The best CrossFit shoes: choose the best one for your WOD

With the spread of functional sports, Crossfit is becoming increasingly popular. That's why we decided to dedicate an entire article to the best CrossFit shoes .

If you have never heard of CrossFit, this guide will also provide you with the first notions and basic knowledge on this sport, to understand if it can do for you or if you may prefer something else.

First of all, however, in favor of the more experienced we anticipate what our proposals will be: we start from the products that can absolutely not be missing at your feet, or the classic Nano 7 ) and the Nike Metcon 3 , certainly an exceptional shoe under every point of view and with a fabulous design. We stay at Nike with a project of absolute value, namely the DSX Flyknit 2 , a shoe a bit more devoted to running, but absolutely valid for anyone who practices CrossFit.

Our rundown on CrossFit shoes proceeds with two great releases of 2018: the Reebok Nano 8 (we anticipate it: let's talk about a masterpiece!) And the Nike Metcon 4.

In the article you will also find the evolution of Nike, or the Nike Metcon 4XD and the great release of 2019: the Metcon 5 !

Even Reebok, of course, has introduced its 2019 collection with the splendid Nano 9 ; finally, two welcome arrivals: Asics and Under Armor!

The best CrossFit shoes

After briefly analyzing which aspects to evaluate to choose the best CrossFit shoes, let's now analyze the best five options that you can find on the market to choose your CrossFit shoe.

Reebok Nano 7 - The forerunners of the sector

Let's start with the Reebok Nano 7 . At the time of their exit they were harshly criticized for having a sole that was too rigid and unable to accompany the movements of the sole of the foot. Although this criticism is correct, this defect can easily be overcome after the first few uses. However, Reebok is still running for cover by releasing the "Weave" version of the Nano 7 shoes, which version has a more flexible sole, bringing the level of the shoe back to that of the beloved version 6 (which we do not list on our list because now difficult to find on the market).

With this evolutionary step, the Reebok Nano 7 Weave are the best buy on the market, a pair of shoes of absolute value, with an attractive look and a geometry suitable for CrossFit and, above all, very versatile: in fact, the low sole it will allow you to better manage your loads in powerlifting and weightlifting lifts, while the lightness and strength of the materials will allow you to perform gymnastic exercises or run without unnecessarily ballasting.

Pro
Versatility
Resistant materials
transpiration
Versus
High initial stiffness
 Discover Reebok Nano 7 on Amazon

Nike Metcon 3 - The chasing giant

While Reebok was the first brand to understand and exploit the potential of CrossFit, Nike was the second major brand to dive into the world of sport created by Greg Glassman. The Nike Metcon, along the lines of the Reebok Nano, are shoes that are created specifically for a multidisciplinary approach such as that of CrosFit. Certainly, Nike has been very able to identify the peculiarities of this sport and to intercept them and make them their own despite the late entry on the market. In particular, the Nike Metcon 3 shoe is easily comparable, in terms of performance, to the Reebok Nano 7. In fact, Nike has done a painstaking job, improving everything that could be improved compared to previous versions of the Nike Metcon.

In particular, the Nike Metcon 3 gives its best in the squat, a movement that is the basis of many CrossFit exercises.

Furthermore, a detail not to be underestimated, both the lateral and lower reinforcements and the grip guaranteed by the shoe are of the highest level.

Pro
Very high grip also on the side
Perfect for squats
Nike style design
Versus
In our opinion there are no cons to report
 Discover Nike Metcon 3 on Amazon

Nike Metcon DSX Flyknit 2 - The CrossFit shoe suitable for running

When Nike takes the field he never does it lightly and, behind his products, there is a noteworthy study. Here then is the launch of the Metcon 3 it is an opportunity to introduce a new type of CrossFit shoe to the market: the Nike Metcon DSX Flyknit, version 2 of which has recently been released. This shoe differs from the Metcon 3 for greater "attention" to running; in fact, the shoe has a sole optimized for running, ensuring maximum cushioning. In addition, the "flyknit" upper has practically zero seams, ensuring maximum flexibility. Added to this is the absence of a tongue, a detail that may seem irrelevant but which actually guarantees further stability and zero distractions during the execution of the exercises. In short, if you are a CrossFitter with a passion for running, the Nike DSX Flyknit 2 is absolutely the shoe for you.

Pro
Flyknit technology
Light and flexible
Suitable for running
Versus
Slightly uncomfortable for the squat
 Discover Nike Dsx Flyknit 2 on Amazon

Reebok Nano 8 - The future according to Reebok

Here it is! Highly anticipated by fans, awaited by professionals and also by reviewers. Looking at them, one could be disappointed: the look, in fact, is identical to that of the Nano 7. But since it is not the habit that makes the monk (at least not always), here at our feet the feeling is completely different and the Nano 8 proves to be the worthy, natural and long-awaited heir of the mythical Nano 6.

