8 Best Cross-Training Shoes for Women in 2024

Author: Tanya Shaiko (6 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)

Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)

Footwear is an indispensable part of workout attire that keeps you stable and stylish. There’s no one type. 

Running shoes are cushioned for a low-impact footstrike and conceived to provide additional stability, while others boast a solid base for heavy lifting or rock climbing.

However, these best cross-training shoes for women will allow you to hit all corners of the gym, from treadmills to plyo boxes and ropes to weight rooms, rocking a single pair. Let’s pick your favorite!

 In a hurry? 

In a hurry?

In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the 

REEBOK Nano X3. 

REEBOK Nano X3 best for weightlifting, cardio, HIIT and you can wear it for 800-1600 meter training without taxing responsiveness or shock absorption.

Our team of certified experts and professional athletes has tested 30 cross-training shoes for women and only 8 of them were considered good enough to make it to this list. The products were evaluated on 7 of the most important criteria and our team has spent over 450 hours testing them. 

In addition to the extensive testing process, they have also analyzed hundreds of online user reviews. This list is updated all the time, so feel free to leave a comment and share your experiences with us!

8 Best Cross-Training Shoes for Women

Top 8 Best Cross-Training Shoes for Women Reviewed

ProductTotalStabilityMaterialsDurabilityBreathabilityComfortGripPrice/ Quality
Reebok Nano X3699.510101010109.5
Nike Metcon 868.510109.59.59.51010
Reebok Nano X26899.59.510101010
Nobull Trainer+67109.5109.59109
TYR CXT-1 Trainers679.59910109.510
Inov-8 F-Lite 26066.5109.510109.598.5
Reebok Nanoflex64.58.598.59.510910
R.A.D One649.5109.59.598.58

1. REEBOK Nano X3 — Top Pick

REEBOK NANO X3
The all-new Reebok Nano continues the versatile and reliable tradition its predecessors have set. As expected, it didn't get a complete overhaul but a few substantial changes.
  • Materials: Flexweave™ upper, rubber outsole, Floatride™ Energy foam
  • Fit: True to size
  • Color Options: 4
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 7 mm
  • Size Range: 8.0–10.5
  • Best For: Weightlifting, Cardio, HIIT
The midsole features a running-friendly Floatride™ Energy Foam. You can wear it for 800-1600 meter training without taxing responsiveness or shock absorption. The reworked heel clip has a Lift and Run (L.A.R) chassis system. It softens as you push off but compresses on the landing. With a perfect balance of flex and firmness, X3 is a step in the right direction for the Nano lineup.
reebokcostarica

You can blend in various strength and speed modalities. Durable textile overlays are embedded in the knit upper. The shoe hugs your midfoot nicely. Its dome-shaped TPU heel is also snug around the ankles. Meanwhile, you won't face fitting issues during multi-directional exercises. An additional eyelet is given for secure lace-locking.

Reebok excels at the grip, whether you're skipping, climbing, or battling ropes at any surface. The rubber outsole seems to recall the ‘MultiSplit’ lugs we used to see until model X. The thoughtful, well-rounded construction of the latest Nanos makes them the best women’s cross-training shoes. They might take some time to break in but stick to your regular size.

69Expert Score

REEBOK Nano X3 best for weightlifting, cardio, HIIT and you can wear it for 800-1600 meter training without taxing responsiveness or shock absorption.

Stability:
9.5
Materials:
10
Durability:
10
Breathability:
10
Comfort:
10
Grip:
10
Price/Quality:
9.5

Positives:

  • All-in-one trainers with excellent cushioning, support, and grip

  • The first snug-fitting and true-to-size Nano 

  • L.A.R chassis allows middle-distance runs without hurting the stability required for weightlifting

Could be better:

  • The break-in period may last for a couple of sessions

2. NIKE Metcon 8 — Runner-Up

NIKE Metcon 8
Metcon 8 is “engineered to the exact specifications of championship athletes,” as stamped on the shoe itself. Metcons and Nanos run neck-to-neck every generation for the crown of men’s and women’s HIIT shoes.
  • Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole and wraps, React foam
  • Fit: True to size
  • Color Options: 8
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 4 mm
  • Size Range: 6.0-10.0
  • Best For: Weightlifting, HIIT, Competitions
Metcon 7 and 8 are incredibly similar, especially from the grooved outsole and foam-filled base perspective. Those who like Nike’s athletic fit won’t be disappointed. However, the neutral support and sizing don’t invite wide-feet folks. Heels with a low offset, flat Hyperlift inserts, and handstand clips at the back remain unchanged. The stability and security of Metcons are exceptional.
Metcon 8

This latest iteration uses mesh webbing with heat-welded overlays, thus minimizing the damage to toe boxes. You'll notice that Metcon branding has replaced rubber wraps and iconic swoosh on the medial side. It can be a hit or miss, depending on how many rope climbs you'd do. 

