10 Best CrossFit Shoes | Picks for Men, Wide Feet, and More (2024)

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RAD ONE Pros and Cons▼

Savage 1 Pros and Cons▼

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: Pretty much all WODs
• Price: $150
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
• Weight: 11.2 oz(for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• Read My Review:STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Review
• Good Alternative: UA TriBase Reign 6 Trainer

I love the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer along with most of the guys in my community who have tried this model. For CrossFit, the Haze Trainer delivers a super versatile performance so I don’t think you’ll have many issues with this model.

The Haze Trainer has done a good job with my heavier lifting, and I credit this to its Cush50 midsole. My top deadlift in these shoes to date is 530 lbs, and my max squat set includes 420 for 4 reps. On both occasions, stability was never a concern for me.

The minimalist feel that you get with the Haze Trainer is what really won me over with this shoe. I love rating between barefoot shoes and training shoes and the Haze Trainer feels like a “bridge” between these two footwear styles.

Best Weightlifting Shoe for CrossFitters | TYR L-1 Lifter

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: WODs with heavy squats and weightlifting movements
• Price: $200
• Max Weight Squatted In These (thus far!): 420 lb back squat, 375 lb front squat
• Effective Heel Height: 21mm/.83″
• Weight: 19.05 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to size for most. Size up a half-size for wide feet.
• Read My Review:TYR L-1 Lifter Review
• Good Alternative: Inov-8 Fastlift Power G 380 Review

The TYR L-1 Lifter is my favorite weightlifting shoe for CrossFit workouts where there’s a skill focus on squats or the Olympic lifts. In my opinion, there’s a lot to like about the TYR L-1 Lifter, and its main claim to fame is that it’s built with a wider toe box construction.

I think if you use weightlifting shoes for squats and Olympic lifts during your CrossFit workouts and you constantly feel confined by your current shoe’s toe box construction, then the TYR L-1 Lifter can be a solid shoe to explore.

This model has a toe box width that is comparable to what the Xero Shoes Prio provides, which is a popular minimalist shoe. I also like the midfoot security that you get with the dual strap system in the TYR L-1 Lifter.

I like that the midsole is constructed with a TPU, as it does a good job of providing a nice level of stability. I’ve squatted 420 lbs in this shoe and haven’t had any issues whatsoever with stability in this model.

The thicker rubber outsole has a nice grip to it for catching clean and snatches, too. I will say, and this is my only gripe with this shoe, that the rubber outsole can lip away from the midsole at times in the L-1 Lifter. If you experience this, reach out to TYR and they should replace it.

Best CrossFit Shoe for Running WODs | Reebok Nano X4

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: Lifting-biased WODs, full-body sessions, WODs with some running
• Price: $140-150 (colorway dependent)
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
• Weight: 13.25 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: Narrow/Neutral-width feet, size down a half size. Wide feet, go true to size.
• Read My Review:Reebok Nano X4 Review
• Good Alternative: Inov-8 F-Fly Review

Show Me the Pros & Cons▼

The Reebok Nano X4 is a good model for anyone who wants to tackle CrossFit workouts and shorter runs every week. In my testing, this model has worked decently well at providing a fairly cushioned ride for runs up to about 3 miles.

When I program WODs, I’ll typically add 400-800 meter runs in-between exercises for an additional conditioning stimulus. For this distance and ask, this shoe has performed well and I never feel that beat up after running in these.

I like the Reebok Floatride Energy Foam midsole and I’m happy Reebok left this unchanged from the Nano X3. This midsole has a medium-density feeling which helps it walk that fine line between running too dense and being too plush.

On top of its fairly responsive midsole, the Reebok Nano X4 also features Reebok’s Lift and Run Chassis System. I’m a big fan of this tech as someone who can sometimes be a heel striker when running. It helps dampen the impact of my running.

All that said, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed using the Reebok Nano X3 for WODs that have a bit more of a hybrid focus. Plus, with the reworked upper and ROPEPRO+ in the Nano X3, this model is a much more well-rounded shoe than its predecessor, the Nano X3.

Best CrossFit Shoe With Arch Support | Inov-8 F-Lite G 300

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: Lifting-biased WODs, full-body sessions, WODs with a little running
• Price: $150
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 12.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• Read My Review:Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Review
• Good Alternative: TYR CXT-1 Trainer Review

F-Lite G 300 Pros and Cons▼

The Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 is one of the few true CrossFit shoes with adequate arch support built in. This shoe has a fit scale rating of “5” which indicates that it was purposefully made to have a wider fit per Inov-8’s scale. I find that to be true with this shoe’s toe box.

