We review the top 5 cross-training shoes including the Nike Metcon 10 and Reebok Nano X5. Discover which shoe offers the best stability, grip, and versatility for your workouts.
If you have ever attempted a heavy squat or a dynamic box jump in standard running shoes, you know the feeling of instability. The soft foam compresses, your knees wobble, and you lose critical power transfer. For athletes dedicated to functional fitness, CrossFit, and weightlifting, the right footwear is not just an accessory; it is a piece of safety equipment. Dedicated cross-training shoes provide a flat, stable base for heavy lifts while offering the flexibility and traction needed for agility drills, rope climbs, and plyometrics.
Based on extensive research and performance testing, we have compiled a review of the top five cross-training shoes currently on the market. We evaluated these shoes on stability for heavy lifting, traction for dynamic movements, and overall versatility.
The Nike Metcon series has long been the gold standard for gym-goers who prioritize lifting heavy, and the Metcon 10 continues this legacy with significant improvements. It is widely regarded as one of the most stable platforms available without switching to a dedicated Olympic lifting shoe.
Research confirms that the Metcon 10 is built to be sturdy, planted, and rigid in the right places. The shoe allows for virtually no wobbling, making it ideal for heavy compound lifts. Testers have reported deadlifting over 400 lbs and performing leg presses up to 450 lbs with absolute confidence. The outsole is packed with stabilizing features that ensure the best possible power transfer for strength training.
Nike has returned to its roots with this iteration by removing excess material from the upper. This change creates a lighter, more flexible, and more versatile shoe designed to excel in various modalities. While it remains a stability-first shoe, the Metcon 10 is adaptable enough for most WODs (Workouts of the Day).
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Reebok has reached the 15th iteration of the Nano, getting closer to CrossFit perfection than almost any other competitor. The Nano X5 is designed to be the ultimate "do-it-all" shoe, balancing lifting stability with running comfort.
The Nano X5 offers excellent stability for lifting, durable sidewalls for lateral support, and enough cushioning to handle short runs comfortably. As a lifting shoe, it delivers a firm heel that provides plenty of support during heavy cleans, snatches, squats, and split jerks.
This shoe excels in versatility. It handles almost any workout you throw at it, making it the perfect choice for athletes who mix heavy lifting with cardio and agility work in the same session. If you need one shoe to cover every aspect of your training, the X5 is a top contender.
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The Adidas Dropset 3 has impressed reviewers with its exceptional stability and technical design tailored for serious lifters who also need breathability.
Testers were blown away by the stability the Dropset 3 offers. The shoe features a dual-density midsole that provides controlled stability and a grippy Traxion outsole that keeps footing secure. Users have successfully deadlifted over 500 lbs and performed heavy cleans with no stability issues.
The shoe features a 6mm midsole drop, which provides a flat and stable platform to help find proper alignment in lifts. Additionally, it blends superior breathability with a roomy toebox and a highly secure foothold, making it a favorite for those training in hotter environments.
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The RAD One V2 has quickly become a favorite for its aesthetic appeal and high-performance engineering. It is defined by its ability to perform excellently across the spectrum, from weightlifting to bodyweight training.
The herringbone outsole on the RAD One V2 shines during agility drills, plyometrics, and heavy lifts. The combination of soft yet durable rubber and a high-traction tread pattern provides a grippy, planted feeling on both epoxied garage floors and rubber stall mats.
Single-leg exercises feel more stable in the RAD One V2 than in nearly any other training shoe on the market. Explosive movements like skaters or burpees feel incredibly secure. Note: Users recommend sizing up a half size as these can run slightly small.
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The TYR CXT-2 has taken stability to a new level, with significant updates that make it one of the most supportive shoes available.
The CXT-2 features a subtle tweak from a 9mm to a 7mm drop, combined with a reworked TPU Stability Wrap that supports the foot from lateral to medial midfoot. This makes it incredibly stable for average gym-goers and even Olympic-style lifters. The wide toe box allows for optimal foot splay, enhancing balance during squats and deadlifts.
Described as "bombproof" by testers, these shoes hold up exceptionally well during intense WODs. The plush heel foam adds comfort without sacrificing the rigidity needed for heavy lower body movements.
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When selecting the best cross-training shoe for your needs, consider the following factors based on our research:
Each of the five shoes reviewed above offers a unique balance of these features, ensuring that whether you are hitting a PR on the deadlift or crushing a HIIT workout, your feet are supported and secure.
