When it comes to CrossFit training, you need to make sure you have the right footwear. With all the running, jumping, climbing, and lifting you might do in a single WOD… your feet can take a serious beating in a short period of time.
But what if the standard selection of workout shoes isn’t going to cut it? What if you need something with a little more support?
Luckily for you, not all CrossFit shoes are designed the same and some are better built for comfort in the box. So if you feel you need a little more support in your shoes, make sure you check out this list of the 7 best CrossFit shoes with arch support.
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In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Brook’s Men’s Launch 6 Running Shoe
- Great arch support
- Comfortable and secure
- Agile and flexible
What Makes a Good CrossFit Shoe?
Well, that’s a pretty subjective question, but we’re going to do our best to answer it. A few things that make a good CrossFit shoe include:
- Durability
- Flexibility
- Grip
- Minimal toe rise
- Comfort
It’s the combination of all these things that makes a good pair of cross training sneakers long-lasting and able to withstand a number of high intense workouts.
For the sake of this list, we’re going to be focusing on comfort overall. More specifically, we’re focusing on solid arch support that hugs the mid foot well.
Quick Rankings
| Rank | Name | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brooks Men's Launch 6 Running Shoe | https://amzn.to/32jzWF9 |
| 2 | Nike Men’s Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainer | https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MZ27FXS/?tag=noobgains-20&ref=as_li_ss_tl |
| 3 | Under Armour Men's Charged Ultimate 2.0 Sneaker | https://amzn.to/2pxzvbF |
| 4 | Reebok Men's CrossFit Nano 9.0 Cross Trainer | https://amzn.to/2oVPbW7 |
| 5 | Reebok Men's CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker | https://amzn.to/2pwdNF6 |
| 6 | Reebok Men’s CrossFit Lifter 2.0 Weightlifting Shoe | https://amzn.to/3bg0mw2 |
| 7 | Nike Metcon 4 Men's Cross Training Shoes | https://amzn.to/2MZk44b |
1. Brooks Men’s Launch 6 Running Shoe
At the top of the list, we’re selecting the Brooks Men’s Launch 6 Running Shoes. They don’t necessarily have to be the men’s specific model, but we feel men might really dig the the style design of these sneakers.
They’re great for high arches since they use 3D Fit Print upper technology that stretches and has a structure for extra support. The air mesh fabric also feels secure and comfortable for the fit while allowing more flex and breathability.
This is a really good shoe for most of the CrossFit movements, but you might want to try something else for weightlifting specifically.
Pros:
- Lots of arch support
- Very comfortable and feels secure
- Superior for speed and agility exercises
Cons:
- Subpar for weightlifting
- Feels tight in the toes
2. Nike Men’s Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainer
Though not within Nike’s official CrossFit line-up, the Nike Men’s Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainer checks all of the typical CrossFit boxes and is a reliable option if you’re craving arch support.
The flex groove and “cradle” exterior designs provide secure multi-directional support…ideal whether your WOD calls for insane agility work, short sprints, or mountain climbers.
The tough yet flexible rubber outsole will give you all the traction you need to take off in a sprint, stop on a dime, and change direction without issue. When your WOD is for time and you don’t have a second to lose, this shoe won’t let you down.
And the “finger trap” pattern—reminiscent of the toy from your childhood—gives a snug glove-like fit for even more peace of mind.
Pros
- Wraps snugly around your feet for a solid fit
- Can handle running, lifting, CrossFit, and anything in between
- The woven design looks sleek
- Also thrive as everyday shoes
ICons
- May not even last six months
- Takes a little while to break-in fully (a little stiff at first)
3. Under Armour Men’s Charged Ultimate 2.0 Sneaker
I like these shoes because they have nice support in the mid foot (exactly what we want) and they have a little more lockdown thanks to the external panel on the heel. That’s a bonus to avoid injury.
The flat knit panel inside the Under Armour Men’s Charged Ultimate 2.0 Sneaker has some give so the arch support feels more custom to your foot. They’re also pretty durable and versatile because of the TPU skin.
Pros:
- Good strength training shoe
- Adequate for cardio and running
- Durability
- Fits snug
Cons:
- Sizing doesn’t translate well
- Very narrow
4. Reebok Men’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer
When it comes to CrossFit shoes, there are some models that just always seem to be on the list. This is the case with the Nano… more specifically… the Reebok Men’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer. What’s cool about this model is that its design was heavily influenced by feedback from the CrossFit community.
A combination of things make these workout sneakers very versatile. The flexweave tech makes them durable and flexible. The minimal drop sole helps with grip and traction. And the extra cushioning makes them snug against your arches and very good for running and other agile movements.
