TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer Review | Are They Worth It?

The TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer is a spin-off model from TYR’s popular CXT-1 cross-training shoe. This model has a few distinct construction features that differentiate it from the core model.

As a fan of the original CXT-1 Trainer, I was excited to put the CXT-1 Turf Trainer to the test and see if it’s worth investing in. I constantly find turf-focused training shoes to be hit or miss, so I was curious if this model would be different.

In my TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer review, I’ll cover this shoe’s performance, its pros and cons, and cover who should buy and shouldn’t buy these.

Who Should Buy the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer?

If you’re thinking about buying the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer then you’ll want to consider some of the contexts where this shoe excels below.

1. You Primarily Train On Turf and Grass

If you’re a lifter that trains at a gym that has a lot of turf then the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer can make sense. The CXT-1 Turf Trainer has aggressive rubber lugs that give you a ton of bite on different styles of turf.

I’ve used this model on newer turf that’s a little more plush and more worn or flat turf and this shoe’s grip has been awesome across the board. Whether I was doing explosive work, sled pulls and pushes, or lifting, this shoe bit really well.

I also like this shoe’s performance on grass, and while I rarely personally train on grass, this shoe has done a good job for the workouts I’ve tested these shoes with on this surface.

I see this model as being a good option for the athlete that regularly trains at the track, on grass, or even the individual that wants a training shoe for working on turf. For example, coaches and referees come to mind here.

2. You Like the TYR CXT-1 Trainer

Another context where the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer makes sense is for current TYR fans. If you like the TYR CXT-1 Trainer and how that shoe performs regarding its fit, stability, and versatility then you’ll enjoy the Turf Trainer.

For example, this model features TYR’s Surge NRG foam midsole which is consistent with the regular trainer and this material is stable enough for 500 lb deadlifts and responsive enough for box jumps, jump rope, and plyometrics.

This shoe also has a fairly similar upper construction when it comes to the materials used and its fit. Now, I say fairly because with the synthetic toe box wrap, this model can feel a little snugger and I’ll discuss that below.

However, for those that find the TYR CXT-1 Trainer gives them plenty of room and like their fit, I think you’ll be fine in the Turf Trainer and the snugger feel will be a non-issue for you.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer?

Despite the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer being a stronger shoe than other turf-focused models, in my opinion, there are a few contexts where you’ll want to pass on this shoe.

1. You Only Train On Turf Sometimes

There’s no beating around the bush here, but if you’re only training on turf here and there, don’t buy this model. Turf-focused training shoes sound nice in theory, however, they can be pretty polarizing and limiting.

For example, while the lugs on this shoe are great for turf and grass, they take away from this shoe’s ability to feel stable with good traction on surfaces like rubber gym floors, machines, and wooden platforms.

Any time you raise a shoe’s sole further from the floor with the use of lugs you run the risk of decreasing surface area and increasing slip potential. This shoe is no different and I wasn’t a fan of their performance for multi-functionality.

That said, don’t feel into the gimmicky nature of Turf Trainers and if you’re not training on turf a lot, I’d save your money and just opt for a traditional cross-trainer because most will work just fine on turf

2. You Need More Width In Your Shoes

One of my main knocks on the original CXT-1 Trainer is that they can feel a little snug through the midfoot and toe box at times. The CXT-1 Turf Trainer is not different in this regard and actually has a snugger toe box fit.

Since this shoe features a synthetic overlay around the toe box for security purposes, I think this has created a snugger fit in this model and it doesn’t necessarily break in over time as fast as the mesh in the CXT-1 Trainer has.

If you have a wider foot and you need a training shoe to work on turf and grass, then you may want to look into options like the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure or even something like the Trail Glove 7 from Merrell.

TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer Pros and Cons

Over the course of my training sessions in the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer, I’ve found a few pros to appreciate with this shoe and a few cons that I’ve noticed.

If you’ve trained in the CXT-1 Turf Trainer, what are some pros and cons that you’ve noticed? Let me know in the comments below.

Performance Assessment

To test the performance of the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer I put this shoe through a variety of workout tests. Below I’ll share my thoughts on this shoe’s performance for lifting, versatile training, and short runs.

Testing the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer for Lifting

The TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer does a pretty good job of delivering stability when lifting. This model’s Surge NRG foam midsole should be dense enough to accommodate most lifting asks in this shoe.

For example, this material is stable enough to support 500 lb deadlifts and 405 lb squats. Now, the issue with the CXT-1 Turf Trainer’s lifting capabilities revolves around its lugs.

