The STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainers are seriously slept-on cross-training shoes. They deliver a balanced and strong performance across the board and have a ton of subtle construction details that I feel are overlooked. On the constant quest to find the best cross-training shoes on the market, I was super excited to test the Haze Trainers.
The STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainers aim to provide a more “minimalist” feel and have a wider toe box for supporting lifting. If you like trainers with lower heel-to-toe drops and that have adequate toe box room, then keep reading because I think you’ll like the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainers for the context of training needs.
In this STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer review, we’re going to cover all of the key details that you need to know about this model before investing.
Table of Contents▼
Who Should Buy the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainers?
The STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer offers a no-frills approach to training with a high-performing shoe. This model delivers a variety of subtle construction features that help it perform well with lifting, cross-training workouts, and on a day-to-day basis.
The Haze Trainer has a solid blend of stability and versatility and it performs well under the bar and when training in more versatile settings. The outsole offers ample maneuverability and with its wider toe box, I think the Haze Trainer will work for a majority of cross-training and lifting-focused athletes.
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer
$150
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Cross-Training Workouts
- Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Shorter Runs (<3 miles)
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Custom Orthotics
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer Pros
Throughout all of my testing, the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainers have been consistently solid and I’ve found multiple pros to like about this shoe.
- Stable, Yet Versatile
- Wider Toe Box
- Maneuverable Outsole
- Breathable and Durable Upper
The first pro to the Haze Trainer is the blend of stability and versatility it offers. In the world of cross-training shoes, I think one of the toughest tasks for companies to do is to walk the line between stability and versatility. Generally, when you have a lot of one, the other will start to decrease, but the Haze Trainer defies this in a really good way.
Suggested Read: How should cross-training shoes fit? Cross-training shoe size guide
STRIKE MVMNT uses a medium-density Cush50™ midsole which provides a nice level of reactivity while also being stable enough to support loads up to 500 lbs. When deadlifting in this model, I had no issues with loading over four plates and I think most will not have issues with stability in this model.
Another perk to this model is that it offers an anatomical-inspired last with a wider toe box. This shoe features a semi-curved last with a wider toe box that is designed to promote natural movement. Personally, I really liked the amount of room I had in this shoe’s toe box and I think most will not have issues with toe splay in this model.
The third pro of this model is the Cross Platform 2™ outsole STRIKE MVMNT uses. For shoe lovers, this is tech detail is really cool. The Cross Platform 2 outsole is a singular piece of material that has a toe guard for durability, a construction that promotes mid to forefoot strike, and an additional heel platform for lifting.
On top of these details, the outsole also has an elevated lateral chassis to support lateral training and promote long-term durability for rope climbs. Across the board, I like the outsole’s ability to promote more natural movement and be highly maneuverable.
The final pro to this model is the upper construction. This model features a 3D knit jacquard upper construction, which essentially means that the upper is composed of woven knit that doesn’t have additional stitching or materials. The Haze Trainers are fairly easy to break in due to this construction aspect.
Suggested Read: 5 Best Cross-Training Shoes for Heavy Deadlifts
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer Cons
Across the board, I’ve really enjoyed testing this model, but there are a couple of cons worth noting with this model.
- Higher Price Point
- Not the Best for Orthotics
- Upper Durability Can Be An Issue
The first potential drawback is that this model has a slightly higher price point than other cross-training shoes on the market. At a price of $150.00 USD, the Haze Trainer does cost a bit more compared to other high-performing models.
Granted, I think the price is worth it for how versatile this model is, but again, if you’re solely looking for cost efficiency, then you may want to explore other models. The STRIKE MVMNT Chill Pill Mid has a price point of $130.00 USD, for example.
The second drawback to the Haze Trainer is that I don’t think it’s going to be the best cross-training shoe for anyone with custom orthotics. This model does have a removable insole, however, its overall construction is fairly low-profile in design so I think it could be a tight fit for those using custom orthotics in them.
If you have thinner orthotics, then you should be fine, but for anyone with thicker orthotics, I’d suggest treading lightly when considering this model. I don’t want you to put in your orthotics and have this model be unbearably tight for you.
Another drawback with the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer is its long-term upper durability. If you’re doing a lot of toe-dragging exercises like burpees or training outdoors, I would highly suggest keeping an eye on the upper around the toe box.
On two of my Haze Trainers, I’ve had the jacquard knit start to rip around the toe box due to stress and friction which is a bummer since these models do have a higher price point. If you’re strictly using these for lifting, then I think you’ll be fine, but there are contexts where I would limit the volume of use due to this.
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer Performance
For the performance section in the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer, I’m going to discuss how this shoe performs with lifting, more versatile training, shorter runs, and daily wear.
Lifting
When it comes to lifting, the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer has been really strong across the board. The medium-density midsole does a really good job at resisting compression in static and dynamic strength exercises. I’ve trained up to 500 lbs in this model and had no issues or worries of this model compressing.
This model features a 4mm heel-to-toe drop with a fairly low stack height, so if you’re someone that likes more “minimalist” style shoes, then I think you’ll also enjoy how this model fits when lifting. The last of this model also has a semi-curved construction which helps give this model a more natural movement feel.
