Best Shoes For High Impact Cardio

Getting fit and staying healthy is a full-time job.

It takes dedication, discipline, and an unending supply of willpower to push through your workouts and make it to the end of your cardio session. But if there’s one thing that can break your concentration and keep you from reaching those goals, it’s a pair of shoes that doesn’t quite fit right or isn’t built for high impact work.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the best shoes for high impact cardio here on [website name]. Whether you’re looking for something light and breathable or something with support and stability, we’ve got you covered!

Best Shoes For High Impact Cardio

The 18 Best Cross-Training Shoes For Every Type Of Workout For 2022

How many pairs is too many? Asking for a friend.

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Your workout is only as good as the shoes on your feet. That’s especially true when it comes to cross-training, which calls for all kinds of movement: front to back, side to side, up and down, you name it.

If you’re going to go all-out in a HIIT or bootcamp workout, you need a shoe that can handle everything from box jumps and cardio machines to weight lifting. Not only will the right shoes enhance your performance, but a secure and comfortable fit can help you prevent injury, too.

• 1BEST FOR HIITWomen’s HIIT Training ShoeReebokRead More$64 AT AMAZON
• 2BEST DESIGNED FOR WOMENInfluence Training ShoesRykaRead More$64 AT AMAZON
• 3BEST FOR STRENGTH TRAININGMinimus Tr Boa V1New BalanceRead More$127 AT AMAZON
• 4BEST FOR HIGH-IMPACTAir Zoom SuperRep 2 Training ShoesNikeRead More$166 AT AMAZON
• 5BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SHOECharged Aurora Cross TrainerUnder ArmourRead More$65 AT AMAZON

Mixing up the type of physical activity you do can help you avoid overtraining in any one domain—and therefore, avoid getting injured. Of course, cross-training is a broad term that includes many fitness pursuits, each of which comes with its own perks. For example, one 2017 study from the European Journal of Applied Physiology found that high-intensity interval training boosted the metabolisms of exercisers past finishing as opposed to participants who exercised at a steady-state pace.

Ready to sweat? These are the best cross-training shoes you can buy right now, per online reviews.

1

BEST FOR HIIT

Reebok

Women’s HIIT Training Shoe

pros

• Durable
• Supportive

cons

• Not ideal for running

Made for explosive movement, these sneakers were designed with stability, grip, and durability in mind. They offer targeted support and a secure fit that will get you through all your jumps.

Rave review: “These shoes are the perfect shoe for HIIT workouts. The shoes grip the floor and have a very comfortable base when doing squats.”

2

BEST DESIGNED FOR WOMEN

Ryka

Influence Training Shoes

pros

• Midsole cushioning
• Ergonomic design

cons

• Not very lightweight

This shoe shines in high-impact studio workouts. You’ve got “Flex-Foil” layers that support lateral movement, midsole cushioning that targets pressure points for extra comfort, and an ergonomic design specifically made for women’s feet. What more could you want in a cross-trainer?

Rave review: “The MINUTE I put them on and walked around, I felt like my feet were sighing with relief and saying “finally”…They are lightweight, yet support your feet so well and have padding in all the right places.”

3

BEST FOR STRENGTH TRAINING

New Balance

Minimus Tr Boa V1

pros

• Highly cushioned
• Ventilation is good for hot weather

cons

• Not the most neutral color

These cross-trainers from New Balance are made with mesh fabric for increased ventilation and cushy foam for a customized fit. They’re also designed with premium liners that allow you to go sock-free if you want to.

4

BEST FOR HIGH-IMPACT

Nike

Air Zoom SuperRep 2 Training Shoes

pros

• Good for shock absorption
• Highly cushioned

cons

• Not ideal for hot weather

These next-level sneakers from Nike were constructed to absorb impact from high-intensity movement and provide cushion for lifts. They’re made with a special plate that runs the length of your foot to support multidirectional movements by distributing pressure and activating responsive cushioning.

