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The TYR CXT-2 Trainer and Born Primitive Savage 1 are shoes that I’d describe as the new kids on the block for training. Compared to your Nike Metcon and Reebok Nanos, these are models ushering in the new school of training shoes for CrossFit from smaller companies.
The Savage 1 shudders remnants of older school Nano models that most of us loved, while the CXT-2 brings a more built-out construction that has become more popular over the last 4-5 years. I’ve enjoyed both of these shoes but for slightly different reasons, and one of the beautiful aspects about this comparison is that they’re both very different, so hopefully it’s easier for you to decide.
The CXT-2 has a much more built-out construction, and the Savage 1 is a lot more minimalist with its design. On the feet, this gives these shoes a super different fit and feel, and each will cater to different activities such as cross-training, CrossFit, and lifting.
Performance Quick Notes
- Which Is Best for Lifting: Both are solid. The BP Savage 1 will have a lower stack height, which will give you better ground feel if you’re big on wanting that. The CXT-2 Trainer has a more built-out midsole with a higher heel if you prefer a higher drop when training.
- Which Is Best for CrossFit: Both work well. If your gym programs a lot of lifting that includes deadlifts and lower body movements, then the Savage 1 can be awesome. For gyms that program a lot of clean & jerks, snatches, and squats, the CXT-2 can be great with its platform and higher drop.
- Which Is Best for HIIT/Versatile Workouts: Both are so-so. To be honest, it’s tough to pick an outright winner here because these are both denser shoes with more of a stability bias to their construction. If you like training barefoot more often, then go with Savage 1; if you do a lot of multi-directional work and need more aggressive sidewalls, go with the CXT-2.
- Which Is Best for Short Runs: Neither is that great. If you’re running short intervals in a WOD or workout, thank 400-800 meters, then both shoes will be fine. For runs longer than 1,200 meters, you may want to explore more runnable cross-training shoes that work for lifting and CrossFit, like the Inov8 F-Lite.
- Which Is Best for Daily Wear: BP Savage 1. From a width and articulation standpoint, the BP Savage 1 is the better option for daily wear contexts. The CXT-2 is a little beefier, which I think hinders their ability to be super comfortable for all-day use. For a good daily wear training shoe option that you can dress up easily, explore the Haze Trainer.
At the end of the day, if you prefer a more minimalist-feeling training shoe that resembles older trainers, think circa 2016-2019, then opt for the BP Savage 1. If you like a more robust platform to train and lift on, and primarily do CrossFit, then the CXT-2 Trainer can be a great move.
Construction Specs to Know
The construction differences between these models significantly impact their performance in various training contexts. Here’s the breakdown:
| Born Primitive Savage 1 | TYR CXT-2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Drop | 4mm | 7mm |
| Weight | 11.20 oz | 12.95 oz |
| Midsole | Dense, minimalist | Surge Energy Foam |
| Width | Wide | Medium/Wide |
| Read | Savage 1 Review | CXT-2 Review |
Performance Deep Dive
Lifting Assessment
For lifting, I was most interested in testing three elements between these shoes: Stack height, flexibility, and overall stability. I think if you reverse engineer your lifting asks, then it gets a lot easier to narrow down the model that would be best for your training needs.
The Born Primitive Savage 1 features the lower stack height between these two shoes. Its dense midsole construction makes it less suitable for running, however, it excels for lifting, especially lower body and deadlift days. The shoe offers superior flexibility, making it ideal for those who prefer a more minimalist training approach.
Now, don’t read that and think you can’t train heavy AF in the CXT-2 Trainer. Both shoes offer great stability. I’ve deadlifted over 500 lbs in both of these shoes and have sunk some heavy squats and leg presses in both, too. It’s just a question of preference regarding how much ground feel you like and if you want more flexibility with your sole when training.
The TYR CXT-2 takes a middle-ground approach with its stack height. The Surge NRG foam midsole provides a medium-density feel and a more robust feel, offering a good balance between stability and versatility. My personal favorite is the Savage 1. Keep in mind, though, that I’m a minimalist lover, so use that info as you wish to make your decision.
Winner: Born Primitive Savage 1
- Lower stack height provides superior ground feedback
- Wider base creates better stability
- Minimal heel drop ideal for pulling movements
- Dense midsole prevents compression under heavy loads
- More flexible forefoot allows better toe spread
Born Primitive Savage 1
$130
Pros
- Good durability for CrossFit WODs
- Wide Toe Box Is Great for Toe Splay
- Dense Midsole and Lower Stack Height
Cons
- Not the Best for Running
- May Be Too Wide for Narrow Feet
- Lower Material At Midfoot Folds At Times
Best For
- Lifting
- CrossFit
- Cross-Training
- Wide Feet
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4mm |
| Weight | 11.2 oz |
| Width | Wide(r) |
| Lifting Threshold | 545 lbs |
| Mileage Threshold | <1 mile |
CrossFit Assessment
For CrossFit, the name of the game for my assessment is asking how these shoes do when blending stability, versatility, and durability. In the context of durability, I feel confident when recommending both of these shoes. Both of my pairs have been awesome for various WODs and I don’t have any immediate red flags in these shoes like I did with the CXT-1 Trainer.
I think for CrossFit, you should focus on how your gym primarily programs to make the most educated call. For gyms that program a lot of everything, then I think the CXT-2 Trainer is the move. It has a more well-rounded construction that I think will be a good option for anyone in that grey area of knowing they need a shoe for everything, but not necessarily sold or married to anything specific.
The BP Savage 1 is the move for athletes who loved the old school Nano and Metcons. Those models had denser feels with their midsoles, which impacted their performance for running, but helped them excel for lifting and other power-focused WODs — which is similar to how the Savage 1 feels. It’s also a great option for gyms that program a lot of lifting in their WODs.
Either way, though, I like both of these shoes for CrossFit, just for different reasons. The CXT-2 is a little more “all encompassing” at times, but both models “slap” as the kids say.
Winner: TYR CXT-2
- Improved durability features for rope climbs
- TPU wraps protect during wall-facing movements
- Better balanced for varied WOD demands
- More structured upper provides better foot lockdown
- Heel-to-toe drop beneficial for Olympic lifts
TYR CXT-2 Trainer
$150
Pros
- Well-rounded performance
- Great durability for WODs and cross-training
- Stable midsole for heavy lifting
Cons
- Not the best option for flat feet
- Normal model still isn't that "wide"
- Tongue can feel a little thick for some
Best For
- CrossFit
- Lifting
- Cross-Training
- Ankle Support
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 7mm |
| Weight | 13.1 oz |
| Width | Medium |
| Lifting Threshold | ~550 lbs |
| Mileage Threshold | < 1 mile |
Versatility/HIIT Assessment
The Born Primitive Savage 1 excels in power-focused workouts where ground feedback is more desired. Think workouts where you’re doing plyos, jump rope, and kettlebell flows. This can give these shoes a “harder” feeling if you’re used to plusher models. These also have a lower drop at 4mm which can make them a great option for barfoot shoe lovers wanting trainers, too.
The TYR CXT-2 offers slightly more versatility due to its medium-density midsole, and it feels a tad softer at times. It offers marginally more forgiveness during mixed-modal training sessions. The more robust platform also feeds into this and can be better for lockdown when doing multi-directional work as well.
That said, CXT-2 wins here, but not by much. Most of this section is going to come down to your fit and ground feel asks. If you’re wanting a shoe solely for HIIT, you’d be better off looking for something more optimised for HIIT contexts.
Winner: TYR CXT-2
- Medium density midsole handles more training styles
- Better cushioning for mixed modal workouts
- More forgiving during longer training sessions
- Superior ankle support for varied movements
- Better overall balance between stability and comfort
Born Primitive Savage 1
TYR CXT-2
Running/Daily Wear Assessment
For running, both of these will offer a similar level of performance, as in — neither are really that great for running. For example, if your gym programs a lot of running intervals in WODs, then you’d want to grab something more hybrid like the Inov8 F-Fly.
Since both of these models have awesome stability, that always comes at the cost of responsiveness and forgiveness when running. The CXT-2 does have a slightly better feel for beginners and recreational lifters, though. Whereas, the BP Savage 1 will probably feel denser than what most are used to unless you’re used to running with minimalist shoes.
For daily wear, I like both of these shoes. I do tend to prefer the Savage 1 for all-day wear, though, and that’s due to its width and flexibility. These feel the best for rocking and about casually since they never feel overbearing and have a lower drop. The CXT-2’s higher drop and heavier upper can start to feel a little snug if you’ve worn them all day.
Winner (Tie): TYR CXT-2
- More cushioning for impact absorption
- Better heel-to-toe transition
- More structured upper prevents foot sliding
Winner (Tie): Born Primitive Savage 1
- Wider toe box allows natural toe splay
- More flexible construction reduces foot fatigue
- Lower weight enhances all-day comfort
- Less structured upper adapts to foot shape
Sizing and Fit Suggestions
Born Primitive Savage 1, My Tips
- For Narrow Feet: Go true to size.
- Narrow Feet Caveat: Low-volume, narrow feet may actually find them too spacious and may want to pass.
- For Medium-Width Feet: Go true to size.
- For Wide Feet (E-3E): Go true to size.
- Wide Feet Caveat: If you have a high-instep or want even more width, remove the shoe’s insole and they’ll feel better.
- Flat Feet: These shoe be decent for your feet!
TYR CXT-2, My Tips
- For Narrow Feet: Go true to size.
- For Medium-Width Feet: Go true to size.
- For Wide Feet (E-2E): Go true to size in the “wide” version.
- For 3E+ Width Feet: Wide may be the move, along with sizing up a half-size.
- Flat Feet: These may feel okay if you go with the wide version, but mind the arch.
Construction Details
Midsole
The BP Savage 1 features a dual-density EVA foam midsole. It’s built to give you more flexibility and pliability in the forefoot and a little more stability in the heel. You can compress the midsole more easily in the forefoot with your fingers.
The CXT-2 features TYR’s Surge NRG foam for its midsole. This is a medium-density compound that doesn’t compress super easily to the touch. On top of this, the midsole is wrapped with a TPU layer which also contributes to this shoe’s stability and helps keep the midsole durable.
Outsole
The Savage 1 has a full rubber outsole that has a fascia-like tread pattern to it. The grip of this shoe is awesome. I never have slip issues in this shoe no matter the surface I’m training on and the durability tends to be great. I’ve played multiple rounds of pickleball in my shoes and they’re still holding strong.
The CXT-2 features a fully rubber tread as well and utilizes the TYRTac rubber compound. This outsole does a pretty good job on most surfaces. I do feel like the translucent outsoles aren’t as grippy as the other CXT-2 outsoles, but that may just be a “me” problem with the gym I train at and its old turf. For most, I wouldn’t stress this.
Upper
The Savage 1’s upper is pretty simplistic and it has a good volume to it. This model primarily features a knit with synthetic overlays. This gives it a softer feeling on foot for the most part. The boot is built with a padded mesh that has a light internal heel counter and a TPU overlay for additional stability. My only gripe with the Savage 1’s upper is that the tongue can feel pretty aggressive on the top of the foot — wear long socks when breaking them in.
The CXT-2 has a chain-link mesh upper that has synthetic overlays as well around the laces. This model is also built with a padded mesh boot and its heel counter is a little more aggressive. If you like ankle support, then I think you’ll enjoyt this model’s feel a little more. The tongue is also a lot more beefy on the CXT-2 which is better for comfort compared to the Savage 1’s.
Takehome Points
At the end of the day, I like and respect the Savage 1 and CXT-2.
I think both companies brought solid products to the market and they’ve performed exceptionally well. If you’re debating between these two shoes, then I’d once again, factor in your shoe feel preferences and how your gym programs.
For my old school CrossFit shoe lovers, opt for the BP Savage 1. Grab this model if you also like minimalist shoes.
For my friends who like a more robust training shoe that has a bit more ankle support, then opt for the CXT-2.
If you have additional questions about this shoe, drop a comment below or reach out via Instagram!
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