A CrossFit workout is incredibly dynamic. On any given day, you could end up using kettlebells, medicine balls, speed ropes, or plyo boxes while doing push-ups, squats, and other movements in high-intensity intervals. This variation between CrossFit workouts begs the question: what type of shoe do you wear?

Before you even think about trying CrossFit, buying a shoe that will support your foot through all of these different motions is essential. Sore feet will end your workout in a hurry, so you’ve got to keep them happy. Buying a specialized shoe also helps you avoid changing your shoes between stations.

Beginners and seasoned CrossFitters alike can struggle with foot problems and need a comfortable and supportive shoe to aid their workouts. That’s why we’re looking at the top CrossFit shoes for women available today.

Factors to Consider When Buying CrossFit Shoes for Women

When buying a CrossFit shoe, you’ll want to choose a product with CrossFit or cross-train right in the name. These shoes have been made specifically to provide support for the various movements and changes of direction that occur when participating in a workout.

In addition to the name, you’ll want to look at some of the shoes’ attributes to find the best product to meet your needs. Each shoe has some subtle differences, and you’ll want to consider what you prefer in a shoe before making your decision.

Fit

Some shoes fit true to size, while others run large or small. You’ll want to be aware of how a particular brand fits before making your purchase. You might also consider a wide size if you have wide feet, although some products, including Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer Shoes, have standard sizes that are a little wider than most.

Our reviews note the available size range for each shoe, along with any other relevant information to help you find the best fit.

Weight

A light shoe will feel more comfortable than a heavier one, an important feature when engaged in a CrossFit workout. The weight of the shoe is noteworthy in all aspects of CrossFit, as less weight means it’s easier to jump, run, and lift. Luckily, most high-end CrossFit shoes in the market today are lightweight, making your decision easier.

As you search, it’s worth keeping in mind that running shoes are often lighter than CrossFit shoes because they only have one job: to keep you moving forward. CrossFit shoes must account for all different types of movement and provide physical protection, which is why they tend to weigh a bit more.

You can skip to our full buying guide to learn more about the differences between the two shoe types before buying. Otherwise, we’ve made sure to highlight whenever shoes that made our review list are notably lighter or heavier than the standard.

Lateral Support

The shoe that you select should have outstanding lateral support because you’ll be changing directions frequently. Lateral support comes from the shoe’s outer side and prevents your foot from rolling over when circuit-training, jumping, or lifting.

This lateral support is easier to achieve in a CrossFit shoe because of the low heel lift. The less cushioning and lift you’re dealing with, the more stable the shoe.

Material

For the most part, manufacturers make CrossFit shoes using synthetic materials and rubber soles. You might see some shoes with leather, which makes them more durable and less breathable. You’ll also see a lot of mesh, a material that is more breathable and less durable.

Breathability is vital when selecting a shoe because your feet are sure to sweat during your workout. Choosing a material that allows them to get some air can prevent blisters and overheating.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your preferences, as there are some high-quality, ultra-popular CrossFit shoes for women that use all of these material types.

Durability

As with any shoe, you’ll want to select a product that will last. CrossFitters put their shoes through a lot of abuse, so unless you want to replace your shoes regularly, investing in a durable model is a smart idea. A durable shoe will resist wear and tear, so you should get a fair amount of use out of your selection before it needs replacing.

Shock Absorption

Another aspect to consider is whether the shoe absorbs impact. While it might seem like a no-brainer to go with a shock-absorbing shoe, that’s not always the case when it comes to CrossFit. The reason is that shock-absorbing shoes tend to have additional padding in the insoles, making it more difficult to lift weights and complete explosive jumps.

If you have sensitive feet or won’t be doing high-intensity CrossFit, a shoe with shock absorption is fine. However, those going all out during their workouts might want a minimalist shoe with as little padding as possible in the insoles.

