Whether CrossFit is your sport, training methodology, or a way to release and escape your everyday life, it has a very high variability of movements. This variability of movements have high demands on your footwear – you could be running, lifting heavy weights, climbing a rope, jumping over an object or riding a bike – depending on the workout at hand.
Things to consider:
- Comfortability – This is different from person to person and specific to each individual. It is important to find a shoe that feels comfortable for your foot and across all movements. You want to avoid any sort of irritation from wearing shoes or incorrect positioning as this can cause blisters, incorrect movement patterns, which in turn can lead to injuries.
- Function – Does the shoe function the way you want it to. CrossFit shoes have specific design features incorporated into them to help perform movements within CrossFit better, and to protect the shoe from being worn out too fast. Features such as; a rope climb pad on the inner part of the shoe which helps with grip and prevents tearing from friction. A flatter sole so your foot has a more stable base when lifting weights. A sturdier exterior to withstand the rigors of CrossFit. Different models of CrossFit shoes implement these features differently so it is completely up to the individual’s preferences on what one they choose.
- Price point – All CrossFit shoes are reasonably expensive but there are definitely more higher priced shoes and lower priced shoes. It simply depends on what you are willing to spend and what you are able to afford.
- Aesthetic – The look of a shoe can be both off putting or boost your performance. If you are confident in the way you look it can boost your confidence and endorphin levels resulting in a better physical output. Vice versa if your shoes are not the way you want them to look. For example, a bright coloured shoe can be off putting and catch your eye in an uncomfortable manner, taking your mind off the workout meaning you are unfocused on the task at hand.
Pros Vs Cons of CrossFit Specific Shoes
Pros:
CrossFit shoes have great durability. They tend to last a lot longer than a running shoe, trail shoe or any other type of training shoe. They are designed to endure the rigors of CrossFit so you will get a longer lifespan out of them.
There are a wide range of colours and designs so there will be a shoe that fits your desired aesthetic. You can also design your own custom CrossFit shoes too, putting the control fully in your hands.
They tend to be a lot more stable than other shoes giving you more control over your movement than say if you were wearing a pair of running shoes. You would have less stability due to the sole being designed to run in and having extra cushion and support specific to running.
Cons:
One feature across almost all CrossFit shoes that is missing is the comfortability when running. CrossFit shoes tend to sacrifice running support for lifting and jumping support meaning they are not the most comfortable shoe to run long or short distances in.
The price point of CrossFit shoes are relatively expensive making them unaffordable for some people. And, because there are not many brands, it doesn’t allow for you to shop around as they are all roughly around the same price.
CrossFit shoes lack varying support specific to different foot types. They all have one support type which doesn’t cater to everyone’s needs. This means you may need inserts which cost more money.
