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Yes, you really do need a dedicated pair of cross-training shoes — your typical walking sneakers, running sneakers, and workout shoes won’t cut it for demanding workouts that involve a mix of weightlifting, HIIT, and cardio. That’s because the best cross-training shoes for women have distinctly different features that support every movement, from slow and steady squats to explosive box jumps.
“Cross trainers tend to be a little firmer when it comes to cushioning and shock absorption, as running shoe foam compresses over time when repeatedly absorbing weight,” explains Grace Wentzien, project manager for women’s training shoes at Under Armour. “Cross-training shoes, on the other hand, are able to withstand the weight absorption that cross-training requires without compromising stability or longevity.”
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Wearing the proper footwear for whatever activity you choose to do is about so much more than style. The best cross-training shoes for women help ensure you have the ankle stability, arch support, and necessary flexibility or stiffness needed to perform your workouts to the best of your ability. Plus, as with the best running shoes or the best weightlifting shoes, shoes specially made for cross-training will help prevent injuries. “These shoes should be less flexible, because they’re designed to keep the foot stable within the shoe,” says Jacqueline Sutera, DPM, is a New York-based podiatrist and a Vionic Innovation Lab member.
Cross-training covers a wide range of modalities — from HIIT to CrossFit or even bodyweight workouts and jumping rope — so, naturally, cross-training shoes on the market come in a variety of styles with different features that are tailored to the type of workouts you’re doing.
What’s more, your unique foot shape or potential foot concerns, like high arches, bunions, or plantar fasciitis, will change the type of cross-trainer shoes for women you’ll be shopping for.
To help you sift through all the cross-training shoes for women available, we tapped Dr. Sutera and Wentzien, along with Fran Calvert, a competitive CrossFit athlete for their picks. Together, these experts, along with the expertise of the Footwear News team, bring you the ultimate list of the best cross-training shoes for women available right now.
Size range: 5 to 12
Special features: Beloved by athletes, easy on-and-off, firm sole for ample stability
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “This shoe is great for a workout at the gym or for a day of hiking. The sole is extremely grippy… This shoe is a little more than what you need for every day, casual wear but these are definitely my go to for high intensity or outdoor exercise.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Size range: 5 to 12
Special features: Lots of cushion, and high energy return
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I love my Novablast 3. I intended to use it for Tempo runs as it is super responsive but I have since used it for easy runs, tempo runs, speed workouts on the track, long runs, recovery runs, plain walking. I have them at 200 miles now and they still look and feel new.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $140
Size range: 5 to 14
Special features: Grippy Traxion outsole; upper is made with 50% recycled content
adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “I love these. I have been wearing them to do dumbbell workouts at home, walking around everyday and look forward to getting them to the gym soon. They have really helped my back and balance working out and walking. Highly recommend.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Size range: 5 to 15
Special features: Made with 20% recycled materials, packable
Nike Top Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.6/5 stars
What testers say: “The most lightweight and comfortable workout shoe that’s also stylish and matches with almost all my workout gear. Will be looking to order additional colors as they are available.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $84
Size range: 5 to 12
Special features: Stretchy, pull-on style, external heel counter
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $100
Related:
Best Running Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Best Walking Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis
Size range: 5 to 12
Special features: Everyday training shoe with medium balance, cushioning, and stability
adidas Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.7/5 stars
What testers say: “Great to workout in, whether doing HIT or strength training, they provide stability and comfort.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $63
Size range: 5 to 12
Special features: Flat, stiff sole, no socks needed
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I’ve been a bit of a Goldilocks in my search for the perfect cross trainers for weight lifting and HIIT. These aren’t perfect, but they’re as close as I’ve found after trying low drop shoes from nearly every major shoe company in the past few months.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $101
Size range: 5.5 to 12
Special features: Superior support, nitrogen-infused midsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Asos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.2/5 stars
What testers say: “I can’t get over these shoes!! They’re so fresh looking and so comfortable. I wear them at the gym for short runs on the treadmill, weight training, and HIIT workouts. They’re PERFECT.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $98
Size range: 5 to 11
Special features: Durable one-piece upper; sidewall guards and toe bumper
NOBULL Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “These have a wider toe box than the standard trainers which for me is a must have! The stability is amazing yet they’re still mobile enough to go from big lifts to burpees and more agile movements! 10/10 love this shoe!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $139
Size range: 5 to 11
Special features: Supportive, breathable, knit upper
What testers say: “This shoe is so cute! Feels like a cushion all around my foot but not super bulky. I sized up half a size because of this. Definitely feels supportive enough for me at the gym or a Barry’s workout class!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $200
Size range: 5 to 12
Special features: Lightweight, high energy-return
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
While technically a running shoe, it doubles nicely as a cross trainer due to its stability. A stretchy upper offers the breathability you need during sweaty workouts, and the unique arrow-shaped design on the outsole allows for quick transitions — much needed during quick-paced classes.