Overall Comfort

Finally, the CrossFit shoe you select should feel comfortable on your feet. Choosing the right size and going with a broader shoe if you have wide feet are important considerations, as is the amount of padding in the insole. You’ll also want to ensure the product you buy runs true to size, so you don’t accidentally end up with something too big or too small.

Your CrossFit shoe’s goal is to make your feet as comfortable as possible during your workout while protecting you from blisters and other injuries. These shoes can also improve your performance by keeping your feet stable as you run, jump, and lift

There’s a lot to consider when buying CrossFit shoes for women, so keep reading to learn which products will make your feet happiest during your next workout.

Top 10 Best CrossFit Shoes for Women 2024

1. Best Overall CrossFit Shoes for Women: Reebok Women’s Nano 9

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-11
• True to size: No, they run slightly large
• Wide sizes available: No, but they are naturally wide
• Cushioning: Minimal
• Different colorways: 20

Reebok is a giant in the CrossFit shoe industry and Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer Shoes are perhaps the company’s top offering. These shoes provide excellent support and will make your CrossFit workout much easier on your feet. However, you should know that these shoes run a little wide, so those with narrow feet might opt for half a size smaller.

Shoe Construction

These shoes have a rubber sole and use synthetic flex-weave material in the upper, making them highly breathable. The shoe also has a soft rubber midsole, which adds cushioning and support while making them more comfortable to wear.

Performance

Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer Shoes are high-performance in nature and perfect for high-intensity interval training workouts involving cardio, lifting, running, and jumping. The low platform and wide toe box make them great for lifting without sacrificing the support necessary for cardio and jumping.

Verdict

It doesn’t get much better than Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer Shoes, particularly if you plan to participate in dynamic CrossFit workouts with running, jumping, and lifting. The main issue is the wide toes, which might lead to some fitting problems for those with narrow feet.

2. Best Premium CrossFit Shoes for Women: NOBULL Women’s Training Shoes

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-10
• True to size: No, they run small
• Wide sizes available: No
• Cushioning: Minimal
• Different colorways: 13

NOBULL Women’s Training Shoes are built with CrossFit in mind. These shoes are practical when lifting, climbing, and sliding, supporting every movement you complete. This product is versatile enough for both indoor and outdoor facilities, providing maximum versatility. However, if you are doing a lot of running, you might look for a shoe with a little more cushioning.

Shoe Construction

NOBULL Women’s Training Shoes have a rubber sole and use a highly flexible mesh covered with SuperFabric on the upper section. These materials come together to create one of the more durable CrossFit shoes on the market. There are also carbon-based lateral and medial guards on the sidewalls, offering more lateral support when changing directions.

Performance

These shoes perform well in most situations, as they’re durable enough to stand up to all sorts of abuse during your CrossFit journey. The shoe’s wide toe box makes weightlifting easier, and its reinforced sidewalls will support your feet through jumps and circuit training.

Verdict

Although NOBULL is a relatively new name in the CrossFit world, this premium shoe is worth checking out if you’ll spend your time on both indoor and outdoor courses. The shoe is great for weightlifting, although other shoes might perform better when running long distances.

3. Best Budget CrossFit Shoes for Women: Ryka Women’s Influence

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-11
• True to size: Slightly small
• Wide sizes available: Yes
• Cushioning: Foam midsole
• Different colorways: 14

Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe offers outstanding comfort thanks to its dual-density foam providing additional cushioning. The product also has pivot points on the sole, so you can easily change direction during your workout. Yet, these shoes run a bit small and don’t offer the same level of foot stability as other products because of the midsole cushioning.

Shoe Construction

These shoes have a rubber sole and a fabric upper section. The shoe also uses flex-foil technology, which helps the shoe keep its shape and is supposed to offer added support. Unfortunately, the shoe’s foam midsole reduces the shoe’s stability, making it feel like the shoe isn’t providing adequate support.

