The 13 Best Cross-Training Shoes of 2025, Personally Tested by Certified Trainers

If you’re looking for a do-it-all cross-training sneaker, why not choose the “Official Shoe of Fitness”? The Reebok Nano X4 is the latest iteration of one of the most popular gym shoes, boasting a comfortable, stylish Flexweave knit upper, innovative Lift and Run Chassis System, a lightweight yet stable Floatride Energy foam midsole, and a grippy outsole that can be great for keeping you locked into training.

I’ve been working out in these Nano X4s for a while now, and really enjoy how fine-tuned the Lift and Run Chassis System has become since its introduction in the Nano X3. This midsole tech can transition between hard stability for strength training, and cushioned comfort for cardio.

In terms of the overall fit, I’d score the Nano X4s at 4.5 out of 5. From my experience with the shoes — and previous Nano iterations, for that matter — these Reeboks run true to size. However, I could see where wider-footed athletes may need to size up. The Flexweave upper is sort of malleable, meaning you could spill over the midsole shelf as the knit has little stability across the lateral and medial sides.

This Flexweave upper also plays into my 4 out of 5 durability rating. I love the lightweight nature of the design and have yet to experience any sweaty toes or hot spots post-training. However, the lightweight nature of the textile does leave me cautious about taking on regular rope climbs, box jumps, or burpees out of fear of rips and tears.

I could be playing it safe here, but I’d still recommend being somewhat conservative before putting these X4s through the wringer. If you’re desiring a more durable upper, I’d recommend something like a Nike Metcon 9, or one of the Superfabric-cloaked silhouettes from NOBULL.

Finally, the outsole scored a 4 out of 5 for me thanks to its flat profile that allowed for easy grounding during squats and deadlifts. I also felt a good sense of traction when traversing gym floors, but would recommend a more lug-heavy design if you mainly work out on turf. You don’t want to slide out of agility drills because your shoes can’t grasp the artificial surface.

Read our full Reebok Nano X4 Review.

Flat-footed athletes will likely want a lower heel-to-toe drop that doesn’t put their foot at an uncomfortable angle. Additionally, a lower medial arch can help cradle your natural footprint rather than stress it. The NOBULL Impact Series features a simple, flat insole and a 4-millimeter drop, both right in line with the needs of flatter-footed gymgoers.

This elevated workout shoe stands in difference to the original NOBULL Trainer (now branded as OUTWORK) thanks to a wider toe box for more accommodating fitment, as well as a herringbone-style outsole that can help increase traction over different flooring options like turf or grass.

The outsole of the Impact Series is why I often recommend this NOBULL silhouette over the original iteration (and why I rated it the component at 4.5 out of 5). There’s little difference in traction when setting up for a lift on top of gym flooring or an Olympic platform, but I really appreciate the versatility that the deeper lugs bring to the table.

If you’re familiar with NOBULL (like their mesh runners, for instance), you know that each cross-training shoe profile comes with an abundance of color options. By my count, the Impact Series is available in 83 different colorways, meaning there’s practically a hue for every personality. That’s not even accounting for the low-top or high-top profiles, either. For these reasons, I scored the Trainer+ at 4.5 out of 5 for style.

Like other NOBULL sneakers, the Trainer+ is predominantly available with the brand’s Superfabric upper. This textured material can be great for hard-nosed training, and I’ve yet to see any rips or tears as a result of training even after months of use. However, you do give up some breathability for all that sturdiness, leading to my 3.75 out of 5 breathability rating. More breathable options include cross-training shoes with mesh uppers, such as the Savage 1s from Born Primitive or the Nano X4s from Reebok.

Lastly, the durable Superfabric is somewhat rigid right out of the box, which means you can expect a somewhat lengthy break-in period to achieve that flexible, comfortable fit. From my experience, it’s not an aggressive break-in (no blisters were caused in the making of this round-up), but it is a lengthier process than other cross-training sneakers I’ve trained in.

