11 Best CrossFit Shoes For Women In 2024, Podiatrist-Reviewed
Specialty: Podiatry & Podiatric SurgeryExperience: 22 yearsDr. Mathew M. John is a podiatrist and is currently the medical director at the Atlanta Center for Foot & Ankle Surgery in Sandy Springs. With over 20 years of work experience, Dr. John is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, a fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons, and a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association.
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tikendrajit pegu poulami nag deyasini biswas Deyasini holds a bachelor's honors degree in English Literature from Jadavpur University and a postgraduate diploma in Advanced Fashion Styling from the London College of Style. She has three years of experience in the fashion industry, working as an editorial and product stylist, following which she has chosen to return to her roots in the language arts as a commerce content writer at MomJunction.
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In This Article
CrossFit is a set of workouts that involves high-intensity movements and some heavy lifting. Since you’re mostly on your feet, you must invest in the best crossfit shoes for women to help you balance the intensity with a seamless glide. These tried-and-tested shoes also offer great flexibility and stability. Scroll down to know more about some best-selling ones known for their quality craftsmanship for a hassle-free CrossFit workout.
Top Picks
Benefits Of CrossFit Shoes
Here are a few benefits of wearing CrossFit shoes.
- Maintain proper form: Any fitness activity requires a proper form. These shoes can withstand dynamic workouts covering different training styles.
- Protect knee injuries: High-intensity training poses a risk of serious injuries that a pair of decent CrossFit shoes can only negate. They protect you against injuries and make your training efficient.
- Provides balance and grip: These shoes provide the right balance and grip while being able to endure high-impact moves without wear and tear. They boost the performance by amplifying your workout.
11 Best CrossFit Shoes For Women In 2024
1. Best Trendy: New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1 Sneakers
FuelCore Nergize V1 sneakers provide comfort for all-day wear with high flexibility. They feature a Revlite midsole that offers cushioning and ample support and responsiveness. NB memory sole insert is engineered for comfort and performance. These cross-training sneakers sport a functional and easy bootie style wearing. This review video of the athletic shoes will tell you everything you need to know before purchasing.
Pros
- Supportive fit
- Lightweight cushioning
- Ergonomic insole
- Trendy design
- Understated looks
Cons
- Arch support is not as satisfactory as it claims
"I like that these sneakers are trendy yet comfortable for all-day wear. They have a decent lifespan. Though the sizing is slightly tricky, going up a size helped me get the right fit. I'm also happy with their supportive design, which works well for my troublesome foot pain."
2. Best Abrasion-Resistant: Asics Gel Venture 6 Running Shoes
The Asics Gel Venture 6 is a utilitarian pair of performers. They come with a gel cushion system that blunts the force of impact on the foot and allows a smooth transition. They are ideal for sprinting, and weight training. It sports a durable, abrasion-proof rubber outsole that makes it a comfortable fit. Check out a detailed review of these minimalist shoes in this video.
Pros
- Abrasion-resistant
- Gripping outsole
- High stability
- Durable
Cons
- May not be suitable for narrow feet
"Apart from my CrossFit session, I also wear this cozy pair for my outings. They offer me impressive support even on rough terrains. Although they are comfortable, I prefer pairing them with moisture-wicking socks to amplify their breathability."
Quick fact3. Best Lightweight: Brooks Women’s Ghost 13 Running Shoe
With the Brooks Women Ghost 13 shoes, you may get the perfect balance of power and glide for a steady CrossFit experience. The segmented crash pad allows stable transitions, and the superior lightweight mesh upper offers a secure fit and a snug hold for the foot. This stylish shoe for weightlifting and running brings the comfort of superior cushioning without hampering the performance. A quick durability evaluation, fit assessment, and performance testing have been done in this reviewer’s video to help you make an informed choice.
Pros
- Carries APMA seal of acceptance
- BioMoGo DNA and DNA loft cushion
- Stable sole
- Balanced performance
- Lightweight
Cons
- Not ideal for higher arches
"Having used these shoes for a few months, I vouch for their top-notch build and impact-absorbing abilities. Their arch support also feels like a bonus while running. However, I’d recommend sizing up as they tend to run small."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 26,340 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
4. Best Form-Fitting: Puma Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe
Puma Women’s Tazon 6 cross-trainer comes with a synthetic leather material cladding the foot for a gripping fit. Midfoot saddle and EVA foam help reduce shock and offer a high level of comfort. These stylish shoes from the trusted brand are a stable and reliable pair, providing good traction for tackling the WOD.