Performance

The Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe provides excellent performance when doing high-impact training like box jumps. It also allows you to change direction quickly when completing circuit training. Unfortunately, there is some give to the shoe. This flexibility makes changing direction easier, but you are also more likely to roll your foot than when using other shoes.

Verdict

There’s not much wrong with the Ryka Women’s Influence Cross Training Shoe because it’s comfortable, durable, and great when completing high-impact exercises. The product is a bit small, and its additional cushioning could lead to stability issues, particularly when running.

4. Most Comfortable CrossFit Shoes: New Balance Women’s 577 V4

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-12
• True to size: No, they run small
• Wide sizes available: Yes
• Cushioning: Memory foam insole
• Different colorways: 8

The New Balance Women’s 577 V4 Cross Trainer is an all-around cross-trainer that provides maximum comfort thanks to its memory foam insoles. These insoles are removable, as well, so you can exchange them for a custom option if you have one available.

The CUSH+ midsole adds further cushioning to this shoe, and the product is something you can wear to the gym or all day at work.

Shoe Construction

There’s a rubber sole on the New Balance Women’s 577 V4 Cross Trainer, along with a 100% leather upper section and a polyester lining. The use of leather, in theory, should make the shoes more durable, but this particular model does have some durability concerns when used in high-intensity workouts. The shoes are lightweight, however, and provide excellent support when exercising.

Performance

The New Balance Women’s 577 V4 Cross Trainer falls short in its performance, as the product has too much padding to use as a weightlifter, particularly when going for heavier weights. The shoe works well when circuit training or running, but CrossFitters might want a shoe with less cushioning if they’re serious about their training plan.

Verdict

Unlike the Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Grace Cross Trainer and other specialized CrossFit shoes, the New Balance Women’s 577 V4 Cross Trainer is comfortable to wear as a daily shoe for people who are on their feet all day.

Unfortunately, it isn’t a good weightlifting shoe and could break down when used as a high-intensity trainer.

5. Best CrossFit Shoes for Running: PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-11
• True to size: Yes
• Wide sizes available: Yes
• Cushioning: EVA foam in the heel
• Different colorways: 5

PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe is designed with running and cross-training in mind, making it an excellent shoe for those who like to head for a run as part of their CrossFit workout plan. This shoe doesn’t provide the same support and stability levels as higher-end CrossFit shoes, but the fact that it doubles as a runner makes it an ideal pick.

Shoe Construction

This shoe comes with a rubber sole and has a blend of synthetic materials and leather in the upper portion. The presence of leather makes the shoe less breathable than others, but also more durable. The EVA foam in the heel adds comfort but could make weightlifting and jumping more challenging for CrossFitters.

Performance

Overall, PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe is useful in multiple environments, as you can wear it in the gym or on an outdoor run. This shoe is at the top of the class for versatility, and you really can’t go wrong with this pick. The problem is that the shoe doesn’t excel as a CrossFit shoe or runner, so you’re better off looking elsewhere if you don’t need its versatility.

Verdict

This shoe is stuck between being a CrossFit shoe and a running shoe. You’ll be happy with this purchase if your CrossFit workouts often include a lengthy run, but if you are doing more lifting and jumping, other options will perform better for you.

For a recreational CrossFitter who isn’t going all out every time she hits the gym, though, PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe is a solid choice.

6. Best Lightweight CrossFit Shoes: ALTRA Women’s Solstice XT

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5.5-12
• True to size: Yes
• Wide sizes available: No
• Cushioning: 3mm insole and EVA foam midsole
• Different colorways: 4

The popularity of the ALTRA Women’s Solstice XT Cross Training Shoe is primarily based on its weight, as this is one of the lightest cross-training shoes available. Despite its poundage, the shoe doesn’t sacrifice durability, making it an all-around shoe for the serious CrossFitter.

You can also use this product as a running shoe, but be aware that it’s only usable on short runs of about a mile or so.

