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Over the last year and as we head into 2024, the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer is the shoe that I get the most asks about on my site and YouTube channel. The main questions I get usually revolve around their durability, sizing, and performance.
The STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer is a slept-on cross-training shoe, in my opinion. What’s also interesting about the Haze Trainer is that I find them to be a pretty polarizing shoe.
As in, athletes either love the Haze Trainer and how it fits, or they despise it — there’s no in-between with this shoe, which I find super interesting. I have some theories as to why this is, and I’ll discuss those below.
In my quest to find the most optimal training shoes, I was super excited to test the Haze Trainers. Now, on my fourth pair of these shoes—yeah, my wallet hates me—I’ve learned a lot about their performance and what to expect with their durability.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer
$150
Pros
- Great for those who love minimalist-feeling trainers.
- Casual look and vibe are great for daily wear.
- Upper breathes well and promotes security while training.
Cons
- Toe box can rip from tough abrasion.
- Outsole can fade with high-volume concrete use.
- High insteps may find these tight.
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Cross-Training Workouts
- Athletic-Focused Sessions
- Shorter Runs (<3 miles)
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Width | Medium/Wide(ish) |
| Lifting Threshold | 545 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | <1 mile |
Haze Trainer Review Summary
The Haze Trainer can be super polarizing due to its fit, and more specifically, its tongue gusset. This shoe strives to provide a “minimalist feel” and the midsole, outsole, and upper all contribute to this.
I have an E-width foot with a moderate arch and the Haze Trainer fits like a glove which I enjoy for daily wear comfort and performance in the gym. That said, when this shoe fits your feet well, then you typically fall in love with them fast.
Their Cush50 midsole is stable for lifting and it has a high level of articulation. It’s also responsive enough to feel comfortable in most CrossFit WODs and cross-training contexts.
Athletes also tend to love or hate the appearance of the Haze Trainer. I like their low-profile appearance and how you can wear them casually. Pro tip: If you’re on the fence, I’d highly suggest ordering through Box Basics (they have a better return policy).
Sizing Suggestions
- Width: Medium/Wide(ish)
- Narrower Feet Sizing: True to Size
- Wider Feet Sizing: True to Size
- Flatter Feet Sizing: These have a tapered and low-volume midfoot.
- Relative Sizing: Go the same size as Nike, Adidas, and Reebok.
What My Community Is Saying
On my YouTube channel, I’ve had a lot of my community members buy Haze Trainers based on my recommendations. Over the last two years, they’ve provided a ton of awesome feedback on them.
One commenter who goes by @fredericksantos7598 writes and gives a tip saying, “Thanks for the review, Jake! Love these shoes with how versatile they are! A little tip for those with a wide foot and/or who have an insert/orthotics.
I stuffed my shoes with socks at night before wearing them the next day to help break them in and create a little more room in the mid and forefoot due to the low profile of the shoe. Struggled with them being a little tighter at first but doing this has really helped and now they’re hella comfy.”
Another commenter who likes the Haze Trainer and goes by @eb5000 writes, “I love mine. I’ve used them 3-4x a week for 3 months. Durable, great fit, comfortable, agile, true to size. I will buy another pair, I only wish I could catch a sale or use a coupon code”
One commenter who goes by @RogueCylon who’s had issues with STR/KE’s customer service warns, “Terrible customer support. Probably the worst I have dealt with in over 10 years. Absolutely horrible to work with. They don’t care that the company took your money and didn’t send a shoe.”
For the most part, my community tends to like the Haze Trainer. I constantly find that athletes either LOVE or HATE the Haze Trainer. Very rarely are reviews in-between on this model.
Users tend to love their appearance and minimalist feel, and then conversely, things that are disliked tend to revolve around long-term durability and customer service.
Haze Trainer Performance Review
For the performance section in the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer, I’m going to discuss how this shoe performs with lifting, more versatile training, shorter runs, and daily wear.
Testing the Haze Trainer for Lifting and CrossFit
When it comes to lifting, the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer has been really strong across the board. The medium-density midsole does a really good job of resisting compression in static and dynamic strength exercises.
I’ve deadlifted over 500 lbs in this model and had no issues or worries about this model compressing. This model features a 4mm heel-to-toe drop with a fairly low stack height.
If you’re someone who 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” training shoes on the market. As someone who constantly rotates between training shoes and barefoot shoes for training, I appreciate this fit aspect.
