One of the most daunting parts of purchasing new cross training and lifting shoes is how they’re going to fit. Unlike a pair of generic, normal training shoes that you try on at any major retail store, a majority of cross training and lifting shoes are only available online or at niche retailers that have limited locations.
Luckily, here at BarBend, I’ve tried nearly every model under the sun from the last few years and have developed a good idea for how each shoe fits.
In addition to testing and reviewing shoes, we always get a handful of comments on our YouTube reviews as well that also share thoughts on sizing. The combination of my own analysis and others’ feedback have helped me build a pretty good idea for each shoe’s size.
I’ve broken the sizing guide below into different companies that we’ve reviewed shoes for:
What can you expect below with each shoe: our review video, my sizing recommendation, and a few callouts for each model.
My Size: 10 — I fit pretty true-to-size in most models. My forefoot is slightly on the more narrow side, but in general, I have a standard sized foot throughout.
Author Note: It’s worth noting that if you have very specific sizing needs, then you should take those into account in addition to what’s recommended below and blend them together to make an educated guess.
How to Find Your Shoe Size
The easiest way to find your shoe size is to go any retailer and use a Genuine Brannock Foot-Measuring Device®, which is the little metal device you see on the floor around shoe racks. This device is usually more than enough to help you find your correct shoe size.
Nike
Nike Metcon 5
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Stable base
- Durable outer construction
- Lateral and medial outsole wrap
The Nike Metcon 5 has a 4mm heel-to-toe offset and an outsole designed to provide the maximal stability under heavy lifts. Â
Nike Romaleos 3 + 3 XD
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, but size up a half size if your foot errs on the larger size in normal training shoes.
Shoe Callouts
- Lightweight
- Durable mid-foot strap
- Firm TPU heel
The Nike Romaleos 3 XD have improved outer construction and increased material around the tongue to support durability.Â
Nike Metcon 4 + 4XD
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, but size up a half size if your foot errs on the larger size in normal training shoes (similar to Rom 3s above).
Shoe Callouts
- Very stable
- Fits like an athletic shoe
- Strong TPU layer in heel
The Nike Metcon 4 XD offers a strong outer construction for durability and a stable midsole and outsole to support heavy lifts.Â
Nike Free x Metcon + Free x Metcon 2
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Comfortable
- Decently supportive
- Tri-star pattern in outsole
A cross-training shoe that's designed to match every day needs and meet the demands of exercises like squats, power cleans, and box jumps.
Adidas
Adidas Adipower 2
Sizing Recommendation: Decently true-to-size, but go up a half size if you want more toe box room.
Shoe Callouts
- Flexible
- Strong TPU heel
- Durable outer construction
The Adidas Adipower II offers a full textile woven outer construction and strong 20.1mm heel height, along with an ultra-secure straps & laces closing system to keep the midfoot stable during lifts. Adidas has updated this model with additional heel and forefoot support, making it suited to lifts including snatches and clean & jerks, as well as squats.
Adidas Powerlift 4
Sizing Recommendation: Go up half size if you want more toe box room.
Shoe Callouts
- Cost efficient
- Durable
- Strong .6″ high density EVA heel
The brand new updated Adidas Powerlift 4 offers a lightweight canvas outer construction, an open forefoot design, and a strong single strap for stability.Â
Adidas Power Perfect 3
Sizing Recommendation: Go a half size down.
Shoe Callouts
- Cost efficient
- Decently durable
- Standard lifter feel
The Adidas Power Perfect 3 consists of a high-density EVA foam heel, a firm outsole, and thick outer construction for a highly durable shoe.Â
Adidas Powerlift 3.1
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Cost efficient
- Durable model
- Good strap construction
A lightweight versailte lifting shoe with .6" heel made of high density EVA foam.
Adidas Pureboost Trainer
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, but go down a half size if you like shoes to fit tightly.
Shoe Callouts
- Comfortable
- Decent for light runs
- Bootie style fit
The Adidas Pureboost Trainer has a full Boost midsole, a flexible upper-knit, and a multi-directional outsole to support workout performance.Â
Reebok
Reebok Legacy Lifters
Sizing Recommendation: Go a half size down.
