If you’ve ever found yourself running to the locker room to change in-between deadlifting, jogging, squatting, or functional circuit training, you’re not alone. There are a lot of benefits to doing multiple forms of exercise, from running and lifting to a combination of both in a HIIT or CrossFit-style workout class. With those different forms of exercise, though, comes with the idea that you need different shoes for each. Think of it as a tool in your toolbox—you wouldn’t use a flathead screwdriver on a Phillips-head screw, right? That’s the same way with shoes; a dedicated running shoe is great for road work, but won’t provide the stability you need for heavy squats like a pair of lifters do. Now, several pairs of exercise-specific shoes might seem like a lot—but luckily for you, the best cross-training shoes are here to help.
Let’s clarify something upfront: Despite their name, this style of shoe is not just for CrossFit, but rather for a variety of different activities. Basically, if you want to go for a quick jog and then hit some weights afterwards without changing shoes in the process, then cross trainers are for you. They’re typically constructed to provide the stable base that you’d need for lifting weights (whether it’s heavy back squats or dumbbell variations) while also providing enough cushion and glide to those who want to hit the track afterwards. They’re also very breathable, which is especially helpful to cut down on odor and avoid gnarly blisters.
The only downside is that everyone wants a versatile set of shoes to save money or space, which means pretty much every athletic brand around offers a pair of dedicated cross-trainers. With so many options to try, it can be hard to figure out the best of the best. But don’t worry; we’ve got you sorted so that you can ensure you’re getting a one-size-fits-all shoe for your fitness needs. After all, you shouldn’t have to make any compromises in the pursuit of your superior self, so make sure you lace up with one of our picks for the best cross-training shoes.
The Best Cross-Training Shoes, According to GQ
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In This Guide
Best Cross-Training Shoes Overall: Hoka Kawana 2
Why We Love It: Hoka’s ready-to-roll cross trainer is a relatively neutral take that’s got a decent amount of cushion to support both runs and lifting sessions in equal measure. Perfectly suited to HIIT classes or sessions on the treadmill and the squat rack, Kawana 2 has a bit of weight to it that, for me in my testing, helped to keep me grounded in my lifting sessions but wasn’t so overly heavy and felt like I had cinderblocks on during runs. While we certainly don’t recommend these as a long run or race day shoe (or if you’re tossing a few hundred pounds on a barbell), they’re more than well-suited to being a fantastic daily trainer or single-use shoe when you’re traveling.
Best Cross Training Shoes for Stability: Nike Metcon 10
When it comes to cross-training shoes, Nike’s line of Metcons come to mind. For its latest iteration, the Metcon 10 has reached its peak form, bringing stability, durability, and comfort to a pair of workout shoes that’ll tackle any and all workouts you throw its way. The Hyperlift plate gives optimal stability for the heaviest of lifts, providing you all the foot-to-floor contact you need for deadlifts or squats. The Swoosh added reinforcement in the most likely places where you’d expect abrasion, and the revamped traction placement means you won’t slip on the lifting platform.
Best Lightweight Cross-Training Shoes: On Cloud X 3 AD
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William Goodman
Pros
- Breathable
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Lightweight feel may throw some people off who want a sturdier-feeling shoe for lifting
Given the fact On knows plenty about making great running shoes, we shouldn’t be shocked that they know how to make performance footwear for cross-training, too. And yet, the Cloud X 3 AD surprises with every single step. One of the lightest shoes we tested, you may initially think there’s not enough of a base or support for heavy lifting, but we found that to be untrue. I, in particular, have a bit of a stability issue with movements like single-leg deadlifts, but found these to ground me quite well as if I’d been rooted down through the floor. The upper could use a little more tactility to it, but it’s not so flimsy as to make me swear off the shoe entirely. In fact, I found how breathable it was to be really helpful when I was sweating it out. Plus, given On’s reputation as a running shoe brand, these work great for slightly longer runs. They’ll do great for a HIIT class, but you could easily then run several miles in them after the fact.
Best Cross-Training Shoes for Travel: Under Armour UA SlipSpeed
Under Armour
UA SlipSpeed Mega
Pros
- Fun features
- Supportive through the food
Cons
- Ankle support could be a little better
