Since the development of the first sport shoe, athletes have been looking for ways to enhance and improve on their performance. The most popular shoes are usually those designed for either running or walking. This has worked well for most sports enthusiasts and fitness lovers who enjoy a relaxing jog now and then. However, there are some activities that are so rigorous and demanding that the average shoe will simply not do. One such area is when attempting high impact and varied exercises such as CrossFit.
Top Shoes For Your CrossFit Workouts
This is one of the toughest regimens that only the well rounded, well equipped athletes manage to come out on top. Crossfit is based on functional movements that reflect all the best and most desirable aspects of weightlifting, running, gymnastics, rowing and much more. As would be expected, not every shoe can handle such versatile and rigorous activities. This is why we compiled a list of the best shoes that will help you absolutely dominate the CrossFit games. Here are the top 6 most popular and best CrossFit shoes.
6 Best Trainers for CrossFit
1. Reebok Crossfit Nano 6.0 Cross Trainer Shoe
For all you fitness junkies out there, it’s CrossFit game season again, and you all know what that means. That’s right; it is time for good old Reebok to release a brand new iteration of the people’s most favorite CrossFit shoe. If you do not have a clue what we are talking about, then you need to check out the Reebok Crossfit Nano 6.0 Cross Trainer Shoe. Ever since Reebok came out with the first Nano, they have spent 6 years evolving and perfecting the design until their latest project, the Nano 6.0. 
While this particular shoe is recognizable as a Nano, Reebok has changed up some of the features as compared to past Nanos. Aesthetically speaking, the Nano 6.0 looks so much better and boasts of Reeboks famous attention to detail. The Crossfit Nano 6.0 Cross Trainer may not be as wide as other models, but you get just enough room for your forefoot to breathe. This particular model is the epitome of a blend of form and function. So whether you are running, climbing rope, lifting weights or any other exercises, the Nano 6.0 will take it all with nerve.
Desirable Features
-Anatomical shaped fit for custom wear
-Kevlar rope protection for more durability
-Ideal for a range of CrossFit exercises
2. Nike Metcon 2 Cross Training Shoes
After an entire year of targeting the CrossFit community, Nike is back with the first update of the Metcon. Anyone passionate about CrossFit was no doubt waiting enthusiastically for one of the most advanced pieces of footwear currently in existence. Just looking at the features is enough to see how much heart and soul Nike put in the Metcon 2. Let’s see why all CrossFit junkies need to have their very own Nike Metcon 2 Cross Training Shoes. First off, the design is absolutely flawless. 
In addition to making the Metcon 2 much wider that its predecessor, Nike also reinforced the shoe with materials all around the seams. Another feature that really caught my eye is the inclusion of a plastic plate to the heel of the Metcon 2. This was done for the purposes of removing friction when doing an array of CrossFit exercises. Also, the shoe boasts of improved stability thanks to reinforced polymer. This means that you now get more confidence under heavy loads and pressure.
Desirable Features
-Designed for intense workouts and CrossFit games
-Flywire midfoot tech for locking foot in place
-Flat and stable platform for that initial explosive lift
3. New Balance 20v5 Minimus Cross Training Shoes
Boasting of unparalleled comfort and renewed power, the New Balance 20v5 Minimus Cross Training Shoes are quite the sight to behold. It doesn’t matter if you are training for the CrossFit games or just working out for the hell of it; all you need to do is slip these puppies on and let the lion roar. This cross trainer with attitude gives a reliable touch of cushioning and additional comfort. It’s quite easy to see the precision and attention to detail that New Balance is known for. 
Starting off from the top, the durable uppers feature an asymmetrical collar that dials in the perfect fit for an array of CrossFit games. So whether you are running, climbing rope, lifting weights or any other exercises, you can rely on the 20v5 Minimus shoes to deliver excellence. For the aggressive athlete who loves to play rough, you will especially enjoy the Vibram outsole that offers superior traction.
Desirable Features
-Designed for various exercises
-Vibram rubber ousole for great traction
-Breathable mesh uppers for more air circulation
4. ASICS Met-Conviction Cross-Trainer Shoe
We all know how dedicated ASICS is towards helping athletes achieve their goals. By combining their skill and experience with the latest technology available, ASICS has managed to remain at the top of its game for years now. Speaking of being on your A-Game, the CrossFit games are always an exciting time where muscle meets metal. Every top level contender knows that without the right equipment, you don’t stand a chance at winning. This is exactly why all savvy CrossFit enthusiasts only trust the ASICS Met-Conviction Cross-Trainer Shoe for all their exercises. 
This new model is engineered to reach even higher levels of functional fitness and let you hit that high intensity training like never before. Crafted and lab tested for burpees, box jumps, various lifts, sprinting and everything else in between, you can rely on this shoe not to let you down. ASICS was kind enough to incorporate their SpEVA cushioning that evenly spreads out pressure upon impact to ensure that your feet are as comfortable as possible.
