The 10 Best Nike CrossFit Shoes for 2022 – Complete Comparison and Reviews

As a collegiate athlete who has trained in several small to world-class CrossFit gyms, I’ve tried many shoes specifically for CrossFit workouts. My favorite brand is Nike so here is an article of my thoughts for each popular Nike shoe and my recommendations for you.

Best Men Nike CrossFit Shoes – The Nike Free Metcon 3’s

The Free Metcon Series was first introduced back in 2018 as an answer to the comfort demands of the people that complained about the Metcon series. The core Metcon shoe generation was specifically designed for any movement directions that a CrossFitter might throw at them.

This is great for varied WODs, but spending a whole day in these shoes could feel a little harsh on the foot.

That’s where The Metcon Free series was made. An injection of comfort whilst retaining its core design notes of the Metcon. The heel lick for push up handstands and the outer sold wrap for rope climbs.

The Nike Free Metcon 3’s serves as a practical training shoe for not only CrossFit, but all fitness training in general. The design is a bit different as you are struck by a wider splayed heel, exaggerated raised outer sole, and an overall disruptive while playful aesthetic providing a dynamic feel to your training shoe collection.

Benefits

Lightweight

Even though there may be some bulkiness of the raised outer sole appearing heavy at first glance, the new design is actually lighter than the previous Metcons. It is 1 ounce lighter and ticks the lightweight criteria that most CrossFit Athletes look for in their training shoes.

With that 1 ounce, it can make a big difference in your times and weight lifts on your workout for the day.

Stable

The Nike Free Metcon 3’s may not come with any added weight, but it’s focused on providing more stability. As the heels no longer have any licks, that means it will run flush to the ground. This provides you the ultimate stable base for dynamic lateral movements and heavy lifting for your workouts.

This is perfect from box jumps mid WOD to lateral drills after. This shoe will keep you grounded and ready for whatever CrossFit challenges you for that day.

Runnable

The Nike Free Metcon 3’s has a heel to toe drop of 10mm, compared to the other Metcon models that is far flatter with just a 4mm heel to toe drop. This means the raised heel provides a foot position more similar to that of a runner. 

With this upgrade combined with these flexible Free sole provides you the perfect position and movement for sprinting and running as it promotes dorsiflexion of the foot.

This reduces the overall stress and strain on your heels allowing you to be less fatigued as you are moving around your CrossFit Workouts.

Comfortable

The Nike Free Metcon 3’s is literally the perfect blend of durability and comfort, made through its dual density sole. With the colorful patterns of the softer underfoot cushioning with the firmer and more stable outer sole, this combination provides you the traction and stability without compromising on the comfort. Perfect for prolonged workouts and use.

Multifunctional

The Nike Free Metcon 3’s highlights its specialism in its graphics as it’s subtly printed on the inside of the medial heel. 

Aside from that, it provides the stability in the heel and grounding on the sole making it perfect for Box jumps. The heel socks also fit snug and high as it grabs your heel, ensuring that your foot is firm when performing sled pushes or other highly dorsiflexed movements.

This is why the Tottenham Hotspurs Football team uses these shoes for the training session.

Best Women Nike CrossFit Shoes – The Nike Metcon 2 Women’s

If you’re a CrossFit athlete or fanatic, then you know having the right gear for your workouts is important. It will keep your feet comfortable and cool while working out and can be the difference maker from getting your PR vs failing to get the results you want.

The Nike Metcon is best known and used for high-intensity and dynamic workouts such as Crossfit. They are flexible and light enough for sprints and durable enough for rope climbs, while strong and sturdy enough for serious weightlifting. Making it a great all around shoe that is ideal for any sort of indoor workouts

Benefits

Foot Support 

The Nike Metcon 2 Women’s is designed with movement in mind, the sole of the shoe is soft that provides the perfect blend of compression and bounce during the drive off of the floor. This is especially when you’re performing Olympic lifts as it allows a broader range of flexibility from your toes. 

With the Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) strap that goes from the midfoot to the hell providing a secure foothold, it provides the support during your Crossfit workout.

Included with the wearer support around the ankle and unique lacing system, the Nike Metcon 2 Women’s provides the flexibility that you need to be able to withstand whatever your workout attacks you with for the day.

Protection and Durability

The Nike Metcon 2 Women’s has added all the safety features to keep your feet and ankles safe with a number of features. The toe clip on the front of the shoes helps align your feet to help you excel during your push-ups, burpees, and any toe to bar movement. 

