The 6 Best Training Shoes for Running and Lifting (Hybrid Options!)

How I Test Hybrid Training Shoes

I have two main performance categories that I keep my eye on when testing hybrid shoes, and that’s assessing a shoe’s thresholds for running and lifting. A lot of companies market their shoes as “hybrid,” and I work to challenge this in my tests.

When it comes to running, I assess the following:

• Mileage Comfort: The mileage where a shoe starts to lose its comfort.
• Versatility of Wear: The settings in which you can run comfortably in the model.
• Midsole Feel and Responsiveness: The amount of energy return you get from the shoe.

When it comes to lifting, I review the following:

• Stability Assessment: At what weight does the shoe’s stability start to drop off and when does the midsole compress?
• Lifting Contexts: What types of lifting settings does the shoe best with: free weights, machines, bodyweight, etc.)?

Once I’ve identified these thresholds, I dive into the shoe’s construction to better understand the materials used in the model. This can then suggest the shoe’s durability and value, which can relate to the two threshold categories above.

What I Wear for Treadmill Runs | On Cloud X 3

• Best For: Treadmill Running, Light Lifting, HIIT, Agility
• Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-5 miles
• Lifting Stability Threshold: <275 lbs
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 6mm
• Weight: 8.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Runner-Up Inov8 F-Fly: Read My Review

The On Cloud X 3 is my top hybrid training shoe for anyone who plans to use their model frequently for treadmill running. I often describe this shoe as being a good pick for the lifter and athlete who likes to tack on a few pre and post-workout miles when at the gym.

For this context, I like the CloudTec midsole and how it provides a pretty comfortable ride, especially for short (<3 miles) and mid-range runs (3-5 miles). I also like this model’s upper for running due to its lightweight and breathable nature.

When lifting, the On Cloud X 3’s stability is okay, and it will work for loads up to 275 lbs, I’ve found. Once you pass this threshold, you’ll start to notice a little midsole compression due to the CloudTec lacking a more stable construction.

If you plan to primarily do HIIT workouts, classes, and light lifting with a fairly regular bias towards treadmill running, then I think the On Cloud X is a good shoe to look into.

Keep in mind, that two performance areas where the On Cloud X 3 falls short are maximal lifting and lateral explosive movements. I haven’t loved this shoe for this context due to its midsole compressing on me and lacking support.

What I Wear for Outdoor Sessions | Reebok Nano X3 Adventure

• Best For: Trail Runs, Road Runs, Lifting, Daily Wear
• Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-5 miles
• Lifting Stability Threshold: <500 lbs
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
• Weight: 10.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Runner-Up Vimana Hybrid Runner: Read My Review

The Reebok Nano X3 Adventure has been one of my favorite shoes for outdoor hybrid workouts. Generally, I don’t love wearing my normal gym shoes for outdoor sessions due to their long-term durability being a greater concern.

In my Nano X3 Adventures, I usually work out outside, focusing on short runs, bodyweight movements, and barbell exercises. For example, at my buddy’s home gym, we’ll do things like heavy squats (for me, that’s reps at 315 lbs), then transition into burpees and run around his house.

The more aggressive lugs in the Nano X3 Adventure help me grip on grass and trails with looser terrain. I don’t find that these lugs take away from the grip in gym settings either, in case you’re concerned about that and were debating between these and the normal Nano X3/X4.

I also like that this shoe has a more aggressive outsole wrap over the toe box. For me, this has helped prolong this shoe’s durability on trails and on concrete when there’s been any form of friction. This should also translate for you in the gym.

For anyone wanting that one-stop-shoe for CrossFit, cross-training, and outdoor workouts with short runs programmed, it’s tough to fault the Nano X3 Adventure. They’ve been a fun shoe to test across all verticals.

When I’m Moving FAST  and Sprinting | Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295

• Best For: Sprints, Short-Mid Range Runs, Light Training
• Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-6 miles
• Lifting Stability Threshold: <225 lbs
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
• Weight: 11.45 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to size
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Runner-Up NOBULL All-Day: Read My Review

The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is my top hybrid training shoe for short and mid-range runs mixed with sprints, I’ve loved these for this context. Note that this model is technically designed for running, but it can also work for bodyweight exercises and light functional fitness workouts.

When conceptualizing the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295, I put them into the performance category of being a top performer for the person who loves going to the track to get in sprint work, put in some mileage, and tackle some bodyweight, dumbbell, or kettlebell work.

