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On my YouTube channel, I’m constantly asked about which workout shoes someone should buy for F45 Training. Outside of YouTube asks, I also have a couple of clients that regularly tackle F45 workouts and I love getting to help them find the perfect shoes.
A good shoe for F45 Training will be designed with versatility in mind and it should give you confidence during your F45 workouts. Since F45 Workouts blend a variety of exercises together, you’ll want training shoes that can do a little bit of everything.
Like most F45 Training workouts, every workout shoe will have subtle nuances that separate them from one another. All of the shoes in this article excel for F45 Training and I’ve broken them into categories based on specific asks.
Whether you’re needing a workout shoe for F45 Training and have wide feet, or flat feet, or want a shoe with a lot of versatility, this article should help match you with some great options.
Best Workout Shoes for F45 Training
If you’re wanting a workout shoe that excels for F45 Training and most gym workouts, then you’ll want a model that delivers a well-rounded performance for a majority of workouts.
To test the best overall F45 Training shoes, I assess a shoe’s performance for F45 specifically, then explore their performance in other performance categories, lifting, and more.
Top Pick: Reebok Nano X4
The Nano X4 delivers a strong, well-rounded performance for a variety of training contexts, especially F45 workouts, and it should work for most fitness enthusiasts.
The Reebok Floatride Energy Foam midsole gives this shoe a nice blend of responsiveness and stability. For bodyweight exercises and light to modern strength training, you should feel stable and grounded in this shoe.
On top of its midsole boosting its performance for F45 workouts, this shoe also has a full rubber outsole with a lug tread pattern. Whether you’re doing HIIT movements on rubber gym floors or sled pushes on turf, you should get nice traction with this model.
The knit upper breathes pretty well and for general workouts like F45 Training, it should deliver a strong level of durability. This model’s toe box is also slightly wider which is a perk for many fitness enthusiasts wanting a little more width with their shoes.
Who the Reebok Nano X4 Works Best For
- Anyone that wants a shoe for F45 Training and doing a little bit of everything in the gym.
- Fitness Enthusiasts who want a slightly wider toe box with their shoes.
- Someone that wants a training shoe that can also work and look good for daily wear.
Who May Want to Pass On the Reebok Nano X4
- Fitness enthusiasts that need a shoe with a wider midfoot. These shoes feel narrower than prior Nano iterations and have a pretty aggressive arch for flat feet.
- Best For: General Training, HIIT Workouts, Casual CrossFit, and Wider Feet
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 7mm
- Weight: 12.45 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to size for most.
- For More Info: Read My Review
Best Versatile Workout Shoes for F45 Training
If you’re looking for the best versatile workout shoes for F45 Training, then you’ll want a shoe that can be a strong performer within more than one training niche.
While the Reebok Nano X4 is a highly versatile shoe and will work for most, it’s not the best model for things like running which is a training ask that many have when exploring versatile training shoes.
Top Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite 245
The Inov-8 F-Lite 245 is taking my top pick as the best versatile workout shoe for F45 Training. This model is unique because it can be a strong performer for both F45 Training and tackling short runs. In fact, this is one of my favorite training shoes for hybrid training.
The Inov-8 F-Lite 245 features Inov-8’s signature ExteroFlow midsole. I like how responsive this midsole feels for things like box jumps and jump rope, and how stable it can feel for moderate strength training.
Another thing to like about this shoe is the outsole and its slightly more aggressive lugs. For turf training and when working on rubber gym floors, this shoe has a nice level of grip and that’s why I typically recommend it for those who also need shoes for HYROX.
This model’s lightweight knit upper breathes well, too, so in hotter F45 Training workouts when the gym is packed your feet should breathe pretty well. The upper also has a nice refined appearance to it.
Who the Inov-8 F-Lite 245 Works Best For
- Fitness enthusiasts that training shoes for things like F45 Training and light running.
- Anyone with narrower feet that like training shoes with a little arch support that have more sock-like fits to them.
- Athletes that prioritize breathable upper construction in their shoes or train in hot settings often.
