Welcome to Activate!
As a member of our community, you know that our “Mixed Modality” fitness regimen is unique in many ways. One of those quirks is the specialised equipment designed just for our needs. Unlike Zumba, Bar Classes, or HIIT Classes, CrossFit and Hyrox have entire industries dedicated to creating gear and apparel that enhance our performance and safety.
In this series, we will dive into the various pieces of equipment you might find in an Activate member’s gym bag and explore their usefulness. Today, let’s talk about one of the most essential items: CrossFit SHOES! (We’ll write another blog about Hyrox specific shoe choices)
What Makes a Shoe Good for CrossFit?
CrossFit combines a variety of modalities, including Olympic lifts, gymnastics, and traditional cardiovascular exercises like running, rowing, and biking. Therefore, our shoes need to withstand a lot of wear and tear while providing a stable platform for lifting.
Key Qualities of a CrossFit Shoe
Wide Toe Box
- Why it matters: Weightlifting movements, whether Olympic or powerlifting, require the foot to spread out to handle the load and provide a stable base. A narrow toe box can cause discomfort and reduce efficiency during lifts.
- How to check: Ensure the area around the ball of your foot is as wide or wider than the heel.
Zero-Drop
- Why it matters: A zero-drop shoe is versatile, supporting a variety of movements. While a slight heel can help in squats, it can stress the knees during long runs. Zero-drop shoes are ideal for deadlifts, lunges, box jumps, jumping rope, rowing, running, and biking.
Fray Resistant Upper
- Why it matters: CrossFit shoes endure a lot of abuse, especially during rope climbs. Shoes with cloth uppers can quickly wear out, leading to damage to both the shoe and your skin.
- Durable options: Look for shoes with fray-resistant materials like Reebok’s kevlar-infused flexweave.
Rubber Sole
- Why it matters: CrossFit shoes have hard rubber soles to resist rope climbs and ensure efficient weight transfer during lifts. Running shoes, with their soft soles, dissipate power and create instability during lifts.
- Tip: If you use running shoes, consider lifting in your socks for better stability.
Popular CrossFit Shoe Brands
Nike MetCon
- Overview: A favorite among CrossFit athletes, the Nike MetCon series offers durability and performance. The latest version, MetCon 7, features an enhanced rope pattern for better grip.
- Pros and cons: While popular, some users report issues like squeaky soles or sole separation. Available at many local sports shops for in-person try-ons.
Reebok Nano
- Overview: The original CrossFit shoe, Reebok Nanos have evolved with 12 iterations. Known for their durability and comfort, they handle the toughest workouts.
- Pros and cons: Though comfortable, newer versions are stiffer. Some athletes avoid them for aesthetic reasons.
NOBULL Trainer and Trainer+
- Overview: Known for durability and style, NOBULL Trainers feature a super fabric upper for rigidity and protection. Trainer+ offers a thicker sole for added durability.
- Pros and cons: Expensive but highly durable. Earlier models had insert issues, but newer versions have improved.
Other Brands to Consider
- Under Armour Reign
- Inov8 F-Lite 290
- Adidas Dropset
Bottom Line
The gear in your gym bag, including your shoes, is there to assist you, not replace hard work and strength. The right shoes can help you perform safely and efficiently, but they won’t replace dedication and effort. Always consult a podiatrist if you have foot issues before changing your footwear.
If you have any questions about CrossFit shoes, feel free to email us or ask one of your coaches at the gym. We’re here to help you make the best choices for your training needs!