Pros
- Lightweight and supportive
- Form-fitting
- Stable platform
- Durable
- Good arch support
Cons
- Could be a little hard on the feet
Did you know?5. Best Non Slip: GDEFY Women’s MATeeM Cross-Trainer
The GDEFY Women’s cross-trainer combines comfort and power work in tandem with each other. Flexible and elastic, these shoes feature a hybrid smart technology to alleviate foot pain and stress with superior shock absorption. The running and weightlifting shoes fit snugly with their soft mesh lining, and the microfiber upper provides ventilation for a cool workout session. They have a streamlined heel counter and protective shank for midsole protection and stride balance.
Pros
- Stable sole
- Non-slip heel counter
- Pain-relief technology
- Free orthotic insoles
- High resistance PU
Cons
- May not be true to size
"I was skeptical about getting these shoes due to their old-school design, but their comfort factor has won me over. They are also true to size, and the curved edges keep the impact away from my foot. While I found them a little pricey, their functionality has been worth the investment."
6. Best Breathable: Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Trainer
Ryka women’s influence cross trainers give you one less reason to worry about with their stable support. The flex-foil and direct-fuse layers add lateral stability to these kicks. The CrossFit women’s shoes also sport a dual-density midsole with adequate cushioning while offering grip on box jumps and weights. The N-Gage EVA technology provides extra cushioning on impact, and the synthetic mesh upper and rubber sole make it comfortable.
Pros
- Traction outsole
- Lightweight mesh upper
- Solid cushioning
- Breathable
- Pivot point on the sole
Cons
- Arch support is not satisfactory
"These shoes have a large toe box and a secure heel, which make them comfortable for my feet. I've been using this pair for various activities and appreciate the support and comfort it provides. Moreover, they offer great stability without being bulky."
TriviaWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has more than 9,072 reviews and is a top choice all around the world.
7. Best Durable: Nike Women’s Fitness Shoes
Nike women’s fitness shoes are ultra-comfy trainers that can reduce any discomfort during intensive training. Its ergonomic design provides great stability and support. These all-purpose shoes have a hard sole that is stable, making them an ideal fit for all crossfit exercises. Available in three color combinations, these cross training women’s shoes look super chic.
Pros
- Durability
- Traction for speed
- Hyper lift insert
- Stylish design
- Optimizes performance
Cons
- Sole may feel a bit hard for newbies
"With its supportive arch and sturdy construction, these shoes have become my favorite for the gym. While they are not meant for running, the stability they offer during strength training is noteworthy. Plus, the included Hyperlift inserts make these shoes adaptable and flexible."
8. Best Flexible: Inov-8 Women’s Fastlift 360
Designed explicitly for stability, these tried-and-tested women’s shoes by Inov-8 feature a unique and functional design. Its key features include an external heel cage, Powertruss technology that provides maximum support, and a single classic strap for a snug fit. Their forefoot is equipped with meta-flex technology that enables unrestricted dynamic movements, and the upper material of the shoes adjusts to the foot movement, making them highly flexible. Another special feature of these shoes is their sticky rubber outsoles that provide stability and constant traction during high-intensity workouts.
Pros
- Improves performance
- Robust design
- Available in four colors
- Anti-skid rubber sole
- Wide toe box
Cons
- Edges may not be smooth
- May not be suitable for wide feet
"The kind of stability and comfort these shoes provide me when I lift heavy weights is remarkable. While their laces could have been more durable, they have fit my feet quite well. Plus, their lightweight build keeps fatigue at bay."
9. Best Lateral Support: Reebok Women’s Nano X Cross Trainer Running Shoes
Reebok women’s running shoes blend comfort and breathability with an ideal heel-to-toe drop and a stable, solid base. The high-density foam and extra cushioning provide top-notch protection against injuries. These tried-and-trusted CrossFit shoes for women are perfect for any gym terrain without a single caveat, whether you tackle your sprints or try the Kettlebell swings.
Pros
- Great for overpronation
- EVA midsole
- Good lateral support
- Sturdy fit
- Increased flexibility
- Doubles as weightlifting shoes
Cons
- Might feel too high on the ankle
"I find these shoes supportive for my high-intensity exercises. Finding the right size was a bit challenging, yet I give them full marks for their movement-enhancing flexible construction. Plus, the vibrant design looks great!"
10. Best Footbed: Puma Women’s Prowl Slip on Cross Trainer
Stepping up the game with its ultra-light design, this pair of kicks by the trusted brand Puma offer a snug fit to let you power through most CrossFit exercises. The outsole is made of rubber, and the footbed contains soft foam for enhanced support. Their synthetic, sock-like upper lends them a superior skin-like comfort ideal for dynamic movements like box jumps.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Comfortable insoles
- Alleviates pressure
- Gripping upper
- Trendy looks
Cons
- Could be uncomfortable
"I’ve noticed an improvement in my movements since I started working out wearing these flexible shoes. Besides, they are also breathable and have proven durable enough to survive everyday rough use."
