We Tested 25-Plus Training Shoes: Here are the Standouts
If I’ve learned one thing in nearly twenty years of being part of the CrossFit community, it’s that CrossFit fans are passionate about their shoes.
- Fortunately, there are now many options for training shoes, but that hasn’t always been the case.
When I started CrossFit in 2008, I showed up in my old-school Asics running shoes, and the coach told me to take them off and squat barefoot. Others at my gym wore Converse Chuck Taylors. At the time, even finding Olympic lifting shoes wasn’t that easy.
After that, I tried the then-popular Vibram Five Fingers, and we quickly learned you couldn’t get the stench out after just a few wears.
Finally, in 2011, Reebok entered the scene and quickly gained a monopoly over the entire CrossFit community’s footwear.
Such is not the case today. From major players like Reebok, Adidas, Puma, and TYR to newer grassroots brands like NOBULL, Born Primitive, and RAD, the shoe market is constantly growing and continually offering more and more valuable options to both CrossFit and now HYROX enthusiasts.
Recently, my husband Ryan — a longtime shoe aficionado with strong opinions — and I had the opportunity to test more than 25 different training shoes (we’re currently building a new shoe shelf to house them all).
Here are our thoughts on some of our favorite training and hybrid shoes (in alphabetical order):
- Adidas Dropset 4 Trainer
- Born Primitive Savage 1
- NOBULL Outwork
- Puma Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX
- Reebok Nano Pro
- Reebok Nano X5 Edge
- R.A.D® ONE V2
- TYR CXT-3 Trainer
- Velites Hybrid 1.0 Training Shoe
Adidas Dropset 4 Trainer
- $145
- 10.86 ounces (men’s size 9)
- 6 mm heel-to-toe drop
The Adidas Droplet 4 Trainer, released in January 2026, is a hybrid training shoe described as their “most versatile functional strength training footwear to date,” designed to handle lifting and short bursts of running.
The shoe features a full-length responsive foam midsole to deliver consistent energy return and stability during running, while Energyrods help optimize force distribution. They also support the heel during heavy lifting and generate propulsion for movements like box jumps and skipping.
Additionally, its Geofit technology boosts heel support for a stable, secure feel, while the outsole combines Continental and Adiwear rubber to ensure durability in both wet and dry conditions, including during rope climbs.
Ryan’s Dropset 4 Trainer Review
The Dropset 4 Trainer is a versatile shoe. I appreciate that they’re not completely rigid. They offer some flexibility, making them suitable for people with wide feet like me.
As a bigger man, I usually opt for more traditional running shoes, but when I was training for HYROX, I wore them during mixed-modal workouts that included running on the Air Runner, and I was surprised by how comfortable they felt.
And, for the price point, you just can’t go wrong.
Worth noting: Adidas is also about to launch its highly anticipated DropSet Elite hybrid shoe, designed for HYROX-style training, on March 18. We haven’t had the chance to try them yet, but stay tuned for my colleague Nicky Freymond’s review of hybrid and running shoes, coming next week.
Born Primitive Savage 1
- Frequently on sale on the Born Primitive website, currently ranging from $83 to $139
- 11.2 ounces (men’s size 10)
- 4 mm heel-to-toe drop
Like most training shoes, Born Primitive’s classic Savage 1 was designed to provide stability for high-intensity interval training and heavy lifting, while offering enough support for running.
The shoe is known for its wide toe box and tubular laces designed to keep the shoe tied, and it also features a cushioned rebound midsole and multi-directional traction for a good grip.
The upper part of the shoe is made of lightweight knit and features a mesh tongue for improved breathability, while the outsole is a highly durable rubber that provides both lateral and linear traction.
Ryan’s Savage 1 Review
I have been wearing Born Primitive Savage 1s for the past three years, and they have long been my go-to shoe.
They are quite flat, but unlike many other flat shoes, they have no extra weight. They’re lightweight and flexible, fit a wide foot comfortably, and have very breathable outer fabric.
While I don’t run in them, they’re great for jumping rope because the soles are flexible yet very stable for lifting.
They also look cool. Right now, I have a pair I wear to the gym and another that I often wear to work.
And again, their price point is really good, and they often go on sale, so keep your eyes peeled.
In case you missed it: Last year, Born Primitive also released a high-top version of their shoe — the Savage 1 High Top — which we had the chance to try. If you value extra ankle support, especially for activities like box jumps, these shoes are ideal. Personally, I just love how they look as casual shoes. They make me feel younger than 42 whenever I wear them.
NOBULL Outwork
- $150 (also frequently on sale)
- 10.7 ounces (men’s size 10)
- 4 mm heel-to-toe drop
The NOBULL Outwork training shoe is the brand’s flagship model, known for its reputation in the CrossFit community.
The shoe features a wide toe box and a low profile. It has a carbon rubber outsole with circular tread designed to provide reliable grip on gym floors, rubber mats, and platforms.
Worth noting: Although we haven’t tried it, the NOBULL Outwork Edge is similar; however, instead of a circular tread pattern on the outsole, it features a herringbone pattern, which is better for training on turf or grass, or if you like to do movements like sled pulls and pushes outdoors, as it offers extra grip.
