Tips For Cross Country Running
#1: Above anything, minimize risk of injury
This means select a shoe thats going to fit like a glove, and can handle super tight, fast turns and uneven terrain. If youre new to XC, you may be subjected to rigorous training that your body isnt quite used to so be aware.
#2: XC shoes are an investment
Theyre made to last and resist against all types of environments, so if youre serious about the sport, dont be afraid to shell out a few extra dollars if you can swing it.
#3: A shoe isnt going to suddenly transform your skill level
If you want to run faster, increase your cadence or increase your stride length. A shoe may make it a bit easier for you or more pleasant to run, but you must look at your body first.
#4: Be prepared
Dont go out onto trails alone preferably especially ones that youve never ran before. Its ideal to know what youll be getting yourself into.
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Good For Outdoor Fitness
Reebok Nano X1 TR Adventure
If the last couple of years has taught gymgoers anything, its that we may not always have the luxury of a kitted-out indoor studio to train in. As well as dealing with the bad weather that often comes with exercising outdoors, it also means wearing shoes that are better suited to natural surfaces. The Nano X1 TR Adventure takes its cues from the popular Nano line-up a range designed for indoor functional fitness and adapts it for the more demanding needs of the outside world. The shoe still features Reeboks responsive Floatride midsole cushioning but also includes a lugged outsole to stop you from slipping around on wet and muddy surfaces, and a durable ripstop upper.
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How We Test Training Shoes
Our top picks would only make sense to you if we are fair and reasonable in our assessments. In order to ensure fairness, we do the following:
- Buy ladies cross-training shoes using our own money. This eliminates sponsorship bias, which may cause us to be extra kind to the brands who gave us freebies.
- Use the shoes in actual rotational workouts. Of course, we wont appreciate the full potential of cross-training shoes if we limit their usage to one type of workout. All our top picks here went through workout circuits conducted by our experts.
To give you a more holistic picture of how each cross-training shoe works, we also come up with a Corescore. This numerical rating is practically the weighted average of the scores given by experts and regular fitness enthusiasts from in and out of RunRepeat.
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Adidas Adipower Weightlifting Ii Shoes
- Flexible forefoot makes it ideal for Olympic lifts
- Eco-friendly build, composed of at least 50% recycled content
- Not the best for powerlifting movements
- Premium pricing
Support those big-time lifts with these colorful clogs from Adidas. A firm TPU midsole provides a great platform for stability and stance, while a flexible forefoot gives your toes the room they need to splay for added comfort. We enjoyed the lockdown feel of the Adipower Weightlifting IIs, thanks to the reinforced upper, lacing system and midfoot strap. But for more powerlifting movements like deadlifts or the bench press, we didnt feel as much feedback as we would have liked.
Best Overall Shoes For Strength Training
When assessing the best overall shoes for strength training, Im concerned with a shoes stability and how its sole interacts with different strength training contexts.
This section is also tough to pick just one shoe for because there are always layers of context needed when picking the best shoes for strength training per your preferences.
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Heel Height And Elevation
Heel height is something that can dramatically influence your training, especially if youre more into weightlifting. An elevated heel can help support mobility and give a stable base to rely on during training. A planted stable foot is a must for athletes especially when moving heavy weight so a more elevated heel can help a lifter with their training.
Heel elevation can range from 0 up to 10mm. It may not sound like much, but it can make a serious difference to the way movements feel. Extra heel height can help support a lifter moving weight through positions like squats and snatches, but little to no elevation is typically better for performing deadlifts. It all comes down to optimal posture angles and what you feel is most important in your training.
Who Shouldnt Buy The Nike Metcon 6
- People who prefer a dedicated, traditional weightlifting shoe .
- Trainees with very narrow feet may not feel secure in this design.
- Anyone whos looking for a more versatile cross-trainer can find an option on this list that isnt as focused on heavily weighted workouts.
Were going to sound like a broken record, but a supportive, stable heel is just what you want when youre trying to up your squat game these shoes should give you the extra confidence you need coming out the bottom of a heavy squat.
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Best Cross Training Shoes For Women
When assessing the best cross-training shoes for women I look to my girlfriend and my YouTube community for feedback. Womens feet are built differently than mens, so finding options that perform well and accommodate a womans foot anatomy is key for this section.
For this section, I make my picks by blending the feedback that I receive from the women athletes in my life with my personal interpretations of certain cross-training shoes.