For CrossFit, the Haze Trainer can be highly hit or miss. I’ve had some friends have their shoes last a year while others have had their pairs disintegrate in 6 months of high-volume use.
I like the Haze Trainer’s performance for CrossFit for the most part. The things I like revolve around its ability to be stable for my heavier WODs, but versatile enough for things like double-unders and box jumps.
My main gripe with this shoe for CrossFit revolves around its variable durability. Be very conscious of your shoe’s durability when doing a lot of rope climbing and when training outdoors as the outsole tread can fade.
Testing the Haze Trainer for Agility, Plyometrics, and HIIT
For versatile training, three major construction details help the Haze Trainer excel. First, this model’s outsole moves well and provides adequate traction on a variety of surfaces.
Second, the upper is breathable and 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.
My only concern with this shoe’s performance for versatile workouts is its long-term outsole tread. This shoe’s outsole can fade over time if you’re doing a lot of multi-directional work outdoors on concrete, for example.
Testing the Haze Trainer for Short Runs and Daily Wear
In the context of running, the Haze Trainer does a fairly good job with short runs under 1 mile. Some athletes don’t mind running in their Haze Trainer, but I tend to prefer them most for shorter intervals.
For example, if I’m tackling a WOD or circuit with 400-800 meter bouts programmed on the curved treadmill, then this shoe feels fine and responsive enough for that running threshold.
For runs longer than a mile, I tend to find these to run a little too dense for my preferences. If you have a forefoot strike and like dense midsoles then you may enjoy their feel, but for longer runs, these are not my favorite hybrid training shoes.
On a daily wear basis, this model is simplistic and looks clean. If I’m traveling, 9/10 times I bring my Haze Trainer because it’s an easy “do-it-all” style shoe that looks good as well.
For example, I find that most of the Haze Trainer’s colorways pair well with most outfits and it’s a good trainer to wear with pants without looking overly like “gym shoes”.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Sizing
- Haze Trainer Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most.
When it comes to sizing in the STR/KE 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 who has a foot wider than an EE-width or a thicker foot that may feel too restricted from the tongue gusset.
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.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Pros
Throughout all of my testing, the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainers have been consistently solid and I’ve found multiple pros to like about this shoe.
Pro 1: Stable, Yet Versatile
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. STRIKE MVMNT uses a medium-density Cush50™ midsole, which has a medium-density feel.
When doing heavier cleans and deadlifting over 500 lbs in this model, I’ve had no issues with midsole compression in this model. If you’re regularly loading over four plates on your lifts, I think the Haze Trainer can be a good option to explore.
Pro 2: Toe Box Is Fairly Anatomical
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.
I like 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. I have an E-width foot and find that this shoe gives my feet plenty of room to splay and move.
Pro 3: Sole Is Highly Flexible
The third pro of this model is the Cross Platform 2™ outsole STR/KE MVMNT uses. For shoe lovers, this tech detail is 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-forthfoot.
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.
Pro 4: Breathable and Comfortable Upper
The final pro of this model is its upper construction. This model features a 3D knit jacquard upper construction, which essentially means that the upper is composed of woven knit without additional stitching or materials.
The Haze Trainers break in seamlessly, and this isn’t a shoe that needs a ton of sessions to feel good on the feet. I will say, for some wider feet, you may need to give it a few sessions to have the upper break in for your width needs.
STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainer Cons
Across the board, I’ve enjoyed testing this model, but there are a couple of cons worth noting with this model.
Con 1: Price Point Can Be High
The first potential drawback is that this model has a slightly higher price point than other cross-training shoes on the market. For $150.00, 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. For example, the UA TriBase Reign 6 costs $20 less and is just as strong in the gym.
Con 2: Not the Best for Thicker Feet and Orthotics
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 and thicker feet. This model has a removable insole, however, its overall construction is fairly low-profile in design.
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. The tongue gusset can also be super offputting for thicker-footed athletes.
Con 3: Upper Durability Can Vary GREATLY
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. I’ve also had the top of my midfoot rip after 6-months of high-volume walking.
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. For example, cross-training outdoors on concrete is a no-go for me in these.
Who Should Buy the STR/KE MVMNT Haze Trainers?
The STR/KE 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.
STR/KE 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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:Can I lift heavy in the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer?
Q:Do the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainers fit true to size?