The lacing mechanism quietly does away with Flywire™ cables, internal lacing, and double velcro tabs (there is only one now at the top of the tongue). Nike revolutionizes each model at odd numbers with a successive design update. Thus, Metcon 9 will present an entirely different outlook. It could shift the focus towards acceleration and agility drills.

68.5Expert Score

Metcon 8 is “engineered to the exact specifications of championship athletes,” as stamped on the shoe itself.

Stability:
10
Materials:
10
Durability:
9.5
Breathability:
9.5
Comfort:
9.5
Grip:
10
Price/Quality:
10

Positives:

  • Abrasion-resistant rubber detailing on the upper fabric

  • A secure hook-and-loop closure for the lacing mechanism  

  • Flat and low-to-ground heel counters create a stable foundation for heavy cleans, squats, and deadlifts

Could be better:

  • Inadequately cushioned for frequent, lengthy running

REEBOK Nano X2
The Nano X2 brought the spotlight back to the classic cross-training shoe line. Released in April 2022 in separate colorways for male and female athletes, it streamlined the tooling approach.
  • Materials: Flexweave™ upper, rubber outsole, Floatride™ Energy foam
  • Fit: Runs half size larger
  • Color Options: 3
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 7 mm
  • Size Range: 8.0–9.5
  • Best For: Weightlifting, Cardio, Running
The construction of the last two Nanos is awe-inspiring. Including the L.A.R chassis in heel counters was the major upgrade, making X3 as suitable for weightlifting and sprinting. Riding on the Floatride Energy Foam, both variants allow up to 500-pound lifts. However, you'd receive less support and steadiness from X2 as you inch closer to this threshold.
Reebok Nano X2

Photo by @shadesbro

Size down by a half number since these cross-trainers for women are historically famous for wide-toe boxes. If you have narrower feet, go further down the chart to prevent side-to-side shifting and sliding. In any case, the lacing mechanism is well done with a comfy tongue. The arch is molded according to anatomical feet curvatures.

X2 maintains neutral tones, accented by contrasting outsoles at the bottom and sidewalls. Its chevron lug pattern is grippy on wooden platforms, rubber flooring, machines, and outdoor turfs. Similarly, the built-in ROPEPRO™ adds extra bite for rope climbs, burpees, sled pushes, and similar dynamic workouts. While X3 obviously has the upper hand, its older sibling is mostly available at tempting discounts.

68Expert Score

The Nano X2 brought the spotlight back to the classic cross-training shoe line. Released in April 2022 in separate colorways for male and female athletes, it streamlined the tooling approach.

Stability:
9
Materials:
9.5
Durability:
9.5
Breathability:
10
Comfort:
10
Grip:
10
Price/Quality:
10

Positives:

  • Top-notch comfort and blister protection like everyday shoes 

  • Anti-shock, non-slip soles are perfect for cardio 

  • A roomy toe box provides that splay and connection you need for barbell jerk movements

Could be better:

  • Not suitable for 1RM attempts at deadlifts and squats

4. NOBULL Trainer+ - Best Unisex

NOBULL Trainer+
Nobull gives leading brands a run for their money. The plus/unisex version of its breakout-hit trainers promises the level of confidence you expect from your cross-training wardrobe.
  • Materials: SuperFabric™ upper, high carbon rubber outsole, EVA foam
  • Fit: True to size
  • Color Options: 8
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 4 mm
  • Size Range: 8.0–15.5
  • Best For: Weightlifting, HIIT, Competitions
Trainer+ comes in high-top and low-top cuts. They feature a patented, seamless rubber-coated mesh with a perforated tongue and protected eyelets. The new intricate webbing of laces is great at looks and lockdown. The whole shoe can withstand rope abuses, not medial walls alone. It’s tough but not flexible enough for post-workout stretches. As you might know that the arch support wards offs running-related injury risks. That too is the bare minimum in its insoles.
nobull

 Photo by @nobull

Given restricted versatility, the price tag is justified if the bulk of your regime consists of sweaty lifting sessions. These cross-training sneakers for women aren’t gender-specific. Sizes range from 8.0W/6.5M to 15.5W/14.0M. There are fewer availability and replacement issues.

