Before jumping to the list of the top 8 best cross training shoes for men in 2016, let’s say few words about cross training. As cross training grows in popularity, some athletes ask what is the benefits of this style of exercise over others, besides the variety it adds. One benefit, according to Men’s Fitness, is conditioning. The theory is that by challenging your body in different ways, your body will grow in different ways. Cross training is not configured for a single goal such as weight loss but incorporates many goals such as increased cardio capacity, muscle gain and weight loss. The second benefit is injury prevention due to not overusing joints, muscles or other body parts. Cross training allows over worked parts of the body to rest while the under worked are strengthen. Active recovery is the final benefit, which is using an alternative type of activity to recover from the primary activity. For example, a pool workout may help after a weight room workout has pushed the muscles. Active recover has been shown to increase blood flow and the delivery of nutrients to muscle tissue thereby decreasing recovery times.
Best cross training shoes for men in 2016
For all the different activities, athletes need shoes that can withstand the pressure. Cross trainer shoes are a combination of athletic footwear to accommodate different form of exercise. Differences may include the combination of a heel from a running shoe, lateral stability of a tennis shoe or forefoot cushioning of volleyball shoe, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Although many are made with a leather style material, many also use more flexible materials, similar to running shoes, for the upper or side panels. The benefits of these shoes are their adaption for multiple purposes. Here are the best cross training shoes for men for 2016:
Nike Men’s Free Trainer 5.0 v6 Mesh Cross-Trainers Shoes
In all honesty, Nike is very good when it comes to adding innovations and new ideas into every product they send to the market. The sporting goods powerhouse has released the Free Trainer 5.0 v6 Mesh Cross Trainer Shoe which is designed specifically for athletes who prioritize on agility above anything else. Six points of flexibility grooves further allow natural movement which will take efficiency to new heights. The flywires inside the laces allow adaptive support without weighing down the shoe. The strong woven mesh upper gives stability and support for quick movements and hard cuts. Extra durability comes from the abrasion-resistant rubber on the heel and toe while the roundness of the heel helps the foot roll with the ground for a barefoot feel. Finally, the outsole absorbs shock through waffle pistons that also add responsiveness during toe offs.
Initially, these shoes might seem a tad still but the more you use them, the more they are going to come to life and will end up giving you the sort of athletic experience you’ve always craved. With a perfect mixture of flexibility and support, these cross fit training shoes are going to match the intensity of your workout blow by blow and are unlikely to let you down. Moreover, breathable mesh support means that you are going to enjoy a freedom of movement which will further assist you in having a great workout session.
ASICS Men’s GEL-Craze TR 2 Training Shoe
Asics provides a natural movement for your foot with the Gel-Craze TR 2 Trainer. The FluidAxis® midsole starts off this best cross training shoe for men with flex grooves that follow the joint pattern in the foot, allowing a smooth stride. The padded collar and tongue contribute minimally to the 9.7 oz. total weight of this shoe. SpEVA® foam midsole material as well as the Rearfoot GEL® cushioning provide shock absorption for a better transition to mid-stance and support during movements. The mesh and synthetic suede upper adds to the look of the shoe but also allows the shoe to breath, keeping the foot dry during activity. Solid choice among the best cross training shoes for men in 2016.
With a slightly asymmetrical design, this cross fit training shoe allows you to enjoy a more secure hold while you’re performing moves and turns at great speed. Lateral movements will not be uncomfortable thanks to the soft EVA foam. Moreover, midsole breakdown is unlikely to happen because of the SpEVA Midsole Material which improves bounce back characteristics. Weighing only 9.7 ounces, TR 2 is going to be the sort of shoe you are never going to let go of once you get used to it being around your feet.
Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 5.0 Training Shoe
Calling it their lightest yet strongest Nano to date, Reebok made some changes to the Crossfit Nano 5.0. Changes in this best cross trainer for men start with an upper infused with DuPont™ Kevlar® that provides airflow with tremendous durability. The CMEVA creates more cushioning while an anatomical heel and footbed gives the athlete’s foot a more contoured fit. With only a 3mm drop and the Polyurethane NanoShell, the shoe provides stability as it protects against midsole abrasions. The RopePro carbon rubber stands up to the hardest WOD while the raised outsole lug pattern provides better traction by creating a stronger surface area contact.
The Reebok Nano range has been a huge hit ever since its first edition was released back in 2011. After the resounding success of Nano 4.0, the Nano 5.0 has been a huge hit as well, with sales continuing without interruption. With a cleverly designed toe box, you are going to enjoy some serious impact protection which means that you’re unlikely to get injured. The sole is extremely rigid which means that this particular cross fit training shoe is specifically designed for lifting, wall balls and various other static exercises. A perfect shoe for indoor exercises, the Nano 5.0 is going to give you a great experience when it comes to weight lifting exercises.
ASICS Men’s GEL-190 TR Training Shoe
The second Asics on the best cross training shoe for men list is the Gel-190 TR. This trainer is packed full of technology for a comfortable fit and durability during any WOD. The Trusstic system provides a reduced weight without compromising the integrity of the sole unit. The SPEVA® midsole continually gives bounce back during strides as the AHAR®, Asics own anti-abrasion rubber, is strategically placed for exceptional durability. The Rearfoot GEL® cushioning system absorbs shock at heel strike and encourages a smooth movement to midstance. Support and stability continue with the duel-density midsole of the Duomax® support system.