The look, we said, is not revolutionary and, to be honest, it disappears compared to the beauty of the proposals of the rival brand Nike. However, it's the functionality that's skyrocketed in these Reebok Nano 8 CrossFit shoes .

In terms of comfort and practicality, several aspects improve: meanwhile, the outer sole is much more flexible and is a significant evolutionary step compared to the Nano 7; secondly, the inner sole has a slightly increased thickness and this results in a guarantee of greater cushioning for the foot. The Nano 8, moreover, recall the wearability of now legendary shoes such as the Nano 5 or the Nano 3: in short, we are faced with a shoe that fits like a sock, which appropriately wraps the foot but which leaves you with a sensation of remarkable freedom .

Finally, we can only say that it seems that the future of CrossFit according to Reebok is at the top of the performance.

Pro
Comfort and performance
Top materials for resistance
Reebok reliability
Versus
Performance on the rope deteriorated
 Discover Reebok Nano 8 on Amazon

Reebok Nano 9 - Return to the past

Clearly, we are referring only to the look. But it is impossible not to notice how the Reebok Nano 9 abandon the “delta” logo to return to the historical brand logo. A choice that will certainly make fans discuss, but which aims to take full advantage of the nostalgia effect that, from the advent of the internet onwards, truly represents an unmissable slice of the market.

Net of the look, on whose judgment we refer to your taste, let's move on to the technical part. The inevitable Flexweave technology, which makes these crosstraining shoes even softer and more flexible, with a further qualitative leap compared to the Nano 8, which is already extremely flexible and comfortable.

The sole is reinforced with Nanoshell, this time made of a unique material, but without losing functionality and, indeed, improving the weak point of the Nano 8 which was the ascent of the rope.

As for the comfort in training, we certainly cannot say that the Reebok Nano 9 are the best possible shoes for running, but they are not the worst either. They are not optimal for running outdoors, while they are really effective in running on the carpet, in particular the mechanical one.

Finally, powerlifting: among the non-specific and generic Crossfit shoes, we can undoubtedly say that the Reebok Nano 9 are the best for powerlifting. Great stability is given by the new shape of the sole, both in the squat and in the deadlifts.

In short, are we facing the best Crossfit shoes on the market? Likely!

Pro
Comfort
Flexibility
Stability
Versus
Not perfect for outdoor running
 Discover Reebok Nano 9 on Amazon

Nike Metcon 4 - The future according to Nike

Here we are! We finally managed to test the Nike Metcon 4 for you ! Live views are really impressive: aggressive and elegant at the same time, they are an excellent synthesis for those who want to "train in style". Although it is an absolutely performing shoe, it is impossible to deny that the strength of the Nike Metcon 4 is the aesthetic aspect.

From the performance point of view we are very close to the good things already in the Nike Metcon 3, having a very similar sole and similar mechanics, What changes, in the Nike Metcon 4 crossfit shoe, is the upper part of the shoe : it is made of a very resistant but thinner and breathable material than that of the Metcon 3; this means that the Metcon 4 are, for the same performance, overall more comfortable and more suitable for long-term use.

 Discover Nike Metcon 4 on Amazon

 

Nike Metcon 4XD - Evolution of the Species

If the Metcon 4 are not satisfied or if you are looking for something even more updated, here are the Nike Metcon 4 XD. These are literally the evolution of the species, a sort of mid-life restyling designed by Nike.

Some defects of the Nike Metcon 4 have been corrected, let's see which ones.

The upper has been renewed, to ensure greater durability. In fact, it has been enriched with new 3D points, which guarantee less wear over time.

In addition, Nike has thought of improving the breathability of the shoe. All this, of course, could have a price, which is called "weight". In fact, the Nike Metcon 4XD continue to be very light and not to give any kind of problem!

For the rest, the shoe has not changed much and retains all the great and excellent characteristics that exalted the previous version.

Ultimately, it still remains one of the best crossfit shoes on the market!

Pro
Excellent grip
Versus
Not perfect for running
 Discover the Nike Metcon 4XD on Amazon

Nike Metcon 5 - The definitive Nike!

Small revolution in Nike, with the legendary "Swoosh" that passes from the sides of the upper to its front, reducing in size. A courageous choice, that of Nike, which abandons a look that was undoubtedly the best on the market.

In terms of performance, we are talking about shoes of the highest level: running comfort and stability have been much improved compared to the previous generation, while the Metcon tradition of being exceptional shoes in WODs rich in powerlifting exercises is confirmed.

However, perhaps with the Metcon 5 Nike has not managed to keep up with Reebok, who with the Nano 9 has come very close to making the perfect crossfit shoe.