Ryka Fempower Daring Training Shoe
You can sport the sneakers from this popular Veja x Rick Owens collab all the way from the track to the grocery storeand youll be sure to get a slew of compliments on the way. Theyre super light and flexible, with a stretchy sock-like upper material that keeps your heel from sliding out of place. While these Runners arent cheap, they combine fashion and function for anyone looking for a multipurpose, minimalist cross-trainer .
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On Cloud X Training Shoes
The Cloud X Training Shoes are a fantastic option for the lifter that wants to tackle runs on a regular basis and doesnt plan to train super heavy. In regard to hybrid performance, I have three things that I like about the On Cloud X.
First, this is one of the few cross-training shoes that you can lift with that actually feels comfortable and responsive for running. The CloudTec midsole is responsive and forgiving for runs ranging from 1-7ish miles.
Second, this is a good model for those that want a shoe for lighter lifting and class-style sessions. This shoes stability is pretty good up to about 275 lbs, so if youre lifting lighter than that, then you should enjoy the level of stability this shoe delivers.
Third and lastly, the On Cloud X can double as a daily wear shoe on top of being a strong hybrid performer. Of all the cross-training shoes up here, the On Cloud X is the model to go for if you like blending running and lifting together on a weekly basis and want a shoe for daily wear.
- Best For: Shorter Runs, Light Lifting, HIIT, Agility
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
Best Gym Shoes For Light Lifting: Adidas Ultraboost Og Shoes
Buy It:Adidas Ultraboost OG Shoes, $200, adidas.com
These bad girls are technically categorized as running shoes, but the experts say that they’re also extremely durable . While you won’t want to one rep max or lift heavy in these, they’re great for anything body- or light-weight like squats and lunges or box jumps and rope slams, says Greer Rothermel, a certified personal trainer with RSP Nutrition. (
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How Do You Wash Gym Shoes
Youll want to follow the manufacturers directions for washing your gym shoes. Many shoes can be washed in the washing machine, but it may be recommended to hand wash them to help your shoes last longer. Using cold water in the washing machine can help to keep colors from running. Youll also want to remove laces and insoles before washing for a more thorough cleaning.
Nike Air Zoom Superrep 3 Training Shoes
- Lighter and less bulky than previous iterations
- Two Zoom Air units at the forefoot provide plenty of spring and energy return
- Not the grippiest in outdoor training settings
- Midfoot bridge could be a weak point over time
Building off the successes of the SuperRep 2, the latest Nike kick tackling HIIT training is still a looker. Featuring two Air Zoom units at the forefoot for maximum energy return in every step, the SuperRep 3s also feature a midfoot bridge that give this silhouette a truly unique vibe. Theres also a divide at the natural flex of your toes, allowing you to effortlessly hold those pesky planks or bust out endless burpees.
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Best Affordable Gym Shoes: Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars
Buy It:Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars, $85, zappos.com
Considered the OG weightlifting shoe, Chuck Taylors offer a thin, flat sole that enables the body to maintain great stability and control through your lifts. “They are about as minimal as shoes get, allowing you to really feel the floor which is great for when you’re going for the big lifts-deadlifts, squats, cleans, etc.,” says Crowthers. Bonus: You can pick up the low-top version for as little as $30.
Top Pick: Reebok Nano X2
The Reebok Nano X2 is taking my top pick as the best shoe for strength training for wide feet. This model is a good all-in-one style cross-training shoe for the wide-footed athlete and lifter that likes to vary their weekly training.
This model is stable enough to support heavier squat and deadlifts and provides enough width throughout for most foot anatomies. When squatting 405 lbs and deadlifting 505 lbs in this model, I didnt have issues with compression whatsoever.
The Reebok Floatride Energy foam midsole blended with the full rubber outsole provides this shoe with a good amount of stability and tread for different strength training contexts. For static and more dynamic strength work, the Nano X2 works fairly well.
On top of being a good model for wider feet, I also like the level of midfoot support that you get from this models reinforced TPU clips. If you have wider feet and need additional midfoot support, then I think youll enjoy the overall fit of the Reebok Nano X2.
- Best For: General Training and Wider Feet
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
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How To Clean Cross
If you want your cross-training shoes to last, then youre going to want to clean somewhat regularly to avoid the build-up of dust, dirt, and other materials that can cause polyurethanes and foams to break down.
I always recommend spot cleaning cross-training shoes and using a three-pronged approach to do it thoroughly. DO NOT put your cross-training shoes in your washing and drying machines. Instead, follow the four steps below for properly cleaning cross-training shoes.
- Step 1: Grab your cross-training shoes, a clean washcloth, a soft soap void of harsh dyes and fragrances, and youll need lukewarm water.
