The best CrossFit shoes for men

The Reebok Nano X1 series ranks at the top of the list as the best overall cross-training shoes for men. Reebok and CrossFit have gone hand in hand for the past decade, so every aspect of this shoe is designed for the functional athlete. It strikes the right balance for both running and lifting.

With the Nano X1, Reebok was able to keep the shoe relatively lightweight at 12 ounces for running, but still offers stability for lifting. It features an EVA foam midsole to cushion your feet and joints from jarring impacts.

Unlike most running shoes, the X1 only has a seven-millimeter drop. Less drop would make the shoe perform more like a glove (for barefoot running and great for lifting). The sole is made from 100 percent rubber and is sure to grip whichever surface you find yourself on. Your ankles will receive a little support from the mid-level upper, too.

You can get the Nano X1 trainer in 22 different color options and most shoe sizes.

There are few shoes as iconic as the Chuck Taylor All Stars, and for good reason. Initially designed for the basketball court, Chucks performed admirably for most other sports, as well. Having personally worn these while powerlifting, running, and entering a mosh pit at a 5FPD concert, I can attest to the prowess of the Chuck Taylors.

Converse still makes these shoes using simple materials of canvas and rubber to provide a snug, secure fit. The high-top canvas and laces allow you to customize the ankle support you need for the activity. Chucks are arguably the original “barefoot” shoe given that there is a zero drop between the heel and forefoot. There is minimal cushion, as well — some layered canvas makes up the insole while most impact absorption comes from the cross-patterned rubber outsole.

A word of caution to those with wide feet: Chucks are narrow shoes. While Converse makes a line of wide sizes, you’ll want to double-check before you buy. Since most CrossFit workouts involve running two miles or less, these make for great functional fitness trainers for those balling on a budget.

The Trail Glove 6 embodies the eco-friendly focus Merrell has in manufacturing. It utilizes recycled materials, which reduces the overall environmental impact. Most of the mesh in the upper, liner, and insole is at least 45 percent recycled material. Even the laces and EVA foam insole feature 30 percent or more recycled materials.

With a zero drop, this shoe will give you a true barefoot experience, which is ideal for lifting and running short distances. It features a Vibram EcoStep that is made of 35 percent recycled rubber for gripping all terrain. Another great feature is the NXT-lined insole that fights odors, a much-needed feature for any sweater.

You can get the Trail Glove 6 in six colors and most shoe sizes. Word of caution: As this is a trail runner, it may wear out faster when running on concrete or lifting heavy weights.

No company makes shoes for wide feet better than Altra. The company is known for FootShape toe boxes that default wide and have to opt for narrower options.

Typically known for running shoes, Altra hits the functional fitness mark with the Solstice XT 2. This runner utilizes proprietary technology like Balanced Cushioning and an InnerFlex midsole to adapt to your workouts. The upper is made from a breathable mesh to keep it lightweight and minimize sweating.

As with all Altras, the Solstice has a zero drop design to offer a barefoot-esque feel. Combined with an athletic rubber outsole, your feet will be secure where you plant them whether you’re snatching or sprinting. The Solstice is available in black or white, and in most sizes.

You might think that buying some arch-supporting insoles will solve all flat-footed problems, but you’re only half right. Insoles will only help those with collapsed arches, but those born with flat feet would experience even greater fatigue from these types of insoles. One of the best solutions is to wear shoes that allow for your feet to spread out, with a cushion of course. This is where the Innov-8 F-lite 235 V3 CrossFit trainers can be a game-changer.

The shoe’s overall design is focused on the barefoot and natural movement of the foot. You can see this in the flexibility of the mesh upper that uses Ropetec technology for strength and durability. It combines nicely with the Meta-flex forefoot to offer a full range of motion during WODs.

The 235 has a low drop of four millimeters, which is large enough to offer support without causing form issues during heavy lifts. Inov-8 uses a proprietary technology called Powerflow+ in the midsole that helps to not only absorb impact, but also return the energy much like arches naturally would. And the whole package sits atop a rubber outsole offering a stable grip on any surface.