The Best Cross-Training Shoes for 2025, Tested by Personal Trainers and Athletes

Metcon is a type of workout that combines strength training and cardio, so it’s no wonder the Nike Metcon 9 is our top pick for the best pair of cross-training shoes. The name aside, Nike changed the cross-training shoe game when they released these and made what is, in my opinion at least, the go-to gym shoes for anyone who needs a versatile pair of kicks.

For one, they’re designed for just about every activity you can think of. The wide base keeps you stable during deadlifts and squats (we rated stability a 5 out of 5); a well-cushioned forefront makes cardio bursts a breeze; you can do handstand push-ups with ease thanks to the heel handstand clips, and there’s a mid-foot rope guard to give you additional grip during rope climbs. 

I’m a big fan of the grippy all-rubber outsole that provides awesome traction whether you’re doing box jumps, burpees, or heavy lifting. They have an extremely breathable mesh upper, which makes a huge difference during those grueling workouts. The flexibility is average, and I wouldn’t recommend running more than a mile in them, but if you’re doing anything more than that, you should probably switch to running shoes anyway.

I’ve worn every Nike Metcon from the Metcon 6 down to the OGs, and I think Nike perfected it with their last two versions. The 7s were the first iteration that doesn’t have a squeaking issue, which was caused by the prior versions having a combined midsole and insole, and the 9s continue that tradition. We rate the construction and durability of the Metcon 9s a 4 out of 5. 

If you’re looking for the best-of-the-best, these are my runaway favorites. And if you’re willing and able to spend the money, Nike also allows you to fully customize every part of the sneaker to truly make it your own. 

Read our in-depth Nike Metcon 9 review.

The NOBULL Outwork, formerly the NOBULL Trainer, comes in low, mid, and high-top height levels, but we’re going to go with the lows for this one because that’s what we tested. 

I’ll admit these shoes aren’t the most comfortable when you first put them on, and unless you’re a NOBULL loyalist (and there are plenty out there), there might be an adjustment period with these shoes. Once that’s time’s done, though, you’ll be rewarded with a shoe that’s comfortable, durable, and functional. 

One of the reasons we picked it for people with flat feet is it has a reinforced heel that offers more protection to tendons that stretch from your Achilles to your calf muscle. The low heel might be a pain for some, but with flat feet you generally want to avoid a higher heel because it can place stress on other parts of the foot. 

These shoes are definitely more suitable for someone who leans more toward strength training than cardio. You could do short cardio sprints with them, but really, I’d limit it to about 200 meters. But again, if lifting is your thing, these are great for squats, deadlifts, and even Olympic lifts due to the harder bottom (it has a 4 millimeter heel-to-toe drop, making it best for deadlifts but you’re fine using them for any lift). 

Where these shoes really shine is in the durability category, which we rated a 5 out of 5: The one-piece construction eliminates the possibility that your shoes could come apart at the seams, and the outsole is made with carbon rubber, so it can withstand your workouts and any outdoor elements. It’s also a great material for tendon protection, another reason why people with flat feet should check it out. 

My biggest complaint is the design is fairly minimalist for a shoe that costs anywhere from $130-$160. We rated the value a 4 out of 5, though, because they do offer a lot for the price. While I’m still a fan of the Outwork shoes’ look, our team is fairly split on their appearance—but, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right? 

Read my full NOBULL Outwork shoes review for more.

There’s many reasons why someone would want to workout barefoot, from increased body awareness to stronger feet and improved balance. But there’s many reasons why you might want to still wear shoes, whether that’s to protect your feet from the elements or people’s improperly-disposed-of trash. 

For that barefoot feeling without actually being barefoot, go with the Xero 360. If you haven’t trained barefoot-style before, be forewarned it’s unlike anything you’ve tried before. There’s no cushioning or arch support, and there’s little stability and a lot of flexibility. Don’t take these as bad things, these are just side effects of barefoot shoes. 

I actually really enjoyed working out with these and found they forced me to learn how to use my actual feet, instead of my shoes, to execute box jumps and burpees. On the strength training side, these are better for a powerlifter than an Olympic one. In other words, they’re great for static movements, like the deadlift and squat, rather than the dynamic ones, such as the clean and jerk, that require a little more stability. Despite this, we rate adjustability and ergonomics a 4 out of 5. 