What testers say: “I really love how comfortable and supportive these shoes feel while working out; cross-training, walking/running whatever workout I’m doing. I believe I’ve found my ‘sole mate’”
Price upon publish date of this article: $150
Size range: 5 to 11
Special features: Tons of colors, unique heel feature for stability while lifting and bounce while running
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The Nano X3’s have a unique Lift and Run Chassis system, which is a dome-shaped heel piece that compresses under load when lifting for stability, but then softens and springs to help you push off when you’re running. Consider these Reebok sneakers the perfect hybrid cross-training shoe for women.
What testers say: “This is the best shoe for training. I love it for running, box jumps, lifting and everything else. It’s hard to find a training shoe that works for everything. I will be buying in more colors.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $98
Size range: 5.5 to 12
Special features: Wide toe box
Amazon’s Choice
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Backcountry Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
The Altra Solstice XT 2 offers peak comfort no matter what cross-training workout you’re doing. From the stair climber to the elliptical, these best shoes for weight training and cardio work for all kinds of cardio machines at the gym, but it’s also great for strength training on cable machines or using dumbbells. If you love hopping on a stationary bike for your cross-training workouts, consider these some of the best indoor cycling shoes.
What testers say: “Very comfortable, and cute! I definitely appreciate the wide toe box, and the stylish looks. Many wide toe box, “barefoot” shoes, are also kinda clunky looking, but not these.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Size range: 5 to 11
Special features: outsole design offers stable movement in all planes
Zappos Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
What testers say: “I bought these two weeks ago and have worn them nearly every day!”
Price upon publish date of this article: $110
Size range: 5 to 12
Special features: Available in two widths; designed specifically for women
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
What testers say: “I generally cross train (free weights, machines, walk, elliptical) and find these sneakers to have excellent support and comfort. Zero break in period, which is how it should be.”
Price upon publish date of this article: $130
Size range: 6 to 10.5
Special features: Motion guidance-technology, anti-slip outsole
Amazon Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.5/5 stars
Backcountry Top-Quality Store Badge on Google: 4.8/5 stars
Price upon publish date of this article: $70
Related:
Best Hiking Boots for Women
Best Hiking Boots for Men
What to Look for in the Best Women’s Cross-Training Shoes
When shopping for your perfect pair, it’s important to consider the types of cross-training activities you’ll be doing. Multifaceted cross-training shoes need to be “jack of all trades” shoes. Compared to modality-specific shoes, they’re more versatile and capable of handling a broad range of activities and movements. These are the key features to look for when shopping for crossing training shoes for women:
- Lateral support: You’ll likely be moving in multiple planes of motion during your cross-training workouts, particularly if you’re doing HIIT classes. Shoes with good lateral support will ensure you don’t twist an ankle, while also still being able to move freely and efficiently.
- Heel stability: “A good cross-training shoe includes lateral support and heel lockdown for multi-directional movements, so that your foot is kept in place and secure,” says Wentzien.
- Flexibility: You’ll likely need to react quickly during many of your cross-training workouts. Whether that’s an interval run on the treadmill or a plyometrics workout focused on producing power, you need a shoe that will move with you. “Flexibility and cushioning are also key, so that your foot can move naturally and freely, which helps when quickly changing directions or balancing,” says Wentzien.
