CrossFit is a truly amazing type of exercise that will leave you huffing and puffing for air. It is perhaps one of the most intense kinds of exercise that you could engage in and it can really help get you into shape in a very short amount of time. The thing is that in order to do CrossFit, ideally you should have CrossFit specific shoes. There are a ton of different CrossFit shoes out there, the trick is to find the best CrossFit shoes for men for you. Not everyone is the same, which is why we have a list of the top 5 CrossFit shoes that you can get, plus we also have a little lowdown on what CrossFit is, and what it can do for you!
Summary: The Best CrossFit Shoes For Men
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What Is CrossFit?
CrossFit is a relatively new and unique type of workout regimen. The purpose of CrossFit is to give people who focus on a specific type of exercise a break from that same boring routine. Plus CrossFit is good for you because it helps bring some variety into your workout routine.
CrossFit involves very intense bouts of exercise that consist of various different exercises that are made into one routine, kind of like a really hardcore version of circuit training. Moreover, CrossFit does its best to mix cardio like running, with weight bearing exercises like pushups, and with weight lifting exercises like curling dumbbells. It even includes a fair amount of gymnastics and flexibility exercises as well.
For example, weight lifters of course mainly lift weights, but that doesn’t mean that they shouldn’t do some cardio because after all, heart health is important too. CrossFit gives weight lifters the opportunity to still do some weight training, but also get some cardio in at the same time.
On the flip side of the coin, people who run, cycle, or swim a lot may not have very strong muscles due to a lack of weight training. Therefore CrossFit is ideal because it gives cardio buffs the chance to engage in a bit of weight training to get the best of both worlds.
In short, CrossFit is meant to balance your workout routine in order to build a well-rounded body and to help you bring your focus from one specific type of exercise to a more diverse workout routine.
What Does A Classic CrossFit Workout Consist Of?
To get the most out of your workout you should include 3 main types of exercise. A good example of a comprehensive CrossFit routine would include gymnastic aspects such as medicine ball throws, box jumps, pull ups, ring dips, and pushups. It would also include cardiovascular training such as rowing, skipping, running, cycling, or stair climbing. And, finally, it should also include weightlifting aspects such as squats, deadlifts, snatches, and clean and jerks. A great CrossFit routine will include most of these things in order to give you the diversity that you need.
What Does CrossFit Do For You?
CrossFit is an excellent form of exercise and it has a great number of benefits to be reaped from it. These benefits include cardio training, strength training, increasing stamina, increasing flexibility, upping your power level, making you faster, bettering your coordination, increasing your agility, balance, and accuracy too. As you can see, there really isn’t anything that CrossFit can’t do for you.
What To Look For In A CrossFit Shoe
There are a number of aspects that you will want to keep in mind before you buy any one CrossFit specific shoe. Here are some of the things that you should pay attention to before you go out and spend money on a pair of CrossFit trainers.
Sole
This really depends on what the main focus of your CrossFit training is. If you want to focus more on the weight lifting side of things, you will want a shoe that has a harder and flat sole. On the other hand, more support and cushioning are needed if you want to focus more on the gymnastic and cardio side of things.
Comfort
Perhaps one of the most important things when it comes to CrossFit shoes is their comfort. Preferably you should get an anatomically designed shoe that is made to fit the arches of your feet and provide them with adequate support. The shoes should also be fairly snug so you don’t slip around inside of them. Also, the CrossFit shoes you get should be lightweight and breathable, which usually means that they have a mesh upper to prevent excessive sweating and overheating.
Outer Shoe
When we talk about the outer shoe we mean the body of it, or in other words, the sides and top of the shoes. Your shoes should be strong and durable, plus have some kind of reinforced cage around your feet. This is because CrossFit is very intense and normal shoes just won’t stand up to the trials and tribulations that this type of workout can throw at you. Also having good traction on the top of the shoe makes things like climbing ropes a lot easier.
Traction
The CrossFit shoes that you get should have very good traction combined with a durable sole. Traction is necessary if you are going to be doing CrossFit, especially if you are on a hard and slippery surface such as the floor of a gym.
CrossFit Shoes For Men Reviews
Our Rating
This is an extremely high-quality CrossFit shoe and while it may be quite expensive, it does have extensive features which make it the perfect shoe for various types of exercises.
Design
One really great part about this shoe is that the Flywire mid-foot technology helps lock your foot into place. This provides for a close and snug fit in order to give you the most bang for your buck, not to mention that your feet won’t slip around while you are exercising, which of course is something that can cause blisters.
We also really like the fact that this shoe has a mesh upper, meaning that it is very lightweight and breathable too. No one wants to run with hot and sweaty feet, a problem which the Nike Metcon definitely takes care of.
Something else about the mid-foot that is really great when it comes to the Nike Metcon Training Shoes is that it has double foam padding. The double padding ensures that you have superior cushioning and support while doing CrossFit, both of which are very important. The soles of your feet will definitely appreciate the anatomical design that hugs your arches, supports your heels, and works great in terms of shock absorption too.