A reflective logo, camouflage patterns, and herringbone treads are notable updates. Its bottom is fully rubber with deep grooves, not exposing the fat EVA midsole and maintaining omnidirectional traction. 

Despite a low drop and flat cradle for heels, the stack height has been enhanced for comfort. Your foot digit remains in the air, taking away some ground contact. It doesn’t interfere with performance but engulfs vast swathes of circuit-style training.

67Expert Score

NOBULL Trainer+ the plus/unisex version of its breakout-hit trainers promises the level of confidence you expect from your cross-training wardrobe.

Stability:
10
Materials:
9.5
Durability:
10
Breathability:
9.5
Comfort:
9
Grip:
10
Price/Quality:
9

Positives:

  • The one-piece upper fabric is 360⁰ resistant to cuts and abrasions

  • Metal eyelets reduce friction and fraying when tying loops

  • New herringbone tread patterns cover the entire outsole, making up an all-weather and all-terrain grip

Could be better:

  • Rigidity is not helpful for cardio and stretching exercises 

TYR CXT-1 Trainer
TYR is a renowned swimwear brand. Lately, it has taken up the baton of outfitting HIIT geeks. Do you know what was more surprising? Six of the top ten athletes in the 2022 NOBULL Games were swinging TYR premium shoes.
  • Materials: Mesh upper, rubber outsole and wraps, NRG foam
  • Fit: True to Size
  • Color Options: 14
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 9 mm
  • Size Range: 10.5–13.0
  • Best For: Weightlifting, HIIT, Cardio
CXT-1 is another unisex model we can confidently recommend. There is a wide color range, from neutral blacks and whites to some funky combinations. The extraordinary thing these shoes have achieved is striking a balance of stability and reactivity.
jenny.fiit's

Photo by @jenny.fiit's

The most controversial factor is, indeed, a 9mm heel drop. You'd appreciate the help when squatting to depth unless you're a minimalist lover. Don't picture a constant downward slope. The patent-pending stability footbed is relatively flat with a sharp step-down. Rigid covers wrap around toes and heels. 

EVA-stocked midsoles, flexible forefoots, and strategic vents on the mesh upper round out design cues. Coupled with superb arch and ankle support, you can finish a variety of WODs.

Some improvements can be made, such as reinforcing durable overlays, improving the midsole density, and revising the lacing mechanism. These are good shoes for bootcamp style workouts, nonetheless, where you have to do everything from burpees and double unders to squats and kettlebell swings.

67Expert Score

TYR CXT-1 are good shoes for bootcamp style workouts, nonetheless, where you have to do everything from burpees and double unders to squats and kettlebell swings.

Stability:
9.5
Materials:
9
Durability:
9
Breathability:
10
Comfort:
10
Grip:
9.5
Price/Quality:
10

Positives:

  • A rare blend of stability and responsiveness

  • The mesh upper is highly breathable for high-intensity sessions

  • A high heel drop with a leveled and anatomical sockliner assists your record-breaking lifts

Could be better:

  • May feel unnecessarily chunky if you’re used to minimalist shoes

INOV-8 F-Lite 260 V2
The UK-based brand specializes in hiking boots. However, F-Lite trainers were the brainchild of 10x Games athlete Scott Panchik, aspiring to zip through his short sprints, Oly lifts, and much more.
  • Materials: Knit upper, Powerflow™ midsole, rubber
  • Fit: True to size
  • Color Options: 1
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 8 mm
  • Size Range: 6.0–11.0
  • Best For: Weightlifting, Cardio, HIIT
Like other models in the series, F-Lite 260 has a company-rated fit scale of 5. It indicates suitability for people with wide feet and high arches. However, V2 is narrower from the middle despite a generous toe splay. The outsole boasts INOV-8’s trademarked DFB™ and 3mm deep lugs. Regarding the ground feedback, it’s only second to graphene that was introduced later in the G300. With a beefy heel and bendable forefoot, it can tackle whatever you throw at it.
INOV-8

Photo by @inov_8

The Powerflow™ midsole is designed as a met cradle, carrying a bulged 14mm stack at the back. It delivers a poised level of stability and energy return. The added layer of toe spring keeps your foot cozy and safe during floor movements. All this, and you have a mere 260g accessory. The lightweight nature means you can also slip it on for endurance training and everyday wear.    

