Finding the best CrossFit shoes is extremely important, in case you are totally new to this strength training program. This FitnessVigil post is here to help.
CrossFit is a brand that specializes in strength and conditioning programs for building a healthy mind and healthy body of a person who is affiliated with them. The brand provides training in various fields including medicine ball, weightlifting, gymnastics, sprinting, kettlebell, polymetrics, rowing, and various other exercises that are required to improve general physical skills of a person.
There are ten general physical skills that a person should work upon. These skills include power, stamina, flexibility, coordination, balance, agility, accuracy, cardiovascular endurance, speed, and of course, strength. Hence, when you become a CrossFit athlete, you may need to perform a variety of physical exercises on a frequent basis. Their strength training program is gaining popularity all across the globe. If you too are interested in joining this program, then you may start your expedition by gathering all the essential equipment, beginning with the right kind of shoes.
How to Choose the Best CrossFit Shoes
Choosing the best shoes depends on the type of exercises that you are going to perform. First of all, stop using the regular running shoes for these workouts, if you are. Running shoes and other fancy sneakers mostly come with heavy cushioning at the heel region. This fact makes you to put the body weight on the toes and the front region of the body. But, in order to perform CrossFit exercises, you may need to put your body weight on the heels, rather than the front part of the shoes.
For that, avoid choosing shoes that have extra cushioning at the heel region. Most of the time, the experts suggest you to wear shoes that have the least amount of cushioning and padding and toe pockets. However, the shoes should provide adequate support to your ankles and the entire body, for that matter. Such shoes are ideal for various exercises like squats, weight training, pull ups, push ups, etc.
The shoes should also be lightweight and comfortable. They should be made of a breathable material which will prevent the moisture and sweat from being trapped inside the shoes. It will also keep your feet free from fungal infections and soreness. Experts also suggest that the shoes that you are purchasing for CrossFit should also provide at least 70% proprioception of the entire body.
Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense the location and movement of the various body parts and maintain the body balance accordingly. Choosing the best fitting shoes is also very important. Wearing the shoes that are creating problems in proper foot movement, will only lead to foot injuries and infections that are caused due to wearing tight shoes. Considering the popularity of CrossFit workout routine today, many sports stores do have specialized shoes for men and women.
Reviews
Inov-8 Unisex F-Lite 230
As the name suggests, Inov-8 Unisex F-Lite 230 are one of the best shoes for both men and women who perform CrossFit exercises. These shoes come with lightweight racing, flat soles and solid rubber body, which is ideal for those exercises. These shoes are also used for short distance races, sprinting, and hiking. Average cost of Inov-8 Unisex F-Lite 230 is around USD 105.
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS
Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS are one of the most innovative shoes that are ideal to be used for CrossFit workouts. These shoes are made of breathable polyurethane insole, protective outsole, and closed speed lace which is ideal for wide feet as well as high arches. The shoes also have protective factor for the toes and heels. According to the manufacturers, these shoes give you the experience of barefoot exercising. These shoes are also available in numerous colors and various sizes. Average cost of Vibram FiveFingers Bikila LS is around USD 100.
Onitsuka Tiger by Asics
This range of exercising shoes by Asics, includes some best models like Ultimate 80, Serrano, and Mexico 66. All these three models are ideal to be used for CrossFit exercises. These shoes are popular for the comfort, feel and support that they provide during exercising. These shoes are pretty lightweight and they are also ideal to be used for Olympics lifting exercises. The rubber outsole and breathable insole of the Asics shoes provide great traction and flexible movements that the CrossFit routine demand. Average cost of Onitsuka Tiger by Asics is around USD 80.
Apart from the aforementioned CrossFit shoes, you can check the reviews for a few other brands of shoes like Adidas Samba, Feelmax, Puma Speed Cats, Terra Plana EVO, etc.
