Good cross training shoes will power you through your next HIIT workout just as deftly as they do on the basketball or tennis court. They’re also ideal for the elliptical, a casual run, and everyday life (hence the name cross training). But all cross training sneaks don’t deliver on their promise. That’s why we burpeed and boxed our way to find the best cross training shoes of 2021.
We especially sought out shoes ideal for HIIT and other intense sessions, ensuring the shoes offer plenty of stability for all those lateral shuffles, mountain climbers, and alternating squats. Below, our seven favorite cross training sneakers to get you from side plank to sprint.
Best Cross Training Shoes of 2021 for HIIT and Bootcamp Fanatics
1. NOBULL Navy Tie-Dye Canvas Trainer
These fashion-forward sneaks get the job done in the gym. The upper is made of canvas, so they’re best suited for those who gun for minimal support and primarily lift or do CrossFit as synthetic knit uppers are more forgiving for running. The addition of high-carbon lateral and medial guards act like guard rails for lateral movements, and a medial rope grip to help you haul ass mid-WOD.
[$115; nobullproject.com]
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2. Saucony Freedom 4
New for spring 2021, you’ll float through your next bootcamp workout with the newest addition to the Freedom line. Responsive cushioning lends a springy feel to runs, sprints, box jumps and the like. Plus, the stable platform is better suited for lateral movements so you can smash agility drills without apprehension. A mesh upper and suede tongue boost comfort, and hidden reflectivity at the heel improves low-light visibility. This is one versatile shoe.
[$150; saucony.com]
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3. Les Mills X Reebok Nano X1 Cross Trainers
Debuting in March of this year, these co-branded Nano X1 trainers are ready to serve you well whether or not you’re doing the spicy Les Mills x Reebok Nano Series workouts (try a 30-day free trial here). Like the rest of the line, these sneakers feature a breathable upper, solid support for multidirectional movements, and a heel clip. Aside from being a handsome shoe, we love how flexible the forefoot is for better mobility during HIIT sessions.
[$130; reebook.com]
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4. Lane—Eight Men’s Trainer AD 1
If you like more plush support and cushioning, the AD 1 is a standout trainer. A stretchy, uber-comfy upper
feet stabilized throughout sudden of direction changes. With , you’ll be pleased to learn these trainers are made with 11 bottles worth of recycled plastic, BLOOM algae-based foam, and vegan suede.
[$110; laneeight.com]
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5. Nike Metcon 6
These sneakers mean business. Designed to provide support and stability from jumping jacks to butt kicks, they’re also stylish enough to pair with khakis and a polo post-workout and call it a day (especially in the newly released army green). Bonus: A removable insert also allows you to adjust the height under your heel between sets as desired. Choose from a large range of colors or design your own.
[$130; nike.com]
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6. Under Armour UA TriBase Reign 3 Training Shoes
The standout feature here is the Tribase design, which gives you a triangular base, so your foot can flex naturally. There’s also a foam midsole and wider midfoot for added comfort and full-rubber outsole for added abrasion resistance. Smartly placed rubber under the toe box for improved traction and a heel counter to guide your foot’s pronation complete this lightweight yet ready-for-anything shoe.
[$120; underarmour.com]
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7. Lalo Bud/s Maximus Grinder
Between the breathable upper, toecap, great traction, and a stability wrap around the mid-foot to give you extra support, there’s a lot to love. There’s also a lot of work to do because these lightweight cross trainers hold up to heavy weightlifting use. The shoe gets its name from a collaboration with Bobby Maximum, a former UFC fighter. FYI: The company advises ordering them a ½-size larger than you normally wear (free exchanges and returns are on offer).
[$130; lalo.com]
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