If you’re not training on a surface where you’re going to have a little more bite in these shoes, then their lifting performance and stability kind of goes out the window.

This would not be my go-to training shoe for doing heavy back squats on wooden platforms, sumo deadlift on rubber gym floors, or heavy machine work where the lugs can’t bite the metal platform.

If you’re planning on lifting on turf and doing things like squats, trap bar deadlifts, and heavy leg exercises then this shoe makes a lot of sense. Outside of lifting on grass and turf, I would tread lightly in these shoes because the lugs do take away from their traction. 

Testing the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer for Versatile Training

For versatile training, I’ve really enjoyed the CXT-1 Turf Trainer and it delivers a strong performance on versatile workouts on turf so it does live up to its name. In my HIIT and athletic-focused sessions, I’ve liked this shoe’s overall feel.

For multi-directional work, the carbon lugs give you a ton of bite so if you’re doing skater strides, cone work, or agility work, I don’t think you’ll have slip issues in this shoe if you’re training in grass or on turf.

The blend of stability and versatility are also perks in the context of this shoe’s performance for versatile training. It feels responsive enough for things like jump rope and the stability platform helps provide a nice surface area to plant the feet on.

The reinforced toe guard is also nice in this shoe in the context of adding more support when doing explosive exercises and sled work. It does give this model’s toe box a snugger feel, but you do get the trade-off of additional durability and security.

My only concern with this shoe for versatile training is the same as my concern with my lifting section above This will NOT be the shoe for versatile training on wooden floors and rubber gym floors. Much like trail shoes in this context, the lugs take away from their grip.

Testing the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer for Short Runs

If you’re planning on doing sprints and interval runs that range from 400 meters to a mile then the CXT-1 Turf Trainer can work okay. This shoe’s midsole is pretty dense so I never recommend running longer distances in the CXT-1 Trainer.

Plus, with the lugs in this model, you will have a more narrowed scope of where this model will work for runs. For example, if you’re doing track workouts or straightaways on turf, then these will work well.

For concrete and treadmill running, you’ll want to pass on these and these won’t be your go-to training shoe for hybrid workouts and workouts in this running context.

TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer Sizing

In the context of sizing the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer, this shoe should fit true to size for narrow to medium-width feet. With TYR shoes, I always suggest using their sizing scale as well and cross-referencing that with your current shoe’s sizing.

If you currently wear the TYR CXT-1 Trainer, then I’d go with the same size in this model, but while acknowledging that this model may feel a little snugger through the toe box.

I also think this shoe’s fit will work well for those that like a little more arch in their shoes and rigid boots. This model’s boot hugs the ankle well and with its last construction, you have a little more arch in this model.

If you have wide feet as in E-width or wider, buyer be warned, I’d tread lightly before investing in this shoe because I don’t think it will deliver enough width for your foot’s needs.

• TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer, drop a comment below and I can help you out accordingly.

Price Breakdown

For the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer, you can expect to pay around $140 USD. This is a $10 price increase from the traditional CXT-1 Trainer that retails at around $130 USD.

In the context of value for the price, I’m hit or miss on this shoe. Construction-wise, I could see there being a case for the price of this model since it does have more niche features than the traditional trainer.

However, as mentioned above, I don’t think the price of these shoes will make sense for most athletes and lifters that are only training on turf sometimes.

If you’re not hyper-focused on training on this surface or grass, save your money and opt for different training shoes that will give you more range with their traction and stability.

Construction Details

Compared to the TYR CXT-1 Trainer, the CXT-1 Turf Trainer has a few key changes that feed into its niche performance. Below are the key construction details to note about this model.

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 9mm
• Weight:
• Removable Insole: Yes
• Mesh Upper
• Synthetic Toe Guard
• Carbon Rubber Outsole Lugs
• Full Rubber Outsole
• Patent Pending Stability Platform
• Surge NRG Foam Midsole
• Medial Outsole Wrap
• 5 Core Eyelets With a 6th for Lace-Lock

If you need further clarification on the construction of the CXT-1 Turf Trainer, drop a comment below.

Takeaway Thoughts

Overall, I like the TYR CXT-1 Trainer and I think it’s a stronger performer compared to its niche peers like the NOBULL Turf Trainer. This shoe is consistent and its lugs have really good grip.

Do I think this shoe is worth it for everyone? Not at all, and I’d suggest that a majority of lifters and athletes pass on this model and other turf-focused shoes if that’s not a major ask of yours.

If you have additional questions about the TYR CXT-1 Turf Trainer, drop a comment below or reach out to me via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).