This shoe has Inov-8’s proprietary Fly+ midsole and does a great job of providing a nice level of energy return when tackling different running workouts. I like the blend of the EVA foam and Graphene in the sole of this shoe and how they assist performance.

I also like that the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 can hold its own for longer, slow-paced recovery runs. I’ve used this shoe for runs up to 7 miles, and they were comfortable—[yes, I consider that long for casual runs!].

My two drawbacks with this model are its higher price point and its performance when doing lateral explosive work on surfaces like turf. If these had a traditional rubber sole, they’d be an even sicker shoe for things like HYROX and turf-based sessions.

When I Want More Toe Wiggle Room | Altra Solstice XT 2

• Best For: Wide Feet, Short Treadmill Runs, HIIT Workouts, Casual Training
• Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-3 miles
• Lifting Stability Threshold: <315 lbs
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
• Weight: 9.5 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Runner-Up Wide Feet Option Inov8 F-fly: Read My Review

The Altra Solstice XT 2 is my favorite hybrid training shoe for wide feet, however, I’ve been heavily rotating in this category between this shoe and the F-Fly. I find this model to work best for those who want a hybrid training shoe for some casual treadmill running and lifting.

I like the wider toe box in this shoe, and if you’re a fan of having room for toe splay, then you’ll appreciate it. I have an E-width foot and have PLENTY of room in this model to let my feet move and do their thing while running and lifting.

In this model, I’ve squatted up to 315 lbs and have deadlifted 455 lbs, and they’ve been “okay” for those asks. They’re not going to be the densest and most stable shoes in the gym, but they should hold their own for most lifters and strength asks.

The zero-drop of this shoe is also nice for giving this model a more minimalist feel. I like to rotate between barefoot shoes and training shoes so having zero-drop options with a bit more cushion is always nice for workouts or contexts where I want more comfort.

While I’ve liked the Solstice XT 2 for running and lifting, they’re not perfect. My two drawbacks to this model are the outsole’s durability and the fact that they’re not the most aesthetic shoes — they can look a little clunky around the toe box at times.

When I’m Also Lifting Heavy | Reebok Nano X4

• Best For: CrossFit-Style Training, Lifting, and Short Runs
• Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-3 miles
• Lifting Stability Threshold: <525 lbs
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
• Weight: 12.6 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Runner-Up Vimana Hybrid Runner: Read My Review

The Reebok Nano X4 can hold its own for heavy-strength work and short runs. I use this model for pretty much every type of workout and that’s due to its versatile construction — I call them a “best-of-all-worlds” type of trainer.

In the context of lifting, I’ve deadlifted up to 525 lbs in this shoe and have used it for 405 lb squats and haven’t found any issues with the midsole compressing. I’ve also liked their performance for heavy machine lower-body exercises like leg presses and hack squats.

When it comes to running, the Nano X4 will be best served for intervals and bouts of running under 3 miles, in my opinion. For these running asks, this shoe feels responsive enough and isn’t so dense that they beat you up despite having a stabler feeling midsole.

I also appreciate that the Nano X4 works for my athletic and CrossFit-focused sessions. This model’s durability works well in these training verticals, and the Flexweave upper has done a good job with overall abrasion resistance.

I think my only hang-ups with the Nano X4 are that it can feel a little clunky at times if you love minimalist-feeling shoes and its arch and narrower toe box can feel offputting for flat and wide feet.

When I’m Training Like a HYROX Athlete | Inov-8 F-Fly

• Best For: HYROX-Style Training, Cross-Training, and Short Runs
• Mileage Comfort Threshold: 0-3 miles
• Lifting Stability Threshold: <325 lbs
• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
• Weight: 8.65 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Sizing: True to Size, wider fit
• For More Info: Read My Review
• Runner-Up Nano X3 Adventure: Read My Review

The Inov-8 F-Fly is an amazing shoe that I’ve quickly fallen in love with for my hybrid workouts. To be fair, this is one of the first shoes in a minute that has instantly clicked for me when it comes to seamlessly blending running and lifting in one workout.

I like the POWERFLORW Pro midsole used in this shoe and how responsive it felt for my interval runs and aggressive 5ks. I was shocked at how comfortable this model felt out of the box and that it didn’t beat me up with its “lower” stack height (compared to normal running shoes).

I’ve also come to appreciate the 2.5mm lugs on this shoe. On turf, they’ve given me an awesome bite for explosive front-to-back exercises like broad jumps, and I haven’t experienced any slip issues with this model when doing sled pushes and drags.

