The Best CrossFit Shoes of 2021
A decade ago, asking someone about their WOD might get you a funny look. But these days, the Workout of the Day is damn near ubiquitous — as is the host of footwear options aimed squarely at pleasing CrossFit fiends the world over.
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But just because there are dozens of CrossFit-friendly shoes flooding the market doesn’t mean any old shoe will do. In our assessments of what’s out there, we’ve identified some of the best while considering key factors like cost and preferred moves, from cardio to kettlebell swings.
So whether you’re a seasoned CrossFitter or just getting into the game, you’re sure to find a pick here that’s right up your alley. All that’s left to do is strap them on, rip through your next workout, flex and scream to your fellow athletes, “WOD’s up now??” Then quietly pack your things and go.
Reebok Nano X1
reebok.com
$130.00
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You can’t call yourself “the official shoe of fitness” without being pretty damn good. And the latest iteration of the award-winning Nano is, thanks to a breathable Flexweave upper, a flexible forefoot and a heel clip for stability.
Reebok
Timeless style and durable construction keeps this shoe going strong, WOD after WOD.
If we have to pick something… flexible forefoot is great for sprints but not longer runs.
Mizuno TC-11
mizunousa.com
$145.00
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You’ve gotta bring something extra to the table to be worth stepping up; the TC-11 does so in the form of sensor pod clusters that boost the feedback you get from the ground to improve balance and make every plyometric jump smoother.
Mizuno
Fully knit upper and socklike liner provide a comfortable, natural fit.
Even with cutting-edge responsiveness, price tag is prohibitive.
UA HOVR Rise
underarmour.com
$90.99
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Especially now that its price has dropped from $100 to $91, the Rise is a steal. UA HOVR tech provides boundless energy return, while a dual external heel counter and grippy rubber outsole boost stability and durability.
Under Armour
At just 10.6 ounces, it’s actually lighter than the Nano X1 or TC-11.
Springy foam and a flexible outsole make this shoe better for cardio than big lifts.
Best Overall CrossFit Shoes: Reebok Nano X1
Reebok
Reebok Nano X1
reebok.com
$130.00
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We’ve been big Nano fans ever since meeting the shoe a couple generations ago, with 2019’s Nano 9. That shoe’s combination of comfort, breathability and a minimal drop, super-stable base to support big lifts made it our new CrossFit favorite, so much so that we named it one of the best fitness products of the year.
Two iterations later, Reebok is still tweaking that winning formula. Billed as “the official shoe of fitness,” the Nano X1 boasts a number of upgrades: an even more breathable flexweave knit upper, a comfort collar for a secure fit and best of all, the brand’s signature Floatride Energy Foam in the forefoot. That makes this shoe just as ready to hit repeated sprints as tackle big kettlebell swings.
Best Upgrade CrossFit Shoes: Mizuno TC-11
Mizuno
Mizuno TC-11
mizunousa.com
$145.00
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Best known for running, Mizuno wouldn’t dare step foot in the hardcore fitness game without being pretty sure it had something special. And the brand does in the TC-11, which is easily one of the more progressive training shoes on this list.
In addition to a fully knit upper and a socklike liner for unmatched comfort, these shoes distinguish themselves via Mizuno’s C.O.B. (Center of Balance) technology. Sensor pod clusters link the outsole with the midsole, transmitting feedback from the ground to keep you stable and light on your feet no matter how many rounds of box jumps your WOD demands.
Best Value CrossFit Shoes: UA HOVR Rise
Under Armour
UA HOVR Rise
underarmour.com
$90.99
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While it may not be as fancy as the two shoes above, the UA HOVR Rise is no slouch. At 10.6 ounces, it’s actually lighter than both of those, and its bouncy foam midsole will make you feel even more like you’re bounding on air. Meanwhile the mesh upper is breathable and the full rubber outsole provides plenty of traction no matter what direction you’re headed.
Even at $100, this shoe promised a lot of value, but that factor only increases with the price at $91. A single caveat: the springy midsole and flexible outsole lend themselves much more to cardio-based WODs than heavy lifting-oriented ones.
Most Reliable CrossFit Shoes: Nike Metcon 6
Nike
Nike Metcon 6
nike.com
$130.00
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Nike doesn’t keep shoes in its stable for six generations if they aren’t getting the job done better every time out. Thanks to a lightweight mesh upper, the latest Metcon is 18 percent more breathable than the beloved Metcon 5. It’s incredibly stable thanks to a grippy rubber outsole. a low, flat, wide heel and firmer foam in the heel for additional security. Then there’s the shoe’s most distinctive feature: a removable Hyperlift insert lets you adjust heel height depending what exercise is coming up next, so you can tackle cardio-heavy WODs and heavy lifting with equal aplomb.
Most Forward-Thinking CrossFit Shoes: Adidas Futurenatural
Adidas
Adidas Futurenatural
adidas.com
$120.00
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You’ve gotta applaud the creativity that went into designing this offbeat training shoe. The most noticeable distinction is that one-of-a-kind footprint, which is wider at the forefoot and heel for added stability. Meanwhile, a Primeknit upper keeps the Futurenatural cool and comfortable, while a weight of just 9 ounces will have you bouncing all over the gym. As with the UA HOVR Rise, this shoe will bring you much more joy during cardio-centric WODs than heavy lifting-oriented ones.
Most Stylish CrossFit Shoes: NoBull Navy Prism Trainer
NoBull
NoBull Navy Prism Trainer
nobullproject.com
$139.00
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NoBull’s variety of colors and designs is seemingly endless — and
every new trainer
it drops seems prettier than the last. This blue beauty is augmented by prismatic graphics lining the outsole. but it’s not just here to look good. It boasts SuperFabric, an ultra durable, breathable and tough fabric on the upper, plus a grippy outsole and high carbon side guards for even more stability and protection. Meanwhile, a molded sockliner delivers cool comfort when you’re struggling through a rope climb or kippered pullups.
Most Wallet-Friendly CrossFit Shoes: Puma FUSE
Puma
Puma FUSE Training Shoes
puma.com
$90.00
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At a dollar less than UA’s HOVR Rise, the Puma FUSE is officially the least expensive shoe on this list. It’s also quite new, having just launched last year. But don’t underestimate it. The FUSE rocks a 4 millimeter drop, wide toebox and low internal midsole, providing a super stable base for squats, presses and kettlebell swings. Plus, a supportive TPU heel clip and a high-traction outsole and raised rubber wrap-ups ensure that no matter where your next WOD takes you, your feet will lead the way.