When it comes to cardio, it’s a matter of preference over anything else. I like running barefoot on my TrueForm Runner (you can also check out my picks for the best treadmills here), because the tread supports my feet, but I don’t know how I’d feel about an outdoor jog without a well-cushioned shoe. You might think that sounds great, in which case the Xero 360 is awesome to ensure you don’t step on glass or that pile of dog doo your neighbor didn’t pick up. 

My only other warning is these shoes’ materials aren’t as durable as other workout shoes, so they’re not built to last as long, which lead us to rate construction and durability a 3 out of 5. Again, that’s a consequence of prioritizing that barefoot feeling. 

Read my full Xero 360 review.

Although we’re calling the Reebok Nano X5 the best cross-training shoe for men, it’s a great option for women—anyone, really. The latest iteration of the Reebok Nano line has improved their midsole cushioning with a new DUALRESPONSE EVA foam midsole, making it one of the most versatile Nano shoes released by Reebok—as well as one of the most comfortable. 

GGR Staff Writer and sneakerhead Ben Emminger, NASM-CNC, NASM-CSNC, tested out the Nano X5 and says, “The multiple cushioning zones are an upgrade over previous models and iterations. It makes for solid versatility seen in its ability to transition between resistance training and cardio sessions.” He rates the cushioning a 4.5 out of 5, and notes that the midsole cushioning feels comfortable even in weekend errands and non-training scenarios.

The Reebok Nano X5 comes in a unisex model (with men’s and women’s sizing), and a women’s model. The unisex shoe has six different colorways, while the women’s shoe has seven. Ben rates the the style and design of the shoes a 4 out of 5, as the redesigned FlexWeave upper has a zonal patterning, which gives the X5 a sharper aesthetic than the Reebok Nano X4.

However, for stylish sneakerheads like Ben, he does warn, “The Nano X5s do come with longer laces than are typical, so that can give your tied shoes a goofy bunny-eared look if you’re not careful.” Overall, though, they’re a sleek pair of shoes.

Another thing to mention is that there’s a $10 price difference for colored profiles of the Nanos. At $150 for these colorways, they’re the most expensive Nanos released yet. Nevertheless, Ben mentions that the price is still comparable to many other cross-training shoes. 

Check out more of Ben’s first impressions with this new shoe in his Reebok Nano X5 review.

If you have wide feet, it may be challenging to find comfortable shoes you can wear during your workouts. Enter the Kuru Quantum 2.0s; these shoes are designed to fit wider feet, with adjustable laces as well as a wide toe box that allows your toes to splay and breathe. 

Our tester, Erin Chancer, GGR senior editor and NASM-CPT, said “Overall, I like these shoes a lot—they’re stable and comfortable.” She rated the adjustability and ergonomics of the Quantum 2.0s a 4.3 out of 5, saying that once the laces are manipulated to fit your foot, the arch support that this shoe gives is very, very nice. 

The outsole, what she describes as “beefy,” has an 8.5-millimeter heel-to-toe drop and could be considered rather bulky if you aren’t used to a heavier shoe (13.05 ounces, to be exact). That being said, we rated the stability of this shoe as a 5 out of 5 because of its supportive heel cup and adjustability. 

You can order the Quantum 2.0s in a medium or wide width, and the mesh upper is breathable and adds to the comfort level. In the wide width sizes 7 through 14 are available, and you can choose from three neutral colorways. We do realize these are an investment—$165 is a lot for a pair of shoes—but the top-notch construction as well as Kuru’s six-month guarantee make the price more bearable.

Read our full Kuru Quantum 2.0 review for our full breakdown on this shoe. 

An elevated heel can be especially good during squat sessions because it allows the lifter to get deeper into the hole, and helps transfer force to your quads while decreasing the range of motion at the hips, according to studies¹. The Adidas Adipower 3’s 22-millimeter heel-to-toe-drop is one of the highest I’ve seen in a training shoe, and it’s incredible that you can do much more than weightlifting in these kicks.