Who May Want to Pass On the Inov-8 F-Lite 245
- If you have wide or flat feet, you may not resonate with the fit of these as they run a little more narrow.
- Anyone that wants or needs a high level of lateral upper construction support.
- Fitness enthusiasts that need additional ankle support and want a wider heel.
- Best For: Classes, Strength Training, and Hybrid Workouts
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 3mm
- Weight: 8.65 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: Narrow/Neutral-Width feet go true to size. Wide feet, go up a half-size or pass on this shoe.
- For More Info: Read My Review
Best Workout Shoes for F45 Training for Flat Feet
If you’re looking for good workout shoes for F45 Training that also typically work well for flat feet, then you’ll want to explore shoes with last constructions that have a slightly wider build to them, especially through the midfoot.
On top of being flat foot-friendly, you’ll also want to consider a shoe’s versatility and performance for F45 Training. Below are a couple of my favorite picks for F45 Training.
Top Pick: NOBULL Impact
The NOBULL Impact is taking my top pick as the best workout shoe for F45 Training and flat feet. This model has a flatter sole construction and if you need a shoe with more width through the midfoot, then you should resonate with the Trainer+.
Unlike the traditional NOBULL Outwork, the NOBULL Impact has a thicker EVA foam midsole that is responsive. This midsole works well for box jumps, jump rope, and agility exercises and should be fine for most exercises in F45 workouts.
The herringbone tread outsole on this shoe is also a perk of this model for F45 Training. This outsole has a nice level of tread on rubber gym floors and turf, and the toe wrap is a nice feature for adding grip when really digging the toes into the ground.
I think if you want a shoe that has good durability for all types of workouts, then you should resonate with the NOBULL Impact. This model tends to last a while and your investment should go the distance with the Trainer+ and use it for F45 Training.
Who the NOBULL Impact Works Best For
- Fitness enthusiasts that want shoes for F45 Training, strength training, and cross-training/CrossFit.
- Athletes that have flatter feet and want a shoe with a consistent toe box and midfoot width.
- Anyone that wants a durable training shoe that tends to last a while.
Who May Want to Pass On the NOBULL Impact
- If you prioritize breathability, then you may want to pass on the Trainer+ as its SuperFabric upper runs pretty hot.
- Anyone that wants a training shoe that will also work well for running and long walks.
- Athlets with notably wide feet than need more room in their toe box.
- Best For: Recreational Lifting, Flat Feet, CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
- Weight: 12.7 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
Best Workout Shoes for F45 Training for High Arches
If you have high arches, then you likely find that it can be difficult to find training shoes that work really well with your foot anatomy. For F45 Training, a little arch support can be great for workouts with more lifting and jumping.
Arch support can vary pretty greatly in training shoes and I do have an article covering my favorite training shoes for high arches, but below are a couple of my picks that work well exclusively for F45 Training.
Top Pick: On Cloud X 3
The On Cloud X 3 is taking my top pick as the best workout shoes for F45 Training and high arches. The On Cloud X and On Cloud X 3 both deliver a moderate level of arch support for training and running.
Like the On Cloud X, the On Cloud X 3 is built with On’s signature CloudTec in its midsole. This material and construction feature gives this model a responsive feel when jumping and doing HIIT and it’s stable enough for the strength work done in F45 workouts.
This shoe’s outsole has enough tread for promoting traction in F45 Training and this model has a nice level of articulation. For sled pushes, lunges, and jumping, this shoe moves well with the feet which is a nice feature.
If you like shoes that have a bias towards versatility and can be worn for some running, waking, and all-day wear, then you should enjoy the overall performance and feel of the On Cloud X 3.
Who the On Cloud X 3 Works Best For
- Fitness enthusiasts that want training shoes that have a moderate level of arch support.
- Athletes that want training shoes that work well for daily wear, walking, and running.
- Anyone that likes training shoes that have a good level of breathability for hotter climates.
Who May Want to Pass On the On Cloud X 3
- Fitness enthusiasts that want training shoes for heavier strength work in addition to F45 Training.
- Athletes with wider feet that need and want more width in their toe boxes.
