When you start your CrossFit career, you’ll quickly discover that it’s more than a typical weightlifting workout. There’s jumping, crawling, rowing, lifting, plus a half dozen other movements that you didn’t even consider when you signed up.
But one part of the WOD experience is the occasional short jog or sprint. For these kinds of activities, you need to consider shoes like the Adidas Ultraboost 19. Sneakers like these are solid cross-trainers with an emphasis on running comfort to keep your performance high and avoid injuries.
To help you with your search, we’ve done a lot of the leg work (pun-intended) for you. So keep reading to discover the 7 best CrossFit shoes for running and cardio cross training.
Table of Contents
In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Quick Rankings
| Rank | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Adidas Ultraboost 19 |
| Check Price |
| #2 | Nike Free Metcon Ankle High Cross Trainer |
| Check Price |
| #3 | Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 |
| Check Price |
| #4 | Reebok Nano 9 |
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| #5 | Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 |
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| #6 | Reebok CrossFit Speed TR 2.0 |
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| #7 | NOBULL Trainer |
Check Price | |
1. Adidas Ultraboost 19
For our first choice, we’re recommending the Adidas Ultraboost 19 shoe because of its adaption for both cross training and running comfort. The 19 version improves upon the sneaker tech of the basic Ultraboost model and gives a more energizing feel to your cardio workouts.
On the Adidas website, there are hundreds of 5-star reviews based on its high performance. Plus, it comes in some pretty awesome colors.
One thing that works well with this shoe is the tight fit that honestly could be a second skin with how well it contours. For example, it has a molded heel that works very well with the movement of your Achilles heel. Overall the design of this shoe is top notch and would be a great selection for a CrossFit workout sneaker.
Pros:
- Very comfortable
- Tight fit
- High energy return
Cons:
- Not as stable as other shoes
2. Nike Free Metcon Ankle-High Cross Trainer Shoe
Here’s another cross training shoe that should provide enough versatility for both weightlifting and cardio. The Nike Free Metcon Ankle-High Cross Trainer Shoe is a flexible model that provides comfort and security during multiple activities.
Thanks to its lightweight build and breathable upper layer, you should feel quick on your feet and shouldn’t leave your WOD with sweaty toes. And because the sidewall has a neat lacing cage, you’ll have extra lock down and security that keeps the shoe tight on your foot.
Catering more to the runners, the outsole has flex grooves that supports fast multi-directional movement. This makes sprints and plyo activities more comfortable than other cross training shoes.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable upper layer
- Secure
Cons
- Now for wide feet
- Reports of weak lace eyelets
3. Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 Cross Trainer
The original 235 were extremely popular when they came out in 2014 and the Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 is definitely an upgrade from that model. This is a zero drop sneaker that has additional grip technology on the outer sole that makes them great for rope climbs.
We consider these one of the best Inov-8 CrossFit shoes because they’re good for short WOD runs and they’re also pretty formidable for lifting. This is mostly due to the Powerheel technology that makes things pretty stable when your launching a barbell from your heels.
This brand makes the claim that they were the first (or one of the first) to release a shoe specifically for CrossFit and they boast that they’re shoes are one of the absolute lightest. This should give you nice quick feet during those intermittent sprints.
Pros:
- Good construction
- Enough room in the toe box
- Extra grip
- Flat sole
Cons:
- Sizes may be too small
- Sizing on standard vs wide is confusing
4. Reebok Nano 9.0
If you’ve looked at more than one list about CrossFit shoes, then you’ve probably come across the Reebok Nano 9.0. The reason they appear on multiple fitness sites is most likely because the design of these workout sneakers were influenced heavily by the CrossFit community.
Because of the Flexweave technology, you’ll find these shoes to be durable for whatever you throw at them. The same feature also contributes to their flexibility which contours nicely during cardio activities. This is also improved by the extra cushioning inside.
And if you’re looking for a shoe that has decent grip and traction, this shoe also works for that too. It’s not a zero drop, but the minimal drop sole improves your ability to make quick adjustments on the fly.
Pros
- Versatile
- Good stability
- Comfortable
Cons
- Requires a break-in period
5. Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 FlexWeave
No, you didn’t just experience deja vu. The Reebok CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave is on the same list as the 9.0 version. This is simply because hardcore Reebok enthusiasts absolutely swear that there’s a noticeable difference between both models and they both bring something good to the table.
This is also why we’ve included this model on other lists like our picks for the best overall men’s CrossFit sneakers.
The 8.0 model is very comfortable with plenty of arch support. This is going to make it a high pick for any sort of running and sprinting since you’ll be constantly rolling through your midfoot.
Plus, it has the flexweave tech that helps them breathe and keep the sweat at bay. Honestly, there are a lot of WOD enthusiasts that own both models and pull one out depending on their mood. Idk.
Pros
- Same benefits as 9.0 model
- Grippy
- Wide toe box
CrossFit Nano Cons
- Not good for longer jogs
- Lacks stability
6. Reebok CrossFit Speed TR 2.0
If you’re looking for extra versatility, then the Reebok Crossfit Speed TR 2.0 Flexweave might be the shoes for you. Thanks to different features in their design, they perform well for you whether you’re lifting, jumping, or running.
Sprints are made a little more fluid thanks to their low cut design. Alternatively, the exposed heel clip make them very stable and improves their shock absorption during jumps. Also, their relatively flat sole helps for performing heavy lifts.
Pros
- Grip well
- Lightweight for sprints
- Solid stability
- Wide toe box
Cons
- Uncomfortable for heavy steppers
7. NOBULL Trainer
The NOBULL Trainers have appeared on multiple CrossFit shoes lists compiled by Noob Gains including our overall top gym footwear list. That’s why they had to be included on this list of the top picks for cardio and running.
What’s interesting about these shoes is that they have a stiff sole, but they’re also pretty flexible to support your natural roll step when running. That means they’re going to be well supported during heavy lifts, but they’ll also be comfortable during short distance jogs.
They have a one-piece construction in the upper made with their patented SuperFabric which makes them very breathable. You won’t need to bring an extra pair of socks to change into like some other shoes.
However, these shoes aren’t great for long distance runs. You typically won’t have to worry about this since most CrossFit WODs limit running and sprints to short distances only.
Pros
- Solid construction and design
- Versatile for multiple activities
- Very comfy
Cons
- Not made for wide feet
- Bad for long distance runs
Best CrossFit Shoes for Running (The Verdict)
| Category | Name | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Overall |  Adidas Ultraboost 19 | Check Price |
| Classic Cross Training |  Nike Free Metcon Ankle High Cross Trainer | Check Price |
| Best Zero Drop |  Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 | Check Price |
CrossFit is a pretty versatile type of training. One day you might purely focus on heavy lifts like clean and jerks, but another day you might have to do some sprints or light jogs. We took these variables into account when forming this list and here are our final recommendations.
If your primary focus is to maximize comfort during runs, then you can’t go wrong with the Adidas Ultraboost 19. For guys and gals that prefer the feel of a classic cross-training shoe with a little cardio emphasis, then the Nike Free Metcon Ankle-High Cross Trainer is a good pick. Finally, if a zero drop sole and traction is most important to you, then the classic Inov-8 F-Lite 236 V2 sneaker would do well for you.
The important thing to remember is that even the most popular CrossFit shoes will feel different on every foot, including yours! That’s why it’s important to pick a shoe based on your own personal preferences… and go for something that feels comfortable during your next workout no matter the hype.
