There’s more to being good at CrossFit than a whole new exercise vocabulary and a can-do attitude. Having the right gear can make all the difference; just ask anyone who’s attempted five sets of kipping pull-ups without a pair of hand grips. Most important of all? Your choice of shoes.
Whether you're powering through a series of power snatches or plodding through burpees, the best CrossFit shoes provide the support, stability and flexibility needed to enhance your performance and complete a WOD (that’s “Workout of the Day”, if you happen to have stumbled upon this article having never stepped foot in a CrossFit box) to the best of your ability.
In this guide, we'll explore the top-rated CrossFit shoes on the market right now, each designed to meet the demands of this most versatile, challenging and rewarding of workouts. From superior grip to long-lasting durability, and, as is the case of the R.A.D. Ones, some welcome flex appeal, these shoes are crafted to help you push your limits and achieve your fitness goals.
Whether you're a seasoned CrossFit enthusiast or you’re just starting your journey, finding the right footwear is the first step towards optimising your training sessions. But before we dive in, a few things to bear in mind first.
How do CrossFit shoes differ from regular gym or running trainers?
CrossFit shoes are designed to meet the specific needs of CrossFit training – or “exercise tapas” as some call it. With its combination of weightlifting, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), running and other dynamic movements, its footwear must work much harder than most gym and running trainers on the market.
For instance, while running shoes typically have a cushioned, angled sole that provides shock absorption and forward propulsion, this can be less stable for lifting weights, which requires a flatter, firmer sole. And while regular, Jack-of-all-trades gym trainers offer enough flexibility to support a range of gym activities, they may not provide the same level of specialised flexibility required for lateral shifts and agility exercises in CrossFit.
CrossFit shoes are often also designed with more robust materials that can handle higher impact and include features like reinforced toe caps and sturdier lacing systems.
What are the key features to look for in the best CrossFit shoes?
- Stability: Arguably the most important element of any CrossFit shoe is a stable, firm base and solid heel support. This will make all the difference when it comes to maintaining good form while hauling heavyweights, such as keeping heels planted on the floor when squatting. Most CrossFit trainers are made with a moderate heel drop of around 4mm, which is considered a perfect balance of stability for lifting and more dynamic, natural movement.
- Durability: Keep an eye out for CrossFit shoes with a reinforced upper material like ripstop mesh, which will withstand the intense wear of CrossFit movements like rare but raucous rope climbs. A hard-wearing rubber outsole is also important for gripping various surfaces while resisting wear and tear.
- Flexibility: Where a CrossFit shoe differs from a weightlifting shoe is that it needs adequate forefoot flexibility for dynamic movements like burpees, box jumps and even, to most CrossFitters’ dismay, the occasional run. The shoes that’ll secure you the best WOD scores strike an appropriate balance between lifting stability and flexibility for cardio and plyometric exercises.
- Comfort and fit: A sparkling tech spec will mean nothing if you don’t have the right fit. Finding the right size for your CrossFit shoes will make all the difference to how they feel and perform, and you should pay especially close attention to a snug midfoot that prevents slipping during snappier movements. We recommend trying to find an IRL stockist to try them on before you buy.
- Weight: In contrast to what CrossFitters are encouraged to load onto their bars, the shoes on their feet should be lightweight to enable quick and efficient movement throughout a workout. The lightest CrossFit shoe in our round-up comes in at 318g, which is much closer to a running trainer than anything designed for weightlifting.
When should I replace my CrossFit shoes?
The lifespan of a pair of CrossFit shoes will depend on how often you’re training as well as factors like your body weight and the surfaces you train on.
Telltale signs you should consider replacing your shoes include wear and tear such as loss of tread in the outsole or decreased support and cushioning from the shoes midsole.
Generally, CrossFit shoes will last between six to 12 months with regular use. And remember, it’s always better to replace shoes before they’re completely worn out to prevent injury and ensure continued progress.
Best CrossFit shoes at a glance
- Best for overall: Nike Metcon 9 - £129.99, Nike
- Best for style: R.A.D. One - £130, RAD
- Best for versatility: Reebok Nano X4 - £125, Reebok
- Best for durability and outdoor training: Nobull Outwork - £135, Nobull
- Best for comfort and stability: Under Armour Tribase Reign 6 - £99, Sports Shoes
- Best for heavy lifting: TYR CXT-2 - £145, Kitbox
- Best for natural movement: Vivobarefoot Motus Strength - £170, Vivobarefoot
- Best for CrossFit nomads: Converse Chuck Taylor All Star - £60, Converse
Nike Metcon 9
Best: overall
Enter a CrossFit box anywhere in the world and you’ll see a Metcon. The Nike Metcon series has long been the go-to for CrossFit athletes who demand peak performance from their footwear, and the Metcon 9 solidifies this reputation, offering a trusty blend of stability, durability and versatility that’s difficult to beat in the functional fitness world.
