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Cross Trainer Sneaker Guide: 10 Best Training Shoes Of 2023 For Weight-Training And More, Per Experts
How many pairs is too many? Asking for a friend.
Your workout is only as good as the shoes on your feet. That’s especially true when it comes to cross-training, which calls for all kinds of movement—front to back, side to side, up and down, you name it.
So if you’re going to go all-out in a HIIT or bootcamp workout, you need a shoe that can handle everything from box jumps and cardio machines to weight-lifting in any number of environments. But how do you find a shoe versatile enough to do all of this?
See some of the best training shoes below:
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Look for a shoe with a few specific features. "Cross-training shoes should have sufficient traction and be able to grip the floor; they should not slip and slide on different surfaces," says Mali Pelham, CPT, CFSC, a personal trainer at Wattage in Chicago.
Not only will the right shoes enhance your performance, but a secure and comfortable fit can help you prevent injury, too. Ready to sweat? These are the best training shoes you can buy right now, per online reviews and experts.
Reebok HIIT Training Shoe
Pros
- Durable
- Anti-slip
Cons
- Not ideal for running
Made for explosive movement, these sneakers were designed with stability, grip, and durability in mind. They offer targeted support and a secure fit that will get you through all your jumps. Be aware that their sizes run big, so you might want to size down.
Rave Review: "These shoes are the perfect shoe for HIIT workouts. The shoes grip the floor and have a very comfortable base when doing squats."
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | N/A |
Ryka Influence Training Shoes
Ryka Influence Training Shoes
Pros
- Midsole cushioning
- Ergonomic design
Cons
- Not very lightweight
This shoe shines in high-impact studio workouts. You’ve got "Flex-Foil" layers that support lateral movement, midsole cushioning that targets pressure points for extra comfort, and an ergonomic design specifically made for women’s feet. What more could you want in a cross-trainer?
Rave Review: "The MINUTE I put them on and walked around I felt like my feet were sighing with relief and saying 'finally'...They are lightweight, yet support your feet so well and have padding in all the right places."
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 7.2 oz |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 6 mm |
No Bull Black Daisy Trainer
No Bull Black Daisy Trainer
Pros
- Very supportive
- Stylish
Cons
- Runs a little large
Pelham says the NOBULL brand is super popular in the cross-training community. These NOBULL shoes were specifically designed for cross-training and are on the stiffer side due to intentional guard plates that create a 360-degree shield around your foot.
P.S. They're so stylish you'll hardly believe they're gym shoes.
Rave Review: "This is my second pair of trainers and they make such a difference when lifting. I use mine for CrossFit workouts. It is a very functional shoe. I not only wear them to workout in, but also to work."
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.6 oz |
| Heel-To-Toe Drop | 4 mm |
New Balance FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneaker
Pros
- Stylish
- Supportive
Cons
- Not great for running
ICYMI, this New Balance cross trainer is both easy to slip on and off your feet *and* is great for those who need arch support. Basically, you can wear these sleek, comfy shoes through all of your training needs without your feet feeling achy AF.
Rave Review: "I love these shoes. They are great to slip on and go, match any outfit, and are super comfy."
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.3 lbs. |
| Heel-To-Toe Drop | 8 mm |
Reebok Nano X2 Women's Training Shoes
Pros
- Lightweight
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Not good for running.
These Reebok Nano X2's are made with Flexweave material that's breathable and allows movement for any and all workouts. The rubber sole will also keep you in place throughout all your squats.
Rave Review: "This is great for cross-training! It has just enough cushion to be comfortable, but it keeps you steady on your feet when you need to lift heavy."
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 8.3 oz |
| Heel-To-Toe Drop | 7 mm |
Hylete Circuit II Cross-Training Shoe
Hylete Circuit II Cross-Training Shoe
Pros
- Stylish
- Affordable for the value
Cons
- Limited color options
These cross-trainers are the ultimate supportive shoes. They come with three interchangeable insoles that you can swap out depending on what activity you're doing including:
lift - 0mm drop - Stability. Ideal for weightlifting.
train - 4mm drop - Versatility. Perfect for cross training
run - 6mm drop - High impact. Built for running
Rave Review: "I am extremely pleased with the Hylete shoe. It is the best training shoe I have ever worn. Very comfortable in the toe box and just the right cushioning in just the right place. The three different inserts are brilliant! I love being able to quickly switch out the insert to match the WOD."