Pricing is on par with other top-of-the-line women’s training shoes. It might be a drawback since F-Lite 260 has been an underexposed one. You’ll get limited financing options. But a one-year warranty, as well as free shipping and return, compensates. 

66.5Expert Score

INOV-8 F-Lite 260 V2 - trainers which best for weightlifting, cardio, HIIT and has a company-rated fit scale of 5 who It indicates suitability for people with wide feet and high arches.

Stability:
10
Materials:
9.5
Durability:
10
Breathability:
10
Comfort:
9.5
Grip:
9
Price/Quality:
8.5

Positives:

  • The lightweight and breathable trainer doubles as a casual shoe

  • Inov-8-ed toe bumper wards off workout fatigue

  • Powerflow™ midsole caters to vast exercise plans, from plyometric-focused to resistance training

Could be better:

  • A cramped midfoot can be an issue for wide-feet athletes

  • Mid-range pricing would be more appropriate

REEBOK Nanoflex Trainer
Nanoflex is a budget-conscious version of best-selling Nanos. You’d notice several cuts in material quality and versatility if you pitch a contest. Still, the biggest slash it marks is in the price.
  • Materials: Mesh upper, full rubber outsole, EVA foam
  • Fit: True to size
  • Color Options: 1
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 4 mm
  • Size Range: 5.0–11.0
  • Best For: Cardio, HIIT, Walking
Nanoflex has a fairly straightforward build. Its upper is fully mesh. It's more maneuverable compared to the Flexweave™. It contains a bit of stretch and grit. However, it breaks down sooner, especially on rough use. The lack of rubberized overlays on the forefoot and lacing area further decreases the lifespan. There are no medial rope guards either. Seven eyelets are retained for a reliable lock-in fit.
Nanoflex

Photo by @pvellner

The outsole’s flex-groove treading lets out consistent midsole foam layers. The grip is excellent indoors and outdoors. Those who have styled an advanced Nano will miss anti-compression Floatride™ Energy. In any case, Nanoflex women’s cross-trainers are primarily made for class workouts, interval routines, and light lifting. Studies have shown that going to failure affects muscle size and strength, not the load per se. 

Taking a narrow lane for toe boxes doesn’t make sense, as it might hold back balance. The upper has some give, so you'll settle eventually.Nanoflex is available in a chic white-and-gum color scheme. You must consider it in the following cases – if you do less lifting and more circuit-style training, or if your workouts are recreational and at an early stage! Lastly, getting a Reebok without dropping a Benjamin is a gold deal in itself.
64.5Expert Score

REEBOK Nanoflex Trainer - budget-conscious version of best-selling Nanos which has a fairly straightforward build primarily made for class workouts, interval routines, and light lifting.

Stability:
8.5
Materials:
9
Durability:
8.5
Breathability:
9.5
Comfort:
10
Grip:
9
Price/Quality:
10

Positives:

  • A true Reebok at an unmatched value for money

  • Super-flexible tops and sticky rubber outsoles

  • It combines design elements of shoes for cross-training, running, and everyday wear

Could be better:

  • The insole is not removable

  • Not durable or stable enough for serious weight training 

R.A.D One
R.A.D is a promising startup from Portland and part of the 1% for Planet initiative. Its high-motor, competition-ready training shoes with unisex sizing and classic aesthetics debuted in Wodapalooza 2022.
  • Materials: Synthetic textile upper, rubber outsole, Swell Foam™
  • Fit: Runs a half size smaller
  • Color Options: 4
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 6 mm
  • Size Range: 9.0–14.5
  • Best For: Weightlifting, Cardio, HIIT
R.A.D Ones – standing for “Rally Against Destruction” – have what it takes to be the best cross-training shoes for women. They deliver an all-around performance in every fitness-centered setting. In short, you’ll find them closer to Nano X3 than any Metcon. The Swell Foam™ sole creates a well-cushioned yet low-profile silhouette that encourages you to log a few miles and lift big blocks. 
R.A.D Ones

