The Best Cross Training Shoes
By Heidi Green
, last updated January 30, 2012
If you like to mix up your physical activities, but also like to keep the gear you need to a minimum, you might be interested in a good pair of cross training shoes; this article reviews and reveals the best cross training shoes out there. If you consider yourself a kind of "renaissance" athlete and spend just as much time on the running track as you do the basketball court, you probably wish that a shoe existed that would handle all of those activities equally well. You may have resigned yourself to switching out gear whenever you take on a new activity. Fortunately, cross training shoes are designed to handle multiple activities with equal performance. Read on for some ideas and inspiration!
The Free Xilla TR from Nike
You may think of Nike as designing technically advanced shoes that are perfect for particular sports; basketball shoes with extra cushioning, running shoes that are lightweight, football shoes built with special cleats, etc. But, did you know that Nike also makes shoes that are designed for the athlete that participates in multiple sports? That's right, Nike has combined the best technology from all of their various shoe lines to create amazing and advanced cross training shoes. Just take a look at the "Free Xilla" shoes for the perfect example. Designed to be extremely lightweight, flexible, and durable, the Free Xilla shoes are loaded with a long list of incredible cross training features. With a full mesh inner sleeve that provides a perfect fit while maintaining breathability, as well as a rugged upper made with a synthetic leather material designed to stand up to the toughest workouts, the Xilla will be the perfect companion to a day at the gym. The Xilla also features a unique dual pull lacing system that will give you the perfect fit as you participate in your workout. Also, don't be afraid of any impacts, as this shoe is ready for whatever you can dish out; a cushion insert and flex grooved midsoles give you the most support you can find, while the traction pattern on the soles gives you multidirectional grip. Available in several different colors, the Free Xilla TR is your answer to cross training!
Devotion Shoes from Ryka
If you are looking for dedicated cross trainers that are made especially for women, look no further than the Devotion Shoes from Ryka. Designed for the woman that participates in several different sports, the Ryka Devotions are made with support, durability, and style in mind. Featuring the unique, Ryka patented "Re-Zorb" active foam in the supportive midsole, the Devotions are your answer to a grueling workout routine consisting of multiple different activities. With an upper consisting of a combination of breathable mesh panels and synthetic overlays for durability and structure, the Devotion uses a foam padded collar and heel notch for maneuverability and comfort. In the interior, you'll find a mesh lining and cushioned footbed, strengthened with the presence of a shock absorbing EVA midsole. The rubber outsole features a unique cobblestone pattern to provide increased traction, as well as additional protection from impacts and shock, while the wide channel flex grooves help with flexibility.
WX 20 Shoes from New Balance
Sometimes less really can be a lot more, especially when it comes to cross training shoes. The WX 20 Shoes, from the New Balance "Minimus" line, combine super lightweight material and construction with the performance and durability of a hardcore training shoe. Designed to be worn with or without socks, the WX 20 Shoes offer a new take on the minimalist footwear trend that has gained so much traction in the past couple of years. Featuring a remarkably low profile, the WX 20s use only a 4 millimeter drop between the heel and the toe, much lower than more traditional cross training or running shoes. This low profile encourages the wearer to learn a better posture and form when they run, and it ultimately promotes foot health and better training. The lace up closure on the front enables you to guarantee a perfect fit. The upper material is made from a breathable mesh fabric that uses strategically placed molded panels to provide structure and fit. The collar and the tongue are padded for additional support and comfort, while the interior is treated with an antimicrobial property that will keep your feet clean and your shoes smelling fresher for a longer amount of time. The WX 20s also use an EVA outsole that is injected molded for extra durability and more potent traction on multiple surfaces.