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Cross-training shoes can vary pretty greatly in price and handfuls of popular big-named cross-training shoes now cost anywhere from $120-$150 USD. This then begs the question, what are the best budget cross-training shoes on the market?
I think one of my favorite things about reviewing cross-training shoes is finding great budget-friendly models. Not every athlete and lifter wants to drop $150 on a new pair of cross-training shoes, which is understandable.
Below, I’ve broken some of my favorite budget cross-training shoes into different performance categories. This way you can find the best budget cross-training shoes that work perfectly for your training wants, needs, and preferences.
I buy all of the shoes I review on my site. I test and rank everything independently using a multi-point testing system that I’ve built over the past seven years of reviewing training shoes.
Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for CrossFit
When assessing the best budget cross-training shoes for CrossFit, I’m primarily concerned with how a model’s durability and performance do with standing up to the demands of CrossFit workouts
Great shoes for CrossFit need hyper-specific construction details to assist with their long-term durability and to feel both stable yet responsive during CrossFit WODs.
Top Pick: PUMA FUSE 3.0
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 13.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Kind of (drop-in midsole)
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
PUMA Fuse 3
$120
Pros
- The reworked sole has a stable platform. The midfoot and heel of the Fuse 3 have been reworked and widened which helps give this shoe a "flatter" feeling when squatting, deadlifting, and tackling machine exercises.
- The beefier upper feels more durable. The Fuse 1 and 2's lightweight upper could be prone to breaking down pretty quickly. In the Fuse 3, you now have a heavier upper with more overlays for durability.
- The lateral support is solid in this shoe. The medial and lateral sidewall wraps help give this shoe a more "locked-down" feeling when doing explosive lateral training and HIIT workouts.
Cons
- This shoe can feel pretty heavy. If you love lightweight shoes, then I'd pass on this model or consider its weight before buying. For my size 10 men's shoe, this shoe comes in at 14.95 oz.
- Drop-in midsoles can be hit or miss. If you prefer more traditional midsoles then I'd pass on this shoe. Drop-in midsoles aren't for everyone and if you haven't loved the other Fsue models or shoes like the Zoom Metcon Turbo 2, I'd skip this model.
- The toe box is pretty narrow. If you found the original Fuse models to feel snug, then I wouldn't expect much difference with this shoe. I found this model to hug the toe pretty aggressively and it's not the widest training shoe on the market.
Best For
- Strength Training
- Athletic Workouts
- CrossFit
- Narrow and Medium Feet
Falls Short
- For Wide Feet
- For Longer Runs
- For Lightweight Shoe Lovers
The PUMA FUSE 3.0 is one of the best budget cross-training shoes on the market if you’re wanting to spend around $100 USD on a pair of trainers. This model’s price point comes in at $120 USD [often on sale] which is awesome for the budget-conscious shopper.
In the context of CrossFit, there are multiple things to like about the PUMA FUSE 3.0. First, the stability of this model is pretty good for anyone that plans to train heavily with this model. The FUSE 3.0 can be a good shoe for doubling as a CrossFit and lifting-focused model.
Second, the PUMAGRIP outsole is fairly mobile and provides a nice level of traction. If you like more stable and mobile outsoles, then you’ll enjoy the feel and ground feedback you get in this model when lifting and jumping.
Third and lastly, I like the toe box and TPU heel clip. The toe box has an amount of width for narrow and neutral-width feet and the heel is supportive which is nice for added ankle support. My only gripe with this model is its long-term durability, as it is a budget CrossFit-focused model.
Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Classes
When testing models for HIIT, I’m most concerned with a shoe’s ability to be responsive and supportive for HIIT-style training.
Great shoes for HIIT will have midsoles that provide a nice energy return and “bounce” when jumping and training and an outsole that provides adequate traction and support.
Top Pick: UA HOVR Rise 2
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Read My Review
UA HOVR Rise 2
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Workouts
- Classes
Falls Short
- Heavy Lifting
- Longer Runs
The Under Armour HOVR Rise 2 is my top pick for the best budget workout shoes for circuit training. The Rise 2 has a price point of $100 USD and is actually a slightly older model as the newer HOVR Rise 3 had a price increase to $110 USD.
The UA HOVR Rise 2 is a surprisingly strong cross-training shoe for doing a little bit of everything, especially HIIT. This model’s HOVR Rise midsole has a nice level of bounce and responsiveness.
In addition, the rubber outsole provides a nice level of tread for tackling multi-directional work and for training heavier. I also like the bootie-style construction and upper on this model as they give this shoe a nice form-fitting feel when training.
Overall, I think if you want a good budget-friendly trainer for classes and doing some lifting and running, then the UA HOVR Rise 2 is a good option to look into. To be honest, I think this is one of the better Under Armour trainers from the last few years.
Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Lifting
When assessing the best budget cross-training shoes for lifting I’m mostly concerned with a model’s stability and how well it does in different lifting contexts.
For example, can it handle a diverse range of things like barbell squats, machine work, dumbbell exercises, and things like sled work? A good lifting-focused model should perform fairly well in all of these contexts.
Top Pick: UA Project Rock BSR 4
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.95 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: No
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
UA Project Rock BSR 4
$100
Pros
- Well-rounded performance in the gym.
- Good option for those who like more support.
- Upper hugs the foot well and feels sock-like.
Cons
- Can be a little chunky for jumping and sprinting.
- Boot could use a little more stretch.
- Not the most dialed for barbell lifts like deadlifts.
Best For
- General Strength Training
- Cross-Training
- HIIT Workouts
- Short Runs Under 3 Miles
- Budget Shoppers
Falls Short
- For Minimalist Lovers
- For Longer Runs
- For CrossFit
- For Exceptionally Wide/Flat Feet
The UA Project Rock BSR 3 is my top pick as the best budget cross-training shoe for lifting. Honestly, this model could easily be swapped with the PUMA FUSE 3.0 as both shoes do a fairly good job in the gym for recreational lifting.
The UA Project Rock BSR 4 has a price point of $100 USD and it earned my top pick because unlike the PUMA FUSE 3.0 which also provides a nice level of stability, the BSR 4’s midsole is better for blending in HIIT work and light runs into your weekly lifting program.
The Project Rock BSR 4 features Under Armour’s Charged midsole which is a good midsole for providing a fair amount of stability. I’ve trained up to 455 lbs in this model with trap bar deadlifts and had relatively no stability issues.
On top of the Charged midsole, I also like the TriBase tech on this the BSR 4’s outsole. This feature gives this model a nice level of grip and stability when doing things like unilateral training and sled pushes and pulls.
Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Women
When considering the best budget cross-training shoes for women, I defer heavily to my YouTube community and my girlfriend for assistance and feedback on which models are best.
By blending the feedback I receive with my internal performance reviews on models, I can create a curated list of the best affordable women’s cross-training shoes.
Top Pick: Reebok Nanoflex V2
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 11.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
Reebok Nanoflex V2
Pros
- Well-rounded performance for price
- Midsole is stable for heavy lifting
- Good forefoot width
Cons
- Flat feet may not love the arch support
- Not great for longer runs
- Lateral toe box can lack security at times
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- CrossFit (for those on a budget!)
- Cross-Training
- Versatile Training
- Budget-Friendly Shoppers
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7mm |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~455 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1 mile |
The Reebok Nanoflex V2 can be a really good budget cross-training for women to explore, especially if you want a model for doing a little bit of everything. The Nanoflex V2 has a price point that starts around $90 USD and is often on sale for less.
The Reebok Nanoflex V2 could best be described as the core Reebok Nano line’s little sibling. This shoe features an EVA midsole that walks a fairly good line between being stable and versatile.
The TPU heel cage is also a nice touch for providing this shoe with additional ankle support. If you need a model that can hold its own for lifting, HIIT workouts, light running, some CrossFit workouts, and even daily wear, then the Nanoflex V2 can be a good option to explore.
The only complaint that others tend to have (myself included) with this shoe is that its last isn’t the best for those with wider feet. If you have wide feet, then you may find this model’s midfoot and toe box to be a little limiting and you’ll want to explore other options.
Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Men
When looking into the best budget cross-training shoes for men, I’m most concerned with a shoe’s performance and if its last aligns well with a guy’s foot anatomy.
By blending these two performance features together, I can better assess which shoes will be great picks for the guy that wants to save money, but also train hard in the training shoes.
Top Pick: UA Project Rock BSR 4
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.95 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: No
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
UA Project Rock BSR 4
$100
Pros
- Well-rounded performance in the gym.
- Good option for those who like more support.
- Upper hugs the foot well and feels sock-like.
Cons
- Can be a little chunky for jumping and sprinting.
- Boot could use a little more stretch.
- Not the most dialed for barbell lifts like deadlifts.
Best For
- General Strength Training
- Cross-Training
- HIIT Workouts
- Short Runs Under 3 Miles
- Budget Shoppers
Falls Short
- For Minimalist Lovers
- For Longer Runs
- For CrossFit
- For Exceptionally Wide/Flat Feet
The UA Project Rock BSR 4 is my top pick for best budget cross-training shoes for men. This model makes my top pick for men and not women because its sizes run in “unisex” which isn’t always the most accommodating for women’s foot anatomies.
That being said, due to its unisex sizing, this model will likely have a bit more width compared to other trainers. This is food for thought for women on the market for budget-friendly wider cross-training shoes.
The Project Rock BSR 4 is a good “no-frills” budget-friendly training shoe for tackling a little bit of everything. In the context of training, I like this model best for anyone that likes to do a little recreational lifting, light runs, and athletic-focused training on a weekly basis.
I’ve even received positive feedback on my YouTube channel with the UA Project Rock BSR 4 in the context of using them for the Army Combat Fitness Test which blends a variety of training modalities together.
Takeaway Thoughts
There are countless cross-training shoes on the market designed for tackling a wide range of tasks. I personally love finding budget-friendly cross-training shoes that can hold their own for their price point.
If you’re looking for the best budget cross-training shoes, then you’ll want to spend a little extra time looking at models that have price points to fit your financial needs. This also means looking for models that are having killer sales.
If you have additional questions on any of the budget cross-training shoes mentioned in this article, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend)!
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