If you’re gearing up for a cross training workout, you need to make sure you have the right footwear. Training in different styles and difficulties is not only going to test your endurance and muscularity, but it’ll test the strength of your shoes too.
And in the cross-training world, Reebok and Nike have always been the most popular sneaker brands hogging the CrossFit spotlight, but surprisingly the lesser-known Brooks brand offers a number of high-quality options that you shouldn’t scoff at.
Make sure you read all the way to the end because you’re about to discover the 7 best Brooks shoes to wear for your next cross training workout.
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Brooks Men’s Beast 20
- Keeps feet comfortable without risking support
- Great option if you have flat feet or a low-arch
- Feels similar to orthopedic shoes
- Lightweight
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Brooks Men's Beast 20 Running Shoes |
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| #2 | Brooks Women's Ghost 12 Running Shoe |
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| #3 | Brooks Men's Pureflow 7 Running Shoe |
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| #4 | Brooks Women's Bedlam Running Shoe |
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| #5 | Brooks Men's Levitate 2 Running Shoe |
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| #6 | Brooks Women's Launch 6 Running Shoe |
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| #7 | Brooks Men's Ghost 11 Running Shoe |
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How We Compared Brooks Cross Training and CrossFit Shoes
There are a number of features and specifications to compare when picking good shoes for cross training or CrossFit. Here’s what we based our selections on:
Support
Workout shoes need to be supportive if you want to avoid unnecessary injuries. If you’re jumping, climbing, running, or lifting weights, a rolled ankle or slip could ruin your day. That’s why you need to make sure the shoes you pick are going to be stable enough to handle the day’s WOD and keep your performance up.
Comfort
According to studies, comfortable shoes tend to provide a better wearing experience and support to the wearer (imagine that) haha. The last thing we want is to force on a pair of sneakers that are “supposed” to be good for your workout, but hurt like hell.
Durability
Finally, the shoes you pick have to be durable. Performing these intense activities multiple times per week for months is really going to test your footwear. If you don’t want to keep shelling out money for new shoes, then make sure you pick a durable pair from the beginning.
Caution!
We should let you know that the primary purpose of Brooks sneakers are for long distance running. Even though these shoes can still be used for cross-training and short distance cardio workouts, you would be better off performing your heavy lifts in something like the Reebok Nano 9.
1. Brooks Men’s Beast 20
“Comfort” is the name when it comes to this Brooks Men’s Beast 2020 Running Shoe.
The plush DNA LOFT underfoot cushioning and breathable mesh upper will help to keep your feet cool, dry, and comfortable during long workouts in the Box. The slightly wider forefoot will give your toes the freedom to move more naturally and provide a solid base when balance is a must during sets of heavy push presses and squats.
And the unique GuideRails feature acts as a firm foundation during 100m sprints or the occasional long run to keep your knee movements in-line, controlled and protected.
Pros:
- Keeps feet comfortable without risking support
- Great option if you have flat feet or a low-arch
- Feels similar to orthopedic shoes
- Lightweight
Cons:
- May not live up to the Beast 18
- Seems to run small (choose your sizing carefully)
2. Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe
The Brooks Women’s Ghost 12 Running Shoe is a pretty versatile shoe in that they can be worn for long distance running, cross-training, treadmill runs, and on roads. We like the Segmented Crash Pad on the bottom because they act as mini shock absorbers to make heel to toe transitions really smooth. And they also feel really light for those quick sprint sessions.
Click here to read the latest Amazon reviews
Pros:
- Versatile enough for long distance running, cross-training, and different terrain
- Good shock absorption
- Lightweight feel
Cons:
- Narrower than the previous model
- Some reviewers claimed the nylon wore quickly
3. Brooks Men’s PureFlow 7 Running Shoe
If you’re looking for more of a minimal design, then the Brooks Men’s PureFlow 7 Running Shoe is a good choice. One thing we really like about these shoes is the 4 mm heel to toe differential which is more inline with a typical CrossFit shoe. Plus, they were designed to be lighter than most (comparable to some Puma CrossFit shoes), but still with a highly flexible response. The outsole pods also do a very good job of providing traction and grip.
