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The LUXIAOJUN X-Load Trainer has been one of those training shoes that I bought for a review based on a YouTube subscriber’s request. I had no idea this shoe even existed until purchasing them for the review, but the moment I did, you know, I immediately started seeing more ads for them and this company.
In the original ads for this shoe, I noted that it seemed to be pushed for the CrossFit-focused individual. However, since more recently looking at the product pages and cross-referencing other reviews, I’ve noticed that they now recommend “NOT” using them for rope climbs.
With this updated product page note, I’m trying to think more practically about this shoe and asking myself, “Who exactly is this shoe best for?” For example, why would you opt for this shoe over the tested and proven Born Primitive Savage 1 or RAD ONE V2 if you want a shoe for CrossFit?
X-Load Trainer
$150
Pros
- Good stability
- Wider toe box
- Great ankle support
Cons
- Heel feels clunky
- Not great for flatter feet
- Lacks versatility
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | N/A (feels like 4-6mm) |
| Weight | 14.2 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Wide(ish) |
| Lifting Threshold | ~455 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | N/A (didn't test a ton for this) |
ALTERNATIVES
Who Should Buy the X-Load Trainer?
- You Want a Shoe Mostly for Lifting: Despite being marketed with more versatility, I think this shoe will be best for the lifting-focused individual who wants a dense and stable shoe for heavy strength training.
- You Like An “Anchored” Feeling: The way this shoe is built has a very anchored feeling when training, as in, the platform doesn’t have a ton of rock. There’s also adequate ankle support if that’s something you prefer in trainers.
- You Like Some Arch Support: This shoe has a bean shape and structure to it, which results in giving you a little more arch support. If you like having more structure to your shoes, especially through the midfoot, then these will be a hit for you.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the X-Load Trainer?
- CrossFit Folks Who Need Versatility: These work for lifting-focused WODs, but the lack of rope climbing consistency and flexibility through the sole kills this shoe’s true potential for climbing and WODs that involve a lot of jumping and short runs. The RAD ONE V2, Inov8 F-Lite, and Nano X5 all win for this.
- You Have Flat Feet: Don’t do it. This arch is going to be too much, and you’ll likely find your feet screaming after a few hours of wear. I have a normal arch and find this shoe to be too aggressive, for example.
- You Want Less Bulk/Lightweight Shoes: With this shoe’s heel construction, it’s definitely a heavier shoe. If you’re big on saving weight, look into options like the BP Savage 1, Flux Adapt Graphene Trainer, or Haze Trainer.
Sizing and Fit Suggestions
About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.
Relative Sizing Thoughts
- Narrow Feet (<D): True to size, but feels rather long.
- Medium (D): True to size.
- E and EE: True to size.
- 3E: Size up a half-size.
- 4E+: Skip altogether.
The X-Load Trainer should fit true for most feet, but I’d say expect these to feel a little long. Compared to my Metcon, Nano, RAD, etc., these run a bit longer, but not so much that I’d suggest sizing down for most.
The only case I’d suggest sizing down for is for narrow and medium-width feet who have about a thumb’s width of room in their current shoes. If this is you, then you would fall into the small camp of individuals who might benefit from sizing down in the X-Load Trainer.
For flat feet, I’d pass on this shoe entirely based on my notes above. There are better options on the market for your foot anatomy. Also, the other downside to this shoe’s sizing is that they cap sizing at a men’s 12.5, which severely limits how many types of feet can fit into these.
Performance Assessment
Lifting: 8/10
When it comes to static strength training and lifting, you can’t really fault this shoe’s performance. Its EVA midsole is dense enough to support deadlifts over 400 lbs and its heel is reinforced with a TPU to prevent heel lockdown with squats. There’s also not a ton of toe spring in this shoe so it’s relatively easy to ground the toes.
The wider toe box, grippy outsole, and higher boot can also be perks for general lifting. The grip in this model tends to be solid on various surfaces and the high boot feeds into the TPU stabilization lower on the heel. For those focused primarily on strength, I’ll vouch for the X-Load Trainer assuming they work for your feet.
My personal caveat with this shoe for lifting is their lack of flexibility. I like a little more flex in my trainers for lifting to let my feet do their thing and move more freely, and these just don’t deliver on that front. They kind of remind me of models like the Nike Air Max Alpha Trainer and UA Project Rock 8 in that regard.
Cross-Training and CrossFit: 6.5/10
For cross-training, these don’t deliver the versatility that I think most want for shoes in these training verticals. Generally speaking, you’ll want something with more flexibility and pliability so you can feel lighter on your feet, and the weight and platform feeling that these have hinder these shoes in that area.
In the context of CrossFit specifically, these will work for WODs where you’re doing a lo to lifting, but as mentioned above, will start to fall short as you get more dynamic or climb ropes. The lack of rope climbing durability — despite the marketing for CrossFit — is a an interesting conundrum.
I could see these working for some who love a heavier shoe for cross-training, but for the vast majority of gym-goer, I’d pass on these if most of your training revolves around moving quickly and being light on your feet.
Running and Daily Wear: N/A & 6/10
I tried these for one workout where I had short intervals programmed and found them uncomfortable, so I stopped using them for that. For that reason, I can’t talk to this shoe’s running performance because I didn’t truly test them there due to me not loving their feeling.
Basically, I wasn’t up for feeling that uncomfortable all for the sake of confirming that these run a bit too stiff and clunky for short runs in workouts. If your gym programs a lo of short runs, these would not be my first pick.
For daily wear, I think these could be okay for the individual who likes more structure and support. I didn’t love the arch for all-day wear, but if you’re after more arch support, then I could see you enjoying this shoe. The wider toe box is also nice for promoting toe splay when being on your feet all day.
Final Remarks: Would I Buy Again?
I would not, but let me explain…
The heavy nature of this shoe and the lack of flexibility are what kill its performance for me. For me I like more versatility than less from a training shoe that I’m spending $150+ on, especially if it’s marketed as being versatile.
That said, I do think this shoe will be a hit for some athletes and lifters. If you like a more “platform-feeling” shoe and want a ton of ankle support, then these will hit for you. They also have a decent toe box regarding width with some arch support, which I know some love and seek out.
If you have additional questions about the X-Load Trainer, drop a comment below.
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