Best Cross-training Shoes (by Pronation of the Foot)
Strengthen weaker muscles, improve form, and achieve tip-top shape at the shortest possible time with the help of these excellent cross-training shoes that can improve your overall performance
Cross training (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 weakness 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 significantly help you improve your overall performance. 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.
Top 5 Cross-training Shoes
Note: If your feet’s support type is neutral to underpronation (supination), your best shoes are neutral-cushioned shoes but if you have fallen arches or overpronation, your best shoes are stability or motion control shoes. Also, if you have foot problems like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, metatarsalgia, etc. and cross trainers hurt you, supportive running shoes will be best for you because they offer more cushioning.
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Women’s Best Cross-training Shoes (Neutral-cushioned Shoes)
These cross trainers offer flexibility, support, and cushioning that can complement the natural functions of your body biomechanics. For those with neutral pronation to underpronation (or supination), these training shoes are for you. Although, in the case of supination type roll of foot, one should avoid the shoes with minimalist design especially if you experience foot pain during training.
1. New Balance WX711V3
2. New Balance FF Zante Trainer
3. New Balance WX608v5
4. New Balance FuelCore NERGIZE
5. New Balance WXNRGv1
6. New Balance Nergize Trainer
7. Nike Flex TR 9
8. Nike Free x Metcon 2 (Best for agility, RW)
9. Nike Flex Essential TR
10. Nike Air Bella TR
You can get more muscle power, more endurance, and more muscle oxygenation using an engineered gradient compression clothing.
RELATED: 10 Health Benefits of Compression Clothing During Workout and Post-Workout
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 Metcon 5
12. Nike Free TR 8 (Most versatile, RW)
13. Nike Foundation Elite 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 4
19. ASICS GEL-Fit Tempo 3
20. SKECHERS Flex Appeal 3.0
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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 Speed Her TR
22. Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 (Best for HIIT, RW)
23. Reebok Speed TR Flexweave
24. Ryka Devotion XT (2019 awardee, SHAPE)
25. Ryka Cosmos
26. Ryka Dynamic 2.5
27. On Cloud X (Best for plyo/tempo runs, RW)
28. PUMA Puma Dare AC
29. PUMA Defy
30. PUMA Tazon 6
Other best neutral-cushioned cross-training shoes are:
- PUMA Prodigy VT
- inov-8 F-lite 235 V3 (Most functional design, RW)
- inov-8 F-Litetm 260 Knit
- inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2
RELATED: Best Shoes for Underpronation
Women’s Best Cross-training Shoes (Stability Shoes)
RELATED: Best Shoes for Overpronation
Men’s Best Cross-training Shoes (Neutral-cushioned Shoes)
These cross trainers offer flexibility, support, and cushioning that can complement the natural functions of your body biomechanics. For those with neutral pronation to underpronation (or supination), these training shoes are for you. Although, in the case of supination type roll of foot, one should avoid the shoes with minimalist design especially if you experience foot pain during training.
1. New Balance MX608v5
2. New Balance MX623v3
3. New Balance RCVRYv1
4. New Balance UX20v7 Training
5. New Balance FF Zante Trainer
6. Nike Free x Metcon 2 (Best for agility, RW)
7. Nike Free TR 8 (Most versatile, RW)
8. Nike Metcon 4 XD X
9. Nike Legend Trainer
10. Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer
You can get more muscle power, more endurance, and more muscle oxygenation using an engineered gradient compression clothing.
RELATED: 10 Health Benefits of Compression Clothing During Workout and Post-Workout
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 Max Typha 2
12. On Cloud X (Best for plyo/tempo runs, RW)
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 (Best for HIIT, RW)
19. Reebok Speed TR Flexweave
20. Reebok Lifter PR
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 Afterburn M. Fit
25. SKECHERS Vigor 2.0 Trait
26. inov-8 F-Train 240
27. inov-8 All Train 215
28. inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 (Most functional design, RW)
29. Puma Tazon 6
30. Puma Cell Surin 2
Other best neutral-cushioned cross-training shoes are:
RELATED: Best Shoes for Underpronation
Men’s Best Cross-training Shoes (Stability Shoes)
These cross trainers have great arch supports designed to provide stability for both sides of your forefoot and ankle.
RELATED: Best Shoes for Overpronation
When it comes to orthopedic claims, most 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 list are only based on actual consumer reviews and testimonials. We hope that these shoes will work for you as well.