In any case, if you are passionate about cross training and the Nike brand, you cannot not buy them, unless ... you own the Nano 8!

In fact, from the point of view of feeling and performance, these Metcon 5 are very, very similar to the previous generation of Nano.

Let's talk, in any case, about one of the best crosstraining shoes on the market, without a doubt!

Pro
Stability
Comfort
Versus
Similar to the Nano 8
High risk of wear
 Discover Nike Metcon 5 on Amazon

Asics Conviction X 2 - Asics' Crossfit shoe!

Aiscs has decided to raise the stakes and forcefully enter the world of crossfit. After all, it was not possible that such an important brand would not enter the world of crossfit, in great and constant expansion.

The second edition of these Asics Crossfit shoes is mainly distinguished by a seamless upper and an almost flat sole, designed to ensure stability during lifting, in particular during the squat. In addition, the sole of these Asics is flat but jagged: this particular geometry was created to guarantee stability even when climbing a rope or on unfavorable terrain, perhaps when the WOD requires running outdoors. of the sole, combined with the materials of the upper, ensures good perspiration of the foot, guaranteeing efficacy and constant temperature during the workout. A gem: Asics has also thought of a small compartment for laces!

Pro
Comfortable and functional
To read
Versus
Aesthetics that can be improved
 Discover Asics Conviction X 2 on Amazon






The first question we will try to answer in this article is: what is CrossFit? Why should I need CrossFit shoes?

CrossFit is, first of all, a sport, a training program that aims to ensure optimal 360 ° athletic performance. While most of the "gym" disciplines are specific and aim at a specific aspect (bodybuilding aims at aesthetics, powerlifting to strength, etc.), CrossFit aims to make those who practice it a person athletically more complete, in the hope of not neglecting any aspect of the capabilities of the human body. This sport aims to improve strength, power, "breath", mobility and, why not, the aesthetic aspect. In short, as the claim of the main sponsor of the CrossFit Games says , CrossFit aims to make us "more human", that is, capable of releasing our skills at 360 °.

Its non-specificity and, why not, an excellent marketing work by those who promote this discipline, has made it increasingly popular and it is now easy to find, even in the smallest cities, a "box" or a normal gym in which to practice CrossFit. Like everything that faces a high level of media exposure, CrossFit is constantly at the center of controversies related to its real effectiveness or the high level of injuries it would cause. Our opinion on this controversial point is very simple: doing CrossFit is not a solo activity, but a group activity, to be performed under the observation of a good coach. In these conditions, CrossFit is an absolutely safe and effective sport,

How to choose the best CrossFit shoe

After briefly explaining what CrossFit is and if it is suitable for everyone or not, let's now analyze how to choose the most suitable CrossFit shoe for us.

As we have seen, CrossFit is a discipline that brings together several other sports performances, including, mainly, weightlifting, powerlifting and bodyweight gymnastics. If we see CrossFit as a cross between these different parts, then here we will realize the need to have several pairs of shoes to practice this sport. In fact, theoretically, to ensure a correct approach to the three different disciplines that make up CrossFit we would need two or three different types of shoes, each suitable for the individual discipline that we are going to perform in the "WOD" (Workout of the Day). Personally, we recommend this approach only to athletes of very long course or to those who are preparing to make CrossFit their profession. To the total novices, however, we recommend tackling CrossFit with very normal sneakers. But to all those who are in the middle of this category? What to recommend to those who have now made CrossFit their favorite way of training and have frequented the "pits" for a long time? What do we recommend to those who want to definitively adopt this way of training?

Well, for all these people the main brands on the market that deal with CrossFit (in particular Reebok and Nike), have thought of specific shoe lines , which we will analyze in detail later.

Below, however, let's see how a CrossFit shoe should be structured to offer you the best possible in terms of performance!

Comfort

You won't go for long walks or be asked to run a marathon, but the first quality to look at in a CrossFit shoe is definitely comfort. Why? Because the best CrossFit shoes must guarantee you the absolute absence of disturbances during your heavier rises: imagine having to perform a snatch with an uncomfortable shoe on your feet: annoying, right?

Materials and durability

CrossFit shoes are objects subjected to continuous and highly impacting stress, particularly in the areas of the seams and the sole. For this reason, the most famous brands make their best CrossFit shoes in ultra resistant materials (for example kevlar) and with specially patented technologies.

Transpiration

Those who have practiced CrossFit for a long time know it: workouts bring the body temperature to the stars, even in the coldest periods of the year. So, for this reason it is essential that your CrossFit shoes are breathable and ensure correct ventilation of the foot, both to further improve the feeling of comfort described above and to be able to finish your WOD in peace.

Appearance

Let's not deny it: the eye also wants its part. On this point, however, we will let the images speak: we could give you our personal opinion, but on the aesthetic aspect nothing can be more effective than your personal taste.