Shoe Construction

This product has a rubber sole and outsole and mesh upper that is supported by a 3D-printed cage. This cage helps keep the shoe durable without adding much weight to its construction. The midsole is made from high-abrasion EVA, which adds further durability, and there is a thin insole for extra comfort.

Performance

Performance-wise, the ALTRA Women’s Solstice XT Cross Training Shoe is an excellent product for all CrossFitters. The low heel to toe lift makes the shoe ideal for weightlifters, and the EVA midsole adds just enough cushioning to make them comfortable during a long workout. However, you might find this product less supportive than running-friendly shoes like the PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 FM Cross-Trainer Shoe.

Verdict

If you head to the gym a few times per week to get a workout in, the ALTRA Women’s Solstice XT Cross Training Shoe will keep your feet comfortable and stand up to everything you put it through. However, CrossFitters who focus on running might want something with a little more support and cushioning.

7. Best CrossFit Shoes for Weightlifting: Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Grace

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-10
• True to size: No, they run small
• Wide sizes available: No, but they’re a naturally wide fit
• Cushioning: Minimal
• Different colorways: 9

The Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Grace Cross Trainer is a true CrossFit shoe with a wide toe box, minimal cushioning, and no arch support. This setup means they’re perfect for weightlifting, as they provide the solid base necessary to lift heavy weights without the padding creating instability.

The drawback: these shoes feature a double sock liner, making them difficult to put on without significantly loosening the laces.

Shoe Construction

There are no surprises in the construction of the Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Grace Cross Trainer, as the product has a rubber sole and synthetic materials throughout the upper. The molded sock liner offers additional comfort and makes the shoe more comfortable, although it can create a tight fit at times. The toe area has extra protection, as well, making this a reliable option for high-intensity workouts.

Performance

You’ll notice that the Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Grace Cross Trainer is low-cut, providing a great range of motion for CrossFitters. The lack of lift in the shoe aids weightlifters, as well, making this one of the top options on the market for CrossFitters who focus on lifting. At the same time, this is a complete shoe that is adaptable to high-intensity cardio workouts.

Verdict

The Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Grace Cross Trainer catches the attention of many because it’s an attractive shoe that comes in a variety of colors. You’re sure to be happy with its appearance and will notice how stable the shoe is when lifting weights because of its low profile. This shoe might fall short of Reebok’s other CrossFit shoes, but it remains a solid option.

8. Best CrossFit Shoes for Beginners: Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 9

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-12
• True to size: No, they run small
• Wide sizes available: Yes
• Cushioning: Foam midsole
• Different colorways: 12

Although it isn’t a shoe for the serious CrossFitter, the Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 9 Sneaker is a comfortable option for those participating in low-impact workouts.

If you’re lifting bulky weights or focusing on plyo boxes while at the gym, you’ll want a different shoe. If low-intensity push-ups and circuit training are your specialties, this product can work for you.

Shoe Construction

This shoe features a rubber sole and a foam midsole, which reduces its weight. There is also rubber reinforcement in the shoe’s high-wear sections, along with a synthetic upper and a heel strap that adds durability. The forefoot features mesh, making the shoe highly breathable as well.

A significant problem with the shoe’s construction is the tongue, which tends to push against the upper foot and causing pain and an uncomfortable fit.

Performance

As far as performance goes, your happiness with the Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 9 Sneaker will depend on your usage. There’s too much cushioning in this shoe to use in high-performance CrossFit. At the same time, the shoe doesn’t have enough cushioning to use as a runner. However, if you’re a low-intensity and low-impact CrossFitter, this shoe provides enough of everything to get you by.

Verdict

The Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 9 Sneaker is a cost-efficient option for beginners who aren’t sure if they’ll go all-in on CrossFit and don’t want to spend a bunch of money on a high-end shoe. As you get more into CrossFit, you’ll want to upgrade your shoe. As a beginner, however, this product provides enough benefits to make it worth considering.

