Best Shoes for CrossFit

Over the past few months, you’ve baked bread, done endless loads of laundry, and joined TikTok. Are you thinking now it’s time to get out of the house, off the couch and into the best shape of your life? You can jump-start all your fitness goals with CrossFit, thanks to its powerful combination of high-intensity exercise and high-protein nutrition guidelines.

While personal motivation is the key to a successful workout, a good pair of CrossFit shoes can help you get the most out of your session. Here’s how to find the CrossFit shoe that’s right for you and a few Hibbett | City Gear-approved cross trainer recommendations to get you started.

How to Pick a CrossFit Shoe

You already know that not all shoes are created equal. While running shoes are perfectly acceptable in a CrossFit box, a CrossFit sneaker doesn’t have the “drop” of a running shoe. You know how your running shoes have a gentle slope of several millimeters from heel to toe? That’s great for the repetitive back-to-front motion of your feet as you run, but not so much when it comes to CrossFit exercises. Instead, you’ll want to find a training shoe that’s flatter and less curved to keep you grounded throughout your workout.

Look for shoes that meet the following criteria:

Lightweight: Those deadlifts are killer, so choose a sneaker that won’t weigh you down. Foam midsoles and thinner rubber outsoles (that have plenty of traction, of course) are two features that lighten up a performance shoe.

Breathable: There’s nothing like a hard-won sweat sesh to make you feel accomplished. You want shoes that keep feet well-ventilated and sweat-free from start to finish.

Supportive: Lightweight, breathable shoes are often made of thinner, lighter materials. Fortunately, you don’t have to sacrifice these your shoes’ levity and ventilation for support. Sculpted foam midsoles combined with modern sneaker technology mean your foot can stay firmly in place as you complete a circuit, all while offering comfort and responsive energy return.

Our 5 Best CrossFit Shoe Picks

Hibbett | City Gear’s offering of cross-training shoes are designed for both beginners and CrossFit experts to get in as many box jumps and reps as possible — without worrying about what’s on their feet.

Nike Metcon: These shoes rank as one of the top picks for most CrossFit enthusiasts for good reason. The Nike Metcon collection includes the Metcon React, a training shoe that features a midsole that provides a perfect balance of lightweight responsiveness and stability for high-impact activities. The upper’s knit construction hugs the foot while offering breathable durability, and the outsole has a strong grip to keep you steady in place while you work.

The Nike Metcon 5 is another top-choice CrossFit trainer with its enhanced grip, stability, cushioning and removable Hyperlift insert.

adidas Weightlifting Powerlift 4: This athletic sneaker offers a narrow fit, midsole wedge, and wide instep to provide a premium base for weight-training activities. A hook-and-loop closure crosses the lacing system for additional lockdown.

Under Armour TriBase Reign Training Shoe: Under Armour understands that everything from lifts to WODs (that’s “Workout of the Day” for you CrossFit beginners) begins from the ground up. That’s why the UA TriBase — Under Armour’s proprietary outsole technology — allows for upward flexibility and promotes the foot’s natural motion while keeping you connected to the ground.

New Balance Minimus 20v7 Trainer: These New Balance shoes have a slight drop to facilitate an overall natural feel. An engineered knit, mesh and synthetic upper provides breathable structure, while a one-piece Vibram outsole helps keep any athlete fixed in position.

adidas Adipower 2 Men’s Wrestling Shoes: Targeted support comes by way of a breathable upper, TPU wedge midsole, flexible forefoot, and padded rearfoot.

Reaching all your fitness goals takes a village. That’s why we love the enthusiastic, communal spirit CrossFit provides. Once you’ve picked your CrossFit sneakers, make sure you’ve got all the CrossFit apparel you need, too. Before you head to your local box, let Hibbett | City Gear dress you from toe-to-head.