- Mild heel-to-toe drop: Most weightlifting shoes are designed with a low heel-to-toe drop to encourage stability during heavy lifts, however running shoes often have a higher drop to facilitate an efficient foot strike. Cross-training shoes should fall somewhere in the middle — a 4 to 6 millimeter drop is suitable for most foot types across cardio workouts and weightlifting exercises.
- Cushioning: “Cross-training involves lifting, running, jumping, climbing and a range of other functional movements, so the shoe needs to be stable, flexible, durable and responsive all at the same time,” says Calvert.
The Best Women’s Cross-Training Shoes for Different Foot Types and Foot Conditions
If you suffer from common foot problems, you’ll want to look for additional support features to help you stay comfortable and healthy.
- Best women’s cross-training shoes for bunions: People with bunions should look for “mesh sneakers or any styles with a forgiving material,” says Dr. Sutera. “Oftentimes, going up a wider size, if necessary, is also more comfortable.”
- Best women’s cross-training shoes for high arches: If you have high arches, you’ll need a shoe with lots of cushioning to disperse force and reduce the chance of injury.
- Best women’s cross-training shoes for HIIT: Look for a shoe that has a good balance of cushion and stability. You may also want a higher-top shoe (similar to boxing shoes) for greater ankle support while moving laterally. You want a shoe that is versatile, lightweight, and flexible.
- Best women’s cross-training shoes for narrow feet: Read online reviews for certain brands or styles to get a sense of which might be known to fit a narrow foot, such as New Balance. Brands that run wide, such as Altra Running, may be better suited for those who need a little more space.
- Best women’s cross-training shoes for overpronation: Cushion is your friend if you suffer from overpronation or need shoes for flat feet. You want to avoid excessive pressure on your plantar fascia and other sensitive tissue on the soles of your feet. A stability running shoe with cushioning is a solid choice.
- Best women’s cross-training shoes for plantar fasciitis: “People with heel spurs and plantar fasciitis should avoid shoes with thin, flat insoles and outer soles,” says Dr. Sutera. “Look for styles with a deep seated heel cup, arch support and a cushioned insole [for proper structure and support].” You can also retrofit your favorite pair with plantar fasciitis insoles for a more comfortable feel.
How We Chose the Best Women’s Cross-Training Shoes
For more than 75 years, Footwear News has been the shoe authority. Our coverage spans top industry news, retail trends, head-to-toe fashion, athletic and outdoor analysis and more. Footwear News’ global network of editors has carefully curated all product selections featured using our expansive brand knowledge and thorough research to find quality, long-lasting items.
For a streamlined shopping experience, we’ve compiled the best cross-trainer shoes for women based on expert recommendations, user reviews, and product testing. We also consulted experts about which cross-training shoes were best for people with certain foot types or conditions. Customer reviews and footwear market research also helped us make the final selections. The bottom line is you can feel good knowing that this list includes the best of the best cross-training shoes for women no matter what workout you choose to tackle next. Learn more about us here.
Meet the Experts
Grace Wentzien is the project line manager for women’s train footwear at Under Armour. She’s been in the role since 2020 and has been with the company since 2016.
Fran Calvert is the UK-based training marketing manager at inov-8 and a competitive CrossFit athlete. She has competed at the CrossFit Games Meridian Regionals on several occasions. Prior to joining the inov-8 team, she worked in sports nutrition and was the communications manager for British Weight Lifting.
Dr. Jacqueline Sutera is a New York-based podiatrist specializing in the prevention and treatment of foot pathology. She is a Vionic Innovation Lab member, as well as a Fellow of the American College of Foot & Ankle Surgeons and a member and spokesperson for the American Podiatric Medical Association and the New York State Podiatric Medical Society.
Meet the Author
Alyssa Sparacino is a content strategist, editor, and writer with a focus on fitness, health, and wellness with more than a decade of experience in digital media. She most recently held the role of editorial director at Shape. Her writing has been published in outlets including Shape, Health, What to Expect, Men’s Journal, Travel & Leisure, and more. Sparacino holds a personal training certification with the American Council on Exercise. Her extensive knowledge and experience covering the fitness and health industries informed this list of the best cross-training shoes for women.
