The best cross-training shoes for 2025, tested and reviewed
Running sneakers are great for pounding the pavement, and weightlifting shoes are ideal for stability during strenuous lifts — if you focus on one fitness activity, shoes tailored to that activity are what you should purchase. However, if your workout includes a mix of exercises — like running, lifting and agility work — you'll want a pair of cross-trainers instead.
The best cross-training shoes offer support, flexibility and responsiveness across a range of activities and everyday use, explains physical therapist Claudia Canales. "These shoes are versatile as they provide a balance between stability, flexibility and cushioning," she says. While running shoes are plush and built to enhance forward motion, weightlifting shoes are firm and offer stability instead. Cross-trainers, though, offer the best of both worlds. They're "designed for multidirectional movements," says Canales, meaning you can wear them at the gym, on the pickleball court or for a light jogging session.
Not all cross-trainers are created equal, which is why you need an expert eye to help you find the best for your needs — and we pulled out all the stops. We spoke with fitness experts, physical therapists and sports medicine doctors to get the best insight into what to look for. With their advice in mind, we researched over 50 different cross-training shoes from 30 well-known footwear brands. We then tested 12 pairs, rating them on factors such as fit, comfort and versatility. Here are our top picks for your next workout session.
Cost: $145 | Materials: Knit upper, EVA foam midsole and rubber outsole | Type of arch support: High | Sizes available: Women's 5-12 with half sizes up to 10.5; men's 7-16 with half sizes up to 12.5 | Widths: Regular and wide
Since its inception in 2009, Hoka has become one of the most popular footwear brands around, and for good reason. Known for their chunky, maximalist look, Hokas are often dubbed the most comfortable shoe in the world, loved by trendsetters and podiatrists alike.
While you can't go wrong with any pair of Hokas, when it comes to standing all day, the Clifton 9 is our top choice. Like most of the brand's shoes, the Clifton 9 has earned the APMA Seal of Acceptance, which is awarded to products deemed beneficial for foot health. That said, the plush comfort is what really makes this shoe stand out.
"Hoka shoes feature unique cushioning that reduces back pain and improves posture and gait," says certified pedorthist Jerick Sobie, co-owner of Lucky Feet Shoes in Southern California. "The Clifton 9 is especially good for standing all day because of its excellent stability and shock absorption."
When test-driving this shoe, I found that the compression-molded EVA midsole gives it a soft, springy feel that basically feels like walking on a cloud. On top of that, the Clifton features Hoka's signature meta-rocker bottom and a wider base that provides additional stability. As such, it "effectively combats foot fatigue during extended periods of standing," says Sobie.
At less than 8 ounces, the Clifton 9 is also surprisingly lightweight, despite how bulky it looks. All in all, it's perfect for anyone who regularly spends a lot of time on their feet.
Sizing: Women's 6-11; men's 7.5-13 | Heel to toe drop: 10 mm | Color options: 7 | Weight: 8 oz.
Finding a good pair of gym shoes for less than $100 often seems like a pipe dream, but the Nortiv8 ActiveFloat Sneaker comes in at just half that price. With its thick, wavy midsole, breathable mesh upper and bold gradient color selections, it's basically a stunt double for the Hoka Bondi for a fraction of the cost.
It's important to find a sneaker with a larger heel stack for days when you want to really rack up your step count. Since the ActiveFloat has a 10-millimeter heel stack, it's a good option for both walkers and runners. Similarly, the cushioned midsole and heel make it a good pick for HIIT exercises that involve a lot of jumping.
It's worth noting, however, that both of our testers mentioned the lack of lateral stability as a potential downside, so it may not be the best choice for exercises involving side-to-side movements.
Sizing: Women's 5-15; men's 6-15 | Heel to toe drop: 5 mm | Color options: 15 | Weight: 9.7 oz.
Most gym shoes are designed to cater to a specific form of exercise — like running or weightlifting. Then there's the Nike Free Metcon 6.
According to Megan Stewart, a U.K.-based physiotherapist, the Free Metcon 6 is the best choice for those who want a shoe that can do it all. "They're the perfect sneaker for workouts, gym visits, short runs and walking around town," she says. They offer "plenty of support and breathability [and] they have a wide toe-box, providing plenty of space for comfort and stability."
Both flexible and stable, the Free Metcon 6 is incredibly versatile. Thanks to ultra flexibility in the forefoot, it allows a ton of movement during HIIT exercises, like planks, burpees and skaters. It also has a soft foam midsole, proving bouncy and responsive during light jogs and jumping rope during testing. The heel counter, on the other hand, is firm and supportive. The shoe has higher sidewalls, making it a good option for squats and strength training.
While one of our testers said the shoe rubbed the back of their heel a bit, our other tester didn't have any such issues. Both agreed that it was extremely breathable and lightweight. Although it does have a tighter fit, the finger loops on the heel make it easier to put on.
Sizing: Women's 5-11; men's 7-18 | Heel to toe drop: 4mm | Color options: 20 | Weight: 13.13oz
Nobull is a well-known name in the CrossFit community thanks to the unparalleled durability and stability of their footwear. Their shoes were designed to withstand all weather conditions, environments and activities, from rope climbs to weightlifting.
