Cross-training shoes are built in a way to provide comfort and balance to your feet as you switch from cardio to strength training and back again. Nike Cross Training Shoes are one of the best on the market, ensuring protection and support to your feet through vigorous workout sessions.
It’s important to wear cross-training shoes during training instead of your plain old running shoes because they are designed to deliver an improved form and reduce the chances of injury. This simple guide portrays what you should look for while purchasing cross-training shoes.
1. Nike Men's Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer
Review
These cross-training shoes are ideal for daily wear. Featuring a mesh shoe tongue that ensures breathability, this pair is suitable for even the hottest days of the year. Plus, it has air-sole cushions that provide comfort, and the heel-pull tab allows the shoe to be put on and taken off easily. The pair costs about $40.20.
Product Features:
- Made of high-quality synthetic sole
- Durable solid rubber outsole that ensures traction over any surface
- The leather upper has an additional cover for support and holes for airflow
What’s Special About It:
- Lightweight and sleek
- Comparatively an affordable option
- Provides utmost comfort
2. Nike Men's Revolution 4 Running Shoe (B06XK2RLCN)
Review
This pair of cross-training shoes provides responsive cushioning thanks to the molded pods which flatten on impact but bounce back to the original shape. It’s a great pair of comfortable cross-training shoes which you can find for about $47.48.
Product Features:
- Full-length rubber outsole ensures cushioning for long runs
- Breathability delivered by the single-layer mesh upper
- Molded pods that offer traction on all surfaces
What’s Special About It:
- No unnecessary sew overlays along the midfoot
- Minimal design
- Allows optimal breathability
Realted: best workout shoes for men of 2020 buyer’s guide
3. Nike Metcon Sport
Review
Here's a pair of cross-training shoes that are ideal for not just running, but weightlifting and speed drills as well. They are also travel friendly especially if you want to carry them to hikes as they are designed with loops at the back and front. This comfortable pair has a price of about $67.27.
Product Features:
- Durability ensured by the synthetic skins at the toe and the heel
- Lateral stability delivered by a drop-in midsole
- Easy on and off due to stretchy sleeve
What’s Special About It:
- Lightweight, yet solid on the ground
- Snug fit and comfortable
- They are perfect for interval and strength training
4. Nike Free TR 8 Men's Cross Training Shoes
Review
This pair of cross-training shoes is extremely lightweight and flexible as it is constructed with natural and synthetic materials. You'll receive maximum air circulation as there's a soft interior mesh lining. You can get this comfortable and functional pair for $55.
Product Features:
- Stability ensured by the sit-in midsole that has IU foam
- Natural motion delivered by hot-knifed flex grooves
- Constructed with high-quality rubber sole
What’s Special About It:
- Lightweight and durable
- Haptic print on the toe
- All-over mesh upper surface that ensures breathability
5. Nike Women's Reax Run 5 Running Shoes
Review
Here's a pair of cross-training shoes that have a combination of heel technology and rubber traction outsole that delivers maximum durability. This stylish pair is ideal for running as well as daily workouts. They cost about $70.
Product Features:
- Rubber sole constructed with high-quality synthetic material
- Mesh upper for maximum breathability
- Padded insole that allows natural motion
What’s Special About It:
- A white-on-white lace-up front that provides a clean look
- Ultra-lightweight and comfortable
- Feminine and sporty look
Related: The best workout shoes for women of 2020 Buyers guide
Buying Guide for The Best Nike Cross Training Shoes
Traction
Cross-training shoes deliver better traction on multiple surfaces in comparison to running shoes. So when you're trying them on, test the traction by shifting your feet from side to side. You should also try and twist on the balls of your feet as well as your toes. If you feel that the shoes are trying to grip on the ground, then the pair has great traction.
Flexibility
Cross-training necessitates a lot of movement, so you'd need a pair of shoes that provides the utmost flexibility. When you're trying on the pair, see if you can bend the shoes easily.
Material
Cross-training shoes should be constructed with a combination of mesh and synthetic materials. The mesh material provides breathability which is essential during cross-training, while the synthetic outsole ensures stability as well as traction as you shift from sprints to lifts.
You must grab a pair of cross-training shoes that provide a snug fit. If they are too small, they will hurt your toes in the long run. Even a slightly bigger size increase the chances of injury. So when you're purchasing them, try them on with socks. If they do not feel comfortable, avoid buying them.
Types of Insole
The insole is the inside of the bottom of your shoe which needs to have accurate cushioning so that it delivers support during high impact workouts. Moreover, the insole should have proper arch support to fit the shape of your foot perfectly. Therefore, make sure that the pair you choose supports your feet in the most natural position.
Uppers
This refers to the supportive cover of the cross-training shoes. You can either go for a leather material for extra support, or you may opt for all-over mesh upper if your feet are prone to sweating. Either way, you should make sure that your toes and ankle feel supported when you have the shoes on.
Final Words
Nike cross-training shoes ensure durability irrespective of how tough the workout sessions are.
Now that you've gone through the guide on the best Nike cross-training shoes available on the market, you should be ready to pick out the ideal pair.