Photo by @gearpatrol

The shoe drop walks a fine line between barefoot and ballerina heels (pun intended). A study in Frontiers recorded a trade-off between ankle and knee loading for runners, comparing regular shoes with those having 8mm drops. The rubber base reaches up to the midsole with an identical herringbone tread pattern, enhancing looks and traction. However, slick and wet surfaces may still promote skidding. Given the micro-suede layering of the mesh upper, there are no durability or breathability suspicions.

Additionally, the cost is sky-high – not overpriced, but certainly not a dirt-cheap offering some people expect from a newcomer. Availability of your preferred size and colorway may be another issue. R.A.D has expanded options over the past year but takes a lot of time to restock.

64Expert Score

R.A.D one is a promising startup from Portland that manufactures footwear with unisex sizing and a classic aesthetic, which best for weightlifting, cardio and HIIT.

Stability:
9.5
Materials:
10
Durability:
9.5
Breathability:
9.5
Comfort:
9
Grip:
8.5
Price/Quality:
8

Positives:

  • Strategic leather-like overlays shoot up the longevity 

  • High-quality and eco-friendly material sourcing

  • Cushioning remains robust and responsive, not beating your feet up during lifting, running, or HIIT workouts

Could be better:

  • Treads are shallow and can leave the grip as you cut or drill

  • Price is comparable to (if not more than) time-tested training shoes

9. REEBOK Legacy Lifter III – Bonus Pick: Best for Olympic Lifting

REEBOK Legacy Lifter III
Apart from cross-trainers, you can adorn your kicks with sport-specific workout shoes for women. Let’s review the third model to appear in Reebok’s famous weightlifting shoe line.
  • Materials: Textile and leather upper, rubber outsole, TPU heel
  • Fit: True to size
  • Color Options: 2
  • Heel-to-toe Drop: 22 mm
  • Size Range: 8.5–12.0
  • Best For: Weightlifting, Powerlifting
Legacy Lifters don’t rely on laces only. You’ll get midfoot straps for a complete lockdown. On top of that, the pump integrated into the tongue can adjust the fit. You’ll need more give when squatting than picking up bulky barbells from the ground. 

A full-length, TPU-stabilized plate maintains the ground contact. It can be helpful whether you do Oly lifts, strongman moves, or some fun leg presses.

Its anatomical craftsmanship, anti-microbial sockliner, and especially a 22mm heel counter suit female weightlifters. That’s why it eclipsed heavyweights like Adidas Powerlift and Nike Romaleos. 

Women tend to engage their ankles and hips more than their male counterparts. Along with biomechanical differences, the hips-to-quads angle is naturally greater. High heel drops can be a good remedy. Not to say that it should correct knee valgus or improper form patterns.

Remember that the upper has a few mesh patches for the airflow. It’s not a flexible tank to shake up multi-modal hybrid workouts (jumping, rowing, stretching, etc.) between sets. If you aren't used to the massive height and weight of the shoe, you'll feel slightly off-center early on.

Positives:

  • 22 mm heel height can mechanically assist during a barbell complex

  • The life and finish of leather uppers are unbeatable

  • Fits like a glove due to six core eyelets, an added pump system, and twin hook-and-loop closures

Could be better:

  • Less aggressive velcro than previous iterations

  • Your functional fitness WODs will require a separate cross-training pair

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What Are the Benefits of Using Workout Gloves for Women?

Cross-trainers are supposed to be a jack-of-all-trades. They accommodate a variety of strength training and aerobic conditioning tasks.

Do you know when you move, every pound of your body weight results in 2-4 times as much force on your feet? The body's foundation – our feet exists at the vanguard of all impacts. And they're not easy to train or tone. Therefore, having the right pair of shoes is of paramount importance.

Tips From the Champ

Properly-fitted shoe helps you stay at the top of your game. It brings forth motivators (comfort and support) while repelling hygiene factors (injuries, strains, and fatigue).

