A lot of people get really pumped for their next CrossFit workout, but maybe you’re different? If you have pronation issues in your feet and ankles, then you know that HIIT and other cross-training workouts can cause a lot of pain in your lower body.
CrossFit is a ton of running, jumping, climbing, and a number of other things, and wearing shoes that cause your ankles to cave in and put your lower body out of alignment can make any gym session a painful experience. That’s why it’s important to shop for training shoes based on your personal needs and ailments.
Lucky for you, we did a ton of research to bring you a comprehensive list of the best CrossFit shoes available for those with pronation issues so make sure you read all the way to the end to see our top picks by popular category and keep your feet in alignment!
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
- Very comfortable
- Roomy in the toe box
- High stability
Quick Rankings
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  New Balance 20v7 Minimus |
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| #2 |  CrossFit Nano 9.0 |
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| #3 |  Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 20 |
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| #4 |  Brooks Launch 6 |
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| #5 |  Asics Gel-Kayano 25 |
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| #6 |  Asics Weldon X Ankle-High Running Shoe |
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| #7 |  Reebok Women's HIIT Tr Cross Trainer |
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How We Compared CrossFit Shoes
When we decided to take on the hours of research needed to compare these CrossFit shoes, we had a lot of features and styles to compare. So in this section, we’re letting you know the things we focused on to come to our decision.
Comfort
First of all, shoes have to be comfortable, right? Studies have shown that more comfortable shoes correlate with better foot support. That’s why we put a lot of focus on footwear that received high praise for comfort and tried to only include sneakers that had a very favorable fit among buyers.
Cushion
Pronation is a tricky thing to correct, but one aspect of workout shoes that can help the issue is providing adequate cushion in the midsole. We took the time to discover shoes that we somewhat firm, but still comfortable, through the midsole so your ankles can stay aligned a little better.
Of course, we should be completely honest and say that if you really want to improve your pronation problems, you should really consider custom orthotics. That’s the only true way to get exceptional cushioning for your feet that’s built specifically for your feet.
Stability
Finally, stability is very important to prevent alignment issues. Whether you’re running sprints or performing heavy barbell movements, you need shoes that provide a stable foundation so you can avoid careless injuries during each workout.
1. New Balance 20v7 Minimus Cross Trainers
For our very first pick on the list, we have the New Balance 20v7 Minimus Cross Trainers. Now, these are truly cross-training shoes that users have reported helping to improve their performance, but they also have a number of features that make them good for dealing with pronation.
For example, these shoes well-cushioned. This makes them very comfortable during dynamic movements like sprints and box jumps.
Plus, these shoes have a much more natural fit compare to other minimalist sneakers. This is partly due to the adequate arch support, but it’s also due to the asymmetrical-shaped collar as well.
Pros:
- For minimalist shoes, these are very comfortable
- Feel natural
- Cushioning provides extra support
Cons:
- Some buyers have said the sizing is off
2. Reebok CrossFit Nano 9.0
In the CrossFit world, Reebok shoes are pretty much at the top of most lists… and ours isn’t different. Because of the high quality community influence that went into designing these shoes, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 9.0 Sneakers truly are a force to be reckoned with.
For workout footwear, these were built to be very versatile. Rope climbing, runs, and lifts can all be done with good support while wearing these shoes.
And as far as comfort, these shoes are truly standouts among other brands and models. Users on the Reebok website have reported that the 9.0 model are some of the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn with a nice wide toe box to boot.
Pros
- Comfort is a high priority
- Nice wide toe box
- Very stable on the ground
- Versatile
Cons
- May feel stiff at first so they require a break-in period
3. Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20
If you’re “lucky” enough to be an over-pronator and have flat feet, the Brooks Men’s Adrenaline GTS 20 is a solid choice. And the best part is: These shoes can double as your lifting and running shoes as well.
The cushioning and support in this Brooks model are practically unrivaled.
The DNA Loft “crash pad” and its comfy layer of cushions will provide superior shock absorption during any high-impact exercise in your WOD. Whether it’s box jumps, sprints, or mountain climbers, every landing will be gentle and easy on your lower half.
To make matters even better, this CrossFit shoe sports a feature called “GuideRails.” This one-of-a-kind technology will keep your foot landings in check, a benefit for your feet, ankles, and knees (as you may know, over-pronation can take a toll on the knee joint over time).
The combination of the snug mesh upper and 3D-printed foundation makes this shoe a fantastic choice for the over-pronating flat-footed folks vying for a comfortable CrossFit shoe. This shoe will be your right-hand man when you want to push through more mileage, reps, and time.