Building on the strengths of its predecessors, the Metcon 9 introduces a refined design that zeroes in on more specific needs of CrossFit athletes. The shoe’s ultra-stable, low-profile heel provides the solid base required for heavy lifts, while the wide, flat sole ensures a secure footing during everything from deadlifts to thrusters.
What really sets the Metcon 9 apart, though, is its adaptability. Its flexible forefoot and responsive cushioning make it equally effective for high-intensity plyometrics and short sprints. Moreover, durability has always been a hallmark of the Metcon series, and the 9 is no exception. The revamped upper features enhanced abrasion resistance in the form of several raised stripes sitting over the forefoot, making it more resilient during burpees and box jumps, while the grippy outsole provides reliable traction across all surfaces.
For newbies and seasoned athletes who need a shoe that can handle the rigours of CrossFit with ease, the Nike Metcon 9 remains a top contender, marrying the trusted reputation of the Metcon line with all the contemporary innovation needed to stay ahead of the competition.
Buy now £129.99, Nike
R.A.D. One
Best for: style
Before R.A.D. (short for “Rally Against Destruction”) entered the scene, CrossFit enthusiasts who cared as much about their style as their WOD performance were left rather poorly served. Founded in 2021, this rapidly growing Australian brand has quickly made a global impact, generating hype (and often, selling out) with each new colorway of its flagship R.A.D. One shoe – something few competitors in this space have ever matched.
While early adopters noted initial durability challenges, R.A.D. has addressed these concerns in its latest versions, offering a shoe that goes beyond aesthetics to excel in performance and stand up to longstanding sportswear giants. Its stable, flat sole is designed for weightlifting but combines all the flexibility needed for dynamic plyometric movements. Meanwhile, the upper part of the shoe offers strong lateral support to keep feet firmly in place during agility drills.
R.A.D.’s sustainability commitment is also worth noting for any CrossFitters seeking to build as eco-friendly a workout wardrobe as possible. Its focus on materials such as carbon-capturing sugar cane in its midsole, alongside responsible manufacturing practices, help to minimise its environmental impact.
Our only advice after a few weeks using the lighter “rock orange” colourway is to consider its darker hues. Though we love the look, we don’t love our obsession with making them look spotless again after every workout.
Buy now £130.00, R.A.D.
Reebok Nano X4
Best for: versatility
Like Nike’s Metcons, the Reebok Nano series has been a cornerstone in the CrossFit community, and the Nano X4 continues to build on this legacy, offering great versatility for athletes of all levels.
Designed to be a true all-rounder, the Nano X4 has a stable, minimal-drop sole that provides a solid foundation for heavy lifts, ensuring you stay grounded and balanced during squats, deadlifts and cleans. Its re-engineered Flexweave upper, meanwhile, marries durability and breathability, allowing the shoe to withstand gruelling 30+ minute WODs while keeping feet cool and comfortable.
Where the Nano X4 really shines is in its adaptability. The shoe's responsive midsole cushioning strikes a strong balance between support and flexibility, making it just as effective for dynamic movements like box jumps and double-unders as it is for short sprints and rope climbs. The added traction on the outsole offers security on any surface, whether you’re in the gym or taking your workout outside.
Designed with input from athletes to ensure it meets the unique demands of the sport, Reebok’s commitment to the CrossFit community is evident in the Nano X4. Its versatility makes it a top choice for any CrossFitter looking to embrace the full spectrum of this fitness discipline equally.
Buy now £125.00, Reebok
NoBull Outwork
Best for: durability and outdoor training
NoBull has carved its niche in the CrossFit world by focusing on simplicity, durability, and performance, and the NoBull Outwork embodies each of these principles. For athletes who prioritise ruggedness and reliability in their training gear, the Outwork is a shoe that lives up to its name, delivering top-notch durability without sacrificing performance.
Designed to withstand the most punishing workouts, the Outwork’s standout feature is its ultra-tough SuperFabric upper, which is practically indestructible and offers a different level of protection against abrasions. This makes them an ideal choice for CrossFitters who like to push their gear to the limit.
Despite its tough exterior, the Outwork doesn’t skimp on functionality, featuring a stable, low-profile sole that’s perfect for heavy lifts while providing good ground feel. Meanwhile, a bit of flex in the forefoot allows for smooth enough transitions during dynamic movements, ensuring that when you’re not lifting, you can move efficiently throughout your WOD.
NoBull’s minimalist design ethos is also evident in the Outwork, with a clean, straightforward aesthetic that appeals to those who prefer function over anything outwardly flashy (though there are some wacky, *cough* questionable, colourways available). While it might not boast the best cushioning (Check out the NoBull Impact if that’s what you’re after), the shoe’s minimalist, does-what-it-says-on-the-tin ethos is what has made it a go-to for CrossFit’s hardest athletes.