I would describe this model as one of the more “barefoot-style” cross-training shoes on the market.
Agility, Plyometrics, and HIIT
For versatile training, there are three major construction details that help the Haze Trainer excel. First, this model’s outsole moves really well and provides adequate traction on a variety of surfaces. If you’re training in the gym, on the track, or outside, this model’s outsole will accommodate your training.
Second, the upper is breathable is pretty much broken in from the onset of this model’s use. There was never an awkward break-in period with this model’s upper construction for me.
The third and final pro to this model for versatile training is the overall reactivity you get through the midsole in this model. This shoe’s midsole does a really good job at supporting take-off and landing phases during plyometrics and other bounding activities.
Short Runs and Daily Wear
Normally cross-training shoes will fall short for shorter runs, however, this model works exceptionally well for runs shorter than three miles. With the outsole promoting a mid-foot to forefoot strike and with its maneuverability, it feels like what a beefed-up barefoot shoe would feel like.
On a daily wear basis, this model is simplistic and looks clean. Personally, I probably won’t be wearing mine on a daily basis because I want to preserve their durability, but you can certainly rock this pair with normal clothes and have them not look overly “gym-focused”.
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer Sizing
When it comes to sizing in the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer, most athletes should be safe going true to size. This model’s length fits true and the toe box is wide enough to accommodate a wide range of forefoot widths.
The only type of athlete that may experience sizing issues with this model is the athlete that is pushing the envelope with their normal size model in regard to length. If you constantly find yourself limited in your shoes due to toe bunching, then you may want to size up a half-size in the Haze Trainer.
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer Price
For the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer, you can expect to pay $150.00 USD. This price is higher than other high-performing cross-training shoes on the market, however, I do think the price is worth it for this model.
This shoe has a solid range with its performance and I think it will last a while for most athletes and lifters which helps to justify the higher price point.
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer
$150
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Cross-Training Workouts
- Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Shorter Runs (<3 miles)
Falls Short
- For Cost-Efficiency
- For Custom Orthotics
STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer Construction
Below, I’ve broken down a few of the key construction details for the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer. If you’re interested in all of the details, then I’d highly suggest checking out the Haze Trainer product page.
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 11.2 Oz (for a size 10 model)
- Cross Platform 2 Outsole
- Medium Density Cush50 Midsole
- Knit Upper
- External Heel Loop
- Lateral Speed Chasis
- Anatomically-Curved Last
- Wider Toe Box
- Tongue Pouch for Lace Storage
If you have any construction-related questions about the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer, feel to drop a comment below.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer FAQs
I’ve received a handful of asks thus far for the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer. Below, are a few of the most commonly asked questions that I’ve received.
1. What is the heel-to-toe drop in the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer?
4mm. The heel-to-toe drop for the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer sits at 4mm which is fairly standard for high-performing cross-training shoes.
2. Can I lift heavy in the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer?
Absolutely. This model’s midsole and outsole are designed to accommodate heavy strength work. I’ve pulled over 500 lbs in this model and I think most will find it to be plenty stable for their needs.
3. Do the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainers fit true to size?
Yes. The Haze Trainer fits true to size. However, if you’re an athlete that constantly feels limited with the length in their normal training shoes, then you may want to size up a half size.
4. Can I run in the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer?
Yes, you can tackle shorter runs with the Haze Trainer. This model is fairly comfortable for runs under three miles and the outsole promotes mid to forefoot striking which is great for runners who bias this style of running.
5. How heavy is the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer?
For my size 10 model, this shoe has a weight of 11.2 ounces. Compared to other cross-training shoes, this is more so on the lighter side.
6. Does the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer have a removable insole?
Yes. This model features a removable insole.
Takeaway Thoughts
Personally, I really think the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer is an underrated cross-training shoe. It performs exceptionally well across the board and delivers a “no-frills” construction which is ironically subtly detailed and well thought out.
If you have any additional questions about the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally!
[tff_dislcaimer]
I bought these shoes directly from Strike MVMNT based on this review. They didn’t work for me. The tongue/pouch thing just hit wrong. Returning them was the single most painful retail experience I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I’ll spare the details, but it took a ridiculous amount of effort and time to get my money back after returning them following their exact directions.
Dang, Stephen. Super sorry to hear that, but at least now you know STR/KE is probably not the best brand for you! Also, sorry the return process was a pain in the butt. That’s frustrating.
Were they too tight on the midfoot? Also, what were you rocking before this pair?
Late reply. I appreciate your reviews, but that return process was so painful! The tongue just sat weird and was bulky while the lace pattern either sat too high or too low on my foot. Prior shoes were a tired mix of broken down running and training shoes. I did end up in a pair of Mizunos that I like for the most part. To each his or her own, especially with feet.
Late reply. I appreciate your reviews, but that return process was so painful! The tongue just sat weird and was bulky while the lace pattern either sat too high or too low on my foot. Prior shoes were a tired mix of broken down running and training shoes. I did end up in a pair of Mizunos that I like for the most part. To each his or her own, especially with feet.