When it comes to weightlifting, Nobull has several good options, but we chose the Impact (formerly known as the Nobull Trainer+) because it offers more versatility. Like the Outwork — another great choice — the Impact has a rigid upper and a wide, stable platform that’s ideal for lifting heavy weights. However, it also features a more cushioned midsole that makes it more comfortable for high-impact movements. That's not to say that it's a plush shoe. In fact, it's far too firm for longer runs. Still, the Impact offers enough shock absorption to make it a good option for plyometric exercises like jumps and squats.
Along with the firm, stable base, the Impact has impeccable grip and ankle support. While all of these factors make it ideal for the weight room, they also come with a few downsides. For one thing, it's heavier and less breathable than all of the other cross-trainers on this list. Also, it's not the most comfortable option for all-day wear. But if you're looking for an excellent pair of sneakers to keep in your gym bag for when you want to hit the weights, you can't get much better than these.
Sizing: Women's 4.5-11; men's 7-15 | Heel to toe drop: 0 mm | Color options: 6 | Weight: 10.6 oz.
In recent years, zero-drop shoes have become increasingly popular, particularly in the gym. Also called barefoot shoes, they have a heel-to-toe drop of 0 mm. In other words, they're completely flat, so they mimic the way your foot moves when walking barefoot.
There are a number of zero-drop shoes on the market, but the Vivobarefoot Motus Strength was designed for cross-training. It has a thick outsole that offers excellent traction, grip and stability for weightlifting, CrossFit and rope climbs. The heel strap provides additional support during heavier lifting.
Another standout feature are the high reinforced sidewalls, which help keep your foot and ankle stable during lateral movements and HIIT exercises. Of course, like all barefoot shoes, the Motus Strength is also incredibly flexible, lightweight and breathable. Unfortunately, all those benefits come with a fairly high price tag, but for those who want to invest in a high-quality zero-drop option, it may be worth the expense.
Sizing: Women's 5-12; Men's 7-15 | Heel to toe drop: 10 mm | Color options: 15 | Weight: 8.8 oz.
Brooks is one of the most well-recognized footwear brands among runners, and the Glycerin 21 demonstrates why. It offers maximum cushion, comfort and stability and is a particularly good fit for heel strikers, thanks to the high heel stack and stiff counter.
When you run, your foot naturally hits the ground pretty hard, so having a well-padded shoe is an absolute must. "Running shoes are built for cushioning and shock absorption," says fitness expert Chris Mohr. Along with a padded midsole, good running shoes have "a more cushioned heel, which is better for running longer distances." It’s easy to see why this pair from Brooks is our top pick for runners!
The Glycerin 21's most notable feature is its cloud-like cushioning, thanks to the nitrogen-infused foam midsole. One Amazon reviewer said, "I have arthritis in my left knee and ankle, flat feet and very little padding left on the bottom of my feet, so even though I am not a runner I wear running shoes for the support they provide. These are the most comfortable shoes I've ever owned." And, according to our tester, an avid runner, it has a soft, springy feel and plenty of shock absorption, making for a wonderfully comfortable stride. While running shoes are primarily focused on forward motion, our tester noted that the Glycerin 21 was equally secure during lateral movements.
One thing to keep in mind, though, is the thickness of the upper. While the shoe be excellent in cold weather, it may not be the best option on hot summer days.
Sizing: Women's 5-11; men's 7-14 | Heel to toe drop: 8 mm | Color options: 43 | Weight: 7 oz.
Athletic Propulsion Labs, or APL, is a luxury footwear brand known for their ultra-fashionable, innovative training shoes. All APL shoes are stylish, comfortable and airy, but the Techloom Tracer really stood out to us thanks to how light it felt.
These shoes feature Propelium, APL's proprietary midsole compound. The material is strong and lightweight, designed to provide a ton of cushioning and shock absorption while still offering a breezy, flexible ride. After wearing the Techloom Tracer, the difference is clear. These shoes were so light and comfortable it felt like wearing nothing at all. Despite the featherweight feel, they still offered enough support in the gym. The nonstretch upper keeps your foot secure and centered, giving you a ton of lateral stability. Despite its light weight, the midsole was soft and responsive, making this the perfect option for HIIT exercises, plyometrics and weightlifting.
On the downside, they're not cheap. At $250, they're the priciest pair of trainers on the list. And they have a lacing system that, while it helps keep the fit secure during workouts, it can also make the shoes harder to put on quickly.
Sizing: Women's 5-11; men's 7-14 | Heel to toe drop: 8 mm | Color options: 7 | Weight: 10 oz.
The On Cloudpulse, the brand's first cross-training shoe, is perfect for both inside and outside the gym. It offers enough cushioning for cardio, enough flexibility for HIIT and enough stability for strength training while still being accessible enough for everyday life.
Like all On shoes, the Cloudpulse features the brand's unique cushioning technology, CloudTec. This technology uses hollow pods, or "clouds," to make up the outsole. These clouds compress air both vertically and horizontally, creating a soft, responsive landing that gives a distinct "walking on clouds" feeling. The difference is certainly noticeable, and I was impressed by how much bounce the midsole had.
