The Nike Metcon 4 from last year has become a staple brand when it comes to cross-training. The Metcon 4 is so robust and well-built that, in our opinion, you wouldn’t even need to buy the new (more expensive) Metcon 5. We tested the Metcon 4 for over 6 months both inside and outside the gym with stellar results. If you’re looking for hands-down the best training shoes on this list, then you need not read any further and go buy these puppies.

Nike has bestowed the Metcon 4 will all the features you could ever ask for in a training shoe. The upper construction is made from a blend of both soft mesh and reinforced synthetic material. The upper is quite flexible and comfortable which is excellent for workouts like burpees and box jumps. The Metcon 4 also has an integrated Flywire system for a snug and close fit. There is minimal heel slippage when you’re engaged in a lot of side-to-side lateral movements as you feel the shoe is really hugging your feet.

The outsole of the Metcon 4 extends outward past the arches along the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. This is an excellent option for rope climbing or sled pushes and the outsole is covered in sticky rubber for this exact purpose. The textured grip on the soles can take quite a beating while still retaining its traction control, coupled with a heel clip to stabilize side-to-side movements.

The midsole on the Metcon 4 is a standout feature as they are firm and stable. You wouldn’t need any specialized weight-lighting shoes when you have the Nike Metcon 4. The flat offset of the heel helps with providing a stable platform for explosive lifts by making you feel more connected to the ground.

It’s safe to say that you can work up to heavy triples on the back squat without noticing any give or instability. Moreover, these shoes are also quite good for short runs and sprints without needing specialized running shoes. The cushioning on the heel portion of the shoe is slightly stiffer than the cushioning towards the forefoot. This helps with flexibility and makes the shoe feel more lightweight.

The only issue with these shoes is that some people might find them too firm and if you’re doing multiple box jumps, you are prone to feel it. This, however, isn’t that big of an issue when you focus on all the positives. It is without a doubt that the Nike Metcon 4 has the overall best features in any training shoe and hence earns the title as the best cross-training shoe for men or women in this list.

Pros
+ High-quality, durable construction
+ Flat and stable midsole for weightlifting
+ Variety of color combinations to choose from
+ Great for short runs and sprints

Cons
– Some might find the midsole a bit too firm

If your training regimen includes more CrossFit-style WODs along with some traditional training and running, then the Reebok CrossFit Nano 9 bridges the gap perfectly. While the older Nano 8 is a remarkable cross-training shoe, the Nano 9 takes it just a little bit further with a few enhanced features.

One of the standout features of the Nano 9 different from its previous iteration is the translucent rubber grip that overflows to either side of the shoe. This rubber grip is wider around the midfoot to create a stable weightlifting platform. It also doubles the traction on rope climbs and aids in multi-directional movements. The heel platform has also been widened significantly to make it more weightlifting-friendly and the base resembles that of a squat shoe.

To sweeten the package even further, Reebok has made the Nano 9 more running-focused than previous iterations by adding a single-density injection-molded EVA foam into the midsole. While this doesn’t replace a dedicated runner, it is perfect for some light running and cardio to supplement your training regimen. The single-density foam is lightweight and flexible compared to traditional hard-foam midsoles on cross-training shoes.

Reebok’s signature Flexweave upper has received an upgrade for the Nano 9 model. The upper is more stretchy and has been made thinner to better contour the natural shape of the foot. The Nano 9 feels nimble on the feet and doesn’t weigh you down when performing rope climbs or box jumps.

As for the styling aspects, the Nano 9 sports the classic heritage logo of Reebok. The shoes themselves are quite minimalistic without being overly flashy. In my opinion, the colorways could have used a bit more “flair”, but that’s just me being nitpicky.

Pros
+ Enhanced features from the previous Nano 8 model
+ Lightweight and upgraded Flexweave upper
+ Single-density EVA foam allows for short runs
+ Extended rubber grip is great for rope climbs

Cons
– Might feel too big for people with narrow feet

The Nike Free x Metcon is a hybrid between the Nike Free shoes and the Nike Metcon line. They feature the best of both worlds by pairing the support and durability of the Metcons with the comfort of the Nike Free. The Free X Metcon is definitely on par with our previous favorite – the Nike Metcon 4. These are the best training shoes for someone that has a training regimen that includes more running and cardio – purely because the Nike Free X Metcon is what you get if a running shoe and cross-training shoe had a baby together.

