There are countless cross-training shoes on the market and every shoe is built slightly differently. Some cross-training shoes feature low-profile boots and designs while others have higher boots with more ankle support.
If you want a good pair of cross-training shoes with ankle support, then you want to look for models with boot constructions that help stabilize, lockdown, and give additional support to the ankles when training.
When reviewing cross-training shoes, I’m constantly trying to create lists where I bucket shoes accordingly based on their fits and where they excel the most.
In this best cross-training shoes with ankle support round-up, I’m going to discuss handfuls of my top shoe picks with ankle support picks for a variety of performance and fit categories.
Contents
- Best Men's Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support
- Best Women's Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support
- Best Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support for Wide Feet
- Best Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support for CrossFit
- Best Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support for HIIT
- Are Cross-Training Shoes Supportive?
- What Makes a Good Ankle Support Cross-Training Shoe?
- What Is the Cause of Weak Ankles?
On the market for new cross-training shoes? Try the TF2 Cross-Training Shoe Finder. I’ve personally reviewed countless cross-training shoes and this calculator matches you with models based on your performance asks, wants, and needs.
Best Men’s Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support
When considering and testing the best men’s cross-training shoes with ankle support I’m considering a shoe’s overall performance and the amount of ankle support it provides in different training settings.
Whether you need cross-training shoes with ankle support for CrossFit, lifting, or HIIT workouts, below are some of my top picks.
Top Pick: Reebok Nano X2
The Reebok Nano X2 is taking my top pick for men’s cross-training shoes with ankle support. There are multiple aspects to like about this shoe’s performance and construction, but most importantly it’s a good option for ankle support.
Must Read: 10 Best Men’s Workout Shorts | Picks for Big Thighs, CrossFit, and More
The boot of the Reebok Nano X2 has been reworked from the Nano X1 and it comes up fairly high on the ankle compared to other low-profile cross-training shoes. This model also features external TPU clips for additional heel and midfoot support.
I think if you’re a guy that regularly likes to vary their training every week and you need a cross-training shoe for a little bit of everything, then the Reebok Nano X2 is a good option to look into.
The Floatride Energy foam in the midsole is responsive, yet stable, and the upper construction on this model does a fairly good job with durability for recreational lifting, HIIT training, and general workouts.
- Best For: General Training and Wider Feet
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 11.9 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: For wider feet, you should be safe going true-to-size in the Nano X2.
- Read My Review: Reebok Nano X2 Review
Reebok Nano X2
$135
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Athletic-Focused Training
- Casual CrossFit Sessions
- Shorter Runs
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Runner-Up: Adidas Dropset Trainer
The Adidas Dropset Trainer is another good option to explore for men in need of cross-training shoes with ankle support. This model is what I would describe as Adidas’ first serious cross-trainer for heavier lifting and training.
This model’s boot provides a nice level of ankle support and it has a rigid internal heel cup to provide a locked-down feeling. The foot sits pretty low into this shoe and it can be a viable option for those in need of trainers with ankle support.
I think the Dropset Trainer will be best for guys that plan to use them primarily for lifting and HIIT workouts here and there. They feature a dual-density foam midsole for versatility and stability and their rubber outsole provides a nice level of traction on different surfaces.
The toe box in this model is also constructed to be wider, so if you want a bit more width in your shoe’s toe box, then the Adidas Dropset Trainer will also fit that ask pretty well when training.
- Best For: General Training and Casual HIIT
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: N/A
- Weight: 12.9 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to size.
- Read My Review: Adidas Dropset Trainer Review
Adidas Dropset Trainer
$130
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Casual CrossFit
- HIIT Workouts
- Classes and Very Light Runs
Falls Short
- For Serious CrossFit Workouts
- For Longer Runs
Best Women’s Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support
The best women’s cross-training shoes with ankle support need to have two key aspects to be performers. First, they need to fit and accommodate the anatomy of a woman’s foot which has different needs than a man’s foot.
Second and once they have the fit ask down, they need to provide a nice level of ankle support for a variety of training styles. For assessing women’s models, I lean on my YouTube community and my girlfriend (who helps me test at times!) for feedback.
Top Pick: Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2
The Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 is a good women’s cross-training shoe to look into that has a fair amount of ankle support. As opposed to the prior model, the Nike React Metcon Turbo which featured a softer boot, the Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 has a reworked heel.
