Whether you’re walking into a CrossFit “Box” for the first time or have decided to turn your garage into your training ground, you’ve probably recognized the need to get properly outfitted.
Outfitted in the right CrossFit shoes, to be precise.
It may be tempting to throw on any old tennis shoe or sneaker and start grinding away. It can be equally as tempting to look to the most popular, biggest, and most expensive brand names and to hit the “BUY!” button on Amazon.
Either of these strategies could work out for you. However, if you want to still be as gung-ho about CrossFit six months from now, it pays to spend a little time learning about the best CrossFit shoes for beginners.
🏆 Best Overall
90
Best for Women
87
Best for Weightlifting
87
Best Minimalist
86
Best Affordable
89
Table of Contents
The Best CrossFit Shoes for Beginners
- GORUCK Ballistic Trainers – Best overall CrossFit shoes for beginners
- Reebok Nano X3 – Best shoes for women CrossFit beginners
- Adidas Powerlift 5 – Best weightlifting shoes for beginner CrossFitters
- Xero Prio – Best minimalist CrossFit shoes for beginners
- Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0 – Best affordable CrossFit shoes for beginners
Other Contenders
GORUCK Ballistic Trainers
⭐️ Verdict: Best Overall
The Official Footwear of CrossFit and the CrossFit Games, the GORUCK Ballistic Trainers are the best shoes for CrossFit beginners and arguably the best shoes for every CrossFitter.
The 8mm heel drop is a not as extreme as other CrossFit shoes, making the trainers more comfortable for those new to CrossFit-style shoes. The unique Cordura material provides a degree of resiliency uncommon in most shoes of this kind.
Pros
8mm heel drop ideal for CrossFit
Combined feeling of “groundedness” and flexibility
Current Official Shoe of the CrossFit Games
Con
Not excellent for over-400-meter runs (like most CrossFit shoes)
In early 2024, GORUCK was named the Official Apparel and Footwear Partner of the CrossFit Games. The Ballistic Trainer is the “flagship shoe” of the company and has quickly become one of the most popular shoes in the CrossFit circuit (it doesn’t hurt that they’re offering these up to a lot of athletes, but you get the point!)
Unlike many shoes designed for CrossFit, the Ballistic Trainers have a more “manageable” 8mm heel drop. This is significantly lower than most general training sneakers, but isn’t so intense that those new to lower-heeled training shoes will find them to be too uncomfortable. At the same time, the lower heel drop better facilitates the foot-to-ground connection that is vital for Olympic lifts and heavy powerlifts (common in CrossFit).
The shoes’ durable Cordura material is unlike anything most beginners (and probably most lifters in general) have experienced in a lifting shoe. The tough ballistic nylon can take a beating while simultaneously being surprisingly breathable. However, like just about every CrossFit shoe, the Ballistic Trainers aren’t ideal for longer runs.
Reebok Nano X3
⭐️ Verdict: Best for Multi-functionality
The Nano X3 is one of the later iterations of one of the more iconic lines of Reebok’s premier CrossFit training shoes. The targeted support and resilient stretch combine with more robust cushioning make them ideal for new female CrossFit athletes.
Engineered for both cross training and running, the X3s are some of the best general training shoes on this list for both male and female athletes.
Pros
Flexweave for added breathability
Compresses under load for greater stability
Floatride foam provides more cushioning that most CrossFit shoes
Cons
Long-term durability concerns
The Nano line of Reeboks is synonymous with CrossFit and while some would argue that other offerings in this line are better overall CrossFit shoes (like the Ballistic Trainers above or the Nano 2.0s below), the Nano X3s make our list due to their combined beginner friendliness and widespread availability.
Unlike other Nanos (and the vast majority of CrossFit-inspired shoes), the X3 contains a “Lift and Run Chassis system” which, as the name implies, makes running in the shoes more…bearable.
The shoes’ “unique dome-shaped heel piece that compresses under load when lifting to create a stable platform, then softens when you push off to run,” doesn’t create a running experience quite like a traditional running shoe, but it does feel a lot closer to one, especially for those unaccustomed to CrossFit shoes.
Adidas Powerlift 5
⭐️ Verdict:
The Adidas Powerlift 5s are an affordable, yet very functional and durable entry-level lifting shoe. They are fan favorites with hundreds of happy Olympic lifting enthusiasts voicing their support for the shoes.
Not to be confused for general training shoes, the 16mm heel is right in the “standard” range for lifting shoes of this kind.