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

✅ Increased Support

Running shoes basically support the forward motion. But it's one of three movement directions: fore-and-aft (sagittal plane), side-to-side (frontal plane), and rotational (transverse plane). Cross-trainers for women are flanked at all sides by special contours and cushioning. As a result, you can indulge in multi-directional exercises without heel slips.

✅ More Comfort

Besides midfoot cushioning, you’ll see wider toe boxes and stiffer heel counters. Moreover, ventilation panels are reinforced with rubber/leather overlays in high-wear areas. These ergonomic twists are usually tailored to cross-train where you'll be doing a lot of work, requiring stability in the base, flexibility in the forefoot, and breathability of the fabric.
Improve Grip on Weights

✅ Injury Prevention

Hitting a cross-training program in sport-specific shoes is synonymous with inviting injuries. For example, strength routines in a runner will be hard on your ankles. Likewise, lifters can’t host your treadmill training. Shoes with innovative drops and structures of the midsole optimize ankle dorsiflexion, internal knee rotation, and ground reaction forces.

✅ Improved Performance

Unlike open-back footwear, sneakers positively impact posture, gait, and balance. While training, you’ll boost your performance and progress over time. However, a properly-fitted shoe helps you stay at the top of your game. It brings forth motivators (comfort and support) while repelling hygiene factors (injuries, strains, and fatigue).

What to Look For in the Best Cross-Training Shoes for Women?

There are specific parameters to check off when looking for the best HIIT shoes for women. These are your fitness goals, training intensity, and foot anatomy. 

Would you spend more time with free weights or floor mats? Do you have flat or broad feet? Do you need extra motion control? How much will you use these new shoes? Afterward, curate shortlisted models based on your budget, and always chase value for the money.

1. Stability and Responsiveness

No matter what kind of exercise you do, ground contact is warranted for spatial awareness. To do a little bit of everything, look for a mix of stability and reactivity. Lower heel drops (4-6mm) and firmer padding avoid compression as you ascend a barbell overhead or land a box jump. Simultaneously, the energy isn't completely lost but rather returns to you.
warm up outside

2. Materials Quality

A shoe can be divided into outsole, midsole, and upper. You want a full rubber outsole to last a long time. It must carry traction marks across all directions and surfaces. The midsole is what separates the inner footbed and the exposed outsole. Generally, it hosts EVA foam stuffing. Lastly, you want the upper to bend and breathe but not break.

3. Comfort and Cushioning

Comfort depends on many factors. First and foremost is accurate sizing. A few millimeter space in the toe box does no harm, but you must feel locked down. That brings us to the second point: fitting. Sift through the laces and tongue. Also, the heat and moisture must escape out timely. Cushioning should be of high density and uniform gradient.

What Are the Differences Between Cross-Training and Weightlifting Shoes for Women?

It's pertinent to match the demands of your planned workout with the design and construction elements of the shoe. Once you can't dig out the OG pair from the back of the closet anymore, the conundrum boils down to buying weightlifting shoes vs. cross-trainers for women.
Cross-Training

1. Heel-To-Toe Drop

The first difference you'd catch on swapping normal trainers with weightlifting shoes is the heel support. Lifters boast upward of 0.75" heel drop. It intrinsically feeds into ankle ROM, helping with knee flexion and an upright torso. Your cross-training shoes have a flatter gradient. Otherwise, you lose balance and center of mass when mobility training.

2. Stiffness

The heel counter of weightlifting shoes is purposefully blocky and clunky. It’s made of wood or plastic. Although Metcons and Nanos feature TPU heel clips for stability, these aren't that hard. Similarly, forefoot flexibility, breathability, and shock absorption are of greater concern to cross-training shoes. They lie in the middle of lifters and runners as far as rigidity, padding, and softness are concerned.

3. Versatility

A circuit-style training may involve cardio warm-ups, bodyweight exercises, Olympic lifts, and calisthenic movements to top off the day. The versatile treatment of women’s cross-trainers renders them subpar to sport-specific shoes in that particular field. Imagine soccer cleats or clip-in cycling shoes. They are pretty much useless outside of the domain. Weightlifting shoes are no different.

FAQ

Is It Okay to Wear Running Shoes for Cross-Training?