Buy now £135.00, NoBull
Under Armour Tribase Reign 6
Best for: comfort and stability
The latest evolution in a line known for delivering exceptional stability, Under Armour has fine-tuned the Tribase Reign 6 to ensure it holds up under the rigours of heavy lifting, explosive movements and everything in between.
At the heart of the TriBase Reign 6 is its innovative TriBase outsole technology, which has been designed to maximise ground contact and provide a rock-solid base during lifts. A particularly low heel-to-toe drop further enhances this stability, so whether you're deadlifting or performing snatches, this shoe keeps you anchored.
More than just a shoe to lift in, the midsole of the Reign 6 serves up just the right amount of cushioning for high-impact activities and a flexible forefoot allows for ample agility. The engineered mesh upper is breathable without compromising its support credibility, while a stronger emphasis on durability with this sixth iteration has seen the shoe reinforced in key areas, such as the toe box and heel.
Buy now £99.99, Sports Shoes
TYR CXT-2
Best for: innovation
Ask any CrossFit coach for the shoe on their wishlist and the TYR CXT-2 is sure to be up there. This rising star of the functional fitness world is the full package, designed to meet the varied demands of the sport with an attention to detail few other CrossFit shoes can boast.
Primarily known for producing swimming and triathlon gear, TYR made the leap into CrossFit shoes with the CXT-1 in 2022 and has since refined its offering. The CXT-2 excels in stability and flexibility, with a firm, low-profile sole for heavy lifts and responsive midsole cushioning for high-impact movement. It’s one of the lightest shoes in our round-up, also boasting a foot-cooling engineered mesh upper that gives it some of the best breathability we’ve ever tried.
Where it takes the cake for many CrossFit regulars, however, are the smaller things. Enhanced lace loops that ensure a perfectly snug fit, for instance, and a friction resistant heel clip that glides across the wall when upside down in a handstand. Its outsole is superbly grippy, which also makes it a reliable choice for taking workouts outdoors.
Buy now £145.00, Kitbox
Vivobarefoot Motus Strength
Best for: natural movement
The barefoot movement has infiltrated almost every fitness discipline, and with the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength, it has well and truly arrived in the CrossFit world. This shoe stands out in the world of functional fitness, offering a barefoot experience that enhances stability and proprioception – two essentials that all its competitors strive for.
Vivobarefoot has long been the pioneer in barefoot footwear, and the Motus Strength engineers its trademark for the versatility required of CrossFit. Its thin, flexible sole allows feet to flex as nature intended and provides an unparalleled ground feel during lifts. Especially important for beginners, its low-profile design encourages proper form and technique, thereby reducing the risk of injury and potentially assisting in your progression more tentatively than any other shoe in our edit.
A commitment to natural biomechanics does not come at the cost of durability, either. And like much of Vivobarefoot’s catalogue, the Motus Strength is made from sustainable materials that ensure you can maximise your WODs with minimal environmental impact. The reinforced toe box and secure midfoot strap provide additional support during lateral movements, which makes it as reliable a choice for front squats as dynamic movements like kettlebell swings.
Buy now £154.00, Vivobarefoot
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star
Best for: CrossFit nomads
Cue the eye rolls from 99.9 per cent of CrossFit coaches reading this. While the classic Converse Chuck Taylor All Star may not rival the specialised CrossFit shoes in this roundup for versatility, there’s a reason you’ll spot jacked athletes worldwide lacing them up at the gym.
Though not designed for CrossFit, these iconic kicks have secured their place in the functional fitness community thanks to their flat sole, hardy construction and unbeatable value. The minimal cushioning and low-profile design provide a stable base, making them ideal for heavy lifts like squats and deadlifts, while their flatness also keeps you grounded, ensuring a strong connection to the floor and enhancing balance and power transfer.
There’s even a case to be made for the Chuck’s tough canvas upper, which will hold its own against the rigours of intense training, while the rubber toe cap offers added protection during workouts.
Now, we’re not suggesting that CrossFit regulars should put all their faith in this casualwear staple – Converse does lack the advanced materials and targeted support found in each of the other shoes tested in this article. That said, they’re worth having in your arsenal, especially for the times when you’re hoping to drop into a new CrossFit box while on holiday and you find yourself tight on packing space. For these instances, we say get yourself a pair that does both!
Buy now £60.00, Converse
Verdict
Nike’s Metcon 9 still takes the cake when it comes to offering the full package required of Crossfit shoes. Though it’s facing increasingly stiff competition, you’ll struggle to strike the same balance and all-round appeal with any other trainer, whatever your level.