The midsole features dual density rubber that rises high above the heel compared to other Crossfit shoes. As the mid foot has a rubber surface that wraps onto the arch and the outsole that has tri-star grooves on both hell and the ball of the foot, it provides you the grip to jump and run during your WODs.

With the TPU material blended with Nike’s flywire filaments, the durability of your shoe will last through all your tough exercises and workouts.

Breathability

The Nike Metcon 2 Women’s is known for giving a natural barefoot running experience due to its flexibility, light weight, and comfort. This is because it is made of a combination of mesh, TPU strap, and a bootie. The heel and mouth are neoprene which soaks up sweat during your workouts in the heat.

This makes it perfect if you’re outside in the heat, sweating hard as you are doing your WODs or Crossfit Workouts.

Comfort

Compared to most Crossfit Shoes for women on the market, The Nike Metcon 2 Women’s is comfortable and plush. The cushioned foam midsole paired with the booty constructions offers some comfortability during your runs. 

This means it is perfect for everyday wear and running. With the dual-density midsole offering cushioning that most other Crossfit shoes lack, it is a great choice to get a pair for both casual and workout use.

Best Weightlifting Shoes for men – Nike Romaleos 4

Romaleos are known for lifting big and training strong, a tool in the battle for incremental increases in strength and getting those new personal records. Used by Olympions, rugby players, and Elite Crossfitters, the Romaleos allows you to maximize your untapped potential of your strength through it’s expertly engineered tech and design.

Featuring a rugged 2 straps to lock in and a ¾ TPU heel diversifies the number of ways you can use this shoe. It allows the lifting show to amplify athlete’s performance within their workout routine.

Nike has also brought back and improved on the 2 velcro strap closure system. With an added layer of synthetic leather reinformation wrapped around the heel, it provides an additional element of support to your feet.

Benefits

Lightweight

The Nike Romaleos 4 comes with two different soles which will influence the weight. If you’re using the softer sole, then the shoe will weigh 13oz while the harder sole will weigh at 15 oz.

These shoes are lighter than other weightlifting shoes on the market. This is ideal for lifters with slow foot turnover and those going through function style workout or workouts that involve multiple exercises such as power and strength at once.

As these shoes are designed with a hybrid style, you won’t feel any clunkiness or slowness for any exercise. With the heavier shoe, it will make it feel like your feet are more firmer planted making it great for any weight lifting exercise.

Heel Height

The Nike Romaleos 4 has a heel height of around .79 inches or 20mm. This is the best height for many different litters with multiple ranges of motion and skeletal differences. 

As the heel height is perfect, it allows you to remain stable and achieve a great range of motion in the squat, clean & jerk, and snatch.

Heel Construction

The Nike Romaleos 4 has a hard thermoplastic polyurethane heel which is a non-compressible lightweight material that is known for its sturdiness and resilience to scrapes and grazes.

As Nike limited the amount of material being used while keeping the heel stable and strong, this has resulted in the shoe being lighter than other competitors.

Material

The Nike Romaleos 4 uses its signature flywire material for the upper shoe material. It is known for its flexibility and lightweightness while still being durable. 

When you put your feet in the shoe, you will notice the difference through the mid foot and toe box. This is because it is more flexible upon your first use making it perfect for lifters who need a new shoe and want to break it in in a fast and comfortable way.

Foot Straps

The Nike Romaleos 4 has two straps that sit around the mid foot area. These straps are made out of a polyester seatbelt webbing material that provides more control over your shoe and security over your feet.

Best Weightlifting Shoes for women – Chuck Taylors

Converse’s rise to fame was from their Chuck Taylor’s. They have since expanded to create streetwear, sport, and innovative products that help you create your own authentic street style.

These Chuck Taylors have been one of the staples of powerlifting due to the affordability and how they fit a lot of the requirements for a deadlift shoe. They are also trendy and can be worn casually when you’re not working out.

Their flat soles are rigid and durable, allowing you to distribute the weights evenly on your feet when your deadlift.

Although the shoe body is made out of canvas, it provides a great sense of flexibility for the ankle. It can provide ankle support if you lace the shoelaces tightly. But it doesn’t give the ankle support you want like the Sabo Deadlift Shoes.

