Last Updated on October 25, 2022 by admin
Crossfit training workouts have become increasingly popular as their brand of fitness begins to gain traction. In essence, crossfit training is a blend of many different types of exercise in one workout.
The workouts can include cycling, squats, deadlifts, swimming, rope climbs, etc. It blends both strength training and cardio exercises for a highly versatile structure. As such, a certain type of shoe is needed that can handle all the different exercises and terrain you encounter throughout the workout.
The health of your feet remains key while training so your shoes will be an important factor in the long-term success of your workouts. The right pair of training shoes will be able to handle cardio, weightlifting, high-intensity interval training, and bodyweight exercises regularly. Cross training is a valuable workout technique because it trains stability and performance.
Your shoes should support the demands of these versatile workouts. It is important to note that if you purchase a crossfit shoe in the wrong size and they do not fit properly, this can lead to serious ankle and foot injuries during high-intensity workouts.
Cross trainers are not always suitable for running and runners are not the best option for other forms of exercise. The two shoe types are not interchangeable even though running shoes are designed with cardio-style exercise in mind.
Crossfit shoes are made to support performance and comfort throughout a workout and for a wide array of movements. They are not as specialized as other shoe models and try to combine the best of both worlds. As a rule, your ideal crossfit shoes will not be too heavy or too lightweight so they can provide enough stable support for strength training and flexibility for your cardio.
They should maximize your performance in a variety of exercises that go well beyond running and allow you to perform your best. You will need shoes that offer a balance between firmness and flexibility so they can be aligned with all the different exercises you will be doing.
What Crossfit shoes should I wear for my wider feet?
Cross trainers are usually made with a flexible upper mesh material, a wider toe box, and a deep body that covers your entire foot to minimize ankle twists. This means that your toes will not feel too tight and therefore will not swell during higher intensity exercises.
This is helpful if you have wider feet and need the extra room. Crossfit shoes are also designed with a firmer outsole and midsole, so they tend to have a sturdier feel than you get from the average sneakers.
When it comes to shopping for your wider feet, you must prioritize size over width. Generally, a crossfit training shoe has a default width size of D for men and B for women.
Many brands, however; offer wider options like D for women or E2 for men. It can be somewhat difficult to find these wider options in most shoe stores, but they are readily available for delivery on Amazon.
Now we will review five of the best crossfit shoes for your wide feet that are all available online:
1. New Balance Men’s MX40v1 Cross Trainer
- REVlite midsole
- Rapid Rebound forefoot
- Molded external counter
- No sew overlays
New Balance is one of the leading figures in the gym shoe industry and has proven to be a reputable brand when it comes to training gear. They have developed a reputation for producing the best shoes on the market and this New Balance cross trainer is yet another example of this.
These cross trainers are made to train both indoor and outdoor crossfit activities and have many great features and benefits. They offer superior cushioning and flexibility both in the insoles and near the rear arches. These shoes are equipped with Revlite heels which gives you a great lightweight feel for better cardio performance.
Your wide feet tend to flatten so this added arch support will help prevent any ankle injury. Additionally, they are well-structured with great stability and traction on flat surfaces which benefits you in the weight room.
These shoes come in a variety of colors, sizes, and widths.
2. Puma Men’s Tazon 6 Fade Cross Trainer Shoe
- Synthetic leather upper
- Midfoot saddle for maximum fit
Puma is another renowned brand whose shoe styles have been at the front of the athletic market for decades. While these Tazon cross training shoes are advertised as a running shoe, they have been made with more solid materials than most running shoes available. They are made with synthetic leather which makes them nice and sturdy for many activities such as HIIT training, weightlifting, and running.
These shoes are also known for being incredibly comfortable and come with a T-toe construction, so your toes do not swell during higher-intensity weight training sessions. The cushioned midsole and lace closure will ensure your feet feel both comfy and protected. The Tazon’s midfoot also comes with EcoOrthoLite material which provides you with sufficient ventilation and added comfort for intense workouts.
These shoes are a great option if you suffer from different foot-related concerns such as plantar fasciitis or high arches since they are equipped with an EVA heel pad that provides extra cushioning and soft absorption. This will also help your wide feet avoid any balancing issues and excessive pain during workouts.
They have a great aesthetic and come in a variety of colors. They are great shoes for your crossfit workouts, runs, and general daily use.