With such a thick midsole and a higher heel stack, the Cloudpulse does have a slightly chunky look. Despite that, it's surprisingly lightweight and incredibly breathable. After wearing them to the gym, I could easily transition to running errands without needing to change my footwear.
I will note that they're a little snug, particularly at first, so they're not the best option for anyone with wide feet. Other than that, they're a comfortable, stylish pair of everyday trainers.
Cross-training shoes are meant for various activities, from gym sessions to cardio. Because of that, there are certain key factors to pay attention to when finding the best trainers for you.
Comfort and fit: "The most important part of a cross-training shoe is a comfortable fit," says Dr. Labrador. A proper fit means that the shoes "should have enough room in the front to allow for the toes to move freely [and] should hold the heel securely and not rub the skin."
Training style: Cross-training combines many different exercises and activities, such as cardio, strength training, Pilates, boxing and HIIT. Choosing the right footwear will depend on your specific training style.
Cushioning: When it comes to cushioning, there are a few significant differences between cross-training sneakers and running shoes. Cross-trainers typically have less overall padding but provide extra support in the forefoot, while running shoes focus more on heel support. If you do a lot of HIIT or plyometrics, it’s a good idea to choose a cross-trainer with a bit more cushioning, but if you focus more on weight lifting, a flatter midsole is the better option.
Flexibility: The best cross-training shoes should have a flexible midsole and toe box, allowing for more dynamic foot movements. This is particularly important for those prioritizing HIIT workouts like box jumps or push-ups. Weight lifters, on the other hand, may need a firmer option.
Stability and support: According to Labrador, cross-trainers should "have more built-in stability for lateral motions." Along with staying put during side-to-side movements, they should offer the proper level of support. Look for cross-training shoes with a firm heel counter and stable base, particularly if you do a lot of strength training exercises.
Durability: Naturally, you want shoes that will stand the test of time, especially since cross-trainers are built for frequent use. Good cross-training shoes "should have durable outsoles, especially if you're doing a lot of work on hard surfaces or activities like rope climbing," says Canales.
Breathability: Working out can produce a lot of sweat, so it’s best to look for a pair of shoes that have good ventilation. You want your shoes to keep your feet cool and dry — this will not only keep sweating to a minimum but will help to prevent blisters.
We researched over 50 different shoes from well-known footwear brands to find the best cross-trainers. We then spoke with several fitness experts, physical therapists and sports medicine doctors to learn what features to look for in a pair of cross-training shoes.
Based on their recommendations, we narrowed our focus to 20 products to personally test. Our testers wore the shoes during various forms of exercise, including walking, running, HIIT and strength training, and evaluated them based on fit, comfort, support, flexibility, breathability and responsiveness.
Running shoes are designed "to improve propulsion, comfort and duration," says physical therapist Milica McDowell. Therefore, they have more cushioning, shock absorption and arch support. Cross-training shoes, on the other hand, "are designed to be a jack of all trades." They have less cushioning and more lateral support, she explains. Because of that, they aren't the best choice for serious runners. While you can wear them for shorter, more casual jogs, she doesn't recommend them for running distances of more than one mile.
Generally speaking, cross-training shoes should be replaced every 6-12 months, depending on how often you're using them, says McDowell. Here's a quick replacement guide based on usage:
Wearing them multiple hours every day: 4-6 months
Working out 4-5 days per week: 6-8 months
Workout out 2-3 days per week: 9-11 months
Occasional usage on weekends: 12 months or longer
However, comfort is more important than how long you've had them. As Canales points out, if you start noticing a drop in support that affects your workout comfort, it's time for a replacement.
Some cross-trainers may be machine washable. In that case, you can toss them in the washer on a gentle cycle before air drying them.
However, if they're not made for the washing machine, Labrador advises spot cleaning with a soft brush, mild soap and water. You can also use micellar (purifying) water, she says, particularly with white shoes. Either way, air drying is essential since using any sort of heat can damage the materials.
Reebok Nano X4: These offer a ton of stability, making them an excellent choice for weightlifting. One thing we noticed, though, was the lack of cushioning and arch support, so they may not be as comfortable for longer runs or those with lower arches.
Lululemon Chargefeel 2: We loved how stylish and supportive these shoes were, particularly during lateral movements, but we weren't as impressed with the cushioning and durability.
Under Armour Project Rock BSR 4: These shoes stand out thanks to their versatility. We loved their comfort and flexibility during HIIT workouts and strength training. However, they may not be the best choice for running.
Altra Experience Flow: Right away, these were incredibly comfortable and easy to break in. They offer a well-cushioned and responsive ride during daily runs but don’t provide as much stability as we would like for gym workouts. Additionally, they have a narrower toe box, so they may not be the best option for those with wider feet.
Claudia Canales, DPT, physical therapist at Hinge Health
Dr. Hallie Labrador, sports medicine physician at Endeavor Health
Milica McDowell, physical therapist and vice president of operations at Gait Happens
Chris Mohr, fitness and nutrition adviser for Fortune Recommends Health
Megan Stewart, physiotherapist with a degree in sports therapy and musculoskeletal medicine
Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.