9. Best Zero-Drop CrossFit Shoes: Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5.5-11
• True to size: No, runs large
• Wide sizes available: Yes
• Cushioning: Minimal
• Different colorways: 6

If you’re looking for a minimalist CrossFit shoe, the Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2 Sneaker should be on your list. This product is lightweight and flexible while having very little lift throughout the sole.

The result is an excellent weightlifting shoe that is also useful when jumping or doing high-impact interval training.

Shoe Construction

One selling feature of the Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2 Sneaker is the grip. These shoes have a sticky rubber outsole that prevents slipping during your high-impact workout. The shoe upper is made from mesh, making the product incredibly light, and there is Rope-Tec protection so you won’t hurt your foot while climbing ropes.

Still, the light material isn’t the most durable and you may find it breaks down quickly after several high-impact workouts.

Performance

The Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2 Sneaker performs very well as a pure CrossFit shoe because of its zero-drop construction. This feature ensures that the shoe feels just like you’re walking barefoot, making it an excellent choice for high-impact training. The shoe has some durability concerns, and its lack of foot support might make it challenging for beginners to get used to.

Verdict

If you’re an experienced CrossFitter who knows the value of a minimalist shoe to your performance and posture, the Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2 Sneaker is worth a try. The shoe is incredibly thin and flexible, helping you get the most from your workout.

Those who are just getting started might find the product uncomfortable because of its thin insoles and midsole area.

10. Best Foam Padding: Under Armour Women’s Micro G Limitless

Quick Facts:

• Size range: 5-6.5
• True to size: No, they run small
• Wide sizes available: No
• Cushioning: Full-length foam midsole
• Different colorways: 4

The Under Armour Women’s Micro G Limitless Cross Trainer is a highly-adaptable shoe that you can use as a daily wearer or in the CrossFit gym. The shoe has a molded footbed that will form to your foot, so it’s comfortable while still being minimal enough that you can use it for weightlifting and high-impact training.

Shoe Construction

This shoe has a rubber sole and a synthetic and mesh blend on the upper. There’s an adjustable heel strap that allows you to lock your foot in place, and provides enough ventilation for your feet to stay at a comfortable temperature. The product uses Micro G foam in the midsole, providing some cushioning that you might not have in other CrossFit shoes.

Performance

The Under Armour Women’s Micro G Limitless Cross Trainer isn’t a high-end CrossFit shoe, but it does everything well and will get you through your workout.

One issue is that it’s tough to find the right fit with this shoe because it runs wide in the toes and narrows through the heel and mid-section. This fit could hinder your performance if you don’t find the shoe comfortable.

Verdict

How you feel about this shoe could come down to how well it aligns with your foot type. The narrow heel and midsection of the product make it difficult to find the right fit, and the wide toe box doesn’t help in this regard, either.

The shoe also struggles as a runner and doesn’t stand out as a high-impact training shoe. However, for the moderate-level CrossFitter, the Under Armour Women’s Micro G Limitless Cross Trainer is worth a buy.

Guide to Buying the Best CrossFit Shoes for Women

There are subtle differences between the various CrossFit shoes for women on the market that you’ll want to work through before making a selection.

Getting the Right Fit

One of the more critical aspects of buying a CrossFit shoe is finding one with the right fit. Here’s some additional information to consider as you choose the perfect shoe to meet your needs.

Brand Choice

Sizes are never truly consistent across brands. Some brands, like Ryka, will fit a bit smaller than your other shoes, while others, including Inov-8, run a bit large.

Shoe Width

You’ll also want to consider the width of the shoe before making your selection. Many items on this list, like the Nike Women’s Flex Trainer 9 Sneaker, come in wide size options. Others, including the Reebok Women’s Nano 9 Cross Trainer Shoes, don’t have wide sizes but fit a bit wide naturally.

Selecting a Comfortable Shoe

Hand in hand with the fit of your shoe is its comfort. However, one thing to keep in mind when it comes to comfort is that proper CrossFit shoes don’t have much cushioning because zero-drop designs provide better performance during your workout. These shoes can take some getting used to and might not be the best choice if you’re wearing them outside of the gym.