If you’re looking for an affordable deadlift shoe that can be worn casually, the Chuck Taylors are perfect for your next deadlift shoe. 

Top 10 Nike CrossFit Shoes

Metcon

If you’re a CrossFit athlete or fanatic, then you know having the right gear for your workouts is important. It will keep your feet comfortable and cool while working out and can be the difference maker from getting your PR vs failing to get the results you want.

The Nike Metcon is best known and used for high-intensity and dynamic workouts such as Crossfit. They are flexible and light enough for sprints and durable enough for rope climbs, while strong and sturdy enough for serious weightlifting. Making it a great all around shoe that is ideal for any sort of indoor workouts

Nike FlyEase

The Nike Air Max 90 FlyEase combines the timelessness of the original Air Max design with their new FlyEase technology. As the heels collapse when you step in then snap back into place, providing quick and easy access to one of history’s most iconic sneakers and crossfit shoes. 

Flyknit

The Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit is one of the most buoyancy and buoyant shoes in Nike’s closet. A higher fashion inspired features with flowing lines stretchable and breathable flyknit construction. This shoe is made for providing the spring in your steps and the cushioning you are looking for prolonged CrossFit Wods.

Nike Flywire

Romaleos are known for lifting big and training strong, a tool in the battle for incremental increases in strength and getting those new personal records using their Flywire tech. Used by Olympions, rugby players, and Elite Crossfitters, the Romaleos allows you to maximize your untapped potential of your strength through it’s expertly engineered tech and design.

Featuring a rugged 2 straps to lock in and a ¾ TPU heel diversifies the number of ways you can use this shoe. It allows the lifting show to amplify athlete’s performance within their workout routine.

Nike has also brought back and improved on the 2 velcro strap closure system. With an added layer of synthetic leather reinformation wrapped around the heel, it provides an additional element of support to your feet.

Nike Max Air

The Nike Air Max 90’s stays true to it’s running roots with the iconic Waffle sole, classic TPU details, and stitched overlays. With classic colours celebrating your fresh look while additional cushioning provides the comfort that you need for long and grueling workouts.

Nike Air

One of the classic Nike Air shoes as the leather, texture, and foam in the midsole delivers the lightweight cushioning that you love, so you stay comfortable on and off your workout. Used by NBA players and now worn by millions of others, these Nike Air offers both style and comfort when you do your CrossFit WODs.

Nike Free

The Nike Free Metcon 3’s serves as a practical training shoe for not only CrossFit, but all fitness training in general. The design is a bit different as you are struck by a wider splayed heel, exaggerated raised outer sole, and an overall disruptive while playful aesthetic providing a dynamic feel to your training shoe collection.

Nike React

The Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 is one of the lightest and smoothest Nike shoes on the market. It is soft and durable as it contours to your foot with a minimal and supportive design. This is a great shoe for those who want to look fresh on and off your CrossFit workouts. A must for fans of style and comfort.

Nike Zoom Air

Nike Zoom Air is perfect for long workouts and runs. This is because of the underfoot cushioning and lungs on the outsole making it feel like the shoe is part of your fit.

With the exposed flywire cables promoting a snug fit for high intensity workouts and a slimmer design to provide your feet more control, the Nike Zoom Airs are a great Crossfit workout shoe if you’re looking for more control with your feet without sacrificing comfort.

Nike ZoomX

Made with a faster feel and lighter design, the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly are the next-gen running and CrossFit shoe. 

A lightweight carbon fiber plate in the shoe helps move you forward faster while a water resistant VaporWeave material and design helps your feet stay dry no matter the weather for your workout.

Conclusion

When choosing CrossFit Shoes, there are many factors to consider. The comfort, weight, material, heel height, and foot support.

However, out of all the Nike Crossfit Shoes, we recommend the Nike Free Metcon 3’s because of the practicality and how it was designed for any movement directions that a CrossFitter might throw at them.

This is great for varied WODs, but spending a whole day in these shoes could feel a little harsh on the foot.

That’s where The Metcon Free series was made. An injection of comfort whilst retaining its core design notes of the Metcon. The heel lick for push up handstands and the outer sold wrap for rope climbs.

The Nike Free Metcon 3’s serves as a practical training shoe for not only CrossFit, but all fitness training in general. The design is a bit different as you are struck by a wider splayed heel, exaggerated raised outer sole, and an overall disruptive while playful aesthetic providing a dynamic feel to your training shoe collection.