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 really great budget-friendly models. Not every athlete and lifter wants to drop $150 USD on a new pair of cross-training shoes, which is totally 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.
In this best budget cross-training round-up, you can expect to find awesome cross-training shoes that cost $100 USD or less for a variety of needs. Every shoe included below I have physically tested and reviewed.
Contents
- Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for CrossFit
- Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for HIIT
- Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Lifting
- Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Wide Feet
- Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Women
- Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Men
- Are Cross-Training Shoes Worth It?
- How to Make Cross-Training Shoes Last Longer
On the market for new cross-training shoes? Make sure you try out my TF2 Cross-Training Shoes Finder. This calculator suggests models that I’ve reviewed that fit your training needs best.
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 cross-training 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
The PUMA FUSE is one of the best budget cross-training shoes on the market if you’re wanting to spend less than $100 USD on a pair of trainers. This model’s price point comes in at $90 USD which is awesome for the budget-conscious shopper.
In the context of CrossFit, there are multiple things to like about the PUMA FUSE. First, the stability of this model is really good for anyone that plans to train heavily with this model. The FUSE 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, especially for rope climbs.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 14.1 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: PUMA FUSE Review
- Runner-Up Model (if on sale!): UA TriBase Reign 3 Review
- Runner-Up Model (if on sale!): Reebok Nano X Review
PUMA FUSE
$90
Best For
- Heavy Training
- Agility Workouts
- HIIT Training
- Sprints
Falls Short
- For All-Day Comfort
- For Longer Runs
Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for HIIT
When testing cross-training shoes 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 have an outsole that provides adequate traction and support.
Top Pick: UA HOVR Rise 2
The Under Armour HOVR Rise 2 earns my top pick for best budget cross-training shoes for HIIT. 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 training. 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 HIIT workouts 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 For: HIIT, Light Running, and Recreational Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: UA HOVR Rise 2 Review
- Runner-Up Model: Nike SuperRep Go 2 Review
- Runner-Up Model: Reebok Nanoflex TR Review
UA HOVR Rise 2
$100
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Workouts
- Classes
Falls Short
- Heavy Lifting
- Longer Runs
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 2
The UA Project Rock BSR 2 is taking my top pick as the best budget cross-training shoe for lifting. Honestly, this model could easily be swapped with the PUMA FUSE as both shoes do a fairly good job in the gym for recreational lifting.
The UA Project Rock BSR 2 has a price point of $100 USD and it earned my top pick because unlike the PUMA FUSE which also provides a nice level of stability, the BSR 2’s midsole is better for blending in HIIT work and light runs into your weekly lifting program.
The Project Rock BSR 2 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 2’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 For: Recreational Lifting, Light Runs, and
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.95 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: No
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: UA Project Rock BSR 2 Review
- Runner-Up Model: PUMA FUSE Review
- Runner-Up Model: Reebok Nanoflex TR Review
UA HOVR Rise 2
$100
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Workouts
- Classes
Falls Short
- Heavy Lifting
- Longer Runs
Best Budget Cross-Training Shoes for Wide Feet
To assess the best budget cross-training shoes for wide feet, I’m most concerned with three key aspects and these include a shoe’s width, price, and overall performance.
If you have wide feet, then you’ll want to explore models that provide you with enough width in the toe box and midfoot to splay the toes and feel comfortable when training.
Top Pick: UA HOVR Rise 2
The UA HOVR Rise 2 is making my list once again as my top pick for best budget cross-training shoes for wide feet. This model’s width is what I would describe as neutral.
It’s not the widest model on the market by any means, but in the context of budget-friendly cross-training shoes that cost $100 or less, it’s one of the better models on the market for giving you enough room to splay the toes.
The forefoot and midfoot in the HOVR Rise 2 don’t taper a ton which is nice for giving you a nice width throughout the entirety of this shoe. The midfoot’s construction is also pretty supportive which can be a perk for those that need a little more midfoot support.
Again, the HOVR Rise 2 is not the “widest” cross-training shoe on the market, but if you need a trainer for a little bit of everything that does break in well over time and has an okay width, then it’s a tough model to bear.