Pros
Excellent for facilitating squats and Olympic lifts
16mm heel drop more than sufficient for lifting
Very inexpensive (for Oly lifting shoes)
Cons
Not functional for non-weightlifting movements
For beginners who want to get right to Oly lifting, the Adidas Powerlift 5s are a solid option that won’t break the bank. Despite their…confusing name, these are more suitable for weightlifting than they are as a dedicated powerlifting shoe (although they are pretty good for back and front squatting).
Despite their relatively inexpensive price point and “recycle materials” construction, the Powerlift 5s are surprisingly robust with a hard, flat, yet elevated heel (16mm) that provides sufficient leverage, but is not too high to feel awkward for beginner weightlifters.
Remember that this type of shoe is not a general training shoe and is to be worn almost exclusively for lifting sessions (or during a metcon like Grace or Isabel where you’re pretty much just lifting the entire time). Also, the sound of shoes’ impact is much more subdued than those of other lifting shoes. This may be problematic if you use this noise (and you should) to gauge how you land during your lifts (especially as a beginner).
Xero Prio
⭐️ Verdict:
The Xero Prios are some of the most popular fitness shoe options for general “functional fitness” athletes. Those preferring (or at least accustomed to) a minimalist, zero-drop heel might want to consider the 2,600-plus (mostly 5-star) reviews the Prios boast.
The positive “sensory feedback” of the shoes are testaments to their trail running capabilities.
Pros
No-sole design promotes appropriate posture and feeling of “groundedness”
Dual-chevron tread for grip promotion
5,000-kilometer sole warranty
Cons
Zero-drop heel can be difficult to adjust to for beginners
Most CrossFit beginners need a shoe with at least a little bit of heel drop. For those who have worn low or no-heeled shoes before and want a similar feeling in their CrossFit shoes, the Xero Prio is the way to go.
Popularized by Ben Patrick, the “Knees over Toes Guy”, and by the experts at “Squat University” the Prio is designed to promote a “natural” feeling. For those participating in CrossFit, this translates to a non-elevated heel, emphasizing natural posture when approaching different dynamic movements. The Prio shoes also possess a rigid sole for extra stability.
The outsoles are thick enough to provide adequate support for heavy weightlifting movements. They are also thin enough to provide “sensory feedback” with the floors and terrain, creating an overall “grounded” feeling. If you are a minimalist veteran and prefer to go without socks, throw in the included 2-millimeter insole and enjoy a sock-free CrossFit experience!
Low and no-heeled shoes are not for everyone, and Xero Prios are not recommended for CrossFit if you have not worn these type of shoes before. Some have cited durability issues after long, intense hikes, but for those exclusively using the shoes for CrossFit, this should not be a problem. Even if durability issues do arise, each pair is backed by a 5,000-kilometer sole warranty.
Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0
⭐️ Verdict:
The Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0s are some of the most affordable training shoes. both on this list and in general. The unique, but comfortable Flexweave outer material makes them ideal “first” CrossFit shoes for beginner athletes.
Lightweight and without an overly intense heel drop, the Nanoflexes are more-than-adequate options for both general training and for CrossFit.
Pros
7mm heel drop is excellent “in between” option, not too large or extreme
Better-suited for general training and running than most CrossFit shoes
Very affordable option
Cons
Overly “light” feeling can actually feel quite flimsy
The Reebok Nanoflex TR 2.0s can almost be considered a “budget” version of the Nano X3s mentioned earlier. At a little more than half the price (which isn’t overly high to begin with), it’s pretty hard to go wrong with these, particularly since they are pretty functional training shoes in their own right.
The materials on the Nanoflexes aren’t really anything to write home about and, compared to many other training shoes, actually feel a little flimsy. However, they also feel quite light and unobstructing, making runs and other “slog-like” activities (which do show up in CrossFit workouts from time to time) more bearable.
For those new to CrossFit training shoes, the 7mm heel drop isn’t going to be too extreme. If after a few months but want to give a higher quality shoe a try, you’ll be better able to accommodate even lower heel drops.
Reebok Nano 2.0
⭐️ Verdict: Contender!
Regularly acknowledged as the “best” of the Nano line, Reebok has re-released the 2/2.0s on multiple occasions in response to athlete demand.
With each re-release, certain “weakness” areas, most notably the susceptibility to wear from rope climbs, have been improved upon while the “strong” areas, most notably the hard, stable outsole have remained standard.
Pros
Updated ROPEPRO tech to protect during rope climbs
Wide toe box and hard rubber outsole for max stability
Re-released multiple times due to reputation as “Greatest CrossFit shoe ever”
Cons
Not regularly available for purchase
The Reebok Nano 2.0s are widely considered to be the best CrossFit shoes of all time. With such glowing, widespread endorsement, it really isn’t too surprising that they would make a list such as this one.