Click here to read the latest Amazon reviews.
Pros:
- Minimal shoe with heel to toe differential ideal for cross training
- Light with a flexible response
- Good traction and grip
Cons:
- May require a break-in period to get really comfortable
- Durability isn’t great for constant outdoor use
4. Brooks Women’s Bedlam Running Shoe
The first thing that stands out about the Brooks Women’s Bedlam Running Shoe is the design which sports this wicked pixelated knit upper (so cool). It has a nice responsive midsole that does well during plyometric movements. And this model does a good job of keeping your feet in proper alignment so that your entire leg, including your knees, don’t develop long-term injuries during extended cross training.
Click here to read the latest reviews on Amazon.
Pros:
- Really cool-looking knit upper design
- Responsive midsole
- Cushioning provides good support
Cons:
- Requires a break-in period
- Some buyers claim the sizes run big
5. Brooks Men’s Levitate 2 Running Shoe
If you’re worried about comfort around your Achilles Tendon, then the Brooks Men’s Levitate 2 Running Sneakers might be for you. They have this layer of soft foam in the back that Brooks calls “The Achilles Guard”, that’s super comfy when you slip them on. They’re also very responsive in the midsole and the bottom grip is very good to support your natural gait as you move.
Click here to read the latest reviews on Amazon.
Pros:
- Achilles Tendon Guard is very supportive to your heel
- Responsive midsole
- Nice grip
Cons:
- Some buyers said these don’t work well for long-distance running
6. Brooks Women’s Launch 6 Running Shoe
This isn’t the first time that the Brooks Women’s Launch 6 Running Shoes have appeared on one of our lists. We praise them because of their excellent support for people with high arches, and we think they’re good enough to appear on our overall “best of” CrossFit workout footwear too.
And it’s mostly due to their comfort and support. They’re not great for heavy lifting, but short distance runs, jumping, and sled drags shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Click here to read the latest Amazon reviews.
Pros:
- Great support for high arches
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not good for weightlifting
7. Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoe
Now, we already included the Ghost 12 on this list, but we wanted to make sure we included the Brooks Men’s Ghost 11 Running Shoe because they’re also a high quality model that can make cross training a better experience. These supply good support for people with medium to high arches, so they don’t feel too flat while you’re working out.
They have the signature Segmented Crash Pad that makes landing on your feet very adaptable, and the mesh upper is breathable with a little give so it stretches to your specifications nicely.
You may also consider these to be wide CrossFit shoes since people with narrower feet tend to not find them as comfortable.
Click here to see the latest Amazon reviews.
Pros:
- Supportive for feet with medium to high arches
- Segmented Crash Pad adapts to your natural roll step
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons:
- May run wider than expected
- Not as sturdy as other Brooks models
Top 3 Best Brooks Cross Training Shoes
| Category | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |  Brooks Men's Beast 20 | Check Price |
| Best Minimalistic |  Brooks Men's Pureflow 7 Running Shoe | Check Price |
| Best Arch Support |  Brooks Women's Launch 6 Running Shoe | Check Price |
Brooks may be a lesser-known shoe brand in the cross-training world because they really don’t have dedicated shoes designed for that purpose. However, they still supply high-quality sneakers that can perform well during CrossFit WODs or heavy lifting sessions. And now that you’ve seen our full list of the best Brooks shoes for cross training, here are our top 3 to make buying a little easier.
For the best overall, we picked the Brooks Men’s Beast 20 Running Shoes because of its rugged and durable build and comfort. The Brooks Men’s Pureflow 7 Running Shoe is a great choice if you’re looking for a more minimal design. And finally, if you have high arches that require more special attention, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Women’s Launch 6 Running Shoes.