My NOBULL Outwork Review
I know shoes should mainly focus on performance, not style, but I can’t resist this shoe’s look. It’s perfect for the gym, yet still cute with jeans.
I digress. I appreciate how low to the ground the NOBULL Outwork is for lifting, which helps me feel stable and grounded when I squat, clean, etc., and the wide toe box lets me spread my toes when I lift, enhancing stability.
Furthermore, the shoe is nearly indestructible (it doesn’t get chewed up on rope climbs, that’s for sure).
And as an added bonus, the Outwork is very light, which I appreciate when doing movements like pull-ups and toes-to-bar, because I don’t need to feel heavy or weighed down when I’m doing gymnastics.
Puma Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX
- $260
- 6.87 ounces (men’s size 9)
- 8 mm heel-to-toe drop
Puma’s Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX shoe was launched just last month, alongside HYROX Las Vegas, and it was quickly embraced by the HYROX community. Two weeks later, Puma nearly sold out their initial inventory.
The Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX is inspired by the Deviate Elite 4 but features noticeable differences, mainly in the shoe’s outsole.
According to Stefan Popovic, Puma’s liaison for running and training, one challenge with the previous version of the Deviate Elite was that only part of the sole was rubberized to reduce weight. This benefits running but doesn’t provide optimal, full-length traction during exercises like sled pushes and pulls.
As a result, the Deviate Elite HYROX sole has rubber from heel to toe, with a specially engineered lug pattern, which is “more effective in sled pushes and pulls, and tailors itself better to functional exercises,” Popovic said.
- “That’s one major update, but there are also some changes in foam density, and there’s also a full-length PWRPlate to give you more propulsion when running,” he added.
My Puma Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX Review
I’ve always preferred training shoes and avoided running shoes, even when training for a half-marathon, so I wasn’t sure I’d like the Puma Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX.
- When I first put them on, I wasn’t convinced. I felt like I was standing on inches of foam, and I usually prefer to feel more grounded. However, when I ran wearing them, everything instantly changed.
They’re so lightweight and supportive, and I swear they actually make running feel easier (and I’m not a runner).
Furthermore, I was surprised to find that wall balls and lunges were also easy in these shoes.
I wore them during my first HYROX race in Las Vegas, and I can confidently say that my feet felt fantastic both during and after the race.
The price point is high, but if you’re doing a HYROX race, it’s worth the investment. They will protect your feet and may even help you run faster.
Ryan’s Puma Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX Review
The shoe reminds me of my Adidas Adizero running shoe in the way it protects your foot and helps with propulsion, but it has a flatter toe box, which also makes it great for movements like sled pushes and sled pulls.
- And although they have a lot of cushion, they are also very stable, so wall balls feel good in them too.
Ultimately, they live up to the hype; they’re the perfect HYROX shoe.
Reebok Nano Pro
- $225
- 11 ounces (men’s size 9)
- 3 mm heel-to-toe drop
The Nano Pro took three years to build, longer than any other Nano before it.
Its price point is also higher than that of other Nanos because it is made with top-quality materials. These materials help keep it very light, while also making it responsive and durable for any movements you make.
Further, it features a flexible Graphite carbon-fiber plate to improve propulsion and stability, so “when you need it to be firm, it’s firm, but it also bends when you need it to bend,” explained Tal Short, Reebok’s Product Director.
My Reebok Nano Pro Review
These come at a fairly high price point, but with good reason. And while I have always had at least one pair of Nanos in circulation since 2011, these are my favorite ones ever.
You can actually tell that the quality of material is next level, and they really do feel like, as Short told me, “A high-performing Ferrari that you can drive every day.”
Enough said.
Reebok Nano X5 Edge
- $150
- 12.9 ounces (men’s size 9)
- 7 mm heel-to-toe drop
Reebok’s Nano X5 Edge is their latest Nano model, released in December 2025. It maintains the Nano’s signature appearance but has been improved for better comfort and durability.
- Two of the upgrades feature a FLEXWEAVE upper and a DUALRESPONSE midsole for improved stability and control during movement.
Furthermore, the Nano X5 Edge includes a decoupled metasplit outsole and a performance-comfort collar.
Ryan’s Reebok Nano X5 Edge
I have been wearing Nanos for years — my all-time favorite is still the first version of the Froning Nano — but what I appreciate about the Nano X5 Edge is how excellent it is for lifting, as I find the sole a bit stiffer and more stable than some other versions of the Nano.
- I wouldn’t wear these shoes for running, but they’re excellent for workouts involving lifting and pure strength sessions, and they perform well on movements like box jumps and skipping.
After many years, each version of the Nano remains a reliable choice for CrossFit, and the Nano X5 Edge is no different.
R.A.D ONE V2
- $150
- 12.87 grams (men’s size 9)
- 6 mm heel-to-toe drop
The R.A.D® ONE V2 is described as “the all-round gym shoe that’s good at everything, and ready for anything.”
They include some cushioning for movements like box jumps and running, and they’re stable for lifting.
- The shoe’s upper rubber outsole features a herringbone pattern, and the midsole uses springy EVA called SwellFoam.