Although CrossFit shoes are a type of cross-trainer, some cross-trainers have padded insoles and midsoles. This cushioning makes the shoes more comfortable when wearing them to the grocery store or even when going for a run. These cushioned shoes are more popular with people who are into low-impact and low-intensity activities.

Of course, for true comfort, you’ll also want to make sure that you’re wearing a pair of comfortable athletic socks with your CrossFit shows.

Think about how serious you plan to take your CrossFit journey before deciding on a shoe type. Remember, you can always upgrade later on if you’re just starting with CrossFit and find that you need a more explosive shoe to help take your fitness to the next level.

Difference Between Running Shoes and CrossFit Shoes

Are you considering using your running shoes for CrossFit? You might want to rethink that strategy because there are some differences in their design.

We’ve touched on how CrossFit shoes have low or zero-drop, which means there’s very little cushioning in the insole and midsole and a low heel lift. These shoes mimic the feel of bare feet while still providing a bit of support and protection for the foot.

Generally, a proper CrossFit shoe will have a heel-to-toe differential between 3 mm and 6 mm. Running shoes, on the other hand, have a heel-to-toe differential over 10 mm.

This differential is significant because the high heel-to-toe lift in running shoes makes changing direction, jumping, and weightlifting more difficult. Running shoes are designed with running straight in mind, and you could risk injury when using them in other high-intensity scenarios.

Weightlifting and Your Shoes

You’ll notice the benefits of your CrossFit shoes during the weightlifting portion of your workout, particularly if you’re doing deadlifts.

The gist is that weightlifting shoes, or Olys, have raised heels, a broad base, and little cushioning. When wearing a shoe with thick cushioning while lifting large amounts of weight, your sole and midsole could compress, making it harder to get the bar off the ground.

The problem is that these shoes are only for lifting weights, so you won’t want to wear them for the rest of your workout. It’s also worth noting that weightlifting shoes aren’t good for deadlifts because they put your balance too far forward.

On the other hand, a CrossFit shoe doesn’t have much of a heel lift or cushioning. These attributes make them an adequate substitution for weightlifting shoes and perhaps even better for deadlifts. As a bonus, you can wear these shoes for the rest of your CrossFit workout without issue.

What Are Minimalist Shoes?

We’ve mentioned the term minimalist shoes a few times, and the idea is that these shoes provide fundamental function and involve your feet in the workout. The shoes have nearly zero cushioning, providing better balance. There is also a theory that they reduce foot injuries because they help you build more muscular foot fibers.

Minimalist shoes, like the Inov-8 Women’s Bare-XF 210 V2 Sneaker, might not be for everyone, but many CrossFitters love them, so they’re worth your consideration.

Protecting Your Feet

Another thing to consider when choosing CrossFit shoes is how much protection they provide for your feet. When you’re lifting, jumping, and climbing rope, there’s always something that could go wrong and injure you.

First things first, there’s very little that can be done about injuries if you drop weights on yourself. However, as mentioned above, investing in a shoe that will help you maintain your balance could prevent injury if you’re really into the weightlifting portion of CrossFit.

An increasing number of athletes are now doing metal cable rope jumps and rope climbs during their training sessions, and the shoes that you buy could help with that. The ALTRA Women’s Solstice XT Cross Training Shoe, for example, has abrasion-resistant properties that will protect your feet from scrapes and other minor injuries during those activities.

If you’re going all out during your CrossFit training, picking up a shoe with some added protection is a good idea.

Wrapping Things Up

When the time comes to invest in a CrossFit shoe, either as a beginner or seasoned practitioner, you’ll want to take the best possible care of your feet. Invest in a reliable pair of shoes made for the activities you participate in most often to keep your feet healthy and happy and to ensure you can complete your next workout.