The medial sidewall is pretty noticeable in this shoe and it feels supportive when lifting and jumping. I notice it most when I’m doing big deadlifts or cleans and I’m driving my feet into the floor.

I think if you need and like arch support in your shoes for CrossFit, then you’ll appreciate this model’s last construction. This shoe won’t be the best for flatter feet, but for my arch-loving friends, it slaps.

This shoe does a great job supporting CrossFit workouts. Its graphene construction increases its long-term durability and I have yet to glaring issues with either of my G 300s. One of my pairs has lasted comfortably more than a year.

I also like that this model has a TPU cage around the mid-foot for additional midfoot support for things like rope climbs. It boosts this shoe’s long-term durability, in my opinion, and it provides a unique “locked-down” feeling that plays well with the bootie-style construction.

Best CrossFit Shoe for Flat Feet | VIKTOS Core Gym

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: Lifting-biased WODs, full-body sessions
• Price: $125
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
• Weight: 12.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• Read My Review: VIKTOS Core Gym Review
• Good Alternative: UA TriBase Reign 6

I’m going to be real with you, the VIKTOS Core Gym has been a surprisingly strong-performing shoe for CrossFit. I did not expect this shoe to perform as strongly as it has for my CrossFit tests.

I was surprised by this shoe because it’s not necessarily being built exclusively for CrossFit. However, this model has continually outperformed some of its hyper-focused CrossFit peers. Ah, the subtle irony in that.

I think the big callouts of this model revolve around its unique fit and its blend of stability and versatility. The VIKTOS Core Gym is one of the most spacious CrossFit shoes I’ve tried regarding its upper volume.

If you’re constantly fighting toe boxes and low-volume tongue gussets, then I think you’ll appreciate the Core Gym’s fit. This shoe’s EVA midsole has also been exceptional for heavy WODs while feeling comfortable for things like box jumps and jump rope.

Thus far, the upper of my VIKTOS Core Gym has held up well, and I’ve enjoyed the Parariggers sidewalls in this shoe. This feature helps give this shoe more lateral support while boosting this model’s overall durability for CrossFit.

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: Lifting-biased WODs
• Price: $200
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 9.2 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size (in-between sizes? go down)
• Read My Review: Vivobarefoot Motus Strength Review
• Good Alternative:Xero Shoes 360 Review

The Vivobarefoot Motus Strength has honestly surprised me in all of my CrossFit workouts. I’ve thrown some gnarly WODs at this shoe and it’s still standing strong with little to no sign of breakdown — which is great because it’s expensive AF.

This shoe is one of the first barefoot shoe options I’ve used that can hold its own across all WODs, and this means WODs with rope climbs, short runs, and handstand push-ups.

I think I’ve been so impressed with this shoe because the Motus Strength is primarily intended for lifting and versatile training. However, with its reinforced upper you can use them for CrossFit without a ton of worry about them breaking down quickly from rope climbs and other abrasion movements.

This shoe’s outsole wraps over the toe box and up the lateral and medial sides so it helps with giving this shoe a “locked-down” feeling. I’ve liked the more aggressive tread on this shoe for grip when catching clean & jerks, snatches, and doing squats.

Outside of its more rugged grip, I’ve also liked the upper of this shoe and how its translated to my CrossFit workouts. The sock-like feel is fantastic for preventing sliding and slipping when moving dynamically in your workouts.

Best CrossFit Shoe Rope Climbing | RAD ONE

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: Every WOD (these excel for everything)
• Price: $150
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 12.7 oz(for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: Narrow feet, go true to size. Neutral-width feet and wide feet, go up a half size.
• Read My Review:R.A.D ONE Review
• Good Alternative: NOBULL Trainer Review

The RAD ONE has been one of my favorite shoes for rope climbs. A good shoe for rope climbing needs two things: grip and durability. The RAD ONE has delivered on both and I’ve been impressed with their ability to perform over extended periods of time.

For rope climbs, this shoe performs exceptionally well for j-wrap and s-lock climbers, and they come with a nice level of durability. I’m a j-wrap climber and when I’m moving fast and going for volume, I NEED a durable shoe.