During our testing, the Free X Metcons were decidedly on the comfortable side without feeling too squishy. It was perfect for an extended cardio session at the gym without experiencing any sores or aches. The Flywire lacing system combined with the midfoot cage locks your foot in place for hard side-to-side movements. The rubber on the outsole wraps up to the side of the shoe to provide more coverage and durability for rope climbing.

The official description says it’s made out of breathable mesh construction, but we did experience “hot feet” due to the sock-like sleeve that’s designed to keep your feet snug and in place. The tri-star grooves planted on the outsole of the shoe did an adequate job of providing ample grip on the gym floor. While these shoes aren’t meant for professional powerlifting or weightlifting, they performed admirably in all the different challenges we threw at them like squats, jumping jacks, burpees, and even some light running. These are the all-around best pair of cross-training shoes for men.

Pros
+ A versatile pair of shoes that’s good for cross-training or lifting
+ Sock-like material wraps around your feet for an excellent fit
+ Feels comfortable with no slipping or rubbing
+ Has excellent grip while performing lateral movements

Cons
– Sizes run small and better to order 1/2 size up for a good fit
– Can get hot because of the sock-like sleeve

The Minimus 40 is the latest shoe in the long-running Minimus series for New Balance. The shoes come equipped with the new Rapid Rebound outsole foam which is very responsive for workouts that contain lots of jumping like plyometrics, burpees, and box jumps. A REVlite heel provides added shock absorption in the heel area while also increasing stability and durability. The TPU heel clip does a great job of minimizing heel slippage.

The Minimus 40 is constructed from a woven synthetic upper with TPU reinforcement for breathability. The breathable upper is designed to flow with the contortions of the foot without creating any pressure points. The design aspect of the Minimus 40 leans towards the minimalist side with a clean look and simplistic color combinations. With its responsive cushioning and balanced comfort, the New Balance Minimus 40 is marketed as one of the most run-friendly shoes on our list, and we certainly agree with that. For people who incorporate more running elements into their cross-training, this is the perfect shoe for them.

A dense, grippy Vibram rubber outsole provides maximum traction during intense exercises. The Vibram outsole extends to the sides of the shoe for precise lateral movements. While they’re not dedicated running shoes, the Minimus 40 contains a moderate amount of padding for light running. Our only quip was the narrow design and people with wide feet might have some difficulties. Nevertheless, you can’t go wrong with these extremely flexible and versatile shoes that weigh only 290 grams.

Pros
+ Minimalistic and lightweight shoes
+ Good balance of cushioning and firmness
+ Side-to-side movement was quick and responsive
+ Flexible shoes with good ankle support

Cons
– Sizes can run half a size big and narrow
– Not ideal for heavy weightlifting

While the Nano 8 might not be winning any design or style awards anytime soon, this newer iteration from Reebok makes up for it in terms of durability and construction. The shoes feature a bootie design that sits independently to the exterior shoe material and slides onto your feet like a glove. The shoes are quite flexible and comfortable without feeling overly snug or constricting.

The wider toe box is a welcome addition and I’ve noticed that they give me enough room to spread my toes out a bit to get a better perch while doing squats. This can be especially useful when you’re pushing through the last few reps on a back squat. The shoes provide good ankle support for lateral movements, along with a flat and stable base for weightlifting.

The midsole of the Nano 8 has a minimal 4mm drop which gives it added stability for wobble-free lifts. In terms of cushioning, there is a removable OrthoLite sock liner for shock absorption if you plan on doing some box jumps.

The outsole is made from high-abrasion rubber which contains deep flex grooves to keep the shoe very flexible, and it moves naturally with the foot which makes it feel like an extension of your feet. The outsole also consists of RopePro tech on both sides of the shoe for rope-climbing.