This model’s heel comes up slightly higher than the React Metcon Turbo and it has a rigid structure to it. The more rigid material blended with the internal heel cup gives this shoe a nice level of ankle support for different types of training.
If you like to blend lifting, HIIT workouts, short runs (<3 miles), and things like class-style training every week, then the Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 should be a good fit for your performance asks.
This model features Nike React foam in its insole and has a Zoom Air packet for additional versatility and “bounce” when training on the forefoot. The fit of this model is also pretty stellar for women due to its lower upper volume and formfitting last.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, and CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Likely 4mm (as per Nike’s support team)
- Weight: 12.5 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Nike Zoom Meton Turbo 2 Review
Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2
$150
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Workouts
- Athletic-Style Training
- Casual CrossFit
- Short Speed-Focused Runs
Falls Short
- For Rope Climbing
- For Long-Term Durability
- For Longer Runs
Runner-Up: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
The Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 can also be a good option to look into for women in need of additional ankle support with their cross-training shoes. This model features a bootie-style construction with a fairly deep boot construction and an external midfoot cage.
The boot of this model comes up fairly high and has a supportive internal heel cup to lockdown the ankle. This feature blended with the midfoot cage and snug upper give this model a nice formfitting and stable feel.
For CrossFit, lifting, HIIT workouts, and short runs (<3 miles), the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 can hold its own. Plus, this shoe features Graphene in its outsole construction which helps boost this shoe’s overall durability.
I think if you like bootie-style shoes and need a model that can do a little bit of everything including CrossFit-style training, then the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 can be a good option to look into.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 12.3 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 Review
Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
$150
Best For
- Versatile Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Shorter Runs
- Plyometrics
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support for Wide Feet
When assessing the best cross-training with ankle support for wide feet there are two key performance areas I’m looking into and considering. The first is the width of the shoe and if it’s a good model for wide feet.
The second aspect I’m considering is the ankle support that comes along with a wide feet-friendly shoe. Width is the most important, then ankle support as these two will feel into one another regarding comfort for this particular ask.
Top Pick: Reebok Nano X2
The Reebok Nano X2 is taking my top pick for cross-training shoes with ankle support that is also wide feet friendly. The Nano X2 has a fairly wide last construction and will accommodate a variety of foot widths with relative ease.
This model has a slightly higher boot construction with external TPU clips to provide an additional locked-down feeling when training. I feel like the Nano X2 walks the fine line between giving you more boot without it causing rub issues like the Nano X1 had.
Performance-wise, the Reebok Nano X2 is a good hybrid-style training shoe that can hold its own for heavy lifting, HIIT workouts, and some casual CrossFit. I like the Floatride Energy foam midsole in this model and think it does a good job with stability and versatility.
I think this model will work best for athletes and lifters that like to lift every week and also add in some short runs and HIIT workouts. Do note, that if you plan to use this model exclusively for CrossFit, then you may run into some midsole durability issues when j-wrap rope climbing.
- Best For: General Training and Wider Feet
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 11.9 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: For wider feet, you should be safe going true-to-size in the Nano X2.
- Read My Review: Reebok Nano X2 Review
Reebok Nano X2
$135
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- Athletic-Focused Training
- Casual CrossFit Sessions
- Shorter Runs
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Runner-Up: GORUCK Ballistic Trainer
The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is also a good wide foot-friendly cross-training with ankle support to look into. This model doesn’t receive nearly enough attention for the construction and performance it delivers.
This model has a fairly wide last construction and has a good amount of ankle support provided by an internal heel cup. The cup in this model helps lock down the foot and provides a nice level of structure and support, and this shoe should work for a variety of foot widths.
For training, I think the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer will work best for recreational lifting with some HIIT-style workouts and rucking blended in. This model can feel a little heavy and dense at times, which is why I recommend only opting for them if versatile training is more of secondary training means for you.
The star players in this model include the outsole and gradient density midsole that utilizes two types of EVA foam and the CORDURA nylon upper. This model has a high amount of stability and is durable and good for abrasion resistance.
- Best For: Casual CrossFit, Cross-Training, and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 14.4 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes (comes with two insole options)
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Review
GORUCK Ballistic Trainers
$125
Best For
- Heavier Training
- Versatile Workouts
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Shorter Runs
Falls Short
- For Longer Runs
- For Agility Training
Best Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support for CrossFit
When assessing the best men’s cross-training with ankle support for CrossFit I’m trying to consider how the shoe does for this specific style of training. Below, I’m going to provide two options including one low-top and one high-top shoe.