Rave review: “These have great traction for floor workouts, the design makes them perfect for burpees, and the wide heel base is great for squats. They hit on everything I do in my workouts and make for a more comfortable workout overall.”

5

BEST LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE

Under Armour

Charged Aurora Cross Trainer

pros

• Breathable
• Lightweight

cons

• Not ideal walking shoe

These trainers boast a breathable upper that helps keep your feet cool and dry. They weigh just 7.8 oz, so they won’t weigh you down.

Rave review: “So good! I wear these 3-5x a week to a variety of classes at the gym and after 3 months they have held up very well! This was probably the 5th pair I tried and they were so worth it! Comfortable, durable, are TTS AND work well for running, HIIT and lifting.”

6

EASIEST SLIP-ON

New Balance

FuelCore NERGIZE

pros

• Stylish
• Supportive

cons

• Not great for running

ICYMI, this New Balance cross trainer is both easy for slipping on and off your feet *and* is great for those who need arch support. Basically, you can wear these sleek, comfy shoes through all of your training needs without your feet feeling achy AF.

Rave review: “I love these shoes. They are great to slip on and go, match any outfit, and are super comfy.”

7

BEST HEEL SUPPORT

ON

Cloud X Sneakers

pros

• Highly supportive
• Feature shock absorption

These Cloud X’s offer some of the best heel support thanks to a precision-molded heel cap. And the brand also touts the shoe’s ability to help your foot better absorb impact.

Rave review: “Love the way this shoe fits and looks! They give me the stability during HIIT workouts that I’ve been looking for!!”

8

BEST LACING SYSTEM

Hoka One One

Hupana Flow

pros

• Very supportive
• Breathable

cons

• Not ideal for more narrow feet

One of the coolest features of these Hoka shoes is the unique lace-up closure with double eyelets, which delivers additional lockdown across the instep during quick movements. Plus, the open knit fabric is super breathable.

Rave review: “Use them at the gym for HIIT training! Easy to lunge in and do plyo movement then straight to the treadmill for a run. The shoes are comfortable, true to size, and are multi purpose.”

9

BEST FOR ANKLE SUPPORT

APL

Wave Sneakers

pros

• Fashionable
• Super light and breathable

cons

• Pricey

If you’re looking for a cross-trainer that can help you crush your workout and score some serious Instagram likes, look no further than these trendy sneaks from Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL). Not only are they super light and breathable thanks to the Techloom upper, but they also feature a mid-cut silhouette that offers plenty of support and ankle stability. Go ahead, do it for the ‘gram.

Rave review: “These are the best studio cross-trainers I’ve found. The perfect amount of grip and support, but still very light.”

10

BEST FOR RUNNERS

Brooks

Adrenaline GTS 21

pros

• Versatile
• Supportive cushioning

cons

• Lack of bottom grip doesn’t make it ideal for HIIT

You can log miles and cross-train in the latest iteration of the Brooks Adrenaline. Their lightweight design allows you to move freely while still providing cushion. They also include new tech that helps limit excess foot movement that can harm your knees.

Rave review: “These shoes are like wearing supportive clouds on my feet. They actually position my foot and ankle properly so I don’t have pain or fatigue.“

11

BEST FOR SHOCK ABSORPTION

Puma

Optic Sheer

pros

• Fashionale
• Shock absorption

cons

• Not ideal for running

These sneakers are made with cushioning and shock-absorption technology that truly makes each step comfortable no matter what terrain you’re conquering. And with a design inspired by luxury sports cars, they’re as fashionable as they are functional.

Rave review: “Great shoe for lifting and light cardio. I feel very stable when squatting or doing any leg work. I usually do cardio on the treadmill before lifting, and light running is easy in this shoe.”

12

BEST FOR BREATHABILITY

Ryka

Dedication XT Training Sneaker

pros

• Slip-on
• Breathable

cons

• Not ideal for running

No need to lace these up. Instead, these sneakers come with a pair of straps that can be tightened according to your preference. And if sweaty feet is a concern, you’ll love the breathable mesh fabric that they are made with.

