Top Cross-Training Shoes for Women of 2023 Want to up your shoe game? Sign up for Footwear News’ Weekly Style newsletter to stay in the know on the latest sneaker releases and best footwear finds to shop now. Shop any of the 20 styles ahead to find the best cross-training sneakers for your feet. Don’t let the wrong sneakers hold you back from a happy, healthy workout. Avoid stiff, pointy and narrow toe boxes if you have bunions.”įor a simpler shopping experience, we’ve compiled the best cross-training shoes for women based on expert recommendations, user reviews and product testing. “Oftentimes, going up a wider size, if necessary, is also more comfortable. People with bunions should look for “mesh sneakers or any styles with a forgiving material,” Dr.

“Look for styles with a deep seated heel cup, arch support and a cushioned insole. “People with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis should avoid shoes with thin, flat insoles and outer soles,” Dr.

They should also provide cushioned support to absorb impact and “send the energy right back to power you through your training,” he says.Īnd if you suffer from particular foot conditions, you’ll want to look for additional support features to help you stay comfortable and healthy. Important characteristics in a good cross-training shoe include heel cushioning to help absorb shock when jumping, lateral support for side-to-side quick movement and heel support to aid in coming up from squats and jumps.Īccording to Wentzien, the best types of shoes for HIIT workouts keep your feet locked in throughout various movement. What to look for in the best CrossFit shoes Jacqueline Sutera, “these shoes should be less flexible, because they’re designed to keep the foot stable within the shoe,” she says. Cross-trainers, on the other hand, are able to withstand the weight absorption that cross-training requires without compromising stability or longevity.”Īccording to New York-based podiatrist and Vionic Innovation Lab member Dr. Wentzien adds, “Cross-trainers also tend to be a little firmer when it comes to cushioning and shock absorption, as running shoe foam compresses over time when repeatedly absorbing weight. Walking shoes just don’t have the support and stability needed for most cross-training movements. Walking is a unidirectional activity, meaning it moves in one direction, whereas most cross-training activities are multidirectional. Generally speaking, you should avoid even using the best walking shoes or the best running shoes when cross- training. “They’re versatile, just like cross-training in itself.” Can you use walking or running shoes for cross-training? “Cross-training shoes are built specifically to provide lockdown, stability and support that other types of footwear are not able to throughout the various exercises and movements you may encounter in a workout,” Wentzien says. However, once you start getting into more intense activities like HIIT classes, CrossFit and Olympic-style weight training, owning the right pair of cross-training shoes for each particular activity is key. If you occasionally run or workout on the elliptical or weight machines, any running shoe will suffice. The answer is yes, depending on the type of cross-training you do. Do cross-training shoes make a difference? “Cross-training involves lifting, running, jumping, climbing and a range of other functional movements, so the shoe needs to be stable, flexible, durable and responsive all at the same time,” says inov-8 Training Marketing Manager and competitive CrossFit athlete Fran Calvert. When shopping for your perfect pair, it’s important to consider the types of cross-training activities you’ll be doing. “Flexibility and cushioning are also key, so that your foot can move naturally and freely, which helps when quickly changing directions or balancing.” “A good cross-training shoe includes lateral support and heel lockdown for multi-directional movements, so that your foot is kept in place and secure,” says Grace Wentzien, project line manager for women’s train footwear at Under Armour. They’re more versatile and capable of handling a broad range of activities and movements. These are the “jack of all trades” shoes and can be classified as true cross-training shoes. Multi-faceted shoes are a little different. Their purpose is very clear and they’re primarily designed for one activity. Activity-specific shoes like running, rock climbing, hiking and walking shoes are easy to identify.

Workout shoes can typically be placed into two categories: specific and multi-faceted. Let’s dive in.Īctivity-specific shoes vs. So, how do you find the best cross-training shoes? Great question.

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