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Weight | Not provided |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 0-6 mm, interchangeable insoles |
Pros
- Highly supportive
- Made with shock absorbtion
Cons
- May take some breaking in
These Cloud X's offer some of the best heel support thanks to a precision-molded heel cap. The brand also touts the shoe's ability to help your foot better absorb impact.
Rave Review: "This is my first pair of On shoes! I strength train, so I have been looking for a pair of shoes that can wear multiple hats. I think I finally found a good balance with these shoes. They’re flexible, yet very light, and I’m impressed with how the shoe is able to conform with any movement."
| Sizes | 5-11 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.4 lbs |
| Heel-To-Toe Drop | 6 mm |
New Balance Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer
New Balance Minimus TR V1 Cross Trainer
Pros
- Highly cushioned
- Ventilation is good for hot weather
Cons
- Not the most neutral color options
These cross-trainers from New Balance are made with mesh fabric for increased ventilation and cushy foam for a customized fit. They're also designed with premium liners that allow you to go sock-free if you want to.
Rave Review: "I do American Ninja Warrior workouts in these and their grip is amazing! Plus the toe area isn’t overly roomy, which I love as well."
| Sizes | 5-12 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.2 lbs |
| Heel-To-Toe Drop | N/A |
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 22
Pros
- Versatile
- Supportive cushioning
Cons
- Lack of bottom grip doesn't make them ideal for HIIT
You can log miles and cross-train in the latest iteration of the Brooks Adrenaline. Their lightweight design allows you to move freely while still providing cushion. They also include "GuideRails tech" that helps limit excess foot movement that can harm your knees.
Rave Review: "These shoes provide the best support for me. My feet overpronate when I walk, which causes shin splints and other feet issues. I have had many injuries to my feet in the past due to wearing shoes that did not provide the proper support for my gait. Brooks Adrenaline GTS are the only sneakers that are not only comfortable to wear, but provide support for my achy feet."
| Sizes | 5-13 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.5 lbs |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 12 mm |
Vibram V-Run Retro Shoes
Vibram V-Run Retro Shoes
Pros
- Versatile for hiking or non-workouts
- Supportive grips on bottom
Cons
- Not the best if you prefer a cushy shoe
If you prefer a minimalist shoe, these Vibrams are the perfect cross-training shoe for you. Pelham says she often recommends people try training barefoot. But if you aren't feeling that adventurous, Vibram will give you the closest feel of training shoeless while still wearing shoes. The thin rubber sole offers just enough grip and support.
Rave Review: "I love these—been wearing them for more than a year and still in amazing shape. I wear them at least two times a week for HIIT, kickboxing, and total-body conditioning classes. They are great."
| Sizes | 6-10 |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.3 lbs |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | N/A |
What should I look for in a cross-training shoe?
Pelham recommends keeping three things in mind when you're on the hunt for a new pair of cross-trainers: traction, comfort, and style. "Your feet and your toes shouldn't feel like they're being suffocated, and you shouldn't be counting down the minutes until you get to take them off," she says.
But also, don't sleep on the chance to make a fashion statement during your workout. "You need to like the shoes you wear and feel confident while wearing them!" Pelham adds.
Trying before buying is a must. But if you aren't able to find something in-store, Pelham recommends buying online from a retailer with a decent return policy just in case it takes a couple of tries to find the perfect fit.
Neha Tandon is the senior commerce editor of Women's Health—she's an expert in discovering the best products and services you can buy and giving recommendations. She discovered her love for magazines when as a teen, she started stealing her mother's magazines. Determined to see more women who look like her and her family members on the glossy covers of magazines, she was guided by seasoned editors and mentors to write for brands including New York Magazine, Cosmopolitan, BRIDES, Harper's Bazaar, Business Insider, Byrdie, and Well+Good. When she’s not grilling dermatologists about the latest skincare trends, she’s doing candlelit yoga or watching Humphrey Bogart movies over vegan pizza. Follow her on Instagram.
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