Training Question: What is a good shoe for SGPT 365 and CrossFit workouts?

Every week we answer training questions from SGPT Athletes.

QUESTION:
Hey Coach!

Me and a buddy of mine are powering through the SGPT 365 workout series! But my current training shoes are coming to it’s last days.

Can you send me a few suggestions to what would be the ideal shoe in your opinion?

I intend to use it to fully complete the SGPT 365 Challenge and I am a CrossFit enthusiast.

Any assistance or guidance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again! Rakeem.

ANSWER:
Good question Rakeem.

There are many great workout shoes out on the market that will fit your needs.  Check out our breakdown on these shoes and feedback from our SGPT athletes.

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#1 REEBOK NANO

Reebok was the first company to design and make a CrossFit shoe. They have been at the forefront of putting together a great shoe that works time after time. This would be your go to shoe for the gym.

This is Reebok’s 12th version of the Nano X2 so they have taken the time in the past decade to upgrade and refine this shoe to serve the CrossFit and functional fitness home gym crowd.

#2 INOV-8

Another shoe that we really like is made by Inov-8. These are more of a specialty CrossFit shoe with its lightweight frame.

These shoes can be used for gym workouts, trail running and mountain biking but will not be as durable as the next shoe (Oboz).

I have used two different versions of Inov-8 for CrossFit workouts and trail running. They are lightweight so dont expect them to take a lot of abuse in rocky terrain.

#3 CONVERSE CHUCK TAYLOR

The Converse Chuck Taylor is a solid shoe for hard training. Flat sole. No cushion. That means you stay grounded when lifting heavy. Deadlifts, squats, sandbag cleans—this shoe locks you in. No fluff. Just rubber and canvas. SEALgrinderPT athletes like it because it’s simple, tough, and gets the job done. You can beat it up and it keeps going.

But here’s the deal—it’s not great for running or jumping. No arch support. No shock absorption. If you’re doing box jumps, sprints, or fast agility work, your feet may feel it. It’s built more for power than speed. So use Chuck Taylors for strength days. When it’s time to move fast, switch to a training shoe like the Nano or Metcon. Right tool for the right job. Train smart. Stay strong.

Check price at Amazon.com

#4 GORUCK BALLISTIC TRAINERS

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is built like a tank but moves like a fighter. It’s the perfect shoe for functional fitness, CrossFit, and hardcore SEALgrinderPT workouts. The sole grips hard on any surface—wet pavement, gym floor, gravel, or trail. The heel is rock solid for lifting heavy, while the front end is flexible enough for sprints, box jumps, and burpees. You can go from a deadlift to a 5K without changing shoes. This shoe holds the line in every condition—mud, sweat, rain—it doesn’t care. It’s made to work.

What sets it apart is the durability. Cordura upper. Ballistic nylon. It’s built like your ruck gear—no frills, no weak points. After months of ruck runs, sandbag drags, and rope climbs, mine still looks and feels solid. The wide toe box gives your feet room to breathe, and there’s no slipping inside the shoe even when you’re soaked in sweat. If you train for the grind and push the edge every day, this shoe won’t let you down. It’s a tool for the mission.

SGPT Athlete Enam Hoq
I wear GORUCK Ballistic Trainers. They provide great support and are extremely durable. I’ve put in well over 200 miles. Most of those miles were rucking on trails. I’ve also worn those shoes in two GORUCK events.

Check price at GORUCK.com

#6 LALO BLOODBIRD

We also like the LALO Bloodbird as a specialized workout training shoe.

Check out the review for LALO Bloodbird a few years back.

I have also worn and used the LALO Grinder shoe which is light weight and zero rise. It is a good stable shoe for CrossFit style workouts. It is not a good option for long distance running.

#5 ONs

It depends on the situation…I like to use ONs a lot of times (usually strength only days) but usually I wear trail running shoes for all wkouts especially HIIT / CrossFit style wods…best I have ever found and have used for over a decade are INOV-8, From SGPT Athlete Clay Williams.

#6 OBOZ SAWTOOTH

The Oboz Sawtooth is a tank for your feet. I’ve beat these shoes through rucks, box jumps, rope climbs, sandbag carries, and Murph-style workouts, and they held the line. The tread grips like a hungry dog on concrete and dirt, and the support is rock-solid without feeling like bricks. They breathe just enough, drain well, and stay tight when laced. These aren’t just trail shoes—they’re built for war, field-tested, and ready for the grind.

For CrossFit and SEAL-style training, they’re mission-ready. I’ve run them through grinder PT, flutter kicks, sled pushes, and fireman carries. Zero blowouts, no slipping, no excuses. The toe box gives you space for burpees and sprints, and the sole stays locked during Olympic lifts. If you train hard, live dirty, and need gear that doesn’t quit, the Sawtooth has your six. No fluff, just function.

Check out the <a href=”http://a href=”https://sealgrinderpt.com/blog/navy-seal-workout/oboz-sawtooth-low-hiking-shoes-review.html/”>SGPT review we did a few years back.

Coach: I like No Bulls for Crossfit. Altras for runnning and field work or rucking. From SGPT Athlete Joey Mur

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