The 2.0s are actually an updated version of the original Nano 2s while all of the good aspects were maintained while the (few) areas that needed improvement (most notably the rope climb scuffing/abrasion) have been updated.
The main reason why these fall into the “contender” category is because they may be a little extreme for beginner CrossFit athletes. The lower heel drop and hard, flat outsole are features that are quite different than most training shoes and can take some getting used to.
NOBULL Outwork
⭐️ Verdict: Contender!
The previous title sponsor of the CrossFit Games, NOBULL’s knack for putting together legit trainers hasn’t fallen off. The minimalist design of the Outwork shoes is more in line with what experienced athletes generally prefer, but beginners may appreciate the stability the design offers.
Although, not the most affordable CrossFit shoes for beginners, the “SuperFabric” composition, gives off a “get what you pay for” type of vibe.
Pros
Patented “SuperFabric” a unique alternative to common training shoe material
Outsole lugs ideal for training in rough terrain
Incredibly stable during Oly weightlifting and related movements
Cons
Some have suggested they run very narrow
NOBULL…the previous “prince” of CrossFit and sponsor. There was a time where you couldn’t go 30 seconds of watching a CrossFit podcast without some mentioning of the company!
Even though their formal relationship with CrossFit is done, NOBULL is still pumping out equipment and apparel suitable for experienced athletes and those new to the style of training, alike. The Outworks’ combination of “SuperFabric” (which some have compared to the Ballistic Trainers’ Cordura) and stability-enhancing characteristics make them legit contenders here.
The inclusion of lugs/cleats makes the Outworks ideal for trail runs or workouts on terrain. However, beginners should be mindful of the lower heel drop and be prepared for a possible…adjustment period.
What to Look For in CrossFit Shoes for Beginners
As a CrossFit newb, you likely have a number of concerns related to your first pair of dedicated shoes.
They, of course, need to be functional and appropriate for the demands of the sport. They should also be comfortable for those transitioning to shoes that are specifically engineered to maximize performance.
Low heel drops and Flexweave fabric aren’t standard for the vast majority of sneakers, but they are very common features of shoes engineered for CrossFit.
Additionally, as you’re still figuring out your own personal preferences and priorities, you probably don’t want to make a huge gamble in regard to price.
CrossFit
As simple as this category may sound, some shoes are simply “good” for CrossFit-style workouts while some (…eh…probably most) really aren’t all that great.
When we judge a shoe’s worthiness for CrossFit, we’re thinking about how it holds up during a plethora of different movements ranging from distance runs to heavy lifting and gymnastics movements. No shoe is going to be great for every possible movement out there, but the ones on our list will at least set you up for most of them.
General Training
Sometimes you just feel like today is going to be more of a “bicep curls and walking on the treadmill” type of day. Heck, you may even want to go for a longer-than-800-meter run in your training shoes.
…or, you may do something really crazy and decide that CrossFit just ain’t for you.
In the likely event that the first two events occur (and in the unlikely event that the last one takes place), it’s nice to know that your shoes are appropriate for training activities besides CrossFit. These were taken into consideration as well.
Price
When you’re just getting started with CrossFit, and probably adapting to new types of shoes, the last thing you want to do is blow your budget on an expensive pair that just…doesn’t do it for you. With this in mind, most of the entries on our list are all in the lower price range (relative to other CrossFit shoes).
Customer Reviews
Finally, social proof and peer reviews go a long way in the close-knit, heavy-on “community” CrossFit crowd. Shoes that have been beneficial for other beginners have a great chance of being good starting points for you as well.
Shopping tips for CrossFit Shoes
Purchasing your first pair of CrossFit shoes can be a bit daunting. With so many choices and so many new considerations to be mindful of…well…let’s just say it’s not as easy as heading to the store and picking up the new Jordans!
Keep in mind that CrossFit shoes are designed very differently than running shoes or even other gym training shoes. The following considerations will help you to maximize comfort and performance while greatly reducing the risk of injury.
Cushioning
CrossFit shoe cushioning is a touchy subject. Due to the dynamic nature of many of CrossFit’s lifts and movements, most CrossFit shoes are designed with less cushion than other training shoes.
The lack of cushioning ensures that the feet feel more “grounded” and engaged. More cushioned shoes result in the shoes themselves absorbing the impact of the movements, resulting in less control and possibly putting athletes in less secure positions.