The short answer is no! Running shoes support forward motion. You increase injury risk once you include lateral or vertical movements, as in a plyometric session.  

What Are Cross-Training Shoes?

Cross-trainers are a hybrid of weightlifting, running, and simple court shoes. They’re geared for a variety of tasks, including general weightlifting, functional training, sports participation, and casual wear.

Can You Wear Cross-Training Shoes Outside?

Cross-training shoes have an athleisure appeal. They won’t raise any eyebrows if you hit a supermarket on your way back. That being said, you should feel comfortable in your all-day wear. Then, you’d also like to extend the lifetime of your expensive purchase.

Conclusion

Shoes can make or break your workouts, even more so when toggling between training modalities in a single session. We put dozens of shoes through a battery of tests (back squatting, moderate-paced running, box jumps, dance classes, HIIT rounds, etc.) Reebok Nano X3 earns the top spot in our list of the best cross-training shoes for women.

You can favor other options depending on your training preferences and anomalies. Do you like to cross-train? If yes, share your routine in the comment section. Any suggestions and queries are also welcomed.

Also read:

References:

  1. Jiale Cheng et al., "Effects of arch support doses on the center of pressure and pressure distribution of running using statistical parametric mapping," Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 Nov 21
  2. Robert W. Morton et al., "Neither load nor systemic hormones determine resistance training-mediated hypertrophy or strength gains in resistance-trained young men," Journal of Applied Physiology. 2016 Jul 06
  3. Piemin Yu, Yuwei Liu, et al., "Acute Effects of Heel-to-Toe Drop and Speed on Running Biomechanics and Strike Pattern in Male Recreational Runners: Application of Statistical Nonparametric Mapping in Lower Limb Biomechanics," Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 Jan 28
  4. Brian L Zellar et al., "Differences in kinematics and electromyographic activity between men and women during the single-legged squat," AM J Sports Med. 2003 May-Jun;31(3):449-56
  5. T Hahn et al., "The Q Angle and Sport," Scand J Med Sci Sports. 1997 Feb;7(1):43-8
  6. J Nilson and A Thorstensson, "Ground reaction forces at different speeds of human walking and running," Acta Physiol Scand. 1989 Jun;136(2):217-27
  7. Katey Davidson, "A Guide to Body Planes and Their Movements," Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/body-planes (accessed 2023 Aug 15)
  8. Fengqin Fu et al., "Effect of the Innovative Running Shoes With the Special Midsole Structure on the Female Runners’ Lower Limb Biomechanics," Front Bioeng Biotechnol. 2022 June 06
  9. Saori Karasawa et al., "The Impact of Footwear on Posture, Gait and Balance," Aging and Public Health Vol 14. 2022 Feb 02
  10. All Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team

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With over 20 years in Olympic Weightlifting, our team does its best to provide the audience with ultimate support and meet the needs and requirements of advanced athletes and professional lifters, as well as people who strive to open new opportunities and develop their physical capabilities with us.

All products we select are primarily approved and tested by the Olympic Weightlifting Champion Oleksii Torokhtiy. Under his guidance, we provide honest and reasonable assessments of the products we review by checking their characteristics, packaging, design, comfort and durability features, and general product rating. We select products from only high-quality and trusted sports brands, thus vouching for their quality.

The product testing process is described in more detail here
  • Author
  • Reviewer

Girl Power, Blog Contributor

Experience: 6 years

Best Results: Snatch - 61 kg, 

C&J - 78 kg

I'm Tanya, and I love lifting weights. 6 years ago, I picked up Olympic weightlifting and fitness. Weightlifting is a unique sport because it's just you against the bar. There are no teammates to help you out; it's all on you.

I'm also passionate about helping other women achieve their fitness goals. That's why I started my blog and write some products reviews. I want to show other women that they can do anything they set their mind to!

If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com

Olympic Weightlifting Champion

Experience: 21 years

Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,

C&J - 240 kg

My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).

After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.

If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com

This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by an expert with proven experience. When writing the article we've used our expertise and data from authoritative, scientific, and evidence-based sources. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.


Our team of authors and experts includes professional athletes (Olympians, winners of European and World titles), PhDs in Sports Science, certified coaches, sports nutritionists, CSCSs, physiotherapists, and others. Read more about the team here, and more about how we test here.

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