For my CrossFit testing, I’m assessing how a shoe’s ankle support odes for things like heavy lifting, double-unders, box jumps, and exercises that you’ll commonly find in WODs.
Top Pick (Low-Top): RAD ONE
If you’re not a fan of high-top shoes for CrossFit, then the RAD ONE can be a really good option to look into. There is a lot to like about the RAD ONE and for being a low-top shoe, they provide a fair amount of ankle support.
Must Read: 9 Best CrossFit Shoes | Picks for Flat Feet, Rope Climbs, and More
The boot of this model has a good level of structure and an internal heel cup to provide the ankle with a little more security. In this model, the heel counter angles inward slightly so you have a nice level of “hug” around the ankle when training in this shoe.
In the context of CrossFit, this model is what I would describe as an “all-in-one” style shoe. They perform well for heavy lifting and don’t beat your feet up when tackling workouts that include short runs and a lot of jumping.
The Swellfoam midsole and 360 outsole wrap around this shoe also help prolong this model’s durability and rope climbing performance. For a low-top CrossFit shoe with ankle support, it’s really hard to fault the RAD ONE’s performance.
- Best For: CrossFit
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
- Weight: 12.7 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: R.A.D recommends going up a half size, I went true and they fit fine (more on that in my review article)
- Read My Review: R.A.D ONE Review
- Runner-Up Low-Top Model: Reebok Nano X2
R.A.D ONE
$150
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- CrossFit Workouts
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Training
- Athletic-Focused Training
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
Top Pick (High-Top): NOBULL High-Top Trainer
If you’d rather have a high-top cross-training shoe with ankle support for CrossFit, then the NOBULL High-Top Trainer is a good option to explore. This model’s boot and upper construction helps provide a nice level of ankle support when tackling CrossFit workouts.
The SuperFabric upper in this shoe is pretty rigid, so if you crank the laces tight, then you’ll get a lot of support around the ankle when training. Plus, this shoe features an internal heel cup which is nice for providing additional ankle support.
In the context of CrossFit, the NOBULL High-Top Trainer has two key performance areas going for it. First, is this model’s durability. I’m going two years strong with my model and they’re still holding up pretty well despite some outsole fading.
Second, this model provides a high degree of stability for heavy training, which is great for those that want this model for both lifting and CrossFit workouts. It’s a good all-in-one style high-top shoe for CrossFit and heavy training.
- Best For: CrossFit-Style Training and Lifting
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: NOBULL High-Top Trainer Review
- Runner-Up High-Top Model: GORUCK Ballistic Trainers Mid-Top
NOBULL High-Top Trainer
$139
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Long-Term Durability
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Running
- For Cost-Efficiency
Best Cross-Training Shoes With Ankle Support for HIIT
When testing the cross-training shoes with ankle support for HIIT I’m mostly concerned with the support a shoe provides when jumping, doing agility-focused training, and when tackling versatile styles of workout.
For this type of training, you need a cross-training shoe that is responsive and dynamic. For this section, I consider this performance ask and blend it with how much ankle support a model provides.
Top Pick: Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2
The Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 is taking my top pick as the best cross-training shoes for HIIT with ankle support. This shoe’s boot provides a nice locked-down fit and feel and its construction feeds well into HIIT-style workouts.
I often describe this model as being a really good cross-training shoe for athletic-style training, which often entails different elements of HIIT training. The Nike React foam and Zoom Air packet are the key players for this model’s HIIT performance.
The disassociated outsole is also a nice construction feature for increasing this shoe’s maneuverability and mobility when tackling multi-directional exercises. There’s sticky rubber in the forefoot’s outsole and a firmer rubber in the heel.
If you invest in the Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 for HIIT training, then I’d highly suggest making sure you’re fully tightening them before training. This will help prevent and limit stress reps in the forefoot’s upper which is something I ran into with this model.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, and CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: Likely 4mm (as per Nike’s support team)
- Weight: 12.5 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: Nike Zoom Meton Turbo 2 Review
Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2
$150
Best For
- Recreational Lifting
- HIIT Workouts
- Athletic-Style Training
- Casual CrossFit
- Short Speed-Focused Runs
Falls Short
- For Rope Climbing
- For Long-Term Durability
- For Longer Runs
Runner-Up: UA TriBase Reign 4
The Under Armour TriBase Reign 4 can be another viable cross-training shoe for HIIT with additional ankle support. This shoe provides a nice blend of versatility and stability and its boot construction does a good job at locking down the ankle.