Desirable Features
-Crafted and tested for CrossFit
-Incorporates ASICS High Abrasion Rubber for exceptional durability
-Lightweight components for freer motion
5. Inov-8 Women’s F-Lite 195 Cross-Training Shoe
If there was ever a shoe and apparel company that understood exactly what the modern athlete needs, it would have to be Inov-8. These guys are always a step ahead of the competition when it comes to giving your feet something to call home. Once you step foot in any of Invo-8’s shoes, I swear you’ll want to go to sleep still wearing them. For those of you who are addicted to Crossfit, you’ll be happy to hear that Inov-8 has a shoe out just for you.
The Inov-8 F-Lite 195 Cross-training shoe literally stands a foot above the rest. Whether you are training for sprints, box jumps , burpees, jumping rope, WOD , lifting, kettle bell, rope climbs or any other exercises, nothing beats the agility and durability of the F-Lite195. Starting off from the top, we are treated to an ingenious TPU lacing system attached to uppers for ultimate support all through the foot.
Desirable Features
-Fast drying mesh upper for more circulation
-TPU lacing system for a comfy fit
-Lightly padded tongue and collar for ultimate comfort
6. Inov-8 Men’s Bare-XF™ 210 Cross-Training Shoes
Rarely do you meet a shoe with such a natural feel that you forget they are actually on your feet. But I think the Inov-8 Men’s Bare-XF™ 210 Cross-Training Shoes come damn close to it. This particular model is touted as the most stripped-back shoe in the entire range that brings both your feet more closer to the ground. Not only do you get a natural fit for every area of your foot, but the cross trainer also offers unrivalled rope protection too.
The Bare-XF 210 is ideal for an array of CrossFit exercises such as lifting, kettle bell, rope climbs, box jumps, burpees, jumping rope, WOD and numerous other exercises. Inov-8 understands just how tough these exercises can be; that’s why this particular shoe is made to last. Constructed from the strongest synthetic materials such as HDP mesh, non friction clothing, and the highest quality rubber there is; all these are carefully manufactured for an extra touch of strength. Like most crossfit exercises, having sure footing is the most important thing an athlete could ask for. Fortunately, the Bare-XF 210 Cross-Training Shoes by Inov-8 make use of natural sticky rubber that won’t let you slip even an inch.
Desirable Features
-Designed for both indoor and outdoor exercises
-Zero heel to toe drop for more stability
-Natural sticky rubber for best grip
Why You Need Different Shoes for CrossFit
Created and developed by Greg Glassman over the course of several decades, CrossFit is a fitness regimen that took the industry by storm. The founder and CEO of CrossFit was the first person ever to define fitness in a highly measurable and meaningful way. This is what he defined it as increased work capacity across modal domains and broad time. For those of you unfamiliar with the sport, CrossFit workouts are all based on functional movements that reflect all the best and most desirable aspects of weightlifting, running, gymnastics, rowing and much more. These are all the core movements of life and are more than perfect for maximizing the sheer amount of work done in the shortest time possible. By utilizing a constantly varied approach to these functional movements, training, and intensity, CrossFit leads to a very dramatic gain in fitness.
With the grueling sport of CrossFit swiftly growing and expanding its popularity, the demand for the best, top tier equipment has never been higher. However, what most athletes come to realize is that each and every aspect of CrossFit is unique in its own way. The sport involves a wide array of indoor and outdoor exercises such as weight lifting, kettle bell, rope climbs, box jumps, burpees, jumping rope, WODs and numerous other exercises. As you can expect, all these exercises present their own unique challenges that only the participants can really appreciate.
This is precisely why most athletes today choose a different type of shoe for each of the different CrossFit exercises. So, as you grow in CrossFit, you might also want to think about expanding your shoe selection to match the task at hand. Choosing a shoe based on particular movements and workouts really helps improve and enhance the actions. On the other hand, choosing the wrong shoe could translate to a disaster on the field. Here are some tips that will help you choose the right shoe for the right CrossFit exercise.
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Running Shoes for Crossfit
Like most of the best running shoes; more cushioning usually means better performance on the track. This is usually because your feet are constantly being bombarded by impact from the ground. If you are looking to participate in CrossFit running exercises, make sure you get cushioning from heel to toe. This helps in drastically cutting down the impact of foot striking the ground and offer relief for your knees, ankles and hip joints. Whereas the opposite is true for when athletes opt for minimalist shoes when it comes to high intensity short sprints.
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Weight Lifting Shoes for CrossFit
If your game is more of the heavy lifting kind, then you definitely want a shoe with totally different characteristics. Have you ever attempted a max dead lift while poised up on a plush mattress? I’m guessing that the results were not quite so pretty. But this is basically what you will be doing if you try to lift weights while wearing a shoe with big, squishy soles. When you are lifting weights, you definitely want to be coming down on a solid surface. This is where a shoe with a firm sole comes in handy to help you manage the load without compressing. Additionally, make sure you look for a snug fit to avoid having your feet shifting position.
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