good reason why. Over the years, New Balance has proved to be one of the best brands when it comes to training gear. With tons of research and years of experience, they manufacture some of the best training shoes on the market. The New Balance Minimum 40 Trainer is one of them. The cross trainer shoe is designed to improve cross-training performance. From a shoe targeting cross training, whether indoors or outdoors, the New Balance Minimus 40 provides all the required features and performance benefits. Standout features include strategic cushioning, nice flexibility, impressive breathability, great structural stability, incredible surface grip and good energy return. The heel features built-in RevLite which translates to lightness and performance combined. The Vibram outsole in these trainers provides a reliable surface grip and traction. Colors may vary by the outlet where these shoes are sold. Some are also available in sizes for kids.
What to Know about these Puma Cross Training Shoes
Another veteran running brand, Puma has been in the sports industry for years and has managed to stand the test of time. While the VIP Tazon 6 FM for men is technically branded as a running shoe, it is constructed from materials that are stiffer than those found on the average running shoe making it perfect for men who cross train. With a 100 percent synthetic leather construction, this sturdy cross trainer shoe is perfect for wide range of activities, from weightlifting to performing intense exercises. For a snug fit and comfort, the shoe offers numerous benefits, including a T-toe construction, a cushioned midsole and lace closure. The breathable EcoOrthoLite material in the midfoot saddle adds comfort. This means that this cross training shoe will perform exceptionally well for explosive moments and help protect your knee joints from damage. This shoe makes a great option if you suffer from any related discomfort due to plantar fasciitis or high arches. To give these shoes more durability, the EVA heel pad provides cushioning and shock absorption. Who said that you can’t look good while training? This stylish shoe has a sleek, attractive design and ship in different colorways. It can be worn both inside and outside of the gym. Colors and available sizes for men will vary by store.
What to Know about these Men’s & Women’s Cross Training Shoes from Reebok
The Reebok CrossFit Nano series has always received praise over the years. The Crossfit Nano from Reebok are cost-efficient training shoes designed for VIP endurance training and lifting workouts, without the VIP price tag. This shoe was designed with power movements in mind; it never feels limiting in movements. Reebok updated its Nano shoe to include enhanced stability and reengineered breathability. Reebok made the toe box slightly wider on the Nano model to address the needs of those with wide feet or prefer shoes that don’t fit so tightly. This, together with the firm outsole on these training shoes is meant to promote full toe splay when lifting. For a unique grip while rope climbing, you get a RopePro sole. Other notable features on the Nano by include the Reebok Flexweave construction, 4mm heel-to-toe offset and a sturdy plastic heel cup. The Flexweave construction of these shoes provides a lightweight and maneuverable construction that feels great against your socks. It has a cross-weave design and feels a bit rough than earlier models. If you are looking for a practical cross training shoe at a slightly lower price point, consider the CrossFit Nano 8 shoe from Reebok. Colors and available sizes for men & women may vary.
What to Know about these Nike Men’s Cross Training Shoes
Easily one of the most stable cross training shoes for men in this list, this fourth iteration of Nike’s popular cross train line Metcon features a TPU layered heel, a solid outsole and mesh outer construction. As with every Metcon model, Nike included some exciting features to increase the functionality. For optimal durability without adding too much weight, the shoe uses Haptic technology.
Metcon Nike Cross Training Shoes
Compared to most cross-training models, the Nike Metcon 4 for men fits a bit more snug and does a great job at providing maximal stability. With these training shoes, you will not experience the block-like feeling when moving through runs and jumps. It is designed to meet every day needs and has construction features to survive even the heaviest workouts including power cleans, box jumps and squats. The signature Nike Flywire gives you natural reactivity, while an additional toe layer enhances durability. This model has many color and design options, so feel free to pick a pair that matches your style. Colors of these training shoes may vary.
What to Know about these Men’s Cross Training Shoes
Winding up our list are Nobull Trainers for men, excellent all-round cross training shoes best known for utilizing the abrasion-resistant and extremely durable SuperFabric material to give users a supportive and comfortable fit. If you are a CrossFit and competitive fan, you have probably come across this brand. This simple but functional shoe has the perfect combination of traction, flexibility and support for all day performance. It does an excellent job of providing the foot with a wide base. The top of these shoes for men are made of flexible, breathable and lightweight fabric. You can freely splay your toes in multiple types of lifts.
Nobull Mens Cross Trainer Shoes
These shoes promise to move with you during workouts. These shoes provide incredible shock absorption, which is vital for athletes performing high-impact activities. The consistent midsole and outsole with wider construction make it a top contender for the best cross training shoes for wide feet. The outsole has a lug pattern that makes it great for multi-environment usage. To make them stable and protect your feet, the shoes feature a mesh base layer with high carbon medial and lateral guards. You can buy these training shoes for men are available in multiple color combos, meaning there’s something for everyone. Colors of these training shoes may vary.
The best cross training shoes for women & men depend on YOUR needs
Cross trainers provide us all with a never-ending selection, and this list has narrowed down to present to you 5 of the best cross training shoes you can buy today. But it’s important to remember that every customer is different. So be sure to review your options carefully and buy the right shoe for your needs, just as you would with any other athletic equipment and accessories.
We hope that this article has helped you learn more about cross training shoes, so you can buy the best pair for your needs.
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