Further, they’re highly flexible and feature an all-rubber R.A.D.® WAVE wrap that shields the foam and guards against rope abrasion during rope climbs. And to protect the shoe during movement like burpees and toes-to-bar, the shoe features a reinforced toe bumper.
In case you missed it: R.A.D also recently released a limited edition of their RAD One V2 shoe in collaboration with seven-time CrossFit Games athlete Danielle Brandon.
Ryan’s Rad ONE V2 Review
I was a bit skeptical that I would like these shoes, but they are exactly what they claim: a great all-around shoe. They are a bit narrower than, for example, the Savage 1 and the Dropset 4, but they’re still wide enough for wide feet.
- They’re stable for lifting and multi-modal workouts and still provide enough cushion for some running.
I did some short runs in them leading up to HYROX and wore them all weekend, walking dozens of miles in them around Las Vegas over the two days after the race.
TYR CXT-3 Trainer
- $160
- 12.5 ounces (men’s size 9)
- 9 mm heel-to-toe drop
Released in February 2026, TYR’s CXT-3 Trainer is the newest iteration of their classic training shoe.
One of the key upgrades is an 8 percent weight reduction over the CXT-2, thanks to its updated lightweight, breathable mesh with no-sew overlays.
- Another is the shoe’s upgraded traction, thanks to its herringbone outsole, which delivers improved grip, durability, and versatility across training surfaces.
The CXT-3 Trainer also features an ultra-responsive foam midsole system that transforms applied force into elastic rebound, along with a TPU stability wrap for extra support and durability during multi-directional training.
My TYR CXT-3 Trainer Review
The CXT-3s (and the CXT-2s, for that matter) are both excellent shoes for lifting, as they’re some of the most stable I have ever used.
- I wouldn’t pick them for running, or at least not more than 200-400 meters, but for any conditioning workout with a moderately heavy barbell, dumbbells, wall balls, box jumps, etc., these shoes work great.
Not only that, but they’re also great for pure lifting sessions. Sometimes I wear them instead of weightlifting shoes because they give me the stability and confidence to hit 90 percent of my lifting effort.
And, TYR just launched a whole bunch of new, exciting colorways of the CXT-3.
Velites Hybrid 1.0 Training Shoe
- $164.99
- 3 mm heel-to-toe drop
Founded by CrossFit enthusiast Matías Hernandez Van Waes, Velites’ first product was a skipping rope. After that came hand grips, and then backpacks, and eventually apparel.
In 2024, they got into the shoe game, releasing their Hybrid 1.0 Training shoe, made from 90 percent recycled materials.
- The shoe is built to provide stability for weightlifting while offering enough flexibility for running, and is designed to handle friction from movements like rope climbs.
It has a wide toe box, is low to the ground, and has an EVA midsole with controlled density to transfer power without compressing.
Coming Soon: Velites is about to launch a new minimalist shoe: Minimal 1.0. The shoe has been designed to offer a barefoot feel without sacrificing stability and protection. It’s flexible, yet stable enough for heavy lifting.
My Velites Hybrid 1.0 Training Shoe Review
I would categorize these shoes alongside the Reebok Nano X5 Edge and the TYR CXT-3 Trainer.
They can handle some shorter runs, but where they shine is when it comes to lifting. I wouldn’t hesitate to leave my lifting shoes at home and wear these instead for a pure strength session.
- That being said, they’re also great for box jumps and double-unders, and they’re so durable I have no fears they’ll be chewed up during rope climbs.
Finally, they’re just really comfortable. I feel like I could go for a 10k walk in them (and I have), and my feet would be perfectly happy.
Two More Shoes We Love
While they’re not training or hybrid shoes, I wanted to include these two LUXIAOJUN shoes — a brand founded by three-time Olympic and five-time world champion weightlifter, China’s Lu Xiaojun — because they’re both great.
Luxiaojun Barefoot Pro Training Shoe
Sometimes I just crave the feeling of being barefoot when training, especially when lifting. It makes me feel connected to the ground, and I truly feel like barefoot training really helps me hone in my technique, as any deficiencies become more obvious. That’s the first reason I love the Luxiaojun Barefoot Pro Training Shoe. The second is that they’re so light that I sometimes wear them for gymnastics and bodyweight heavy exercises to make me feel just a little more gymnasticky.
Luxiaojun Weightlifting Shoes
I always thought weightlifting shoes were a dime a dozen, until I tried the Luxiaojun Weightlifting Shoe.
They just feel so well-engineered, and of such high quality. They’re so stable, so comfortable, and truly unmatched in the weightlifting shoe category.
The Big Picture
After testing nearly 25 pairs of training shoes and hybrid shoes, one thing is abundantly clear: the market has advanced significantly since I discovered CrossFit in 2008. We are truly living in the golden age of functional fitness footwear.
Whether you’re loyal to Reebok, Adidas, or NOBULL, chasing HYROX dreams in the Puma Deviate NITRO Elite HYROX, or lifting heavy in the TYR CXT-3 Trainer, there really is a shoe for every type of athlete and workout style.