OK, so if you’re up to speed on cross-training shoes of years past, you’d be skeptical to see a Nike Metcon iteration as our pick for the best cross-training shoe for wide feet. The roster of training-focused kicks has traditionally been narrower with a tapered toe box. However, this Metcon 9 iteration spreads its wings with a wider profile that can accommodate more athletes without the fear of hot spots or overspill along the midsole.

While I myself do not have wide feet, I still found the fit accommodating and worthwhile, enough for a 4.5 out of 5 score for the category. You can even see how this latest Metcon iteration caters to wide feet thanks to the more natural silhouette of the toe box.

In terms of versatility, I would give these Metcon 9s a 3 out of 5. As with previous iterations, they are an absolute standout when it comes to strength training movements and static lifts. I always enjoy how rigid and stable the Hyperplate midsole is, especially when pushing for a new deadlift PR. 

However, this rigidity (along with the 13.55-ounce weight) does hinder the Metcon 9’s efficiency in cardio workouts at home or in the gym. If your program calls for sprints or running intervals, I would recommend planning a footwear change before getting into those portions of your regimen. A nice pair to pair with the Metcons would be the Nike Pegasus 41s, in my opinion.

As far as durability is concerned, the Metcon 9s do the family justice with a profile that can withstand some use and abuse. The mesh upper is plenty sturdy, but still has some give for that optimal fit. Additionally, I like how Nike continues to give the Metcon some synthetic overlays in key areas (like the toe box) for added strength and resistance against rips and tears.

I rated the durability at 4 out of 5, though, because of the wrap-around rope guard that extends into the lateral and medial sidewalls. Not only does this component give the Metcon 9s ample sturdiness for static lifts, but it also serves as a great barrier for efficient rope climbs. This rope guard build can also be seen in other silhouettes such as the F-Lite G 300 from Inov-8, for reference.

As the late, great Louie Simmons once said, “Don’t have $100 shoes and a 10-cent squat.” You can perform this beneficial strength training exercise in any of the footwear options we’ve outlined in this guide. However, when it comes to achieving that optimal setup and depth in your movement, we feel the Adipower Weightlifting 3s from Adidas can help you achieve this positioning best thanks to their high-pitched 22-millimeter heel-to-toe drop that allows your knees to travel forward more naturally for a more comfortable plane of motion overall.

I’ve trained in these Adipower 3s before and think they’re the best representation of a “cross-training shoe” when it comes to weightlifting shoes. It’s no secret that these clogs are designed for specific movements, earning them a 2 out of 5 for versatility. Still, I’ve been able to easily cycle through back squats, Olympic lifts, and other static exercises without much effort thanks to the increased forefoot flexibility. You wouldn’t want to run a mile in these kicks, but they’re not built for that.

The stability underfoot is great in these Adidas weightlifting shoes. I rated the Adipower 3s at 4 out of 5 for the category because it was easy to find my footing each time I went under the bar for a set. There’s also a good sense of traction across the rubber outsole, which can help you keep your feet whether you’re lifting on a hardwood platform or synthetic gym flooring.

The canvas upper, lacing system, and midfoot hook-and-loop strap also help curate a strong lockdown — a great perk when the last thing you want is to feel your feet moving within your footwear during heavy PRs. I rated the security at 4.5 out of 5, but be mindful — canvas is not as breathable as knit textiles, so it may be beneficial to unstrap and let your toes breathe in-between sets. If you’re on the hunt for a more breathable weightlifting shoe, I’d recommend a profile such as the TYR L-1 Lifter.

The barefoot movement has gotten a lot of traction (pun intended) in the running community over the past few years, but the grounded sensation can also be beneficial in the weight room, too. For our money, the Xero Prios are our top pick for minimalist training footwear thanks to their anatomical toe box, sub-$100 price point, and (of course) the 0-millimeter heel-to-toe drop.