The upper is constructed from durable Flexweave material and is versatile in both form and function. The Flexweave pattern is very breathable and also resistant to scraping and fraying from rope climbs and climbing walls. The bootie design is not without its flaw though and our only concern is the connective piece that bonds the inner bootie to the heel of the outer shoe. Not very ideal if it were to snap.

Pros
+ Extremely comfortable and breathable thanks to flex weave construction
+ Flat and stable midsole, but flexible at the same time
+ Good ankle support for those intense workout sessions
+ Wide toe box adds to the already amazing comfort of these shoes

Cons
– Not recommended for running as it degrades stability for weightlifting
– Wider toe box may not be suitable for people with narrow feet

Reebok is a name synonymous with CrossFit. This latest offering from the company is made with HIIT, CrossFit, and cross-training as its modus operandi. At 241 grams, it’s a lightweight shoe that is tougher than it looks. It holds itself well by providing the support and stability needed for weightlifting, while not sacrificing comfort.

The shoes did an admirable job of maintaining enough flex to engage in copious amounts of other intense activities and even CrossFit WODs. To make sure your shoes stay intact during strenuous workouts, the outsole comes equipped with upgraded RopePro technology for superior grip and traction.

The midsole is made of a soft EVA foam for cushioning and impact absorption. It is a full-length cushioning unit and has a low heel drop of just 3mm, making it a grounded and stable base for weightlifting. The outsole features a multi-directional lug pattern that improves traction for workouts as sled pushes.

The one major downside to the Speed TR 2.0 is its durability and we found the mesh coming apart from the upper after only a month of use. The shoe is also awkwardly shaped with the toe box being narrow and the ankle area disproportionately wide causing heel slippage while doing tire flips. Apart from these, the Speed TR 2.0 is perhaps the best training shoe for men in this price segment.

Pros
+ Lightweight but stable shoes for lifting weights
+ Great support and firmness without being uncomfortable
+ Excellent for different types of intense workouts including CrossFit WODs
+ Good flexibility for quick lateral movements

Cons
– Construction is subpar
– Not suitable for people with wide feet

As the latest update to the famous Powerlift series, the Adidas PowerLift 3.1 adds to its predecessors by incorporating a weightlifting-specific 15mm wedge on the midsole to allow for better a squatting position. The Powerlift 3.1 sports a non-compressible EVA foam that acts as a stable platform during lifts. You won’t be wearing these out to the mall anytime soon and they’re not exactly ideal for plyometrics either. But, the one thing that this shoe does – weight lighting: it does it very well.

The toe-box is quite flexible thanks to the synthetic leather upper to allow for toe-splaying through those last few reps. The toe box also contains perforations thereby keeping your feet well-ventilated. One thing we would like to note is that the shoes come equipped with lace as well as velcro to get a tight and snug fit. Being more geared towards serious lifters, Powerlift 3.1 feels somewhat inadequate for workouts that involve lots of jumping – like plyometrics, burpees, or jump squats.

If you’re primarily into weightlifting, you can’t go wrong with the Adidas Powerlift 3.1 given its excellent price-performance ratio, high-quality construction, and stability.

Pros
+ Steadiness and stability are excellent for weightlifting
+ Solid construction helps with keeping form during squats
+ Good value for money

Cons
– Not nearly as stylish as the offerings from Nike
– Unsuitable for HIIT or cardio intense workouts

The Adidas Athletics 24/7 brings the hallmark UltraBoost levels of comfort and cushioning in a training shoe without sacrificing looks. These are probably some of the nicest looking cross trainers we have seen and the stylish textile upper folds into a double tongue, albeit it feels somewhat bulky when worn with thicker socks. They certainly pack the “cool factor” when worn around the gym. The Athletics 24/7 also doubles as a lifestyle shoe that can be matched with casual wear.

The lacing system is quite versatile and with some quick adjustments, you’d be able to find your ideal fit. In our case, we found that looping the laces through the lower eyelets was the only way to keep these shoes from sliding off especially since the fabric lining can be quite slippery. The fabric lining is quite comfortable though and the sock-like fit has various points of contact to acquire optimal fit. The upper is also quite giving and stretchy, which helps with freedom of movement and room for more toe-splay.

