Last Updated: September 19th, 2018
Getting back into shape can be difficult, so having the appropriate type of shoes for the right type of exercise is important.
For those who want to get into the habit of working out on a regular basis, lead an active lifestyle, or are just a tad more ambitious than the general population to get fit (most CrossFitters would be in this category), there might be questions lingering around what types of shoes are deemed the most appropriate for which type of physical activity.
CrossFit and running both involve arduous physical activity and have different needs as the body is moving in different ways.
CrossFit shoes on the whole are a little heavier on average than running shoes as they must offer top notch support for heavy lifts and squats.
Running shoes generally are lighter and sacrifice some of that heavy duty support.
Generally, we recommend going with CrossFit shoes that are good for running as we believe it is better to wear a little heavier shoe rather than it is to give up necessary support and protection from injury. CrossFit is famous for this as many people don’t do the lifts correctly or don’t pack the right gear.
That being said, we believe there are several shoes out there that bridge the gap between the CrossFit and running divide and offer premium support and protection without being a hindrance when running.
Want to see a list of the Top CrossFit Shoes in the industry? We created an excellent Buyers Guide for those looking to take their CrossFit gear to the next level.
What To Look For- Picking the Best Shoes for Crossfit and Running
Personally, unless you are a very serious runner, I think it is best to pick a good lightweight CrossFit shoe that offers the support and then use it for running.
The protection is king in CrossFit and I think it is work it to sacrifice a little weight just to ensure proper support.
So that is why we lean towards finding the best CrossFit shoes that are good for running as opposed to vice versa.
You’ll find that the following criterion of the best CrossFit running shoes also match with those of qualified running shoes- shoes which provide stability, motion control, and comfort.
The best shoes must provide a huge amount of support and stability while being lightweight and durable. During CrossFit training workouts, or WODS as CrossFitters call them, these shoes provide enough absorption and protection for those high box jumps and for when the heel hits the ground when running.
For instance, the Reebok CrossFit Speed training Shoes for men or for women provide durability and flexibility designed for all types of weightlifting and CrossFit workout movements while at the same time have a nice, lightweight low cut design for running.
Having to balance a heavy weight requires putting force into the heel, and good CrossFit shoes provide that stability and support during this movement process. These types of shoes can also provide the same support for running in all types of settings.
The Best CrossFit Shoes for Running
Nike Free Trainer 5.0 Training Shoes
These fantastic Nike Free Trainers are lightweight and durable without giving up important support.
The design is slick and is even integrated with Nike’s technology for range of motion and support, the Free Trainer 5.0 offers a unique hexagonal midsole support that allows for controlled multidirectional movement.
It even offers a dual density midsole and Nike Free flex grooves for a natural, barefoot type running experience that running naturalists crave. For lovers of Nike, like myself, these are your best option to kill it in the gym and blaze through the trails and sprint through the pavement.
They even made our list of "Best Value" picks for there excellent selling price! Click the link below to check them out.
We really liked these CrossFit shoes for running as they have a nice low-cut design and are very lightweight which makes running more tolerable.
It has a nice cushion at the heel making the shock absorption ideal.
A lot of people have found this shoe to be better than the Nano 5 (A CrossFit consumer favorite), as there is nice room around the toes for people with narrow feet.
Despite being the ideal crossover and the weapon of choice for running focused workouts, the shoes offer superb support and stability on heavy lifts like the deadlift.
What To Look For- Picking the Best Running Shoes for Crossfit
For those intense lovers of running, it is probably best to find a good running shoe that provides the right support for CrossFit.
It's important to keep in mind that running shoes are not ideal for heavy lifting due to the lack of stability and fluffiness of a running shoes. But if you are a light lifter and a frequent runner, than maybe it is best to get good running shoes for CrossFit.
Sometimes Crossfit focuses more on running and sprints as opposed to heavy lifting and when that’s the case it’s better to pick the right shoes to match the activity.
There are running shoes for all types of activities- those for running on the ground or on trails, or for workouts at the gym or treadmill.
In order to understand the world of CrossFit, we have to analyze each type of activity and make sure that we are familiar with the essential elements and needs of each type of shoe. Our goal is to find the right shoe that meets the needs of both running and CrossFit without hurting the other.
First, let’s take a look at the qualifications for the shoes that are perfect for running and for CrossFit. Choosing the right type of shoe is generally based on how much your feet pronates. Pronation is defined by the movement of the foot when it moves inwards as the heel hits the ground.
If there is a lot of overpronation happening with your feet when running (where the shoe parts wear out by the inner corners of your feet), then it is best to purchase shoes that provide stability and motion control.
Meanwhile, if you’re experiencing under-pronation (where the wear patterns are around the outer edges of your feet), then it is best to purchase shoes that have extra cushioning to provide that important extra bit of comfort.
Top 3 Running Shoes for CrossFit
Nike has proven time and time again to be the most reliable brand in the athletic performance industry.
Personally, we love there shoes. They are extremely comfortable and lightweight for running.
However, they are not overly cushiony like basketball shoes and don't seem to be too much of a drawback when used for lifting.
The Nike Free's are the go-to name in running and it is for good reason. We, likewise, believe you will like them and notice a difference on your next workout.
The Remaining Two
The New Balance 940 V2 and the Adidas Supernova Sequence 7 are examples of running shoes which provide motion control for those who over pronate when exercising and can also provide good support during CrossFit WODs.
All of them share qualities of being lightweight, superiorly cushioned, and durable.
New Balance 940 V2
New Balance has long been a staple in the running industry. Why not bust them out for your CrossFit runs?
These shoes provide nice support against pronation and excellent cushioning which crosses over to CrossFit activities well.
Most users have found the ankle support and comfort to be excellent. With a nice, breathable mesh exterior you are sure to stay cool inside your shoes.
Adidas is yet another popular running brand.
Although we liked the Nike Free's for running and CrossFit best, we chose the Adidas Supernova Sequence 7 due to the popularity among runners and workout goers alike.
Many people have purchased these shoes multiple times and has seem to really provide the support needed for people with flat feet.
The Supernovas are what they advertise, Super!
Conclusion: Is It A Bad Idea to Use CrossFit Shoes for Running?
Just like humans need air, food, and water, there are shoe quality "essentials" that runners and CrossFitters should keep in mind when they are on the move.
For instance, running shoes need to be durable, lightweight, and comfortable.
Shoes that CrossFitters should wear ideally need to be stable and supportive to provide superb protection to prevent injury. Keeping that in mind, these two types of shoes share similar qualities.
So why buy two different pairs of shoes if you don’t have to?
After examining all types of quality traits and characteristics, let’s go back to the golden question, "Are CrossFit shoes good for running?" The answer is, yes, so long as you pick the right one!
There are certain types of CrossFit shoes that provide ample amount of stability, motion control and comfort for every one of your intense CrossFit workouts and for those long, beautiful trails you’ve always wanted to run (or are running!).
Purchasing these types of double-functioning shoes will save you effort, time, and energy as you do your CrossFit exercises and go for a quick run all in the same workout.
In other words, they will fulfill all of the running and CrossFit needs simultaneously.
Let us know what shoes you enjoy most for running and CrossFit below and we will see you in the Box.
Ready to the see the best shoes to buy for CrossFit in 2018? We put together a simplified, In Depth Review Post of the top CrossFit Shoes on the market. Check it out and let us know what you think.
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