How to Choose the Best crossfit training shoes for men

Step 1

Let me start by saying any kind of athletic or functional shoe can be used to train, even your barefoot! That being said, over centuries of innovation has developed and equipped modern day athletes with shoes specialized for every sport. Baseball has thin metal cleats, football and soccer also have cleats, but in a molded rubber style better for grass and injury prevention, basketball has higher ankle support and a flatter rubber sole to help grip the flat court surface, Track athletes even use computer specialized technology to develop spikes that are accurately placed to further increase power output, rock climbers have a very thin, gripping rubber sole to allow for full grip about uneven nooks and crannies etc. . . It only seems like a normal transition to develop a shoe specific to a new, evolving sport that hasn't been established for for even a decade yet.

Step 2

Crossfit involves a plethora of movements and exercises that continue to evolve--anything actively possible seems possible to happen in a Crossfit competition. Every year, some sort of new challenge presents itself at the Crossfit Games whether it be doing a mini triathlon or using a sledgehammer to advance giant iron blocks. There needs to be an active shoe that can withstand several kinds of movements and elements. A light weight shoe, with minimalist design and enough lateral support to hold stability seems to work as the best shoe for all around Crossfit activity.

Step 3

If you're a beginner, transitioning into a minimalist shoe may feel very uncomfortable since your feet are not used to using as much strength as a minimal shoe requires. The lack of spongy cushioning and a higher heel causes muchh stress on your tendons and smaller muscles that otherwise wouldn't need to do as much work to run, lift, jump etc. . .This lack of support sounds detrimental, but when conditioned, is actually healthier for your foot because it develops strength, and forces natural support for your body. I suggest starting with the following shoes, and depending on how far you want to progress or how you feel during workouts, you can shoes what works best for you.

Step 4

Running shoes-Regular, high cushioned shoes are good as a beginner athletic shoe for high impact workouts, but usually are not stable (do to the cushioning) and lack lateral support, which is not going to allow solid body position while lifting weights, especially in a squat position. These shoes will work, but are not going to help you further into your training when you want the best from your workouts.

Step 5

Weightlifting/hybrid shoes-Olympic lifting shoes are great for getting the most out of your lifts (snatch, clean, squat) due to the solid flat bottom and raised heel to allow support through the heel for highest range of mobility and strength. They are not comfortable, weigh heavily, and are very hindering on anything involving running. Reebok has developed a hybrid shoe that has has the support of the lifting shoe, but the flexibility and light weight construction of a crossfit shoe. They are still no ideal when running long distances, but quick runs and box jumps are very doable in these shoes. A person completing a workout containing weightlifting followed by plyometric movement or rope climbing would greatly benefit from these shoes.

Step 6

Crossfit all around trainers--These are the main shoe for Crossfit. Numerous brands like New Balance, Reebok, Nike, adidas, and innovate have developed shoes tailoring to Crossfit demands. Although only Reebok can officially call it a Crossfit shoe, and may get more input from actual athletes in Crossfit, the other brands also manufacture amazing shoes. They are lightweight, have light cushioning, and usually have tough, flat or foot-formed rubber to keep foot solid on ground. Most shoes also have a thicker plastic or rubber middle instep plate that allows for extra support during rope climbing that shreds the middle of shoes from constant rope friction.

Step 7

Barefoot Shoes-Shoes that have no support, zero drop in heel, and usually individual toe slots to fully represent being barefoot. Backed by several podiatrists, working to make barefoot training a norm will greatly increase foot strength, posture and overall longevity of the feet. These shoes are made by several brands including Vibram, Fila, and Innovate. I would only suggest doing hard training in these shoes after you have been training in minimal shoes for at least a year. Although they will work to develop stronger feet and feel natural, beginning on these shoes after using very supportive shoes for most of your life will cause too much strain too soon. Your body will no respond to such a drastic transition well. Plantar fasciitis could worsen or develop over time.

Step 8

With companies trying to always find ways to gain an edge on one another and branch into the next big thing, it is difficult to select shoes that will work for you. I suggest picking a brand you have used in the past and see how it goes. Some people are very picky, while others just need a durable, and effective shoe. Above I've listed several shoes used for Crossfit. I personally love New Balance and feel their minimal shoes offer the best construction, style, and performance of any shoe on the market. I also love innovate's unique lightweight shoe and appearance. I also own the Adidas Powerlifter as my lifting shoe (cheaper and just as effective as Reebok's). Best of luck on your search and hopefully these will work for you!