8 Best Cross-Training Shoes, According to Fitness Trainers

The Under Armour Reign 6 sneakers come recommended by James Callins, CSCS, a sports performance coach who does speed training, weightlifting, plyometric work, and some dynamic agility in these shoes.

“I train athletes and do a lot of demonstrations of how to move in and out of athletic speed and agility drills, so I need a shoe that helps me feel stable and secure, and that’s the Under Armour Reign 6,” Callins says. “I love that my feet don’t feel compressed when I’m training, nor do my feet get fatigued.”

Under Armour’s TriBase tech features a triangular plate for stability and energy transfer, and the upper provides a secure fit with durable mesh. Meanwhile, the shoe’s firm heel and softer forefoot offer the perfect balance of stability and flexibility for explosive movements. Plus, the low-to-the-ground design and wider toe box give your feet plenty of room to move naturally.

• Pros: Stable for agility drills and lifting; breathable and comfortable; good energy transfer
• Cons: Not enough cushion for running
• Sizes: Women’s 5–12; men’s 7–15
• Material: Mesh
• Heel-to-toe drop: 2mm

“My favorite cross-training shoe right now is the TYR CXT-2 Elite Carbon Trainer,” says Umo Callins, CSSD, CPT, a board-certified sports dietitian and fitness coach. These sneakers are great for lifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and Callins says they’ve made a significant difference in her performance. “They’re phenomenal for training in different planes of motion which is great for explosive movements, like box jumps, and for agility moves, shuffles and pivoting,” she says.

At first, you might notice that they’re a little snug and conform to your feet, but it doesn’t take long for them to break in. And once they do, you’ll love how light and breathable they are. They’re sturdy yet comfortable, they have a wide toe box, which is great not only for comfort but also for balance and stability.

Another great feature about the TYR CXT-2 Elite Carbon Trainer is that once you’re done with your workout, you can keep them on and go about your day. This is because they minimize foot fatigue, even with longer-duration workouts. “As someone who has flat feet, these shoes never give me any issues, and they provide the support I need,” Callins says. “They’re built to last and worth every penny.”

• Pros: Sturdy yet comfortable; great for explosive movements and agility; minimizes foot fatigue
• Cons: May feel snug at first and require a break-in period
• Sizes: Women’s 5.5–10; men’s 7.5–16
• Material: Nylon mesh
• Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm

Another exceptional workout shoe for cardio sessions, On’s Cloudmonsters are lightweight and durable enough for sprint intervals and circuit training. “As a personal trainer who spends countless hours on my feet, finding the right footwear is essential to maintaining comfort and performance throughout the day. And I can confidently say the On Cloudmonster shoes are a game changer,“ says Clint Duncan, an ISSA-certified personal trainer.

The fit is exceptional, featuring a soft sockliner and upper that provide next-level comfort. Plus, the shoes are surprisingly lightweight, which is important for transitioning between different types of exercises. The standout feature, though, is the max-cushioned CloudTec technology, which offers a generous amount of spring and rebound. “This makes them ideal not only for running but also for cross-training sessions, where explosive movements and agility are essential,” Duncan says.

But what Duncan particularly loves about the Cloudmonster is its versatility. It offers a forward-rolling ride that keeps him energized while guiding clients through a high-intensity interval training session or going for a long run. “The super-foam sole absorbs impact beautifully, which is crucial for protecting my joints during intense workouts,” he says.

• Pros: Great for running; lightweight; absorbs impact well
• Cons: Less stable for heavy lifting
• Sizes: Women’s 5–11; men’s 7–14
• Material: Recycled polyester
• Heel-to-toe drop: 6mm

Minimalist or “barefoot” shoes have gained traction for their versatility, and Xero is the go-to brand for Sarah Meyer, NSCA-CPT, a strength coach and two-time world-champion powerlifter.

“Having a thin, minimal sole and a wide toe box allows for better foot contact with the ground and more foot surface area that is connected to the floor, creating a true connection to the ground,” Meyer says. “The Xero Forza trainer leads to better foot and ankle health and a stronger arch, all as nature intended.”

The Forza trainer features some of the best grip you’ll experience on a training shoe as well as adjustable laces and straps to make sure your foot feels secure. Plus, the sidewalls of the shoes are reinforced to create even more stability. They have a wide toe box that allows your feet to splay naturally, a nifty feature even if you don’t have wide feet. “These shoes easily transition from deadlifting to rope climbing to rowing—they’re truly the all-in-one shoe,” Meyer says.

• Pros: Promotes natural foot movement; great grip and stability
• Cons: Minimal cushioning, so may not be ideal for high-impact exercises
• Sizes: Women’s 5–12; men’s 6.5–13
• Material: Mesh
• Heel-to-toe drop: 0mm

NoBulls are lauded as one of the best strength training shoes, and the Outwork is the brand’s first foray into training footwear. These lifter-approved shoes feature a stable low-top design with a wide toe box and a grippy carbon rubber outsole for traction that keeps your feet secure during lifting and CrossFit sessions.

“When I ruptured my Achilles tendon, I realized that shoes do matter,” says Brittany Beasley, CNC, CPT, a personal trainer who squats, deadlifts, jumps rope, and uses the StairMaster in these NoBulls. “After my injury, I worked out in these trainers specifically because they offer stability and allowed me to have great ankle mobility,” she says.

Also good to know: These weightlifting shoes are true to size, hug your feet, and come in cute designs to match even the funkiest workout ’fits.

• Pros: Stable design for lifting; great ankle mobility; comes in stylish designs
• Cons: Firm sole may not be comfortable for high-impact workouts
• Sizes: Women’s 5–11; men’s 7–16
• Material: Fabric
• Heel-to-toe drop: 4mm

Cardio workouts are no match for the classic Adidas Ultraboosts, which are probably one of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever own. They’re also the go-to shoe for Gina L. Rowe, IFBB pro bodybuilder and ACE-certified personal trainer. “As a female fitness coach, I’m on my feet all day training clients, only to end my day with a personal training session for myself. The Boost technology provides excellent cushioning, which makes it ideal for long hours of training,” she says.

The snug, socklike fit provides stability during dynamic and side-to-side movements. Meanwhile, the Primeknit upper offers breathability and flexibility, so your feet stay cool during sweaty workouts. These are some of the first sneakers Benshosan has invested in, and she’s continued purchasing them over the last eight years because they feel like a second skin. “Just note that these are bouncy and don’t have much lateral support, so I find that they’re better for HIIT and running rather than lifting,” Benshosan says.

The Adidas Ultraboosts come in a wide range of colors and styles that are updated seasonally. “As a fitness professional, you likely value both performance and aesthetics, and these shoes strike a perfect balance,” Rowe says.

• Pros: Excellent cushioning for long hours of wear; breathable and flexible; stylish with seasonal updates
• Cons: Lacks lateral support, making it less ideal for lifting
• Sizes: Women’s 5–15.5; men’s 4–14.5
• Material: Textile and synthetic
• Heel-to-toe drop: Not specified