Admittedly, I’ve been dipping my toes (OK, last one) in minimalist footwear over the past few months and found these Prios to be the best entry point into the discipline. The upper cloaked my foot effortlessly, while the outsole provided that helpful safety barrier to keep setups as close to actual barefoot strength training without worrying about stepping on a loose pebble or rogue bottle cap in the gym.

I also appreciate the versatility baked into these minimalist cross-trainers, scoring them at 4 out of 5 for the category. Yes, the footbed is flexible enough to support both cardio training and strength training, but I also like how the insole is removable, in case you want to get even closer to the ground in your stances.

As far as durability, I rated the Xero Prios at 4.5 out of 5. The upper is thicker than other knit textiles I’ve trained in, which can be great for keeping the profile intact over extended use. 

Granted, thicker materials can often lead to breathability issues — that con isn’t escaped with the Prios, either — but I’m willing to look past this for the sake of heightened durability. If breathability is concerned, I’d suggest looking at the DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainers from TYR. The mesh upper is light and airy, perfect for keeping your digits cooled off in-between sets.

I will say that these aren’t the sleekest barefoot cross-trainers I’ve found on the market. For one, the available colorways are limited to just 5 hues — a drop-off from the common 10 or more available in other silhouettes. Additionally, I scored the style at 3.75 out of 5 because of the fatter rounded laces. They protrude outward over the top of the foot, giving the silhouette a somewhat awkward look at times.

A more stylish barefoot option may be from the likes of Vivobarefoot — the Primus Lite lineup features more color options and a cleaner aesthetic, in my opinion.

Sure, cross-training shoes are intended to be versatile enough for both cardio and strength-training disciplines, but oftentimes, the design of a shoe can lend itself more to one modality or the other. As such, I typically recommend keeping a dedicated pair of running shoes at your disposal when looking to hit the treadmill or streets… or just train in these UA HOVR Phantom 3 SEs from Under Armour.

I like these kicks for cardio days on some of the best treadmills because the bootie-style construction provides that locked-in feel, and the 8-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is more aligned to my preferred running setup — a little more forward tilt to facilitate sprints and jogs. 

Plus, the 11-ounce overall weight can be light enough for easy pick-ups, which can be a true blessing when your mileage falls at the end of a hard-nosed strength training session. Of course, there are lighter profiles, such as the Asics Gel-Cumulus 26s, when it comes to the best shoes for treadmill running, but these silhouettes may not be versatile enough to support cardio and resistance training.

The Under Armour UA HOVR Phantom 3 SEs are also plenty stylish with 11 available colorways. The shoes also feature clean lines and subtle enough branding that don’t overwhelm your entire get-up. I rated the style at 4 out of 5.

Versatility-wise, I scored these HOVR Phantom 3 SEs at 3.75 out of 5. While I do feel they’re some of the best shoes for treadmill running — or even some of the best cross-training shoes for walking — heavier lifting sets can leave you pushing through the UA HOVR foam to try and achieve that grounded stance. I wouldn’t recommend these kicks for PR days in the squat rack or on the deadlift platform and instead suggest something like a Nike Romaleos 4 as a dedicated lifter or TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainer for barefoot enthusiasts.

In addition, there’s a large plastic heel counter that, while aesthetically pleasing, can begin to feel clunky at times. I’ve felt this feature’s presence mostly at longer distances, as well as during multi-directional agility drills.

Lastly, while I like the locked-in fit of the bootie construction, I’ve found that there is some break-in required across the upper. Upon unboxing, the IntelliKnit upper doesn’t stretch as much as I would have hoped, meaning getting into these sneakers can be a chore in itself.

Rope climbs can be some of the most strenuous exercises on your footwear. After all, you’re constantly scraping the medial sides of your kicks across the equipment, which can lead to quick burnout in less-than-capable cross-trainers. With a built-in Rope-Tec system that serves as a graphene-infused barrier (more on this material later) between your shoes and the rope itself, the F-Lite G 300s from Inov-8 are our top recommendation for climbing enthusiasts.