- Step 2: Get your washcloth a little wet with lukewarm water and dab less than a dimes size amount of soap on the damp washcloth.
- Step 3: Remove your cross-training shoes insoles and spot clean areas on the shoes that need a little attention. Do not soak your shoes. Repeat this process of getting your washcloth damp and rubbing trouble areas until your shoes look noticeably cleaner. If you have bright colorways, rub softly to avoid ruining your shoes colorway.
- Step 4: Once youre satisfied with your shoes appearance, place them by a vent or dry area in your house and keep their insoles removed until fully dried.
If you do this regularly and take the time to properly clean your cross-training shoes, then youll make them last longer which can be a good thing for prolonging your favorite shoes lifespan.
Best Training Shoes For Running And Lifting
As training shoes and running shoes continue to evolve were starting to see more companies dive into the world of hybrid shoes. Essentially, these are training shoes that walk the fine line between being good for lifting and running.
Now, its worth noting that most hybrid training shoes will function on a performance spectrum. On one side, we have serious lifting and on the other, we have running. Hybrid training shoes are intended to land somewhere in the middle of this lifting and running spectrum.
They may not be the best at any one activity, but for tackling both, they can hold their own. That being said, when looking into hybrid training shoes I think its really important to understand this to avoid letdowns or misaligned expectations.
In this article, Im going to dive into some of my favorite hybrid training shoes that work really well for running and lifting. Ive broken my favorite picks into different performance-focused sub-categories based on what you might be looking for.
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How Often Should You Replace Your Crossfit Sneakers
You should just change your CrossFit sneakers if they expire in easy words if they dont work well during workouts and running conditions.
Every year the market manufactures many branded and high-quality sneakers for your comfort and support. So, you should replace your CrossFit sneakers with the best sneakers for CrossFit options.
What Are Cross Training Shoes
Unless you’re a dedicated runner or only lift weights, you probably do a variety of exercises in your workouts. Rather than have a dedicated set of footwear for each training style, cross training shoes offer support across a range of activities.
They’re known by this name because of the cross training approach to fitness, which encourages you to mix up your workouts to develop functional muscle, boost your fitness, and improve your performance.
So, you might be a runner who enjoys some weight lifting, or a regular lifter but want to boost your metabolism with a HIIT workout for fat loss. Each of these training styles requires different movements, and cross training shoes are designed to offer support across them all.
Many pairs have a lightweight design and breathable materials to keep your feet cool during sweaty, intense sessions. Some have a thin rubberized sole extended around the lower portion of the shoe to improve your grip if you’re switching between burpees and lunges.
Meanwhile, the soles are typically flat to help keep your weight in your heel and improve your posture during weight lifting workouts. This helps you get the most from your training and avoid injury from leaning too far forwards with the weights.
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How We Picked And Tested The Best Cross
We wanted to see how much these shoes lived up to the cross-training name, so we did just about everything in them including, but not limited to, running, powerlifting, CrossFit, rope climbs, walking around the block, wearing them to dinner, and trail running. We also went to our Facebook group for your help and got some great recommendations!
Naturally, no one shoe could do all of these as well as a specialty shoe so we wanted to find ones that worked well enough across a broad spectrum of activities. We also took a few other qualities into consideration.
My Picks For The Best Cross
- Some designs may cost $150 or more
- Laces are not the most durable
- Flexibility is average at best
Metcon is a type of workout that combines strength training and cardio, so its no wonder the Nike Metcon 8 is our top pick for the best pair of cross-training shoes. To be fair, we havent tested out the Metcon 8s just yet but the specs are just about the same as the 7s, which was our previous top pick, and early reviews indicate the shoes are just about the same in every way.
The name aside, theres a few obvious reasons why these have become my go-to gym shoes.
For one, theyre designed for just about every activity you can think of. The wide base keeps you stable during deadlifts and squats a well-cushioned forefront makes cardio bursts a breeze you can do handstand push-ups with ease thanks to the heel handstand clips, and theres a mid-foot rope guard to give you additional grip during rope climbs.
Im a big fan of the grippy all-rubber outsole that provides awesome traction whether youre doing box jumps, burpees, or heavy lifting. They have an extremely breathable mesh upper, which makes a huge difference during those grueling workouts. The flexibility is average, and I wouldnt recommend running more than a mile in them, but if youre doing anything more than that, you should probably switch to running shoes anyway.
Read our in-depth look at the Nike Metcon 8.
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How To Choose The Best Workout Shoes For Women
- Types Of Exercise:
