Best Cross Training Shoes for Stability: Nike Metcon 10

When it comes to cross-training shoes, Nike’s line of Metcons come to mind. For its latest iteration, the Metcon 10 has reached its peak form, bringing stability, durability, and comfort to a pair of workout shoes that’ll tackle any and all workouts you throw its way. The Hyperlift plate gives optimal stability for the heaviest of lifts, providing you all the foot-to-floor contact you need for deadlifts or squats. The Swoosh added reinforcement in the most likely places where you’d expect abrasion, and the revamped traction placement means you won’t slip on the lifting platform.

Best Lightweight Cross-Training Shoes: On Cloud X 4

Given the fact On knows plenty about making great running shoes, we shouldn’t be shocked that they know how to make performance footwear for cross-training, too. And yet, the Cloud X 4 surprises with every single step. One of the lightest shoes we tested, you may initially think there’s not enough of a base or support for heavy lifting, but we found that to be untrue. I, in particular, have a bit of a stability issue with movements like single-leg deadlifts, but found these to ground me quite well as if I’d been rooted down through the floor. The upper could use a little more tactility to it, but it’s not so flimsy as to make me swear off the shoe entirely. In fact, I found how breathable it was to be really helpful when I was sweating it out. Plus, given On’s reputation as a running shoe brand, these work great for slightly longer runs. They’ll do great for a HIIT class, but you could easily then run several miles in them after the fact.