Be Better in the Box with the Best CrossFit Shoes

As the latest iteration of Reebok’s iconic training silhouette, the Nano X3s are quite possibly the best profile in the brand’s history. Our tester really enjoyed the all-new Lift and Run Chassis System that created efficient, effective support and responsiveness across multiple training disciplines. This versatility is key to CrossFit, as any WOD can have a number of movements throughout the routine. While some athletes may experience some heel slippage at first, requiring further attention to lacing setups, we believe these are the top CrossFit kicks for any workout you have this year.

Read our full Reebok Nano X3 review.

The eighth iteration of this impressive training silhouette still lives up to the hype, furthering the battle between this profile and the above Nano lineup. We really like the stability for static lifts, and the reworked upper definitely fixed any durability concerns we had with its predecessor. The Metcon 8s are also surprisingly impressive when it comes to rope climbs, despite the lack of a rope guard on the medial side. Like its previous iterations, however, the blocky heel, while great for static lifts, does hinder performance slightly when it comes to cardio-based workouts.

Puma has been a go-to for budget-friendly CrossFit shoes for a while — the brand’s original Fuse trainers sat at this spot for quite some time. With a roomier fit and stable platform, we’re happy to see the Fuse 2.0s keep hold of the cost-effective crown. The lockdown fit is still present, and we appreciated the grip and traction provided by the PUMAGRIP outsole. We wouldn’t recommend these sneakers for PR days, though, as we did notice some unwanted compression when squat and deadlift totals began to creep into heavier territory.

Read our full Puma Fuse 2.0 review.

If we’re being honest, we could’ve picked any one of the Nobull Trainer silhouettes for this spot, but thanks to a grippier outsole and improved midfoot feel, we opted to list the High-Top Trainer+s. This lineup was unveiled earlier this year, and the brand has already begun to add its trademark stylings to the stable with vibrant and subdued colorways fit for any aesthetic. And for those not keen on the high-top silhouette — we’ll admit, getting these on and off at times is a workout in itself — there’s a plethora of low-cut Trainer+ profiles to choose from.

Read our full Nobull High-Top Trainer+ review.

If your WODs are particularly eclectic or random, it helps to have a sneaker that can perform at its highest no matter what your circuit calls for. We love the updated UA TriBase Reign 5s for versatile training scenarios thanks to its Micro G Foam midsole that packs in just the right amount of comfort and support for a bevy of movements. Plus, the UA WARP upper is durable enough to withstand countless abrasions while still promoting a cozy, breathable fit. Just be sure to pay close attention to how your lacing system works. Our tester noted some uncomfortable pressure across the top of the foot during initial wears, which they attribute to the staggered lattice structure.

Toughness and durability are definitely not lacking in this impressive CrossFit shoe. These kicks boast a Graphene Powerheel for added support and stability. A durable knit upper stays breathable while still protecting your digits and resisting abrasions. And extended Rope-Tec protection provides plenty of grip, which was more than evident when we tested these shoes in a series of rope climbs. Seriously, it might be more difficult finding a workout these CrossFit shoes aren’t capable of completing.

Lifting clogs can be great implements for those heavier Olympic lifts, and in testing, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed the stability and performance baked into the all-new TYR L-1 Lifters. The toe box is wider than other clogs out there, which allows for better toe splaying as you brace for a heavy lift, and the overall aesthetics are downright impressive, especially when you consider TYR has seemingly come out of nowhere in the footwear category. Do make sure you have your midfoot straps secured properly, though, as they can hang over the lateral side a bit and potentially get caught underfoot.

Read our full TYR L-1 review.

New to the scene but quickly making an impact, the R.A.D. Ones boast an eye-catching aesthetic and plenty of workout-ready specs. A Swell Foam sole provides ample energy return for short sprints, and we felt plenty of support in Olympic lifts like clean and jerks. If you want a pair for yourself, however, you best be on the ball. R.A.D. only releases limited quantities in each colorway, so we recommend signing up for their newsletter and getting the drop on these innovative newcomers.

Read our full R.A.D. One review.

When your resume includes six of the top 10 male competitors at the 2022 CrossFit Games, it’s safe to say your arrival on the scene was impactful. In testing these TYR CXT-1 Trainers, it’s evident why so many top tier athletes turn to these kicks for performing at the highest stage. The patent-pending Stability Platform and grippy outsole allowed us to achieve the proper brace and position in no time, and the Sure NRG Foam midsole provides all the stability and responsiveness you’d want when pushing the limit in the gym. We're curious to see how the softer mesh upper holds up over time, but for now, these are some serious training kicks worth considering.

Read our full TYR CXT-1 review.

No outsole? No problem. The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295s are constructed with the tough-as-nails, Graphene-enhanced G-FLY+ foam that can withstand session after session. We enjoyed the responsiveness of these fast CrossFit shoes, and while they don’t feature the same medial and lateral elements of the G 300, we wouldn’t think twice about lacing these puppies up for cardio-heavy training days.

Now these CrossFit shoes know how to cut weight for the sake of breathability and performance. As the latest installment of the brand’s partnership with the “Fittest Man in History,” the Nano X2 Fronings are prime for pushing your limits thanks to the race car-inspired silhouette that totals just 10.4 ounces. We really noticed this bare bones makeup in speed work, as the lightweight build made pickups and transitions much smoother than other, clunkier silhouettes. We would’ve loved to have seen an extra eyelet to implement a lace lock structure, though, as your heel can begin to slide if you’re really powering through agility training.

Read our full Reebok Nano X2 Froning review.

You know what’s better than knocking out a grueling WOD? The post-workout recovery session. Boasting an innovative collapsible heel that turns these versatile trainers from sneaker to slide in a matter of seconds, we really enjoyed how simple it was to transition between intensities with these shoes. We also admired the BOA Fit System that helped us achieve that perfect lockdown feel (and much simpler exits when our exercises were complete). While not the answer to all training disciplines — the collapsible heel, naturally, is not as supportive as others on this list, if you want a simple silhouette that can easily pull double duty, slide into these all-new kicks from Under Armour.