Cross training shoes became extremely popular back in the 90’s. In fact, the first time I ever heard of a cross trainer was back in 1993.
The popular name for cross trainers back then was indeed cross trainers.
They are lightweight shoes that are designed for multiple types of gyms workouts but not good for running. And of course, they should not be worn outside.
Cross trainer shoes are the perfect addition to those who are into lifting, cross training, and are looking to participate in small Zumba classes.
Nowadays, there are a lot more versions of cross trainers on the market but not all of them offer high quality.
I know I have a collection — enough to justify having a designated corner of my closet — with more on the way (don’t tell my wife!). That’s why I decided to put together this detailed article about 7 best men’s cross training shoes for any exercise routine. All of the shoes featured below are chosen based on my own experience using them as well as reliability and brand reputation. The review covers a number of important aspect such as: built, comfort, and of course, the overall appearance.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| NOBULL Men's Training Shoes and Styles | Best Overall |  |
| Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes | Budget Pick |  |
| Nike Men's Retaliation Trainer Cross | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. NOBULL Men's Training Shoes and Styles
Pros:
- No break-in time
- Comfortable even for those with flat feet
- Excellent traction, especially on slippery surfaces
Cons:
- Not recommended for indoor training
- Foot and ankle support could be better
- Snug fit, order one size larger if you have wide feet
This stylish looking training shoe is for men who want a balance between fashion and functionality.
No matter where you go in NOBULL Training Shoes, it's clear that they are designed to increase your performance. The trainers have a comfortable fit and they are built to maintain their comfort even after you wear them multiple times.
The shoes are available in different styles for better matching your taste.
Read more about the NOBULL Men's Training Shoes and Styles
2. adidas Men's Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Lightweight and flexible design
- Full-length Cushlon midsole
- Arch support to stabilize the foot during your workout
- Excellent grip
Cons:
- The heel is a bit thin, so it doesn’t provide a lot of arch support
- The toe a tad longer than it needs to be
- It’s not really a low-drop shoe
The Men’s Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer by Adidas is a shoe that you can use for any and all workouts. It has a flexible design that’s suitable for both weightlifting and powerlifting.
The outsole includes grip power pods which provide excellent traction.
It is also designed to provide the wearer with a comfortable and supportive heel drive – providing stability across the full length of the foot.
Read more about the adidas Men's Powerlift.3.1 Cross Trainer
3. Under Armour Men's Charged Commit 2.0 Cross Trainer
Pros:
- Lightweight materials offer a breathability to the canvas and mesh upper, without sacrificing durability
- Great cushioning
- Smooth transition between the upper and midsole
- Outsole traction performs well on multiple surfaces even while wet
The Under Armour Charged Commit 2.0 is a comfortable cross trainer for men. The molded heel helps provide extra support, while the Charged foam in the midsole helps reduce shock during impact.
The lateral outriggers and rear heel counter provide added stability; the Charged foam in the midsole helps provide comfort, and the outsole traction is well-suited to multiple surfaces even in wet conditions.
The Charged foam is going to give you a smooth transition from your heel to your midsole, and it’s going to help alleviate some of that shock, like I already talked about, when you are hitting the ground with each step.
Read more about the Under Armour Men's Charged Commit 2.0 Cross Trainer
4. PUMA Men's Tazon 6 FM Running Shoe
Pros:
- Available in multiple sizes
- Breathable mesh upper
- Simple design
- Durable rubber outsoles
- Excellent traction on most surfaces
- Padded insoles for a comfortable fit
- Removable sock linings
- Cushioned for comfort
- Good value for price
- Wide variety of colors
This cross trainer is a pretty basic shoe for both running and other fitness activities. Not only do you get a wide variety of colors to choose from, but the design is good as well.
In addition, the cuff is a bit higher than some others, which is great for those who tend to have blisters on the Achilles.
Of course, it’s not exactly for every need and this is where some of the other options on our list above can come in handy.
Read more about the PUMA Men's Tazon 6 FM Running Shoe
5. Champion Men's Gusto Cross Trainer
Pros:
- The Air midsole together with the open mesh upper provides superior breathability
- The mesh is strategically placed around the mid-foot and tongue for improved comfort
- The rubber outsole offers superior traction and helps cushion your feet and legs from shock
- The minimalist design is suitable even for indoor workouts
- The price is reasonably set to cater to casual users and beginners
Although this shoe is marketed towards cross training purposes, these shoes work great for any activity where you perform a lot of moves on your feet – from running and jogging to aerobics and cross training. They are basically a lightweight version of your average running shoe and are designed with comfort as the prime factor.