The sole of this shoe is also amazing. It’s a simple rubber sole that has the ability to absorb a fair amount of impact, plus it provides for optimal traction as well. Furthermore, it provides for a really flat and stable platform which is ideal for explosive lifts. Moreover, it has a zero-drag heel that is specifically designed for exercises such as handstand pushups where your feet are against the wall.
Value for money
The Nike Metcon 2 shoes definitely have an excellent value for their price. Yes, they do cost upwards of 150 dollars depending on which color you get, but they are definitely worth it. They have superior cushioning, great arch and heel support, they are lightweight, they have good ventilation, good grip, and a zero-drag heel too. When it comes to a CrossFit shoe, this model is fantastic, especially because they are ideal for both cardio and strength training related CrossFit activities.
Build quality
When it comes to the build quality of the Nike Metcon 2 shoes we couldn’t find a bone of contention. They are made out of very durable material that is built to last for ages. They are also really comfortable, are easy to lace up, and the superior padding definitely adds to the quality factor too, plus they have high-grade outer soles too.
Pros
- Ideal for lifting, running, and other CrossFit activities
- Mesh upper for light weight and ventilation
- Zero-drag heel
- Snug fit thanks to Flywire technology
- Dual density midsole foam padding for support and comfort
- Flat and stable platform for explosive lifting power
Cons
- Some people may dislike the completely flat bottom
- Very stiff
- Rubber border around toe may come loose over time
Our Rating
This is a superior CrossFit shoe that is well worth the money it costs. While it may be a little bit on the expensive side of things, it’s a fantastic shoe with great comfort, support, and a neat design too.
Design
This CrossFit shoe is really great because it uses something called multi-directional meta flex technology. This technology makes the Inov-8 very flexible and comfortable, yet it also provides really good support for your feet, especially your heels and arches. This shoe lets you move through all of your CrossFit activities with ease and comfort.
Another comfortable aspect of this shoe is that it has a complete mesh upper which means that it is very light. It breathes well and provides your feet with ventilation, plus it’s very lightweight, making it perfect for a variety of CrossFit exercises. These shoes have great toe protection and they also snugly fit the heels too, plus they are very stable.
This shoe also has a very traction oriented rubber outsole that keeps your feet planted firmly to the ground through a variety of exercises. These shoes are great for lifting oriented CrossFit activities and somewhat ideal for more cardio oriented CrossFit exercises too. One of best parts about these shoes is that they are made of very durable synthetic materials that are built to withstand even the most intense workout routines.
Value for money
The value for the price of these shoes is very high. While they may be a little bit expensive, coming in at over 120 dollars, they are definitely worth it. The meta flex technology plus the amazing outsoles and the light weight of these shoes make them a steal.
Build quality
These shoes have a great build quality and there isn’t really much to complain about. They are made of durable material, offer superior foot support and protection, they are comfortable and lightweight too. The Inov-8 shoes are high quality and more than ideal for off-road CrossFit exercises.
Pros
- Very functional
- Comfortable and light weight
- Allow your feet to breathe
- Quite durable
- Utilize meta flex technology; flexible
- Ideal for all varieties of CrossFit training
- Snug fit
Cons
- Sole may start to peel with extensive running
- Shoes fit small; order larger shoes
Our Rating
This is a good middle of the line CrossFit training shoe because they are ideal for most kinds of CrossFit. They have good stability, decent support, are light, and breathable too.
Design
One valuable aspect of the design of the Asics Cross-trainer Shoe is that they have a Speva midsole. This midsole is great because it improves bounce back, thus giving you more explosiveness, while at the same time having the ability to absorb impact. This type of midsole also prevents the rapid deterioration of the inner and outer soles, thus making the shoes last much longer.
We also really like the fact that the outer sole has high abrasion resistant rubber in specific places, which means that the outside of this shoe is extremely durable and will not break down very quickly at all. The outer sole is also good for indoor activities because it is scuff free and won’t mess up your floors with those nasty black streaks. On the other hand, the top of the shoe is lined with soft and flexible mesh. This makes these shoes very flexible and comfortable to wear, not to mention that they also have great ventilation to prevent excessive sweating and overheating.
Perhaps one of the best parts about these shoes is that they have a Comfordry sock liner. This liner provides your feet with some soft cushioning, but that isn’t all. The liner also helps to wick away moisture, keep your feet dry, and keep them cool while you perform your CrossFit routine. These things even come with a special little pocket to store the laces when the shoes are tied, thus keeping them out of the way and preventing you from tripping over them.
Value for money
We really like these shoes and their value. They come in at around 100 bucks and they have some great features which make them a steal. The Comfordry lining, the superior midsole, their durable nature, breathability, and their comfort all make the price more than worth it.
Build quality
There is nothing to complain about in terms of the build quality. Both the inside and outside of these shoes are designed to be extra-durable and super-comfortable at the same time. They have adequate cushioning, good support, and decent ventilation too. They will last a long time and be able to provide you with a comfortable workout environment for all of your CrossFit needs.