We rated these sturdy, resilient cross-trainers at 5 out of 5 for durability thanks to the aforementioned Rope-Tec system, as well as the brand’s inclusion of graphene across the outsole and midsole design. Traditionally used for parachutes, graphene is one of the strongest textiles on the planet, yet despite its burliness, doesn’t add on weight to the profile.

“Such durable materials may imply that these shoes would be heavy,” noted our tester, a CrossFit Level 1 instructor, “But I was pleasantly surprised that these cross-training shoes weighed in at just 10.5 ounces. This also allowed me to take advantage of the midsole’s responsiveness during quick runs atop multiple surfaces like turf and asphalt.”

Inov-8 also beefed up this F-Lite G 300 with an external midfoot cage, adding some side-to-side stability that can be helpful during static lifts. However, I do caution that you take your time when lacing these kicks up. The cage also serves as the lacing eyelets, and quick tugs for cinching down your laces could lead to rips and tears.

We also scored the appearance of these cross-trainers at 4.5 out of 5. The colorways are stylish enough and appealing to our tastes, but the variety is more neutral than vibrant. “I personally don’t enjoy a loud cross-trainer, so these fit right in with my look of choice,” adds our tester.

Finally, our tester rated the fit at 4 out of 5 since the entryway can give some wider-footed athletes a bit of a challenge given the upper’s limited stretch and flexibility. Once on, though, the experience is fantastic. If you’re looking for a smooth entry and stretchy upper, I’d recommend a mesh textile found on profiles like the Reebok Nano X4 or TYR CXT-2.

Having a good sense of arch support can help you stay comfortable during workouts whether grounding your stance for a heavy lift or trying to fine-tune that proper walking form. The Kawana 2s from HOKA can support these needs with a comfortable midsole design and added security across the lateral and medial sides of the foot.

I’ve trained in previous versions of this shoe and do feel that the upgrades across this second iteration are worthwhile. While I rate the style at a conservative 3.5 out of 5 — this is one profile where HOKA is leaning into its prominence as a lifestyle sneaker — I still feel there are some hues that can set off your ideal gym ensemble.

The tread pattern seems to be grippy enough for multiple surfaces, and I wouldn’t perceive any issues with traction across treadmill belts, gym floors, or paved tracks. Plus, these HOKA sneakers can be suitable for those evening jaunts around the neighborhood, too, thanks to subtle reflective accents that can help you stay visible as the sun goes down.

From an overall ride experience, I’d rate the HOKA Kawana 2s at a 4 out of 5. The midsole geometry is smooth enough for varied paces, but I do wish the brand would address the rather bulky heel. This can begin to clunk up your gait, especially during those long bouts with the treadmill or multi-hour sessions in the gym. Other HOKA silhouettes, like the Clifton 9s or Mach 6s, forgo this heel design but are more attuned to running than cross-training.

Thankfully, getting into and out of these kicks is a breeze due to the integrated pull tab at the heel. You can quickly get these versatile cross-trainers locked in for training or off and into your gym bag for the trek home. Given the lifestyle-centric aesthetic, though, I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to step out and show off the style, at least through the parking lot.

While the adage of “no pain, no gain” may seem like a motivating notion, it holds no weight when it comes to cross-training shoes. I mean, who doesn’t want their toes to remain comfortable throughout their entire gym session? Building off the success of its inaugural iteration, the CXT-2s from TYR stand out as some of the most well-cushioned trainers thanks to the brand’s impressive SURGENRG foam midsole.

I’ve trained atop this midsole tech for a while and am still impressed by its responsiveness and subtle energy return. I can easily find stable footing for compound lifts, yet the cushioning is still pliable enough for more flexible movements like calf raises. Naturally, you want a little rigidity in your cross trainers — you don’t want the foam to pancake out when under a heavy back squat or pulling a tough deadlift — but I feel these are some of the best options available when looking for as much plush as possible. Overall, I rated the cushioning at 4.5 out of 5 and compare it to the Lift and Run Chassis System of the Nano x4s.