Q:Can I run in the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer?
Takeaway Thoughts
I 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!
Evan B
I have been using Strikes for Crossfit for a couple years now. I think the shoe everyone slept on is the Vimana Hybrid. It’s less a hybrid and more of a true gym trainer. Despite running a half size small, I feel like the fit would be way less polarizing than the kind of sock-like form fit of the Haze.
Too bad they’re discontinuing it, though. Maybe if some reviewers give it a real look they can bring it back.
YO! 10000% agreed. I was always shocked that I was one of the few who have reviewed that model. I’m also sad to be seeing it get discontinued.
Andres
took me a few sessions to break these in but I’m enjoying them so far. I could probably be the most well rounded trainer.
Stoked you’ve been enjoying them. Feel like that break-in period speaks to their polarizing vibe, honestly.
Taylor Howard
I’m so glad I found your review on these and finally bought a pair. I love them for general gym days and especially just for walking my dog. So comfortable and without any bulk. Awesomeness, thank you!
Erwin Mendoza
Jake’s comment on “my go to daily wear shoe” is what these have graduated to for me. I can coach, train, take a short run, run a quick errand, and attend a family event in these and not feel like I’m under dressed or uncomfortable. By far the most versatile shoes I’ve ever owned.
Derrick Chew
By far my favorite trainers. From running to wods to travel, I love these shoes!
Brian Levitt
Hi Jake,
I really enjoy your YouTube channel and the service you provide. I wanted to know if you had any feedback regarding the Haze Trainer fit/volume by the bunion area say compared to the Topo ST-5. I am looking for something in that minimal/bridge area for daily workouts/walking/everyday shoes. I am not lifting to heavy so sole compression is not a factor, I have tried the Topo ST-5 its close to what I am looking for. I see what you mean about the arch support but its not to obtrusive. It seems like the Haze trainer is similiar? But the fit is the deternining factor and the access.
Thanks for your service to the fitness community.
Hey, thank you so much, Brian! Yeah, it’s def a little similar in that regard. My advice, if you end up wanting to try them — go through Box Basics they have a better return process. Models from there that I would try IF the Haze are a miss, Altra Solstice XT 2 and VIKTOS Core Gym (a lot more volume in that area!).
Ashkan
I got these shoes based on your review, perfect shoes, only if they were more durable. I’m considering getting a new pair. Do you have any idea about the Haze EZ Trainer? Apparently, EZ has a different outsole compared to Haze Trainer: “The EZ Monogram 3 colorway features a subtle print over a near-white upper with contrasting mesh detail, leather textured laminates and ultra-grippy clear rubber outsole.”
Ash
I got these shoes based on your review, perfect shoes, only if they were more durable. I’m considering getting a new pair. Do you have any idea about the Haze EZ Trainer? Apparently, EZ has a different outsole compared to Haze Trainer: “The EZ Monogram 3 colorway features a subtle print over a near-white upper with contrasting mesh detail, leather textured laminates and ultra-grippy clear rubber outsole.”
Hey! I’m reviewing the new EZs as we speak. They’re great and the outsole is soooo much grippier which I love. Size up a half-size to full size in them!
Ash
Thanks for the heads up Jake, I’m wearing a pair of 10.5 Haze Trainers, so I should get an 11 EZ?
Mitchell Johnson
I also gave the Strike Mvmnt Haze trainers a whirl based on this review. For me, they are horribly uncomfortable, and my feet are screaming to come out of them after every WOD. Unfortunately, I used them for two weeks in hopes that they would break in and that I would get used to them, so now they are not returnable. So, I’ve got a pair of barely used Hazes in men’s 11 if anyone wants a good deal.
Dang, I hate hearing that. I’m bummed they didn’t work for you and thanks for sharing your feedback here. You might also want to drop a comment on the YT review if you’re serious about selling your pair!
That said, I keep finding that the Haze are one of the most polarizing shoes regarding their fit. You either LOVE or HATE the low-profile gusset, so now I’m curious, do you have a thicker foot or higher arch? I’m trying to build a better breadth of what type of foot anatomy/athlete just don’t work in this shoe.
Stephen
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!
Jake
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!
Sergey
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.
Roget
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.
Caleb
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!
Ashkan
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.
D
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!
Jake
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!
Don
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.
Stephen
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.
Stephen
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?
Stephen
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.