Pros
- Comfordry lining
- Great ventilation
- No-scuff soles
- Have a lace garage
- High abrasion rubber on the outer soles
- Speva midsole for bounce and shock absorption
- Ideal for most CrossFit exercises
- Very lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal for running long distances
- Do not have copious amounts of cushioning
- Quite narrow and tight
Our Rating
This is a fantastic shoe for CrossFit and will surely do the trick. It’s a very comfortable, stable, and rugged shoe that lets you do various CrossFit exercises with ease.
Design
We really like the design of this shoe because it has a Kevlar infused mesh upper, which makes it really durable and tough. You know, Kevlar is that stuff that bulletproof vests are made of, so you know that this shoe is going to last a very long time.
Another great thing about this shoe is that it has an anatomical design, which means that it is built to fit feet perfectly. It has great arch and heel support for superior comfort, plus it’s really stable too, meaning that running through the woods or the country is as comfortable as can be.
The soles of these shoes are also very cool because they have piston technology lugged outsole and a tri-blend foam midsole. This means that the Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 is extremely comfortable, well padded, give you some bounce, and they do a great job at absorbing impact as well. Did we forget to mention that these CrossFit shoes also look really cool?
Value for money
The value for the price of these shoes is just fine. They are extremely durable and comfortable, plus they offer great support, not to mention that they have a sleek design too. For something like 130 dollars you really can’t go wrong with the Reebok CrossFit Nano 6.0 Cross-Trainer shoes.
Build quality
Like we mentioned before, these shoes have an amazing build quality, largely thanks to the Kevlar infused upper. Your feet may not need to be bulletproof, but it never hurts if your shoes are made out of that same material. Of course, the advanced soles that use piston technology and have a blend of shock absorbing foam infused into them only serve to add to the quality of these shoes.
Pros
- Great for squats, running, and other CrossFit activities
- Provide for great ventilation
- Have optimal anatomically design foot support
- Durable Kevlar infused upper
- Fantastic grip on the outer sole
- Piston infused heel for absorbing impact
Cons
- Sole starts to peel after months of vigorous use
- Inner sole is slightly shorter than the shoe
- Not ideal for intense weight based (lifting) CrossFit exercises
Our Rating
This is a great shoe for the price that it comes at. They are ideal for CrossFit, it’s pretty durable, and the Vibram inner and outer soles are fantastic additions to these CrossFit shoes.
Design
Perhaps one of our favorite parts about these shoes is that they have a really cool and modern look to them. Sure, they aren’t meant to be stylish, but it never hurts to look good. We also really like the mesh upper because they let your feet breathe and won’t make them too hot and sweaty.
Moreover, the collar and tongue of the New Balance CrossFit Training Shoe are both made of molded foam which definitely adds a certain degree of comfort. We also really like the new burrito style tongue because it keeps it from slipping down and moving all over the place.
Another great part about these shoes is that they feature a Vibram outsole. Vibram is a form of vulcanized rubber that is extremely durable and has a high degree of resistant towards abrasion. This means that the soles of these CrossFit shoes aren’t going to wear down in any particular spot, at least not for a few years of intense exercise.
The Vibram sole is also really neat because it provides for more traction than virtually any other material, thus making these shoes great for indoor CrossFit activities. These shoes are ideal for short cardio related CrossFit activities as well as weight training CrossFit.
Value for money
These CrossFit shoes have a pretty decent value for their price. They are some of the cheaper CrossFit shoes out there so the features they have are somewhat limited. They are pretty durable, quite comfortable, and have an excellent outer sole. For something like 80 dollars you really can’t go wrong with this pair of New Balance CrossFit Shoes.
Build quality
The build quality of these CrossFit shoes is pretty good. They are made out of some decent foam and synthetic materials that should hold up to the challenge that is your workout routine. We can’t stress enough how good the Vibram soles are though; they are truly excellent. It is worth nothing that these shoes are ideal for more weight related CrossFit activities and not so much for running longer distances.
Pros
- Cheap
- Great for weight training related CrossFit
- Awesome Vibram sole
- Breathable with good ventilation
- Comfortable tongue and collar
- Burrito tongue prevents slipping
Cons
- Minimal arch and heel support
- Not ideal for running or other cardio related CrossFit
- They run a little larger; order ½ size smaller
- Trim around the ankle starts to tear with wear
Conclusion
The best shoes for CrossFit can provide you with a comfortable, supportive, and cool base for the various exercises that are included in your CrossFit workouts. The best CrossFit shoes for men should also be able to last for a really long time, stand up to even the most intense of workouts, keep your feet cool and dry, and provide adequate protection, padding, and comfort too. All of these things are factors which go into a great CrossFit shoe. Don’t hesitate to spend a little extra to get a shoe that is going to keep your feet pain free and going for a long time because your health is well worth a few dollars.
If you have any questions about CrossFit shoes or CrossFit in general, we would be more than happy to entertain them. Also, maybe you have your own experience with one of the 5 shoes we mentioned above, in which case we would be happy to hear about it!
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