Other upgrades to this new TYR silhouette include a more anatomical footprint, most notably in the overall width. Compared to the original CXT-1s, the CXT-2s are 4 millimeters wider. This can be ideal for wide-footed athletes that may struggle to find a sneaker that’s comfortable enough for regular training.

In terms of grip and traction, I scored the outsole at 4.5 out of 5. The brand’s TYRTAC outsole design is, well, tacky enough for multiple flooring options, and there’s no questioning your foot placement when getting into position. Picture hitting the basketball court with a brand-new pair of sneakers.

There’s also a good sense of lockdown with these TYR trainers thanks to the TPU Stability Strap that covers the sides and heel. You don’t feel like you’re going to slide out of the sneakers with each step. However, I rated the security at 3.75 out of 5 given the more plush tongue. While ultra cozy over your foot, this thicker material can get in the way of your laces, resulting in a messy overlay that could lead to unwanted pressure.

As the cross-training category has begun to level out over the years, so has the common asking price of high-quality sneakers. It’s common to see price tags between $125 and $150. However, the PUMA Fuse lineup continues to be a worthwhile wallet-friendly solution for budget-minded athletes, with the 3.0 iteration coming in at just $120.

I’ve owned all three versions of the PUMA Fuse cross-trainer, and feel the 3.0 is the most valuable yet. I’m happy PUMA has expanded the toe box and improved the lacing system of this gym shoe over the years, and I see no big differences between the traction and comfort in these kicks in comparison to my other go-to training sneakers.

Another reason why I admire these budget-friendly workout shoes is their quick break-in period. Yes, there is a little bit of snugness along the toe box on initial wears, but the upper quickly stretches to their premier balance of fit and performance. I rated the break-in at 4.5 out of 5 because these shoes quickly form to your footprint for that perfect match — a definite plus when trying to make the most of your fitness investments.

In terms of stability, I rated the Fuse 3.0s at 4.5 out of 5. The geometry of the midsole gives the heel a sort of flared aesthetic, which can act as a grounded platform ideal for squats or heavy presses. 

Plus, the updated shank within the midsole helps create a more stable underfoot sensation, which can be helpful when, say, taking a wider stance for sumo deadlifts or back squats.

Now, the cost effectiveness does limit your colorway options. Currently, PUMA offers the Fuse 3.0s in PUMA Black-PUMA Black-PUMA Silver, Vapor Gray-Mars Red-PUMA Black, and PUMA Black-Redmazing — a more limited variety in comparison to other cross-trainers on the market. As such, I scored the style at 3 out of 5. If you’re in the market for more style options, I’d suggest the TYR CXT-2s or NOBULL Impact Series that offer wide ranges of colors.

Don’t let the lack of vibrant hues fool you, though — this PUMA kick has plenty of bite even despite its affordable price tag.

While I’m not a big proponent for wearing your gym shoes for everyday activities — keeping them separate can help preserve performance and eliminate the chances of bringing excess dirt and muck into your training center — there are some athletes that prefer the feel of cross-trainers or recovery shoes for tackling errands, social endeavors, and other daily needs. Thanks to their minimalist styling and lower heel-to-toe drop, the Savage 1s from Born Primitive can be perfect for keeping that active aesthetic whether hitting the weights or the streets.

One of the key features that sets these Born Primitive shoes as go-tos for daily wear is the rugged outsole. The deeper lugs can be ideal for keeping traction underfoot, whether walking through your lawn, across gym flooring to your next set, or from store to store in your neighborhood’s shopping center. As such, we rated the outsole at 4 out of 5.

Additionally, I appreciate the simple black or white colorways (with some colorized branding), as it can be easier to put a daily outfit together with these kicks as opposed to a more vibrant blue or neon pink option. I scored the style at 4 out of 5, though, because while this simple variety is appealing to me, I understand that others may want some bolder options.