The Adipowers have a forefoot that’s flexible enough for conditioning workout, though I wouldn’t run any more than a quarter of a mile in these things at a time.

Another great feature that lends it to those who like to squat is the toe box, which is just wide enough to allow lifters to spread their toes out (helping them gain balance).

These are not an inexpensive pair of shoes, and some designs go for over $300. They’re worth the price if you’re a serious weightlifter who’s still looking for a pair of shoes that can handle a quick cardio workout, but if you’re just a lifter or someone who primarily does cardio, you’ll want to look for a specialty shoe.

Read my full Adidas Adipower III review for more on this shoe.

Reebok makes some of the best cross-training shoes out there, which is why they appear on this list multiple times. Their newest intro, the Nano Gym Shoes, are no exception to the reputation Reebok has built in the shoe space, and for $100, are also able to work for many people’s budgets. The value is there, as it’s a decent price and less than similar gym shoes like the Metcons—we rated this category a 4 out of 5. 

Nano Gym shoes are built specifically for what the brand calls “gym” workouts—this means a combo of running, weight training, and even HIIT. An EVA midsole and cushioned heel provide support for running, but the TPU cradle also provides support for lifting. 

Our tester, GGR staff writer and certified personal trainer Stephen Sheehan, tried these out, and as a diehard Nike Metcon wearer, he was pleasantly surprised by his Nano Gym shoes experience, giving them a 4.43-out-of-5-rating overall.

“Overall, I found the Nanos to be more comfortable due to the cushioned heel,” he explains. “I feel a little more stable in the Metcons for lifting, but I think the Nanos are a better shoe in terms of versatility and support.” Stephen rated construction and durability a 4.5 out of 5 and stability a 4 out of 5. 

The Nano Gym shoes are available for both men and women, with sizes ranging from 6.5 to 14. There are also five colorways available, including white and black, as well as a bright coral.  You can read more in our Reebok Nano Gym Shoes review.

We asked our Home Gym Community on Facebook (if you’re not a part of it, then what are you waiting for?) what their favorite training shoe is and while the No. 1 pick was the Nike Metcon 7, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star was a close second. 

Honestly, I like our readers’ style. I mean, what’s not to love about Chucks? You get a rigid outsole, great ankle support (if you choose the high-top version, which I recommend), and they look great so you can wear them in the gym and to dinner. Talk about versatility. 

RELATED: Best Deadlift Shoes 

Some of our readers pointed out, and I agree, that Chucks aren’t the best pick for every lift, particularly the back squat. This is due to the minimal heel-to-toe drop, which is fine for deadlifts and other moves. The flat, thin midsole is another reason why these shoes are great for people who need to feel grounded during their workouts. We rate stability as a 4 out of 5.

The shoe’s upper is made from canvas fabric, which isn’t great from a durability standpoint, but awesome because it’s breathable and flexible. Construction and durability get a 4 out of 5, though.

To put it bluntly, these aren’t the best if your workouts involve a lot of cardio. If you’re just doing warmups, they’ll hold alright, but I wouldn’t do anything too competitive in them like sprints, or even burpees. On the bright side, they’re great for everyday use and should hold up just fine on long walks.    

Read our full Coverse Chuck Taylor All-Star review for our full thoughts on this shoe as a lifting shoe.

These might be the cheapest shoes we’ve ever recommended, but honestly, I like them. Plus, how can the shoe worn by actual Shaolin monks and international Martial Arts masters be bad? 

The first thing you have to know about these shoes is that they are flexible, and when I say that I really mean it. Seriously, go to the company’s website and you’ll find a picture of a guy twisting it like it’s a piece of dough. With that, you get great ankle mobility as well. What you give up on cushioning (more on that in a second) you get back in mobility. 

The all-rubber outsole also offers great traction, which is why they’ve also been adopted by professional parkour athletes (we rate the outsole as a 5 out of 5). It’s got virtually no heel-to-toe drop, and is as close to a barefoot-style shoe as you can get without actually going there. That means it’s fine for deadlifts and high-volume strength training, but not so much for people who squat frequently. 