Shoe Callouts
- Double strap security
- Durable outer construction
- Strong TPU heel
Reebok's signature weightlifting shoe that provides a strong TPU heel and double mid-foot straps for security.
Reebok CrossFit Nano 9
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Split outsole
- Durable Flexweave outer
- Firm and stable heel
The Reebok CrossFit Nano 9 offers a newly constructed midsole for comfort and a reworked outer Flexweave to improve performance and comfort in cross training workouts.
Reebok Speed TR Flexweave
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Lightweight
- Durable Flexweave outer
- Firm and stable heel
Reebok Froning
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Durable outer construction
- Versatile midsole and outsole
- Rich Froning signature model
The Reebok Froning was designed by CrossFit legend Rick Froning and offers a stable outsole for lifting and a comfortable midsole for every day wear.
Under Armour
Under Armour TriBase Reign
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, but go up a half size if you want more toe box room.
Shoe Callouts
- Stable outsole
- Reactive midsole tech
- Athletic fitting shoe
The Under Armour TriBase Reign offers a low-cut boot, and strong outer construction to withstand even the toughest workouts.Â
Under Armour HOVR Rise
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Comfortable
- Reactive midsole
- Overall durable outer
The UA HOVR Rise features a durable outer construction, 8mm heel-to-toe offset, and Under Armour's signature HOVR technology. It's comfortable for training and for day-to-day wear.Â
Under Armour Project Rock 2
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, potentially go down a half size down if you want a tighter fit.
Shoe Callouts
- Stable bootie construction
- Reactive HOVR midsole
- Sturdy outsole
The Under Armour Project Rock 2 training shoe is a great shoe for casual recreational lifting and day-to-day wear. It's stylish, supportive and forgiving when it needs to be.Â
Under Armour HOVR Apex
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, potentially go up a half size for more toe box room.
Shoe Callouts
- Durable outer construction
- Reactive HOVR midsole
- Stable outsole
The Under Armour HOVR Apex is a good daily trainer that can be worn for recreational workouts with ease due to its HOVR midsole and stable outsole.
NOBULL
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Durable outer construction
- Consistent midsole and outsole
- Easy to clean
A cross-training shoe that utilizes SuperFabric material to provide a supportive and comfortable fit.
NOBULL High Top Trainers
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, but go up a half size if you more want toe box room.
Shoe Callouts
- Durable outer construction
- Consistent midsole and outsole
- High top ankle security
The NOBULL High Top Trainers are an awesome training shoe for supporting heavy lifts, dynamic activities, and are great to wear on a day-to-day basis.Â
Inov-8
Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, but go up a half size if you more want toe box room.
Shoe Callouts
- Fascia band outsole
- Form fitting to shoe
- Stable midsole and outsole
The Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V3 cross training shoe provides a dynamic fascia band outsole, PowerFlow midsole, and lightweight outer construction.
Inov-8 F-Lite 260 Knit
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size, but go up a half size if you more want toe box room.
Shoe Callouts
- Fascia band outsole
- Form fitting to shoe
- Stable midsole and outsole
The Inov-8 F-Lite 260 Knit Trainer offers a strong, maneuverable outer construction and has a 8mm heel-to-toe drop to support lifting performance.Â
Inov-8 Faslift 370 BOA
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Lightweight
- Double BOA lacing for security
- Strong TPU heel
The Inov-8 Fastlift 370 BOA utilizes is a lightweight shoes that utilizes a double BOA lacing system to provide a secure fit.
Mizuno
Sizing Recommendation: True-to-size.
Shoe Callouts
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- Reactive midsole and outsole
The Mizuno TC-01 is a versatile training shoe that utilizes proprietary technology to promote balance in performance.Â
Wrapping Up
Hopefully this size guide provided some insights into the market’s top cross training and lifting shoes and their sizes. If you’re interested in seeing how these models compared to one another, then check out the articles below!