As far as fit is concerned, Amanda Capritto, CPT, CES, CNC, CF-L1, CSNC, states, “I found that the inside of the shoe was contoured well enough to support the natural shape of my foot. Arch support was minimal, but these are training shoes, not running shoes, so that’s to be expected. I don’t have any complaints, but no true highlights either — they’re an even-keeled sneaker.” As such, she rated the fit and comfort at 3.5 out of 5.

Speaking of fitment, we should mention that the Savage 1s feature a wider, more anatomical toe box. While this can be a definite perk for wider-footed athletes, it may lead to some excess room for those with narrower feet (like myself). Reebok Nano X4s or Inov-8 F-Lite G 300s may be a better fit for narrow-footed individuals.

HIIT sessions — even 30-minute HIIT workouts — can put your fitness gear through a lot of wear and tear given the quick changes between exercises as you work through the taxing intervals. As such, you’ll want a cross-training sneaker that can withstand regular wear and tear … like the R.A.D. One. 

Serving as more of a boutique footwear option for athletes, this impressive gym shoe packs in plenty of performance across its outsole, midsole, and upper construction. While the wave-like aesthetic and simplified hues were enough to earn this R.A.D. One a 4.5 out of 5 for style, we also appreciate how durable the entire profile was for hard-nosed training. 

The synthetic textile can be hearty enough for rope climbs and other shoe-abusive exercises, and I’ve never had an issue with the integrity of the outsole. I attributed this to the high-quality rubber, along with the all-herringbone pattern that gives each step a nice sense of traction when traversing over concrete, turf, or some of the best home gym flooring.

I’ve also come to enjoy the stability at play with these R.A.D. One cross-trainers, scoring them at 4 out of 5 for the category. The outsole is flat enough for a sturdy setup, whether you’re getting ready for a heavy pull or trying to find your footing for a worthwhile bench press. Plus, the 6-millimeter heel-to-toe drop is a nice middle ground for performance — enough to promote a forward lean but not too aggressive that positions feel uncomfortable. You can perform quick sprints and mild jogs in these without any noticeable feedback.

Finally, while there’s plenty to like about these R.A.D. One kicks, I do caution that you pay close attention to the sizing. I scored these cross-trainers at 3.75 out of 5 for category, as you may need to size up by one half size in order to achieve that premier fitment. Other profiles from Reebok, Nike, and TYR may provide a more convenient sizing platform, as these brands traditionally run true to size.

Deadlifts can be a tricky exercise to plan around when it comes to your footwear of choice. You want the most ground contact possible to facilitate those stable pulls, which is why a minimalist shoe can be ideal for these needs (or even just some of the best deadlift socks, if your gym allows it). The TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainers have quickly become my go-to cross-trainers for deadlift days, because they are essentially an overbuilt sock with an anatomical footprint and breathable mesh upper.

The zero-drop makeup of these trainers allows me to easily find my footing for both conventional and sumo pulls, and I also like how grippy the TYRTac rubber outsole is across the platform. I rated the stability at 4.5 out of 5 for these reasons.

I also scored the style at 4 out of 5 for these all-new TYR cross-trainers. Over time, I’ve seen this silhouette increase its available colorways across both the Security Strap and Lace-Up variations, giving athletes plenty of options when it comes to hues and patterns.

While the TYR DZ-1 DropZero Barefoot Trainer is my top pick for deadlifts, I’ve also found them to be versatile enough for other exercises. The upper is breathable enough that you won’t work up too much of a sweat, and the midfoot Adjustable Stability Straps — available in the Security Strap profile — can help you fine-tune your lockdown for that premier fit in an instant.

Of course, though, you’ll need to buy into the barefoot movement, which may be too much for some. For traditional cross-training footwear, popular profiles like the Reebok Nano X4s, Nike Metcon 9s, and TYR CXT-2s may be more appealing.

The one caveat that I do have with these Barefoot Trainers is the sizing. The toe box is more anatomical than other cross-trainers, which can lead to more room than desired. I recommend sizing down a half size if you want to achieve that true sock-like fit. In total, I scored the sizing at 4 out of 5 because of this (minor) critique.