Best Cross-Training Shoes (by Pronation of the Foot)
Address weakness, improve form, and achieve tip-top shape at the shortest possible time using the best cross training shoes
Updated on April 16, 2018
Featured shoe: New Balance 608v4
Cross-training (or circuit training) is a combination of exercises that can improve your strength and flexibility. Originally referred to as the athlete’s training to improve overall performance, cross-training has now become a favorite workout for non-athletes as well in achieving overall health. Cross-training aims to strengthen muscles in various parts of your body, not just certain muscle groups, to address weaknesses and improve form.
If you’re a runner, through cross-training you can work on enhancing your cardio conditioning by targeting different muscle groups that aren’t used in running. This will allow your muscles in the lower body, which you primarily use for running, to recover and be ready for your next running activity at the same time improving your cardio exercise through cross-training workouts. Other cross-training exercises may focus more on improving muscle strength and flexibility.
What are the best cross training shoes?
The best cross-training shoes are the ones that can help you achieve tip-top shape at the shortest possible time. When it comes to wearing cross-training shoes for your workout routine, experts indicate that the more cushioning or support your shoes have, the lesser achievement of muscle development.
So, as you become fitter and healthier in your training, aim for the shoes with more barefoot-like experience (meaning more contact with the ground) where your muscles will be required to work and strengthen.
Jump link: Men’s Best Cross Training Shoes »
Women’s Best Cross-Training Shoes (Neutral Cushioning)
These cross trainers offer flexibility, support, and cushioning that can complement the natural functions of your body biomechanics. If you have neutral pronation or underpronation/supination, these training shoes are for you, although, in the case of supination, you should avoid shoes with minimalist design.
1. New Balance WX711V3
2. New Balance WX623v3
3. New Balance WX608v4
4. New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE
5. New Balance Flexonic WX66V2
6. New Balance WX577v4
7. Nike Flex Trainer 7
8. Nike Zoom Fitness
9. Nike Free Focus Flyknit 2
10. Nike Free TR Flyknit 2
The best New Balance cross training shoes have CUSH+ performance midsole which offers softer, stable and responsive cushioning, ABZORB heel technology which delivers cushioning and compression, and removable EVA foam insole.
The best Nike cross training shoes have Zoom Air cushioning which offers responsive support to help you stay comfortable for longer periods of time, as well as, Nike Flywire cables which are built to minimize weight and maximize support.
These neutral cushioned cross-training shoes can also give support up to mild overpronation.
11. Nike Flex Supreme TR 6
12. Nike Free TR 8
13. Nike Zoom Condition TR
14. ASICS GEL-Fit YUI
15. ASICS GEL-Craze TR 4
16. ASICS GEL-Acclaim
17. ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 TR
18. ASICS GEL-Fit Sana 3
19. ASICS GEL-Fit Tempo 3
20. Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0
The best ASICS cross training shoes have Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems which reduce impact from heel-strike through toe-off, FluidRide midsole technology which offers bounce back and cushioning, FluidAxis technology which adapts to the athlete’s movement from foot landing through toe-off, and Trusstic System technology which makes the shoe lighter.
You can run with cross-training shoes on a treadmill or pavement up to 5 miles only. If you usually run more than 5 miles, you’ll need a pair of serious running shoes.
21. Reebok Ros Workout TR 2-0
22. Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave
23. Reebok Crossfit Speed TR
24. Ryka Devotion XT
25. Ryka Influence
26. Ryka Hydro Sport
27. Ryka Grafik 2
28. Ryka Resonant NRG
29. PUMA Cell Riaze Heather
30. PUMA Tazon 6
Other best cross training shoes for women are:
- PUMA Rebel Mid WNS
- Under Armour Rotation
- adidas Powerlift.3.1
- NOBULL Trainer (Best Overall, OutdoorGearLab)
- Inov-8 Fastlift 325 (Top Pick, OutdoorGearLab)
RELATED: Best Shoes for Underpronation
Women’s Best Cross-Training Shoes (Stability)
RELATED: Best Shoes for Overpronation
If you have foot problems like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee pain and cross trainers hurt you, supportive running shoes will be best for you.
Some of these brands don’t state that their shoes are orthopedic (or they stay away from any orthopedic claim) so including their shoes in the above list are based on actual consumer and expert reviews.
Men’s Best Cross-Training Shoes (Neutral Cushioning)
These cross trainers offer flexibility, support, and cushioning that can complement the natural functions of your body biomechanics. If you have neutral pronation or underpronation/supination, these training shoes are for you, although, in the case of supination, you should avoid shoes with minimalist design.
1. New Balance MX608V4
2. New Balance MX623v3
3. New Balance MX40v1
4. New Balance MX824v1
5. New Balance MX409
6. Nike Zoom Domination
7. Nike Free Trainer V7
8. Nike Air Trainer 180
9. Nike Zoom Train Command RW
10. Nike Jordan Trainer Prime
The best New Balance cross training shoes have CUSH+ performance midsole which offers softer, stable and responsive cushioning, ABZORB heel technology which delivers cushioning and compression, and removable EVA foam insole.
The best Nike cross training shoes have Zoom Air cushioning which offers responsive support to help you stay comfortable for longer periods of time, as well as, Nike Flywire cables which are built to minimize weight and maximize support.
These neutral cushioned cross-training shoes can also give support up to mild overpronation.
11. Nike Air Monarch IV
12. Nike Zoom Train Complete
13. ASICS GEL-Acclaim
14. ASICS Gel-Quantum 180 TR
15. ASICS GEL-Craze TR 4
16. ASICS GEL-Unifire TR 3
17. ASICS GEL-Intensity 3
18. Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave
19. Reebok Ros Workout TR 2.0
20. Reebok Crossfit Speed TR
The best ASICS cross training shoes have Rearfoot and Forefoot GEL Cushioning Systems which reduce impact from heel-strike through toe-off, FluidRide midsole technology which offers bounce back and cushioning, FluidAxis technology which adapts to the athlete’s movement from foot landing through toe-off, and Trusstic System technology which makes the shoe lighter.
You can run with cross-training shoes on a treadmill or pavement up to 5 miles only. If you usually run more than 5 miles, you’ll need a pair of serious running shoes.
21. Under Armour Men’s Limitless 3.0
22. Under Armour UA Micro G Speed Swift
23. Under Armour UA Charged Core
24. Skechers Sport Equalizer 2.0 True Balance
25. Skechers Flex Advantage 2.0
26. inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2
27. inov-8 Bare-XF 210
28. inov-8 F-Lite 240
29. Puma Tazon 6
30. Puma Cell Surin 2
Other best cross training shoes for men are:
RELATED: Best Shoes for Underpronation
Men’s Best Cross-Training Shoes (Stability)
These cross trainers have great arch supports designed to provide stability for both sides of your forefoot and ankle.
- New Balance MX857v2
- New Balance MX1267
- ASICS GEL-190 TR
- ASICS Tiger GEL-Kayano Trainer
- Nike Metcon 4
RELATED: Best Shoes for Overpronation
If you have foot problems like plantar fasciitis, shin splints, or knee pain and cross trainers hurt you, supportive running shoes will be best for you.
Some of these brands don’t state that their shoes are orthopedic (or they stay away from any orthopedic claim) so including their shoes in the above list are based on actual consumer and expert reviews.