There’s a TPU layer for additional support and stability and the boot itself has a fairly rigid internal heel cup. The blend of these features helps improve this shoe’s stability and support for HIIT, lifting, and CrossFit-style workouts.
The star players for HIIT training with the UA TriBase Reign 4 are its Micro G foam midsole and TriBase tech on the outsole. For plyometrics and other explosive movements, the Micro G foam midsole does a good job at giving you a nice level of energy return.
Then, for balance and stability, the TriBase tech does a good job at giving you a nice base to land and drive through the foot on. Note, the TriBase Reign 4 takes a good 1-2 weeks to fully break in and they’ll typically feel better the more you wear them.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, and CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 2mm
- Weight: 13 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- Read My Review: UA TriBase Reign 4 Review
UA TriBase Reign 4
$120
Best For
- CrossFit and Cross-Training
- Recreational Lifting
- Athletic-Focused Training
Falls Short
- For Wider Feet
- For Longer Runs
Are Cross-Training Shoes Supportive?
When discussing the topic of cross-training shoes being supportive, it can be better to define what exactly you’re looking for when seeking support in cross-training shoes. For example, are you looking for arch support, ankle support, or general support for lifting?
All of these support questions can be important to consider because if you can better define what you want out of your cross-training, then you can find and use models that match your specific training and anatomical wants and needs.
In the case of this article, we’re talking about ankle support specifically. When it comes to ankle support, not every cross-training shoe will provide similar levels of ankle support.
Construction aspects like boot height, external heel clips, and internal heel cups can all play a role in the level of ankle support a cross-training shoe will provide. Typically for ankle support, you’ll want cross-training shoes that have more rigid heel and boot construction.
These construction elements will feed into a shoe’s ability to lock down the foot and provide ankle support, stability, and motion control when doing things like lifting, CrossFit workouts, HIIT, and explosive athletic-style training.
What Makes a Good Ankle Support Cross-Training Shoe?
In the case of cross-training and ankle support, you’ll want shoes that have a high degree of stability with more rigid midsole materials and boot constructions that assist with motion control and ankle support.
The blending of these two characteristics will help ensure the cross-training shoes in question support those with ankles that may lack adequate strength for supporting the demands of cross-training.
It’s also important to consider that different athletes and lifters may respond differently to certain pairs of cross-training shoes. Anatomical differences and varied strength levels can influence what cross-training shoes with ankle support will be best for you.
What Is the Cause of Weak Ankles?
There can be multiple reasons why someone may have weak ankles. Outside of genetic components that can influence ankle strength, lower body injuries can also lead to weak ankles.
More specifically, if you injure something like your knee and you’re not putting your body’s full weight on the injured leg for an extended period of time, then you can run into some loss of strength in the ankle.
This is due to the lack of daily stress that you’re placing on the joint. The lack of movement through the ankle’s normal range of motion in addition to the lack of loading can cause muscles to atrophy and become a bit weaker over time along with the tissues surrounding the ankle.
In the case of injuries, they happen and they’re not the end of the world. If you can get ahead of knowing that your ankles may have become weaker due to a lower-body injury, then you can use the correct gear and program to help you get back to your normal strength levels.
For example, if you know your ankle(s) may have lost strength, then using a cross-training shoe with more ankle support to help you transition and re-build strength can be a really good strategy call.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:What makes a good ankle support shoe?
Q:Which cross-training shoes are best for ankle support?
Takeaway Thoughts
There are multiple reasons why athletes and lifters may opt for cross-training shoes with ankle support. With countless options on the market that will work for different contexts, there’s likely a good cross-training shoe with ankle support for you.
Whether it’s your personal preference or a strategy call to help you ease back into training while improving ankle strength slowly, it can be a good idea to look into models that will better fit your training needs and wants.
If you have additional questions on the best cross-training shoes with ankle support featured in this article, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly and @that_fit_friend).
I personally test every product featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training gear. I buy the gear I test and may earn commissions on sales made through links on my site.