There’s a TPU wrap around the entirety of this shoe which promotes the bite you get from it on rope climbs and it protects the midsole construction. I’ve blown out shoes from TYR and Reebok when rope climbing and have yet to have issues with the RAD ONE.

The upper in this model also does a pretty good job with the abrasion that you’ll run into from rope climbs. The mesh and synthetic overlays provide a nice amount of protection for the foot and tend to last a while.

Outside of rope climbs, I enjoy the Swellfoam midsole in the RAD ONE and its outsole construction. These features give this model a nice blend of stability, versatility, and traction on different surfaces.

Best Budget CrossFit Shoe | Reebok Nanoflex V2

• Fave WODs To Do In Them: Lifting-biased WODs, full-body sessions
• Price: $90
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
• Weight: 11.8 o (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: No, but can easily be taken out
• Sizing: True to Size
• Read My Review: Reebok Nanoflex V2 Review
• Good Alternative: PUMA FUSE 2.0 Review

The Reebok Nanoflex V2 is an awesome budget option for CrossFit. This training shoe is interesting because the original Reebok Nanoflex TR wasn’t my favorite CrossFit shoe by any means. However, the V2 has some key updates for CrossFit settings.

For example, the Reebok Nanoflex V2’s RopePro feature is pretty good. It surprised me by giving me plenty of bite when rope climbing. I could see this model being best for beginners who rope climb here and there, but it doesn’t make up the brunt of their training.

I would even take the RopePro in the Nanoflex V2 and its performance over its more premium peers, such as the Reebok Nano X2 and Nano X1. The midsole in this model also provides a nice blend of stability and versatility for different types of WODs.

I’ve lifted well over 400 lbs in this model, and they’ve done an exceptional job for their price point. The midsole of this shoe should provide plenty of stability for most CrossFit beginners.

I also enjoy the outsole tread on this model and the durability it provides. This model has an extended outsole wrap that covers the toe box which is great for burpess durability. Additionally, this outsole provides a nice level of tread for jump rope, multi-directional exercises, and short runs.

My Gripes With Most “Best CrossFit Shoe” Lists

Ah, the irony of “best CrossFit shoe” lists. As you search for your next pair of CrossFit shoes and read round-ups from big media companies, I’d highly suggest paying attention to the media they’re using.

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of big media companies covering topics like CrossFit shoes when they’re not even truly testing products. Far too often, I find other lists lacking any media showing real testing in the shoes.

I’m a consumer like you and a small business owner who’s built That Fit Friend off of transparency. The last thing I want is to leave you more confused or skeptical of a shoe’s placement.

Every CrossFit shoe featured in my list here has been hand-tested by me, and I have individual written reviews, and YouTube video reviews for EVERY SINGLE shoe featured.

I do this to give you as much depth as possible before making an informed buying decision. As always, hit me in the comments if you have questions about the shoes featured in this.

My Favorite CrossFit Shoes Buying Tips

When looking into CrossFit shoes, I’d suggest leading with four construction features. Believe it or not, I’m a total nerd with a spreadsheet that documents these four features of the shoes I buy and use.

1. Assess a shoe’s midsole density.
2. Pay attention to whether the shoe uses a full rubber outsole for traction.
3. Review the shoe’s upper and ensure it’s not problematic due to durability issues from abrasion.
4. Make a note of how a shoe fits and sizes based on other’s feedback.

Peep the example below.

Most modern CrossFit shoes cost $130-$150, which can be steep for some athletes and beginners who are getting into this sport. If you don’t want to pay full price for your shoes, look into older models.

Pro Tip: Often, companies will mark down older CrossFit shoes as they release new models fairly often. Older shoes can help you save money and will typically perform strongly.

How Should Your CrossFit shoes fit?

Answer: Generally, I recommend having roughly .2″-.6″ of space in the toe box of your CrossFit shoe.

If you like having a snugger fit, then aim for the lower end of that range, and if you like having a bit more room or if you have a wider foot, then you may want to size accordingly to the larger side of the range.

Takeaway Thoughts

There are a ton of different CrossFit shoes on the market, and each model excels in different areas of performance for various reasons.

My best piece of advice when searching for new CrossFit shoes is to focus on what exactly you need most from your shoes with your CrossFit workouts, then consider how you like your shoes to fit.

If you have any questions about the CrossFit shoes featured in this article, drop a comment below or contact me personally via Instagram (@that_fit_friend or @jake_boly).