This textile construction does help significantly with heat dissipation, but also lacks meaningful ankle support and hence is not recommended for people with flat feet without additional insoles. But, on the bright side, the shoes come with interchangeable insoles which can be easily replaced for aftermarket ones. The shoes are perfect for workouts that involved running and jumping, but not so much for weightlifting or powerlifting as the base is not as steady as the Metcon 4 or the Reebok Nano 8.

Pros
+ Probably the most comfortable cross trainers we’ve tried
+ Stylish design that can be worn as lifestyle shoes
+ Adjustable lacing system helps in securing a tighter fit.
+ Can be used for running due to its cushioned lightweight midsole.

Cons
– Textile construction lacks ankle support.
– Split tongue design feels bulky
– Tend to slip off the feet if not laced tightly.

Apart from their partnership with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Under Armour also make rock-hard (see what we did there?) and comfortable shoes. The dual-layer compression-molded midsole is made from EVA foam and packs optimum cushioning for a wide array of workouts. They are good for weight training, though they might feel a bit mushy for heavy weightlifting. The energy return from the midsole is fantastic and it felt “bouncy” when engaged in plyometrics. The UA Ultimate Speed also provides sufficient shock absorption to be used as part-time running shoes. If your workout routine involves a lot of jumping and plyometrics, then these are by far the best training shoes for that matter.

The upper is constructed from perforated leather and mesh for maximum breathability. A TPU heel clip prevents slippage, although we experienced some discomfort in the heel area due to the tight fit. The Commit does require a break-in period and we recommend going up half a size for the best fit. The 4D foam insole provides additional cushioning, but unfortunately, it cannot be removed if you’re looking to replace it with an aftermarket insole.

The outsole of the UA Commit is a multi-surface specialist whether it be on the road or at the gym. The outsole also consists of flex grooves that are strategically placed to improve agility and flexibility. The lightweight design coupled with superior ankle support at an affordable price makes this shoe a very budget-friendly option.

Pros
+ Comfortable shoes with good cushioning
+ Good support for lateral movements
+ Budget-friendly pricing
+ Well-rounded and versatile training shoes

Cons
– Sizes can run about half a size small
– Requires a break-in period and the heel portion can be a little tight

True to its name, the NoBull project trainers are plain and simple shoes without all the advanced alien technology in other shoes that shoot lasers. The latest iteration from NoBull now sports a midsole that is even less compressible than its predecessor, making it an ideal shoe for heavy-weight training.

The upper is constructed from a one-piece SuperFabric that has dotted “guard” plates to give it an alligator skin look. There are also canvas and leather options available if that’s more of your flair. The SuperFabric is an extremely durable material that is stretchy and abrasion-resistant. We saw no visible signs of wear while doing rope climbs. The construction is seamless which gives it a very clean and simplistic look. The NoBull trainer comes with two laces of different colors in the box, so you can use them interchangeably for a refreshed look.

Speaking of rope climbs, this shoe’s outsole extends to the sides for a medial rope grip. The outsole is relatively flat and consists of a uniform lug pattern for exceptional grip. High carbon rubber covers the entirety of the outsole for maximum traction while performing sled pushes and works well both indoors and outdoors. Bear in mind that at $130, these shoes are pricey and may not fit everyone’s budget especially since it has so few features.

It also lacks arch support or cushioning, making it more or less purely for weightlifting. That’s not to say you wouldn’t be able to do CrossFit or other strenuous workouts in them. I personally found that my feet were exhausted after a session of P90X in these shoes, but it may or may not be the same for you. The NoBull Project trainers are the best training shoes for men meant for those who want a simplistic look that gets straight to the point.

Pros
+ SuperFabric construction is tuff as nails
+ Extended outsole ideal for rope climbs
+ Incompressible midsole provides a stable base for weightlifting

Cons
– The SuperFabric upper creases when bent or stretched
– Pricey and lacks extra features
– No arch support