The lightweight mesh upper has helped with the breathability of this shoe and I’ve also found myself gravitating towards them for daily wear use. For example, if I’m walking Maui [my dog] 2-4 miles, I’ll rock these because they’re comfy, keep my feet cool, and look good.

My only performance-related drawback with the F-Fly so far is that they can lack rigidity for lateral explosive work. There’s no internal toe counter in this shoe, so you can spill over the midsole a little at times in this context. It’s not the biggest deal, but it’s something to consider depending on how you train.

My Opinion: What Makes a Good Hybrid Training Shoe?

The best hybrid training shoes all have one thing in common. This commonality is that they can perform well in a range of lifting and running settings serving as a true hybrid training shoe.

The way I like to conceptualize training shoes, running shoes, and hybrid training shoes is by placing them on a performance spectrum. On one end, we have training shoes that excel for heavy and more serious lifting.

Then, on the other end, we have models that are designed for running and excelling at different mileages. Once I’ve identified where the shoe falls on the performance spectrum, I then start to assess the shoe’s construction and how that correlates to versatility, stability, and comfort.

More specifically, I’m considering three major construction aspects. First, the midsole of the shoe and the materials used in it. A shoe’s midsole will relate to its responsiveness when running and its stability when training heavily.

Second, I’m considering how the hybrid training shoe’s midsole influences comfort. Factors that can influence comfort and feed into this include a shoe’s stack height, heel-to-toe drop, and the compression you experience when training and running with the materials used.

Third and lastly, I’m assessing a shoe’s durability and what settings this durability will feed into best. For example, if you’re primarily tackling outdoor workouts, then you’ll want a shoe with an outsole and upper that can withstand the demands of outdoor training.

Basically, I like to consider the three main construction buckets below when considering factors that can influence how well a hybrid training shoe performs.

1. Midsole Materials and Construction
2. Stack Height, Heel-to-Toe Drop, Comfort
3. Durability of the Outsole and Upper

These three construction buckets then help paint the picture as to the mileage and stability thresholds that hybrid shoes will be best for.

Why Hybrid Shoes Can Be Awesome

When it comes to training shoes that are good for lifting and running, there are two main benefits that can come along with them. These benefits can ebb and flow based on the shoe in question and your performance needs.

1. Best of All Worlds

The first benefit is that hybrid training shoes can give you a “best of all worlds” type of feel. This means that your shoes can do pretty well when lifting, tackling HIIT workouts, and even doing shorter runs.

This can be useful for the athlete and lifter who isn’t hyper-specific in any one training category. As you get more niche with your training, you’ll want something more specific, but if you’re not specific with your goals, then a hybrid shoe can be a really good fit.

For niche examples, cross-training shoes that are super stable in nature will lack comfort when running and can leave your feet feeling fatigued. Conversely, running shoes can lack stability when training heavily and compromise performance.

2. Only Need One Pair of Shoes

Another benefit to hybrid training shoes is that you only need to bring one pair of shoes to most of your training sessions. This is great for contexts where you don’t want to bring more than one pair of shoes with you to train or when you don’t want to switch your shoes mid-workout.

This can be great for anyone who’s commuting with limited space in their bag or someone who wants to limit their overall spending by investing in one pair of shoes versus specific shoes for every type of training.

Remember, Hybrid Shoes Can’t Do It All

As you become more serious and specific about your training, a hybrid training shoe’s benefits will start to diminish. I like to use my coaching background to discuss and conceptualize the drawbacks of hybrid training shoes.

A good example here would be someone who primarily does CrossFit workouts and works to get better at the sport. These athletes will want a quality pair of CrossFit shoes to help them achieve their goals.

A good pair of CrossFit shoes will deliver construction features that specifically feed into this style of training, whereas hybrid training shoes will be more general in their construction.

That being said, the main drawback to hybrid training shoes is that there will always be a threshold where their performance drops off and this could come in the form of running or lifting-focused goals.

Final Verdict

Certain training shoes on the market are purposely designed for running and lifting. If you train like a hybrid athlete, then these models can be worth exploring especially if you’re only wanting one shoe for your workouts.

As you get more specific with your training, you’ll want to look into more specific training shoes. Hybrid training shoes can be great for those looking to spend less and bring fewer shoes with them to the gym.

If you have any questions about the hybrid training shoes featured in this article, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).