Pros
- Good cross training shoe for a variety of movements
- Stable feel
- Retro design
Cons
- Take awhile to break in (stiff)
5. Reebok Men’s CrossFit Nano 8.0 FlexWeave Sneaker
Wait! Didn’t you just put a Nano model on the list? What the heck?
Yes, even though the Nano 9 is already on the list, we can’t help the fact that the Reebok Men’s CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker is still a very comfortable shoe that would do well to support your arches. Even though they’re not the most recent model, it would be a mistake to not at least give them a chance.
Just like the 9.0 version, they incorporate flexweave technology to make them durable and breathable. And again the mid sole is designed well for solid arch support. In fact, many CrossFitters actually own both the 9 and 8 and attest to feeling the difference between the models.
Pros
- Has all the benefits of the Nano 9.0
- Strong grip
- Plenty of room in the toes
CrossFit Nano Cons
- Feel heavy over long distances
- Not as stable
6. Reebok Men’s CrossFit Lifter 2.0 Weightlifting Shoe
If you’re looking for dedicated weightlifting shoes for high arches, then the Reebok CrossFit Lifter 2.0 is probably a solid choice. Unlike the other shoes on this list, they’re definitely designed for heavy barbell lifts and not for running of any kind (even short distances) due to the very flat soles.
Like most weightlifting shoes, these come standard with a lockdown strap to keep the shoe firmly attached to your foot. This presents slippage during cleans when you become momentarily airborne. And the 12mm heel drop sets your hips in line for near perfect squatting form.
Again, you don’t want to do any running in these because of the flat sole. Additionally, some reviewers claimed the strap began to peel pack at the stitches so you’ll need to watch the wear on these.
Pros
- Great for weightlifting
- Lockdown strap prevents slippage
- Improves hip alignment
Cons
- Terrible for running
- Strap may wear quickly
7. Nike Metcon 4 Men’s Cross Training Shoes
I mentioned that some shoes always appear to be on a list of CrossFit sneakers. Well, like the Reebok Nano, the Nike Metcon 4 Men’s Cross Training Shoe does the same. Even though these shoes are not explicitly endorsed by CrossFit like Reebok is, these tennis shoes are built specifically with a cross training gym junkie in mind
They’re built for a myriad of CrossFit movements making them pretty versatile. They’re stable, keep a solid grip, and allow for explosiveness.
Pros
- Built for cardio and weightlifting
- Light
- Supports ankles well
Cons
- Feel stiff at first
- Can be considered tight
Top Picks for the Best CrossFit Shoes with Arch Support
| Category | Name | Picture | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Arch Support | Brooks Men's Launch 6 Running Shoes | https://amzn.to/2W1ZEeX |  |
| Best Lightweight | Inov-8 Men's F-Lite 235 V2 Sneaker | https://amzn.to/2MWgW98 |  |
| Most Durable | Under Armour Men's Charged Ultimate 2.0 Sneaker | https://amzn.to/2Mwe6IS |  |
Like I mentioned earlier, most CrossFit shoes are built to take a beating and provide support during movements that demand high performance. However, some shoes are designed a little better than others when it comes to arch support.
Taking into account everything we’ve evaluated about the sneakers on this list, we can conclude that our top picks are the Brooks Launch 6 for maximum support, Inov-8 F-Lite 235 V2 for versatility, and the Under Armour Charged Ultimate 2.0 shoes for a snug fit.
Overall, you have to make the best pick for you. Make sure you actually try on shoes before you buy and go with the pair that meets your personal needs and feel the most comfortable to you.
FAQ
Do NOBULL shoes provide good arch support?
NOBULL shoes provide average arch support. You’re not going to find them on any lists like the one you just read. According to other reviewers, the minimal design doesn’t provide adequate support for someone with high arches. In fact, a Reddit user claims that all of their Reebok Nano’s provided better support than NOBULL.
7 Best CrossFit Shoes with High Arch Support
These are the CrossFit sneakers that can help the strain of plantar fasciitis, over pronation, and other issues caused by feet with arches that are over or under pronounced from the metatarsal to the cuboid.
- Brooks Men’s Launch 6 Running Shoe
- Nike Men’s Lunar Fingertrap Cross Trainer
- Under Armour Men’s Charged Ultimate 2.0 Sneaker
- Reebok Men’s CrossFit Nano 9 Cross Trainer
- Reebok Men’s CrossFit Nano 8.0 Flexweave Sneaker
- Reebok Men’s CrossFit Lifter 2.0 Weightlifting Shoe
- Nike Metcon 4 Men’s Cross Training Shoes