Seasoned CrossFit athletes are likely more accustomed to shoes with less cushioning or even to more minimalist-style shoes. For those who have always worn more “traditionally-cushioned” casual or even training shoes, the lack of padding in many CrossFit shoes can be quite the shock.
Adjusting to a less-cushioned training shoe can take some time, with those on the extreme side of minimalist design being the most difficult to adjust to. Our list of the best CrossFit shoes for beginners does not include any shoes with little-to-no cushioning since this adjustment period can be especially uncomfortable and painful.
(Don’t worry; once your feet are “broken in” to a less-cushioned CrossFit shoe, you’ll be able to go as minimalist as you want!)
Heel Drop
Most of the shoes on the best CrossFit shoes for beginners list have a minimal (4-8 millimeter) heel drop. The Adidas Powerlift 5 shoes are the exception (16-millimeter heel drop) since these are specifically designed for Olympic weightlifting and squatting movements where an extremely elevated heel is more technically advantageous.
Traditional running shoes have a heel drop somewhere between a typical CrossFit shoe and a weightlifting or squatting shoe to best facilitate the “heel-toe, heel-toe” running movement pattern. Nothing really dynamic is going on here so the higher heel drop works.
The minimal heel drop of CrossFit shoes helps to evenly distribute the weight of the foot, creating more stability for dynamic lifts and other movements. This “grounded” feeling is similar to the benefit that less-cushioned CrossFit shoes provide in relation to their higher-heeled and more cushioned peers.
Rigid Sole
It pays to be more specific here: a good CrossFit shoe will have a rigid outsole and a rigid midsole.
The outsole is what helps the shoe “grip” to the floor and other surfaces. A shoe that is more pliable won’t hold tight to the floor, box, or even climbing rope, resulting in possible slippage or loss of control. While a good CrossFit shoe doesn’t need to be as rigid as some of the toughest deadlift shoes, it should be resilient enough for the demands of the sport.
The midsole is more responsible for shoe stability and should also be resilient enough to provide a degree of balance with dynamic movements. Due to the diverse nature of movements, the midsole should be pliable enough to provide enough flex to accommodate long runs and similar movements.
Thankfully, almost all of the best CrossFit shoes for beginners perfectly strike this outsole-midsole balance!
Toe Box
Thankfully, there is a bit of variety in toe box widths, even among the best CrossFit shoes for beginners. This one is more of a “personal preference” inclusion to the buying guide, so you will be the best judge of how you like the front of your shoe to feel.
I’ve made it known before that I appreciate a narrow toe box, making my front foot feel like it’s packed in tight into the front of my shoe….
…but that’s only really for heavy deadlifts, squats, and Olympic movements. For everything else, I like a little more space.
You’re a beginner; have some fun figuring this out for your own feet!
Lateral Support
We’ve talked a lot about dynamic movements and the need for CrossFit shoes to be able to accommodate these movements.
Add lateral support to this discussion!
Shoes with strong lateral support ensure that the feet do not slide out or even roll when engaged in any movement that moves the bodyweight out horizontally over the feet. A heavy clean caught in shoes with strong lateral support might be a missed clean and a rolled ankle in shoes with poor lateral support.
Durability
CrossFit can be tough on your feet…and even tougher on your shoes. Certain movements in particular, most notably rope climbs, can result in excessive wear on the exterior of your shoes and can even deteriorate the midsoles.
Your CrossFit shoes need to be durable enough to accommodate this punishment!
While most CrossFit athletes can expect to get 6-9 months out of a pair of regularly worn shoes, there are shoe features that you should look for that can lengthen the lifespan of your shoes. CrossFit shoes with reinforced heels, most notably those with polyurethane, are good bets for long-lasting shoes.
How we Chose the “Best” Products
We love testing shoes. It’s actually kind of embarrassing how many random pairs of shoes we have floating around the house! We try to get our feet in as many shoes as possible and we definitely put them through the paces of workouts typical with the CrossFit crowd.
While we aren’t able to test every product, we take what countless of others have said into consideration when reviewing and recommending products. Click here to find out a lot more about how we test and review products.
…the Best CrossFit Shoes for Beginners
Picking out your first pair of CrossFit shoes can be an exciting experience. You, of course, need to put in the training work to see results, but a good pair of CrossFit shoes can go a long way in supporting you during your training sessions.
Thankfully, it is difficult to go wrong with any of the choices on our list of the best CrossFit shoes for beginners. The supportive, comfortable, and affordable options presented will ensure that you’ll be in the mood to purchase CrossFit shoes for years to come!
🏆 Best Overall
90
Best for Women
87
Best for Weightlifting
87
Best Minimalist
86
Best Affordable
89