The rubber soles ensure that quality, ruggedness and durability is not affected in any way possible. Moreover, these shoes are designed aesthetically which means that they won’t be too flashy on the outside will go down well in any environment. An excellent all-round training shoe, the Asics GEL 190 TR is a great return on your investment. While other shoes usually come up with a break-in period, these cross fit trainers are going to give you comfort the first time you wear them. Asics have put in a lot of thought into the design and quality material means that this cross fit trainer is going to last for a long time. A great shoe that can easily give you 40 hours a week use, the 190 TR is highly recommended for every athlete.
New Balance Men’s MX608V4 Training Shoe
The next on the list of best cross trainers for men is the New Balance men’s MX608v4 Trainer. With a leather and suede outside, the shoe may sound hot but the textile lining and EVA footbed provide breathability. The shaft is approximately two inches from the arch, the heel measures one and a half inches and the overall drop is 10 mm. This lace up shoe has a dual density collar for a supportive yet comfortable fit. The IMEVA midsole allows for firm but flexible cushioning along with the EVA footbed. The shoe is finished off with a non-marking rubber outsole for superior traction.
More than being a great cross fit training shoe, the MX608V4 is excellent for those who are on their feet all day long. People with jobs that require them to run all the time will find this shoe extremely useful. With great shock absorbing technology, these trainers are going to give you comfort and safety at the same time. While the lugs on this shoe may not be that prominent, they will give you great traction. As long as they last, the New Balance Men’s MX608V4 are great training shoes.
Adidas Performance Men’s Powerlift 2 Trainer Shoe
The wide and solid base with a high-density midsole makes the Powerlift 2 Trainer a great shoe for weightlifters. Lightweight but durable, support is provided by the mesh and synthetic upper as a single instep strap secures the rearfoot integrity. The textile lining gives comfort while the non-marking flat-profile rubber outsole affords a traction pattern for improved grip. The wedged heel height is intentionally designed for weightlifters along with the weight distribution plate that minimizes compression that can occur while lifting. The EVA high-density midsole rounds out the comfortable fit of this shoe on the best cross fit trainer for men. This is the only Adidas that made it to the list of the best cross training shoes for men in 2016.
Specifically designed for weightlifting, the Men’s Powerlift 2 Trainer Shoe is perfect for your technique. Moreover, thanks to the compression plates, you are never going to notice any instability while squatting. The grip is also very good compared to the other trainer shoes designed by Adidas. These shoes are also perfect for those people who would never skip a leg day. Just try and put these cross fit trainers through a serious leg day workout and they will make sure that you get the best possible outcome for your endeavors. These shoes are definitely going to change the way you feel about squats.
PUMA Men’s Tazon 5 Cross-Training Shoe
Puma debuts on the best cross trainer for men list with the Tazon 5 , coming in a variety of color designs. The lace up shoe has a EcoOrthoLite sockliner and perforations throughout which both contribute to the breathability of the shoe. A cushioned midsole and TPU shank provide stability for athletes during any WOD. Several reviewers on Amazon stated the shoe was comfortable out of the box with no “break in” time needed. Yet, they also warned the shoe runs small and narrow so order at least a half-size larger and specify the needs for a wide shoe if necessary.
A low budget shoe which also provides features that you may only find in expensive cross fit trainers, the Tazon 5 has an attention to detail which makes the product very easy to the eye. Comfort is something you will experience consistently regardless of how you are using these shoes. The shoe molds around your feet which is why discomfort would be the last thing we would associate with this product. Unlike most cross fit trainers, the upper has been fully perforated. However, this is substituted by perforations around the larger part which helps air exchange. Although it’s a little heavier than most cross training shoes, you won’t feel that difference once you start using it. With these shoes, training sessions become much easier and effective than ever before. And the fact that the product is available at a reasonable price means that you won’t come to regret the decision to order it.
Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 Cross-Training Shoe
Inov provides a multipurpose shoe for any WOD in the Inov-8 Men’s F-Lite 235 Trainer. The shoe sports several all-around protections such as the Rope-Tec protection from rope burns as well as the multidirectional flexibility in the outsole. The Powerheel offers 40% higher density than the forefoot for stability during weightlifting. Meta-Flex technology optimizes flexibility as the Met-Cradle lacing secures the foot. A toe bumper provides protection and increased durability and the forefoot is constructed to protect and cushion from impacts. The zero drop and light weight of this shoe makes it definitely one of the best cross trainers for men. This concludes our 2016 list of the best cross training shoes for men.
This cross fit trainer has been designed keeping functional fitness in minds. While the previous editions were more focused on mountain racing flats, this one will help you get a lot of exercises done with minimum fuss. The Inov-8 simply gives other cross fit trainers a run for their money since these cross fit trainers are aiming for durability and efficiency at the same time. During burpees, you are likely to ruin your shoes quite easily. With the Inov-8 however, a toe bumper makes sure that you won’t have to worry about the product getting ruined quickly. Thanks to the Rope-Tec, you can not only enjoy rope climbs, but also have a better rope grip. A really cool thing about the Inov-8s is that they come in some really crazy colors keeping in view the changing fashion sense of the sporting world.