Rave review: “I exercise at least five times a week and needed a good pair of cross-trainers. My instructor recommended Ryka. These are extremely comfy.”

13

BEST VERSATILITY

Hylete

Circuit II Cross-Training Shoe

pros

• Stylish
• Affordable for the value

These cross-trainers come with three interchangeable insoles that you can swap out depending on what activity you’re doing including:

lift. – 0mm drop – Stability. Ideal for weightlifting.
train. – 4mm drop – Versatility. Perfect for cross training
run. – 6mm drop – High impact. Built for running

Rave review: “I am extremely pleased with the Hylete shoe. It is the best training shoe I have ever worn. Very comfortable in the toe box and just the right cushioning in just the right place. The three different inserts are brilliant! I love being able to quickly switch out the insert to match the WOD. You will not regret buying these shoes! I love Hylete merchandise and have been telling all my CrossFit friends about them.”

14

MOST STYLISH

adidas by Stella McCartney

Earthlight Mesh Shoes

pros

• Trendy
• Breathable

cons

• Pricey

The perfect mix of cute and comfy, these sneakers by Stella McCartney and Adidas provide an ultra-secure fit to keep you moving, whether you’re making it through dance cardio or circuit training. The knit upper is as cozy as it is breathable, BTW.

Rave review: “I really love these sneakers. They are so comfortable and so stylish. Jeans or gym wear, you can rock these! I receive compliments each time I wear them!!!”

15

BEST ROOMY TOE BOX

Reebok

Nano X Cross Trainer Running Shoes

pros

• Good for wide feet
• Supportive cushioning

cons

• Not ideal for narrow feet

These sneakers are designed to handle powerful movements thanks to their support cage and responsive cushioning. They’re also constructed with a wide toe box to ensure you’re comfortable while you perform. No squished toes here!

Rave review: “This was my first time purchasing a pair of Reebok’s Nano Shoes and the Nano X is such a great shoe! I have been doing Crossfit for over 2 years, I’m used to being hard on my feet and doing high intensity workouts and these shoes kept my feet comfortable throughout the entire workout. My arches didn’t get sore at all, which is a big win!”

16

MOST SECURE FIT

Under Armour

HOVR Apex Cross Trainer

• Highly supportive
• Good for running, too

Under Armour designed these sneakers with a foam that molds to your feet to maintain energy and limit the impact you feel with each step. Plus, webbed lacing locks your foot in place, giving you a secure, glove-like fit.

Rave review: “There is so much cushion inside the shoe I don’t even need to tighten the laces, I can even just slip them on and go. I love these shoes so much that I may even get a second pair just because!”

17

BEST CROSSFIT SHOE

NOBULL

Neon Pink Camo Trainer

pros

• Super supportive
• Stylish

cons

• Sizing often out of stock

These NOBULL shoes were specifically designed for cross-training, and are on the stiffer side due to intentional guard plates that create a 360-degree shield around your foot.

Rave review: “Great shoe for cross-training. Stiff enough for lifting and flexible to get all the burpees done!”

18

BEST MINIMALIST SHOE

Vibram

V-Soul Fitness and Cross Training Yoga Shoe

pros

• Versatile for hiking or non-workouts
• Supportive grips on bottom

cons

• Not a walking shoe

If you prefer a minimalist shoe, these Vibrams are the perfect cross-training shoe for you. The rubber sole offers just enough grip and support, while the Velcro straps help keep them secure during any workout.

Rave review: “I workout everyday and walk roughly 3 miles each evening at least 5 nights a week. I absolutely love these from yoga to lifting. I am a huge fan of walking barefoot, these help have a layer of safety between you and whatever if lying on the ground, but doesn’t provide cushion for say walking on rocks and such. It is just like walking on them barefoot.”