Hi Jake,
I love the reviews! I was wondering if you could provide the stackheight for these shoes?
Hey Don! I’m confirming for you now. I’m currently traveling so I don’t have a pair of Haze with me or my tool for getting you exacts. Will hit you back once I get a confirmation.
Thanks for these reviews. I love the detail and thoroughness. How did you feel like these performed in lateral movement stability? I mostly do recreational lifting and outdoor sandbag / HIIT workouts and want to get sprints back into my workout. However, I’m starting to play a lot more pickleball and occasionally basketball and am trying to figure pick between the RAD One, the Foost HD210 and the Haze Trainer; I like the look and other aspects of the Haze Trainer but the lateral stability / ability to cut might a deciding factor if I go with one of the other two.
Hello, fellow Jake! Lateral movement in the gym is okay, but if you plan on using them for things like pickleball, too, then I’d pass on them. I play pickleball fairly regularly and used my Haze for one outing and actually ripped the upper on the toe box a bit when I went for a dig. FOOST’s outsole may be problematic with a ton of outdoor multi-directional work on the courts, too. IMO, RAD would likely be your best model to tackle everything and they have the midsole/outsole wrap for additional protection!
Hey Jake, how much do these break in? For me, these felt really weird in the arch area unless I put in a different insole. Then they feel good in the arch, but the forefoot becomes too tight/low. The shoe length is good, but because the knit mesh is low, it sort of pushes my toes down. Does that mesh loosen up? Thanks
Just shot you a reply via IG!
Hello Jake
I like your reviews. Which one do you think works best for flat feet? STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer or Reebok Nano X. I mostly do bodybuilding stuff in the gym. Also, I didn’t like the Nano X2 fit for my feet. It felt narrow around my middle foot(even the bigger size). Maybe the Nanos aren’t good for flat wide feet?!
Heyo! STR/KE may be worth trying over the Nano X if you didn’t like the Nano X2’s midfoot. Honestly, your feet may just not align with the Nano shoe line. It’s like how some folks find that the Metcon 8 has adequate arch support while others disagree or find them uncomfortable. Foot anatomy can be super variable, so your midfoot width may just exceed that model’s threshold/your comfort preferences even though it’s typically a wider/flat-foot friendly trainer, relatively speaking.
Hey Jake,
Did you find that the haze trainers broke in/stretched out in the mid foot? I ordered a 9.5 but seems uncomfortably tight. I would say my feet are neutral to narrow. Definitely not wide. The length of the shoe seems descent though. Was wondering if the tightness is normal or if I should go ahead and try the 10s.
Thanks,
Caleb
Hey Caleb! They should stretch a bit, but if they’re unbearably tight now, then I’d play it safe and opt for a larger size. If they’re only a little snug atm, you could also try using thinner socks and see if that helps with comfort while you break them in!
Bought a pair of Haze Trainers from these guys in February. After extremely light use, one shoe started coming apart two months later. After sending them multi pics and videos clearly demonstrating the defect, they “didn’t think it looked like a manufacturing defect” and offered that I could send them back at my own expense for their “team” to consider. These people are SLOW and extremely unprofessional. It feels like the CS guy is working another day job and that’s why it takes him weeks to reply to emails.
As I’m in Canada, I’m considering court action to resolve.
DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME WITH THEM.
Bummed these didn’t work for you, friend. Appreciate you sharing your experiences as they can help other decide if this pair is right for them as well. More and more I typically suggest going through The Wod Life when first buying Haze Trainers because of the return headaches.
Love the fit. I haven’t trained in them yet but they feel amazing for walking, and I agree they nailed the train+run aspect of it – the heel doesn’t feel as stiff as the Nanos or the Metcons. You’d probably still be better off with midfoot strikes not heel strikes when running, but these will be more forgiving for the occasional heel strike.
The only (huge!) negative is their return process. Strike boasts the single worst return process I’ve ever dealt with. I’ve unfortunately ordered two sizes to try, and I wish I hadn’t. They ask for pictures before giving you a green light for the return. It took a week to just get an RMA# from them. They threaten they won’t accept the item if the box is damaged. I have to ship the return myself and pay at least $22 to get $150 back, and even that isn’t guaranteed if the box is damaged during shipping. Ugh. Let’s see if they at least process the return timely.
Thank you for the feedback. These days, I recommend most buy through The Wod Life or third party selling when grabbing a pair because of that exact reason (their return process is much more forgiving than STR/KE’s). I’ve heard so many nightmare stories with their return process and it stinks because if they could fix that then they could be a lot more dynamic.
Is the fit on these comprable to the Interval Knit AF Trainer in the insole length and toe box room?
Somewhat. The Knit AF run shorter in length, so the Haze fit a little more TTS. I size up a half-size to full size in my Knit AF. Width-wise, they’re pretty similar with the Haze being a smidge wider!
Hey Jake, thanks for your articles and YouTube videos. All great content. I’m very interested in the Haze Trainers… I will mainly be using them for Plyometrics, sprints, and walking. Do you feel like these shoes are a good choice for that?
They’ll be okay, but they’re not my fave model for sprints. Are you open to other suggestions? Have you been looking into other models? And thank you!