Compendium of the best cross-training shoes for functional fitness or high-intensity exercise for T3

Last updated by Lee Bell on November 21st 30th

A special type of training shoe that has become popular in recent years is the cross-training shoe. There is no doubt that due to the popularity of functional fitness and CrossFit training, cross training shoes are a hybrid type of sports training shoes designed to allow the wearer to move in different directions while providing the support needed to limit injuries.

Usually, a good pair of cross training shoes will provide some good ankle support, flexible and breathable uppers and a high level of comfort, even for the most intense sports. If this is the type of fitness shoes you buy in the market, please read on to find out the best cross-training shoes that we think money can buy right now.

Speaking of shoes: If the fitness market is saturated with one thing, it is shoes. Nowadays, there is a pair of sports shoes for almost all different types of sports, from the best running shoes and the best women's shoes to the best sports shoes, and even the best trail running shoes-there is always one suitable for it as you can think of. , If so, we have a buying guide that can help you choose the product that suits your needs.

Now in the sixth iteration, Nike's Metcon series (which is a mixture of "metabolism" and "conditioning" if you want to know) is the best all-around shoe for cross-training shoes to date.

Nike not only makes these shoes more suitable for weightlifting than their predecessors through lightweight, more breathable uppers, but also ensures that they perform well in more standard high-intensity interval training training, such as those full of jumping and sprinting.

As one of the most comfortable sneakers you can wear, Metcon 6 is also very sweet in design. It is wrapped around the shoe with a special wear-resistant rubber sole so that you can hold on to the rope when climbing.

There is also a detachable Hyperlift insert that increases the 4 mm heel-to-toe drop of the shoe by 8 mm, helping to increase flexibility when lifting weights.

The Nano series is the first official sneaker specifically designed for CrossFit. The final effect is not very good, but the range is still very strong, nevertheless, X1 is a credit. Nano shoes in the past focused more on providing support for weightlifters, however, all this has changed with the emergence of X1 Nano Vegan.

Now, their design takes into account all areas of the gym floor and aims to support fast-paced impact activities such as HIIT, jumping and sprinting. If you are an athlete of the "versatile, omnipotent" type, this vegan cross-training shoe has excellent flexibility and sustainability, and is an excellent choice for you.

Although the design can scare minimalists, Puma's first foray into the functional fitness shoe market was successful. If you ask us, the retail price of Fuse cross-training shoes is only £80, which represents great value for money.

They may have a narrow midfoot, which may disappoint you in terms of size, but the advantage is that they have a versatile design that provides a full range of fitness methods.

The stability and good horizontal cushioning required for weightlifting should provide you with the support you need for short sprints or jumps. In addition to attractive designs, these low-cost cross-training shoes are almost readily available.

When we reviewed a pair of Under Armour fitness shoes, the company had already released another pair-we couldn't keep up! The company’s latest release is HOVR Apex 3, which is a multidisciplinary cross-training shoe with excellent cushioning performance-to provide you with the support you need for explosive cross-training training.

We welcome a slimmer design than the previous version of this shoe, especially the original version. Nonetheless, because HOVR foam soles help eliminate impact, they can soften hard landings while increasing your energy return.

This makes them particularly useful for jumping exercises or fast sprints. Apex's outsole also uses UnderArmour's Tribase technology, which can maximize the ground contact of the foot, thereby providing better grip during the lifting process.

Based on the same technology in the On running shoe series, these cross-training kicks have been redesigned to support activities such as weightlifting, functional fitness and CrossFit.

Thanks to the knitted upper and the iconic CloudTec sole (made of zero-gravity foam to keep the weight to a minimum), they have the same lightweight structure that we have known and loved since On. Cloud X is not only super comfortable, but also sturdy where it matters, making it ideal for high-intensity training. However, at full price, this comfort is not cheap

Finding the right pair of cross training shoes is hard enough. However, because boutique fitness is all the rage, and no one promises to do only one exercise anymore, it is almost impossible to find an exercise that suits all your exercise needs. The truth is: it is best to buy a pair of shoes for each fitness project you are committed to.

For example, you may be troubled by the question: "I often run, but I like to take popular courses occasionally, so what shoes should I wear?". In this case, we recommend that you buy a pair of cross-training shoes for your HIIT course, but only if they are regular shoes, and-if your budget can be increased-buy a pair of sports shoes specifically for running. The best support in all disciplines. There is no shoe suitable for all occasions.

You don't want the stiff heel support in running shoes because it can cause injury. On the contrary, when you throw dumbbells in the middle of CrossFit, you don't want that kind of overly elastic and flexible design class. This is why cross-training shoes are so important. They will provide you with the proper balance of support and flexibility to ensure you feel comfortable and safe during functional exercises. 

But what else should you pay attention to?

It helps to understand how the shoe is constructed so that you can understand the situation better when making a decision and understand which features of the shoe best suit your needs.

Starting from the basics, for example, the sole of a shoe is divided into three parts: an insole, a midsole, and an outsole. The insole is the part of the shoe that makes physical contact with the feet. The outsole is the part of the shoe that is in direct contact with the ground, while the midsole is the part between the two, where most of the cushioning is located. This is usually made of foam material. 

All designs are different, so it can be adapted to different needs and users. For example, those who mainly participate in weightlifting will benefit from a flatter outsole, while those who like fast-paced sports activities such as HIIT may prefer an outsole that has good grip and is made of some kind of durable carbon rubber material. .

The price of cross-training shoes depends entirely on the brand, technology, and materials used. Nevertheless, you can still choose a pair of excellent multifunctional sports shoes without spending money. We recommend that you use the upper limit of your budget to ensure that you get something that is durable, but it may not be necessary to exceed £120. On the other hand, anything under £80 may not have the quality you expect to stand the test of time.

Lee Bell is a freelance journalist and copywriter who specializes in how technology, health, beauty, and the latest innovations can change lifestyles. From national newspapers to professional interest magazines and digital publications, Lee has contributed to some of the world's most respected publications during his 11 years as a journalist.

The best folding exercise bike for limited indoor space

Author: Howard Calvert • Published on December 21

This high-quality Asus ZenBook is now available for £200 off the Currys Christmas sale

Author: Robert Jones • Published on December 13, 21

The best foam rollers can relieve pain after strenuous exercise-and save a lot of money for your physiotherapy appointment

Author: Joanna Ebsworth • Last updated on November 21, 30

T3 is part of Future plc, which is an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our company website. © Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, Bath BA1 1UA. all rights reserved. England and Wales company registration number 2008885.