- Budget-Conscious fitness enthusiasts. You may want to explore the On Cloud X and find sales if you really like this model but don’t want to spend $149.99 USD.
- Best For: Shorter Runs, Classes, Light Lifting, HIIT, and Agility
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 8mm
- Weight: 8.8 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
Best Workout Shoes for F45 Training for Wide Feet
As the industry progresses, we’re starting to see more trainers built for wide feet. However, in my opinion, there is still a lag when it comes to options for training shoes for wide feet (wider than a D-width foot).
If you have wide feet and want a shoe for F45 Training, then you’ll want to explore models that not only match your anatomy but also provide a nice level of versatility for working out.
Top Pick: Altra Solstice XT 2
The Altra Solstice XT 2 is talking my top pick as the best workout shoes for F45 Training and wide feet. Like most Altra models, the Solstice XT 2 is built with an anatomical toe box that provides ample width for full toe splay.
This model’s lightweight EVA foam midsole is responsive for jumping, jump rope, and explosive work, and it can hold its own for strength work in F45 workouts. It also works well for heavier-weight training if you plan to do strength work outside of F45.
The rubber outsole tread on the Solstice XT 2 performs well for sled work on turf and training on rubber gym floors. You should get a nice level of traction with this shoe for most training styles and multi-directional work.
Another thing to like about the Altra Solstice XT 2 is that can also be a viable training shoe for short runs on top of F45 workouts. If you need a shoe for a few miles here or pre and post-workout cooldown runs, then Solstice XT 2 should work for your needs.
Who the Altra Solstice XT 2 Works Best For
- Fitness enthusiasts that have wider feet and want more room in their shoes for toe splay.
- Athletes that want shoes for F45 Training, Short Runs, and versatile workouts.
- Anyone that likes 0mm heel-to-toe drop (zero drop) constructions in their shoes.
Who May Want to Pass On the Altra Solstice XT 2
- Athletes and lifters that also do CrossFit on top of F45 Training and want a singular shoe for everything.
- Fitness Enthusiasts that have narrow feet as you may feel like these shoes don’t give you enough upper security.
- Anyone that trains outdoors, as these shoes can suffer from long-term sole durability issues.
- Best For: Flat Feet, Wide Feet, HIIT Workouts, Recreational Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 0mm
- Weight: 9.5 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Sizing: True to Size
- For More Info: Read My Review
What Makes a Shoe Good for F45 Training?
When exploring shoes that excel for F45 Training, there are a few construction features that you’ll want to investigate and make sure training shoes possess. Since F45 Training entails versatile workouts, you’ll need shoes that deliver good versatility.
In my opinion, there are three key construction features that a shoe needs to have to excel for F45 Training. These are three areas that I would consider as non-negotiables for workout shoes being used in the context of F45.
- Responsive Midsoles: Ideally, you’ll want a midsole that delivers a blend of responsiveness and stability. Midsoles that are too soft will lack the support you need for strength training and midsoles that are too dense will lack comfort for things like jumping and running.
- Rubber Outsoles: Workout shoes with full rubber outsoles or nearly full rubber outsoles will fare better for F45 Training than shoes with a lot of exposed foam. Rubber outsoles will provide better traction on different surfaces like turf and rubber gym floors.
- Supportive Uppers: Upper constructions that are reinforced or provide a nice level of security are also important for F45 Training. Since a lot of F45 workouts are performed in a circuit-like fashion, you’ll want shoes with uppers that allow you to easily transition between different exercises with different demands.
Outside of F45 Training, these are also three construction features to keep in mind and weigh heavily when you’re looking into workout shoes for versatile training. If you find shoes that excel in these three areas, then you’ll be well on your way to a good shoe for F45 Training.
Wrapping Up
F45 Training has steadily grown in popularity over the last few years. Whether you’re taking an F45 class once a week or it’s your primary means of training, finding the right shoes can be incredibly important.
For F45 Training, you’ll want workout shoes designed to be more versatile and if you can cross-reference a shoe’s performance with your anatomical needs, then you can find models that fit your feet and needs like a glove.
If you have additional questions about the shoes featured in this round-up or other models, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
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