Fitness is an ongoing struggle for everyone. Sedentary lifestyles require that we sit at computers the majority of the day and then Netflix and Chilling, catches us lounging and binging our nights away. Finding the time to workout is somewhere in between but is always given a backseat when the time comes to climb off the couch and initiate an activity. Very often, we begin our workouts with what we have. I highly recommend doing this to get started, because not doing so can lead to procrastination. However, as training gets more serious, it’s important to utilize the right footwear to improve your chance at hitting those goals. Cost is a factor in finding the right gear, but your physical wellness relies on finding what works for you to avoid injury. Going from couch to 5K is a completely different training regimen than building muscle via high intensity training or Crossfit. The right shoe can give you the foundation for a more confident routine. These shoes aren’t listed as a ranking, but as an introduction to 5 models built for training vs running.
Altra Solstice XT 2
Source: Men’s Solstice XT 2 Gym Shoe – Altra Running
The Altra Solstice XT 2 is the second edition of Altra’s entry into Crossfit. The brand is known for their FootShape™ tech, which features a wider toebox. The reason for this is it allows for the toes to splay. You hear about splaying in running, but in strength training, deadlifts, squats, you need a shoe that doesn’t confine and hug the toes. Strength comes from your base and if your toes are squeezed into a narrow sneaker, you will experience knee problems and ankle issues. You’ll notice the first two shoes on this list feature wider toeboxes. There is a reason for that.
NOBULL Black Trainer
Source: MEN’S BLACK TRAINER | Men’s Black Training Shoes | NOBULL (nobullproject.com)
If you like Ludacris, you’re in good company with NOBULL. Most athletes and entertainers are paid to wear a particular brand. NOBULL has zero advertisements of Ludacris on their site. He isn’t sponsored, but the Fast and Furious star and emcee can be seen wearing these trainers in gym videos. Featuring a similar toebox shape, this shoe is built out of what’s known as a SuperFabric®. The material protects your sneakers and feet from rope climbs… which can shred a shoe on first wear. The model also has medial guards for rope climbs. The Trainer also has a carbon medial and lateral guards. This shoe shows up on this site a number of times, and that’s because it’s an awesome fitness sneaker.
Reebok X Nano
Source: Reebok Nano X Shoes – White | Reebok US
Reebok has had 10 tries to get Crossfit right and athletes swear by the shoes. They’ve even created a version of this shoe for The Fittest Man on Earth, Rich Froning. Like each of the shoes above, Reebok has used an asymmetrical toebox to allow the toes to spread, and they’ve amped up durability with Flexweave®. While NOBULL now sponsors the Crossfit championships and there were a lot of issues between athletes and Reebok for years, the Vector has delivered a workhorse of a shoe in the Nano X.
Ollo Alpha
Source: OLLO ALPHA Fresh/Gum (ollopk.com)
The smallest brand on this list is the only sneaker not built for Crossfit or HIIT. Why does it show up here? The company has isolated itself into a segment to lead the niche. I don’t mind that at all. It’s a smart play, but a sneaker built for the sport of Parkour and by default Ninja Warrior, is the perfect shoe to wear for HIIT and Crossfit. Why? Parkour athletes do flips from one building to another. They need to have feel, fit and grip. The shoe has to be built with toughness or as the athletes hit brick walls, they will rip apart. The shoe on the website is poorly presented and lacks a detailed description of the build. They should fix that because while it’s a basic looking sneaker, it is most definitely functional and capable of existing in the same realm as the sneakers on this list. The Variable Impact Density cushioning allows the ride to remain low, while handling the force of ridiculous jumps. A few burpees and rope climbs should be a cakewalk for the Ollo Alpha.
Nike Metcon 7
Source: Nike Metcon 7 Training Shoes. Nike.com
Like Reebok, Nike has had time to perfect their Metcon trainer. One subtle detail makes this shoe standout. Non-Distracting Lacing system. Nike has added a hook and loop closure to keep your shoestrings out of the way. Add one of the best rebound cushion setups in Nike React and a thick medial and lateral guard for abrasion with one of the few remaining uses of Nike Flywire for stability and lockdown, Nike continues to excel at creating competitive training shoes at a price that rings up at a competitive price.
These shoes are for training but can be used for light running. Are there any sneakers you think would work for those starting a new routine for 2022?