- Best For: HIIT, Light Running, and Recreational Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: UA HOVR Rise 2 Review
- Runner-Up Model (if on sale!): Reebok Nano X1 Review
- Runner-Up Mode (if on sale!): Altra Solstice XT 2 Review
UA HOVR Rise 2
$100
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Workouts
- Classes
Falls Short
- Heavy Lifting
- Longer Runs
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 TR
The Reebok Nanoflex TR 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 TR has a price point that starts around $90 USD and is often on sale for less.
The Reebok Nanoflex TR 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, and even daily wear, then the Nanoflex TR 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 For: HIIT, Light Running, and Recreational Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Likely 4mm (per Reebok’s support team)
- Weight: 12.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Reebok Nanoflex TR Review
- Runner-Up Model (if on sale!): UA HOVR Rise 2 Review
- Runner-Up Mode (if on sale!): Reebok Flashfilm Trainer 2.0 Review
Reebok Nanoflex TR
$90
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Casual HIIT Workouts
- Classes
Falls Short
- For Lifting Heavy
- Super Niche Training Styles
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 2
The UA Project Rock BSR 2 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 2 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 2 in the context of using them for the Army Combat Fitness Test which blends a variety of training modalities together.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Light Runs, and
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 11.95 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: No
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: UA Project Rock BSR 2 Review
- Runner-Up Model: PUMA FUSE Review
- Runner-Up Model (if on sale!): Reebok Nano X1 Review
UA HOVR Rise 2
$100
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Workouts
- Classes
Falls Short
- Heavy Lifting
- Longer Runs
Are Cross-Training Shoes Worth It?
If you’re someone that likes to vary their training on a weekly basis, then cross-training shoes can absolutely be worth it. Cross-training shoes are designed to be versatile and perform well for things like lifting, HIIT workouts, short runs, and even daily wear.
Generally, cross-training shoes will have midsoles that are slightly more stable in nature to accommodate heavier lifting while also being responsive enough to work well for plyometrics and more athletic-style training.
This is why it’s often better to reach for cross-training shoes over something like running shoes if you plan to blend a lot of different training modalities together into one program. Basically, cross-training shoes can be a “one-stop-shop” for those that like to do a little bit of everything in the gym.
In my opinion, if you train in a diverse manner, then investing in a good pair of cross-training shoes is a good bet for ensuring you have the right tools for the job.
How to Make Cross-Training Shoes Last Longer
If you’re like me and you like getting the most out of your shoes and investment, then there are a few essential tips that you can implement to make your cross-training shoes last longer.
These are tips that I use on a weekly basis and recommend to anyone investing in new cross-training shoes. This is especially key for anyone that wants their investment to last as long as possible.
Below, are my three favorite tips for prolonging a cross-training shoe’s life span and durability.
- Take the Shoes Out of Your Gym Bag: If you use a gym bag to haul your cross-training shoes, then taking the shoes out of your bag post-workout can be huge for their durability. Humidity and moisture in gym bags can wreak havoc on foams and adhesives used in cross-training shoes. It’s a simple thing to do that will add months to your shoes.
- Spot Clean Your Shoes, DO NOT Use Washing/Drying Machines: When it’s time to give your shoes a little TLC, spot clean them. This means using a fragrance and dye-free soap with lukewarm water and a washcloth to wipe down your shoes by hand. Avoid washing and drying machines at all costs as these can wreak havoc on a shoe’s construction.
- Training In Hot Settings/Climates? Air Dry Your Shoes: If you’re training outdoors or in hot gyms and your shoes get sweaty, then you’ll want to let your shoes air dry post-workout to prevent the moisture from getting trapped and causing breakdown issues. When you get home, take out the insoles of your shoes and place them by an air vent or in a dry area in your home.
I know, these steps can feel tedious and excessive at times, especially on days when you’re busy and rushing around. However, by doing these little steps and getting into the habits of doing them, you’ll add months and multiple training sessions to your favorite cross-training shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:What makes a great cross-training shoe?
Q:Are cross-training shoes good for HIIT workouts?
Q:How should cross-training shoes fit?
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)!
That Fit Friend is a site that is supported by myself (Jake Boly) and its readers. If you purchase products through affiliates links on this site, then I may receive a small commission on the sale. These commissions help keep the lights on here at That Fit Friend so I can continue to create content and they help me purchase new models to review!