11. Best Ergonomic: Weweya Barefoot Shoes Minimalist Running Cross Training Shoe
Weweya barefoot shoes have a breathable mesh upper that offers high levels of comfort and keeps the feet dry for a long time. Their anti-slip outsole makes exercises, such as box jumps, clean and jerk, and lunges efficiently while the insole provides good arch support to fend off injuries. The wide toe box provides a natural barefoot shape to the foot without any constriction for increased stability.
Pros
- Durable design
- Adjustable shoe tongue
- Ergonomic toe box
- Comfortable fit
- Supportive
Cons
- May not be trendy
"With these shoes, I finally found a pair that fit my wide feet. Their innovative lace closure has also made it easy to put them on and take them off. Moreover, the contrasting pink and grey hues look very vibrant."
How To Choose The Right CrossFit Shoes For Women?
Here are a few points you should consider before buying CrossFit shoes.
- Stability: CrossFit training is extensively power-oriented, and a pair of trainers with a wide sole delivers high performance, whether it’s lateral movements, hitting a sprint, or tackling a jump.
- Comfort: The soft padding will provide a smooth transition during runs, and the ergonomic structure helps provide stable performance during weight training.
- Heel-to-toe drop: Consider a heel-to-toe drop up to 4mm that provides an ideal fit for exercises requiring form and balance.
- Flexible design: Look for a shoe with a flexible upper, such as the 3D fuse upper, to lend you flexibility and help you stay grounded.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need CrossFit shoes for doing CrossFit workouts?
Yes, it would help if you had a pair of CrossFit shoes to bring the right balance of power and flexibility with the various exercises that CrossFit training demands.
2. Can I wear CrossFit shoes every day?
You can wear them every day as they provide a stable base and well-cushioned support for comfort.
3. Can I use CrossFit shoes for HIIT?
Cross-training shoes can be used for both CrossFit and HIIT. They are better and more appropriate because they don’t push the foot forward like running shoes. CrossFit shoes keep the feet locked comfortably and provide stability, irrespective of the trajectory of your HIIT movements.
4. How should I clean CrossFit shoes?
On average, most reputed CrossFit shoes last for about 8–12 months. However, the durability may depend on the intensity and frequency of your workouts.
5. What makes CrossFit shoes different from other shoes?
CrossFit shoes have a lower heel drop, thus, facilitating an even distribution of the body weight across the foot. This ensures better balance and posture while performing specific exercises like weight lifting.
6. Can I use CrossFit shoes for running?
Not all CrossFit shoes can be used for running. CrossFit shoes that provide great cushioning and don’t interfere with your performance while doing gymnastics or weight training can be used for running as well.
7. How do I clean CrossFit shoes?
Here are the steps you can follow when cleaning your CrossFit shoes:
- Scrub off the dirt with a soft bristle brush, including the outsole
- Clean the shoes, insoles, and laces with a toothbrush and detergent-water solution
- Rinse thoroughly with warm water
- Let the laces, soles, and shoes air dry thoroughly
Why Trust MomJunction?
After extensive research, our researchers and reviewers have made a list of the best CrossFit shoes for women that help them stay strong and flexible while maintaining stability. The list highlights the notable features of all the products and their pros and cons to give you an unbiased opinion. This article also contains a buying guide and an FAQ section to help you choose the right pair of shoes. We have also considered user reviews posted on various trusted e-commerce websites during our selection.
Involving high-intensity workouts, CrossFit exercise requires heavy-duty shoes made for the activity. Not only are CrossFit shoes durable, but they also offer superior flexibility, allowing your feet to move freely. Considering factors such as heel-to-toe drop, cushioning, weight, and the material used helps pick a pair of CrossFit shoes that are most suitable. Lastly, keep in mind your comfort level and find the right size range for a snug fit. Moreover, these shoes reduce the impact on your feet and are breathable for optimal performance.
Infographic: How Are CrossFit Shoes Different?
If you’re wondering why you should invest in CrossFit shoes instead of regular sports shoes, this infographic can help clear the confusion. Take a look to learn about the unique characteristics and benefits of CrossFit shoes compared to standard athletic ones, and discover how they can enhance your fitness efforts.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
References
- Paige Babiash M.S. et al.; (2013); CrossFitTM: New Research Puts Popular Workout to the Test
https://www.acefitness.org/continuing-education/prosource/november-2013/3542/crossfittm-new-research-puts-popular-workout-to-the-test/
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