3. Reebok CrossFit Nano 7.0 Cross Trainer
- Synthetic
- Imported
- Rubber sole
- Shaft measures approximately low-top from arch
- Reebok Shoes
The Reebok CrossFit Nano series is one of the best options available for crossfit workouts because of the high endurance they provide during lifting workouts, at a relatively affordable cost. This shoe was made more for weight training and power exercises, but it is hardly a burden during cardio exercises as well.
In this version, Reebok updated its Nano technology to add increased stability and ventilation around the outsole. This model also has a wider toe box which will be key for those who have wide feet. This shoe also has a Rope-Pro sole that provides you with added grip and traction for rope climbing exercises. Another feature is the Flexweave construction that provides a 4 mm heel-to-toe offset and plastic heel cup. This makes the shoes both lightweight and adjustable to your foot’s movements.
If you want a reliable cross training shoe at a reasonable price, then this is a great choice. The colors and sizes available do vary based on gender.
4. Reebok Nano X Unknown
One of the key concepts behind crossfit training is that it will train your body to deal with a variety of different movements and ensure you are fit enough in all respects. The Nano X is inspired by this idea and is thus named based on the notion that athletes should prepare themselves for the unknown.
These shoes are made for athletes with damaged ankles, which is often a concurrent problem with wider feet. This shoe has higher ankle support and additional lacing that will help provide you with more stability. They also provide great lateral support. These shoes are lightweight and have many similar features to Reebox’s other Nano models such as the Flexweave.
5. Nike Metcon 6
These are probably the most highly regarded crossfit shoes available because of their wider toe box and soft heel cushioning. They are even used by many athletes as everyday sneakers because of their reputation for being very comfortable.
One of the most apparent specs on the Metcon 6 is the rope guard. This allows the outsole to fold itself around the sidewalls and inside the upper end of the shoe which can provide optimal grip for crossfit rope climbing exercises which tend to damage most shoes’ sidewalls.
These shoes also have a great plastic point at the end of each shoe’s heel. This will help during handstand push-ups when your heels slide up and down a wall. These plastic points help limit friction so you can easily slide up and down.
Although it is a great shoe for different crossfit exercises, perhaps its most valuable feature is its ability to handle long-distance runs while also remaining very stable on heavy lifts. Additionally, these shoes have a meshed upper which increases airflow. This is an asset not just for runs, but for other crossfit exercises such as box jumps and double unders.
Buyer’s Guide
One of the first things you should look for in your crossfit shoes is the wider toe box, although this is a concern for those with narrow feet since they won’t get the sidewall support. However, they will be of value if you have wider feet. Although this does come down to personal preference, the wider toe box room will make sure your toes do not swell during high-intensity workouts.
Another thing to look out for will be the lateral support the shoes provide. Often, those with wider feet will require more lateral support than narrow-footed folks since their flat feet can impact balance. You should look for shoes with wider outsoles and a wider base to alleviate this issue.
Lastly, regardless of your foot size, the durability of your shoe will be key to your success with your crossfit workouts. Crossfit is very hard on the shoes, and it is common for soles to break in half. Make sure your shoes are made of sturdy material proven to withstand any damage or abrasion.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best crossfit shoe?
Frankly, this varies based on size, gender, weight, and personal preference. The best cross training shoe will be one that maximizes versatility and can be used for a wide range of exercises. They will hopefully provide an ideal mix of flexibility and durability.
Can I wear crossfit shoes every day?
You undoubtedly can and should wear these every day. Many high-level athletes do this and purchase one pair for daily use and one for their workouts.
Can I train in running shoes instead?
Running shoes are not made with HIIT training, deadlifts, squats, or other weight-training activities in mind. These shoes will likely wear out and when you do heavy lifts, the foam may compress and ruin their cushioning for your cardio runs.
On the other hand, crossfit shoes will make sure you keep proper form and offer more durability protection than running shoes. This could protect you from severe injury.
Can I just wear narrow shoes and adjust my shoe size through exercise?
This is not a great idea and can lead to injury and exacerbate your wide-footed problems. If you wear narrow shoes, especially while performing high-intensity workouts, you are more likely to feel stiff in your shoes which can lead to injury. Additionally, the tightness in your shoes will only make your shoes stretch out wider, furthering your chance of injury with your narrow shoes even more as you continue to use them.
Conclusion
Crossfit shoes are a key part of your crossfit workout success and can make or break your experience. Although it may feel like your wide feet put you at a disadvantage, all the shoe options mentioned in this article will provide you with wonderful support for your wide feet and sizes that fit your needs. They are generally easier to get online than in retail shops, so order a pair as soon as possible if you are planning to begin crossfit workouts.