Crossfit has become one of the most popular fitness regimens in recent years, and for good reason. It’s an intense, full-body workout that utilizes a wide range of exercises to help you reach your fitness goals. But, to get the most out of your Crossfit routine, it’s important to have the right shoes.
The best Crossfit shoes for every level of athlete are designed to provide superior cushioning, support and stability, allowing you to perform exercises with better form and efficiency. From newbies to pro athletes, there’s a perfect pair of shoes to help you reach the next level in Crossfit. Now, let’s take a look at the best Crossfit shoes for every level of athlete.
Types of Crossfit Shoes
Depending on your level of fitness and the type of exercise you do, you’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the right type of shoe. There are 4 different types of Crossfit shoes:
– Weightlifting Shoes – Weightlifting shoes are designed for lifting heavy weights. They feature a wide, flat sole for extra stability and a raised heel for extra ankle support.
– Running Shoes – Running shoes are designed to help you run farther and faster. They feature a lightweight design with a thick sole and plenty of cushioning.
– Sneakers – Designed for any type of exercise, sneakers are a great option for Crossfit. They usually have a bit less cushioning and support than a running shoe, and have a much lower price point.
– Athletic Cleats – Athletic cleats are designed specifically for sports like soccer and football. While they’re not recommended for Crossfit, they can be used by certain athletes to increase stability and support.
– Crossfit Shoes – Crossfit shoes are a hybrid between a weightlifting and running shoe. They feature plenty of support, stability and cushioning for lifting, but also come with a lightweight, flexible design for running.
What to Look for in Crossfit Shoes
As we discussed above, the type of Crossfit shoe you wear should depend on your level of fitness. That being said, there are a few things you should look for in any pair of Crossfit shoes –
– Flexibility – The best Crossfit shoes will offer plenty of flexibility, allowing you to easily transition from one exercise to the next.
– Support – You want to make sure you’re also getting plenty of support as well, particularly around your ankles and feet.
– Cushioning – Cushioning is important for helping you absorb shock, especially during high-impact exercises like running.
– Stability – The best Crossfit shoes will also help you improve your stability, allowing you to perform exercises with better form.
– Price – Finally, you also want to make sure you get a pair of shoes that fits within your budget.
Best Crossfit Shoes for Beginners
If you’re just getting started in Crossfit, you might be wondering if you even need special Crossfit shoes. The truth is, while Crossfit shoes aren’t necessary to perform, they have their advantages. If you’re a beginner, it’s probably best to start with a running shoe. They’re usually cheaper and more widely available than a weightlifting shoes.
However, you can also try a cross-training shoe. Cross-training shoes are designed to give you the benefits of wearing a running shoe, while also providing support and stability for strength training.
Try the Adidas Performance Women’s Impact Squash Cross Training Shoe or the New Balance WW1962 Cross Trainer Shoe.
Best Crossfit Shoes for Intermediate-Level Athletes
If you’ve been doing Crossfit for a while now and have hit a wall, it’s time to upgrade your shoes. For intermediate Crossfitters, it’s best to try a weightlifting shoe. They’re designed with plenty of support and stability for heavy lifting. Try the Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 10.
Best Crossfit Shoes for Advanced Level Athletes
If you’re an advanced Crossfitter who trains hard and often, there’s no better shoe than the Adidas Performance Women’s AdiPower Weightlifting Shoe. These shoes are designed to last and provide plenty of support and stability while performing heavy lifts.
Tips for Choosing the Right Crossfit Shoes
Now that we’ve gone over the best types of Crossfit shoes, it’s time to talk about how to choose the right pair. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced Crossfitter, there are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for new shoes :
– Weight – Before you even begin browsing different brands, take a look at the shoe’s weight. Heavier shoes will offer more support but are also bulkier and less flexible. Lighter shoes are less supportive and don’t last as long, but are also much more flexible and comfortable.
– Price – The best Crossfit shoes come with plenty of added benefits, but it does come at a price. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the price, the more support and stability you’re getting.
– Fit – Don’t just think about the shoe’s weight and price. You also want to make sure the shoe fits your foot. It’s important to try on different brands and sizes to make sure you get the right fit.
– Materials – Finally, you also want to make sure the materials used in the shoe are high quality. Most Crossfit shoes are made with synthetic materials and/or mesh, which are lightweight and breathable.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Crossfit shoe is just as important as choosing the right pair of running shoes. It’s the only way to make sure you’re getting the most out of your workout and protecting your feet in the process. Make sure to pick a shoe that matches your level of fitness and goes above and beyond when it comes to supporting, stability and cushioning.
And remember, you don’t have to spend a ton of money to get the best Crossfit shoes for your needs.