Pros:
- Seem to be a step-up from previous Brooks models
- Provide support specifically useful to over-pronators
- Lightweight, so they won’t weigh you down
- More than enough cushioning
Cons:
- The sole seems to wear away unusually quick
4. Brooks Launch 6
Since comfort is a main component of high-quality training shoes that help pronation, we had to include the Brooks Launch 6 Shoes. Brooks is not as well-known of a brand in the CrossFit world, but we urge you to consider these since they’re just as well-rated as some of the bigger name brands.
With these shoes, you’ll find a great deal of arch support. They use what they call 3D Fit Print upper technology to provide extra support and keep your arches conformed and inflexible.
But they also make the natural roll step during walking, sprinting, and jumping comfortable as well. This is due to the upper air mesh that allows both breathability and flexibility through those more grueling workouts.
Pros
- Plenty of arch support
- Feels secure and comfortable
- Really shine during agility movements
Cons
- Not good for weightlifting
- Narrow toe box
5. Asics Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes
Asics provides some of the most comfortable shoes in the running world, but they also provide solid options for those with pronation issues. Due to its innovative design and intelligent build, we included the Asics Gel-Kayano 25 Running Shoes to the list.
What makes the build of these shoes so smart is they put features into the model that enhances comfort from the very back during heel strike, all the way to the front to the toe-off point. This is partly due to the vertical flex grooves that makes your gait a little more efficient.
They have a comfortable toe box, good cushion on the tongue and heel, and the arch support is very good as well. For a running shoe, these could be a great option to help overpronators.
Pros
- Comfortable from heel strike to toe release
- Improves natural gait
- Nice arch support
CrossFit Nano Cons
- Durability issues
- Tread wears fast
6. Asics Weldon X Ankle-High Running Shoe
In addition to the Gel-Kayano 25, we also found that the Asics Weldon X Ankle-High Running Shoe was a very supportive model as well. Many aspects of this shoe can help to correct pronation issues.
For example, there’s a lot of natural movement through your gait since it includes Asics’ proprietary GEL cushioning system in the rear and forefoot. This makes each step feel pretty darn comfortable.
The midsole is also pretty durable so you shouldn’t have to wear through these sneakers too quickly. And the breathable fabric keeps your feet nice and cool through each tough workout.
Even though the midsole is durable, that doesn’t appear to be the case for other parts of this shoe. Some reviewers have said that the mesh upper often comes apart and the insole wears quickly.
If you’re willing to sacrifice a little comfort in pursuit of a shoe with a single piece upper, you may want to consider NOBULL cross trainers instead.
Pros
- Natural gait feels supported
- Durable midsole
- Shoe feels cool
Cons
- Mesh lining and insole wears quickly
7. Reebok Women’s HIIT Tr Cross Trainer
Even though this Reebok shoe is pretty far down the list, the Reebok Women’s HIIT Tr Cross Trainer is a strong competitor that shouldn’t be brushed aside if you’re a woman looking for comfort.
First of all, these are a true cross-training shoe. So these can be worn in during a number of activities including CrossFit, weightlifting, kickboxing, and high intensity interval training.
Plus, the lightweight foam on the inside is very comfortable to wear for long periods of time. Your dogs won’t be barking as loud when you finish up your daily routine.
These also have good lateral support. This is important if you’re doing a lot of agile training, which is typically what CrossFit workouts demand.
Pros
- Versatile for many activities
- Very comfortable
- Made for agile movements
Cons
- Soles are not very flexible
The Top CrossFit Shoes for Pronation
| Category | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Most Supportive Cross Trainer | New Balance 20v7 Minimus | Check Price |
| Most Versatile Cross Trainer | CrossFit Nano 9.0 | Check Price |
| Most Comfortable Runner | Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 20 | Check Price |
When you have pronation issues, it can cause some serious pain during your daily routine, let alone your CrossFit workouts. That’s why we took the time to create this list, but we also want to give you our top 3 picks.
If you’re looking for an actual cross-training shoe that has adequate support, go for the New Balance 20v7 Minimus Cross Trainers. Similarly, for a very versatile shoe, you can’t go wrong with the Reebok CrossFit Nano 9.0 Sneakers. Finally, if you prefer the comfort of a running shoe (they typically have more support), then we recommend the Nike Free Train Versatility Running Shoes.
Is this list not enough for you? Want more options? Then make sure you check out our detailed reviews of the absolute best CrossFit shoes on the market.
