I’ve tested gym shoes from Nobull, Nike Metcon, R.A.D., and Reebok Nano — here’s the cross training shoe I recommend most, and it's under $100 before Black Friday
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Sam Hopes is a level 3 qualified trainer, a level 2 Reiki practitioner and a fitness editor at Tom's Guide. She is also currently undertaking her Yoga For Athletes training course. Sam has written for various fitness brands and websites over the years and has experience across brands at Future, such as Live Science , Fit&Well , Coach , and T3. Having worked with fitness studios like F45 and Virgin Active and trained both group and 1:1, Sam now primarily teaches outdoor bootcamps, bodyweight, and kettlebells. She also coaches mobility and flexibility classes several times a week and believes that true strength comes from a holistic approach to training your body. Sam has completed two mixed doubles Hyrox competitions in London and the Netherlands and finished her first doubles attempt in 1:11. In her spare time, she enjoys CrossFit, hot yoga, Pilates and running and can be found perfecting her handstand walks and handstand push-ups in the gym whenever she has the chance to be upside down. At work, she can be found testing the latest in fitness technology and wearables, anything yoga and CrossFit-related and has a keen interest in nutrition, mindfulness, sleep and recovery.
Early Black Friday deals are already ramping up, and you can scoop up serious discounts during the actual sales... but why wait?
The best cross training shoes for gym workouts and running shoes are famously pricey, so sales events are a great time to cash in on discounts.
I'm a fitness editor at Tom's Guide, and I have tested everything from Nobull to Reebok Nano and R.A.D. to Nike Metcon. I can tell you now: the Rebook Nano X5 for $90 at Amazon is the pair you should get for versatility and overall cost.
The best in the infamous Nano line-up yet, this iteration of the popular cross training shoe offers a little bit of everything, so you can use it for lifting, HIIT, plyometrics, and more. I wear this shoe during CrossFit classes, but you'll probably need something a little more cushioned for Hyrox. Wider fit than X4, versatile, spacious and stable, what's not to love? Remember to search color and sizing carefully for the best discount. Note: The Rebook Nano X5 (Men's) is $99 at Amazon . View Deal
The Reebok Nano X5 cross training shoe made it into our line-up for being the best in the Nano series yet. It steers away from the more aggressive Nano X4 design and toward a shoe we’d choose for lifting and HIIT.
The Flexweave upper design is my favorite upgrade, making the shoe feel more flexible and pliable. It feels more natural to move and more responsive during plantarflexion and dorsiflexion of the foot, meaning your movement mechanics also benefit.
The CMEVA compression-molded foam provides just enough cushioning without losing the stability the Nano series is famed for. A polyurethane NanoShell helps prevent midsole abrasion and offers support for your feet.
I think Reebok has struck the balance between cushioning and stability, which is still really hard to do for cross training addicts. The outsole provides a stable platform with plenty of grip and a neutral feel — the 7mm drop has been retained, which is 1mm more than the R.A.D One shoe, which is a CrossFit favorite.
If you like functional lifting and some HIIT, you're going to love this shoe. It offers a middle ground for most people. However, it wouldn’t suit runs over 1 or 2km; the lack of arch and minimal heel lift means you're not going to want to risk it, either.
The sturdy design might have Olympic lifters rejoicing, but for anyone running a distance, I'd shop elsewhere.