Read more about the Champion Men's Gusto Cross Trainer
6. Nike Men's Retaliation Trainer Cross
Pros:
- Can be worn during intense CrossFit training
- The foam sole provides excellent shock absorption
- Specially designed for mid-foot and forefoot strikers
- Can be used as a stand-alone shoe or a pairing shoe for progression
- Ideal for agility training
- Offers a great deal of traction
Cons:
- The heel can be narrow for people with wider feet
- A bit heavier compared to other training shoes
- The upper is stiffer than other training shoes
- The traction may be too good for some users
Built for mid-foot and forefoot strikers, the Nike Men’s Retaliation Trainer Cross Training Shoe is designed to mirror barefoot movement.
Made with breathable mesh and synthetic overlays, this sneaker helps keep you dry and comfortable even during intense exercises.
The shoe offers excellent traction while its durable, lightweight foam sole provides great shock absorption.
Read more about the Nike Men's Retaliation Trainer Cross
7. Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes
Pros:
- Cross-training shoes which can be used for a variety of exercises
- They are ideal for everyday training
- Flexible, lightweight, and sturdy
- Can be worn well with socks
- They are reasonably priced
Cons:
- Brown color is not as nice as darker ones
- Faux-leather
Our top pick for men’s cross training shoes is the Reebok Men’s ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes and we chose it due to its stylish design, versatility, and comfort. These shoes are ideal for everyday training, whether that’s at the gym or at home. The cushioned sole and heel provide comfort while the air mesh upper allows your feet to breathe.
Furthermore, the split-sole design makes this a great shoe for agility and plyometrics workouts. The shoe is also lightweight, flexible, and sturdy. It is hand washable and can be worn without socks. Plus, it is reasonably priced. However, the brown color might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Lastly, they are faux-leather, which is a huge downer for some people.
Read more about the Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the best cross training shoes for men?
When searching for the best cross training shoes for men, one factor to consider is design. Look for traditional running shoes with a thick sole. If you are a minimalist runner, then you’ll want a shoe with less cushioning and no wingate details. For people who prefer more support and cushioning, go for a shoe that looks more like a sneaker or basketball shoe. Your chosen cross training shoe will depend on your own preferences.
What are the best shoes for gym workouts?
Sneakers are among the easiest to find and the most functional equipment in any gym. You can try running shoes, basketball shoes, and cross-training shoes. Cross training shoes are usually built for indoor gym workouts and for running outdoors. However, you can still use them for indoor basketball.
Cross-Training Shoes are designed to minimize and balance each step. You want a shoe that offers both stability and flexibility. The sole has a good grip for indoor turf surfaces so that you won’t slip while doing deadlifts, box jumps, or any other exercises.
What is the best cross training shoe?
The best cross training shoe is the one that fits you best and is built to support the specific types of training you’re doing: lifting, running, cycling, plyometrics or sports. Depending on your sport of choice, your body type, the amount of cushioning you require, and the terrain you will be on, like hardwood flooring, concrete, and artificial turf will influence what type of cross training shoe to buy.
Like most sporty shoes, the functionality and design of cross training shoes is basically the same. The flexibility of the shoe and the toe box are the most telling features. You want a shoe that is built with a high ankle support so that you get the most support and stability. Also, you want a breathable shoe that allows your feet to remain dry. Otherwise, you risk getting blisters, a foot odor problem, and a stinky training environment.
Can you run in cross training shoes?
Yes, you can run and sprint in a good pair of cross training shoes. It’s important to test the shoes out first to ascertain that they fit well and offer great support and protection.
The stability of the shoe is important when you’re running. The shoe must fit snugly, but allow the ankle to move freely. You should also try running barefoot and then with the shoes on, to determine the difference. Cross training shoes are durable enough to handle a lot of high-impact activity over time, but they’re not designed to be used to their full potential. If you’re a serious runner, avoid running in cross training shoes.
Conclusion
As you start a new workout program, or a training program for a sport, you’re not always faced with the easiest decisions. The best pickup for you depends on a number of factors: what your goals are, your price range, the amount of support you need, how much cushioning you want, and more. So this buying guide should help you figure out what your main buying considerations should be when buying cross training shoes. You can then use our list of the best men’s cross training shoes to point you in the right direction.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| NOBULL Men's Training Shoes and Styles | Best Overall | |
| Reebok Men's ROS Workout TR 2.0 Cross Trainer Shoes | Budget Pick | |
| Nike Men's Retaliation Trainer Cross | Upgrade Pick | |