There’s a little cushioning on these shoes––not as much as in a running shoe, but a little more than you’d get with something like the Xero 360. Ultimately, the goal of the shoe is to strengthen your foot to do things like hit a Chuck Norris-worthy roundhouse kick. But if you need a little more comfort, the insoles are actually removable so you can replace them with your own (and Feiyue sells its own insole inserts). 

For $35 these are obviously not going to be the most durable shoes (durability gets a 3 out of 5). If you use them regularly you can get a few months out of them, but since they’re so cheap, you can pick up four for the cost of a Nike Metcon. 

Read our Feiyue FE LO 1920 review for the rest of our thoughts.

If your arches need some TLC during your cross-training workouts, consider the INOV8 F-Lite G 300s, which were crafted, according to the company, for “stability and support for high-impact lifting and cardio-based workouts.”

Not only do the F-Lite G 300s have a cushioned and responsive EVA midsole to help your arches, the ETPU insole is thick and tough, providing quite a bit of stability as well. You’ll also get a graphene-infused “Powerheel,” which provides extra support for heavy lifting. 

Overall, our tester, former GGR staff writer Caroline Lubinsky, rated the stability as a 5 out of 5 in these shoes and the adjustability and ergonomics as a 4.5 out of 5. “I wanted to be able to tighten the laces on these a bit more, but I have narrow feet so others may not run into the same issue,” she explains. 

These shoes are lightweight for a training shoe at only 10.58 ounces and have a 6-millimeter drop, slightly less than many others on this list, but that may make it even more versatile.   

You can purchase these in men’s sizes from a 7 to a 14 and in women’s sizes from a 6.5 to an 11, but presently, many sizes are sold out. The brand recommends sizing half a size down, but Caroline found them true to size. 

Read our full INOV8 F-Lite G 300 review for more details. 

TYR is mostly associated with competitive swimwear, but the company released its first-generation cross-training shoe—the CXT-1s—in 2023. We thoroughly tested and enjoyed the CXT-1s, which you can read about in our TYR CXT-1 training shoe review, but the latest model—the CXT-2s—is now available on the site.

While we haven’t tried the TYR CXT-2s yet, our tester for the CXT-1s, Amanda Capritto, former GGR senior staff writer, CPT, CrossFit coach and enthusiast, said she’d recommend the shoes to any CrossFit athlete (man or woman), which is a big endorsement. They received a 4.15 rating overall. 

So how do the CXT-2s look? They were redesigned slightly from the first model—notably, the CXT-2s are 4 millimeters wider than the CXT-1s, and the heel-to-toe drop is now 7 millimeters instead of a whopping 9 millimeters. While Amanda loved the higher drop of the CXT-1s, she recognizes that most people probably prefer a more minimal shoe during lifts, so the 7-millimeter drop is more ideal (and more commonplace among cross-training shoes.)

Other updates to the CXT-2s include improved grip thanks to the TYRTac outsole, as well as a stronger TPU stability wrap for enhanced support and durability, and an extended toe guard.

You can buy the CXT-2s in both men’s and women’s sizes, and they’re available in seven colorways and a wide option. 

The Chargefeel from lululemon is an excellent cross-training shoe designed with running in mind. These lululemon trainers are designed with neutral stability, making them ideal for walking, running, strength training, and everyday wear. 

Former GGR Staff Writer Caroline Lubinksy tested the high-top version of the Chargefeel Women’s Workout Shoe, which has a little more ankle support than your average cross-training shoe. The low version of the Chargefeel offers a standard fit around the ankle. 

Caroline says the neutral stability is best for runners who have locked in their running form. “Because the cushioning in the Chargefeel is pretty minimal towards the front, you’ll probably won’t appreciate the minimal cushioning on these unless you have a midfoot strike.” 

That said, the minimal cushioning on the toe box can make these shoes ideal for resistance training and high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Through the heel, you’ll have more cushioning and a 9-millimeter heel-to-toe-drop. 

Our tester thought the Chargefeel struck a balance between harder and softer cushioning. “These shoes offer some rigidity for lifting and balance, while also having the support and comfort you need for running,” says Caroline. 

We have more details in our lululemon Chargefeel review.