Functional Fitness Footwear: Top 10 CrossFit Shoes of 2014

Need CrossFit shoes that fit your style? Whether you prefer simple or technical footwear, there’s something for everyone. With diverse tastes, you might find 2 or 3 shoes perfect for your gym bag. Explore our list of the best 10 CrossFit shoes to find your ideal fit

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#10 New Balance Minimus

These are a minimalist shoe, so they don’t have a lot of support. It has a 4mm heel drop which puts you in a very neutral position for doing cross training, which is what you want; you can feel your feet. Makes for a more intimate workout.

I wear the New Balance MX20v3 Minimus Cross-Training Shoe strictly in the gym for about half hour +, while i do tabata training or longer format interval training. I have been exercising for over 40 years, so i think i know my way around a pair of sneakers. These are great kicks- for the gym they give great lateral support for doing footwork and hold your feet in well. They remind me of my Asics Tiger wrestling shoes i had back in the 70’s, but with way better everything.

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#9 Reebok CrossFit lifter 2.0

Very nice product right out of the box. First time lifting in them I could definitely feel the difference. I thought that the bright colors would be a distraction but so far I am loving them.

The Reebok CrossFit Lifter Plus 2.0 should last for years and are more than enough for the local tournaments I compete in. Really looking to get in some solid lifts this year with these new shoes.

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#8 Merrell Trail Glove

The sizing on these shoes are normal. I love not having to wear socks with them. The Merrell Trail Glove 2 Running Shoe are super lightweight and fit like a glove to your foot. I would definitely recommend these to anyone wanting to switch to a minimalist running shoe.

I own 4 pairs of the Merrell Barefoot, and these by far have been my favorite. They are more comfortable on the inside than the original Trail Glove, Original Road Glove, and the Sonic Glove.

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#7 Reebok Nano

This is my second pair. I bought the first pair in a local store, went back for another pair because they felt so good, but they didn’t have another in my size.

I checked Amazon, found what I wanted and purchased them. All as gone well! They work well all around in the gym from running, to box jumps, Olympic lifts and jumping rope.  All around great product and not too expensive.

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#6 Inov8 Fastlift 335

The Inov-8 Men’s Fastlift 335 is a high-performance weightlifting shoe engineered to provide optimal stability and support during intense workouts. Designed for athletes and weightlifters, these shoes feature a specialized Power-Truss heel system that enhances stability, ensuring a solid base for lifting heavy weights. The shoe’s lightweight yet durable construction, coupled with a midfoot strap for a secure fit, promotes confidence and precision during weightlifting sessions.

Crafted with a firm and non-compressible midsole, the Fastlift 335 delivers excellent power transfer and responsiveness, aiding lifters in maintaining proper form and technique. The sticky rubber outsole offers reliable traction on various surfaces, granting wearers a firm grip during lifts. These shoes prioritize functionality, providing the necessary support and structure for weightlifting movements, making them an ideal choice for athletes seeking footwear that enhances performance and stability during their training sessions.

Check out this comparison review for the Inov8 faslift vs Adidas Powerlift shoes

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#5 Nike Free

I was coaching at the local CrossFit gym and talking to several clients. One of my clients said that she loves the Nike Free sneakers for CF workouts. Yes; they are not the best for olympic lifts but for everything else they are a good choice.

If you have any running in your workout then the Nike Free is a much better choice than a Nano.

Just what I need summer training. Order them 1/2 size larger for best fit.

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#4 Adidas Power Lift 4.0 Trainers

I originally wrote this review on the Adidas website, but they rejected it because it made reference to other brands. Since they don’t want legitimate reviews, I’ll write it here. The only reason I didn’t buy these on Amazon is because the size 11’s were $80 cheaper direct from Adidas. I’d rather buy from Amazon, but the price discrepancy was way too much.

Overall, the Adidas Powerlift Trainer Weightlifting Shoes are amazing. I feel so much better squatting in these than in Chuck’s or any normal sneakers. They are COMFORTABLE. I am size 10 1/2, with wide feet. For Chuck’s I need to go 11 1/2, but at that size they look like clown feet and STILL feel a little narrow. I got the Powerlift 2.0’s in 11, and they fit PERFECTLY. Seriously, even my perfectly fitted NB 10 1/2 EE runners don’t feel as amazing as these. The inside is soft and comfortable. I still prefer Chucks for deadlifting, but I will never squat again without these bad boys.

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#3 Inov8 f-lite 232

The Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 232 Cross-Training Shoe stands out as an exceptional choice tailored for the rigorous demands of CrossFit and functional fitness athletes. Engineered to provide versatility and durability, these shoes are equipped with features that support dynamic movements, agility, and stability during intense workouts. With a low-profile design and a sticky rubber outsole, these shoes offer excellent traction and grip, allowing athletes to confidently navigate various surfaces and exercises common in CrossFit routines.

Designed for responsive performance, the F-Lite 232 incorporates a durable yet flexible construction that facilitates natural foot movement, enhancing agility and speed during workouts. The shoe’s reinforced toe bumper and Rope-Tec technology offer added protection and grip during rope climbs and high-intensity workouts. Featuring a comfortable fit and breathable materials, these shoes prioritize comfort without compromising on performance, making them an ideal choice for CrossFit and functional fitness athletes aiming to elevate their training experience with footwear designed to meet the dynamic challenges of their workouts.
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#2 Puma Womens Bioweb

The Puma Women’s Bioweb shoe stands as a dynamic choice for female CrossFit and functional fitness enthusiasts, offering a blend of comfort, support, and performance. Engineered with a focus on flexibility and stability, these shoes feature Puma’s Bioweb technology, which utilizes a web-like design in the midsole to provide superior cushioning and enhanced support during diverse workouts. This innovative technology aids in absorbing impact and delivering responsive cushioning, crucial for activities encompassing varied movements like those found in CrossFit training.

With its lightweight and breathable construction, the Puma Bioweb shoe ensures a comfortable and secure fit, allowing athletes to maneuver swiftly through functional fitness routines. The shoe’s multidirectional outsole tread pattern offers excellent traction and grip, enabling wearers to tackle different surfaces with confidence. For female athletes seeking versatile footwear that balances durability, support, and agility, the Puma Women’s Bioweb shoe serves as a reliable choice, promoting performance and stability throughout demanding CrossFit and functional fitness workouts.

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#1 Converse Chuck Taylor

Yeah, I’m a dork. I only bought these unbleached Chucks because they are the same ones worn by Doctor Who. Love em’! Look out for the sizing if you have wider feet. I ordered a half size larger than I usually wear because Converse always smash my pinky toes on the sides.

The size of Converse Chuck Taylor’s that I can wear comfortably always end up having the rubber toe cap extend beyond my toes…so basically the rubber end is empty, but they don’t feel too big, but just right and they look fine on me. Now I just need to work on that Doctor Who hairstyle. Ha!

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Question: What about the new balance minimus vs Inov8? Or how about the minimus 20v4 trainer vs merrell trail glove? We suggest you try both pairs on and see how they fit your feet. Both are lightweight shoes but you want them to fit well to start.

Question: I know this is a random question that comes across and I have watch the videos on running shoe selection but what do you advise should I have shoes just for running and work out in them or should I have separate shoes and what style or brand would you recommend? Thanks brad, it’s Wednesday HUMP DAY!

Answer: For c-fit workouts I would always use the same shoe for lifting, running and rope climbing.

Where can I find out more info on CrossFit? Check out the CF website here:

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