running shoes

The 5 Best Men's Cross Training Shoes

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 01 Sep 2016 09:30:37 +0000

Shoes should never slow down your workout. To get the most from your weightlifting or CrossFit workout, you’ll need a good pair of cross training shoes. With versatile, durable cross training shoes, you can run, lift, and work out harder and more efficiently. They can ground you while you lift, provide traction and grip, and adequately cushion your feet to help prevent injury.

What Are Cross Training Shoes?

Cross training shoes are all-purpose shoes that will allow you to safely pursue a variety of exercises. They have some of the aspects of a comfortable running shoe, along with some of the aspects of a supportive training shoe, to help maximize your performance. A quality pair of cross training shoes can actually save you money because they take the place of several types of shoes in one.

Top 5 Men's Cross Training Shoes

Inov-8 Men's F-Lite 235 Cross-Training Shoes

The versatile Inov-8 Men's F-Lite 235 Cross-Training Shoes are ideal for extreme training and lifting. While they are “as close to barefoot as you can get in a gym shoe,” they actually have a number of impressive features. They feature zero drop, a 360-degree Rope-Tec system, and pressure vent. The Met-Cradle lacing system also holds the foot securely in place. They have a 40% denser heel unit to deliver maximum power through the heel when lifting weights. They feature an extremely thin midsole, a flexible, grippy outsole, a comfortable, secure upper, and a durable toe bumper. They have an ultralightweight, breathable mesh and TPU upper with multidirectional Meta-Flex technology. They have lightweight cushioning, extreme flexibility, and optimum grip, stability, and traction.

The lightweight shoes offer a great fit and have a removable insole. They are available in a wide range of colors. They are recommended by Men’s Fitness, Men’s Health, and Men’s Journal. The Inov-8 Men's F-Lite 250 Performance Training Shoes are another frequently recommended option.

Currently $64.99 on Amazon

New Balance Men's Cross Minimus Training Shoes

The versatile, durable New Balance Men's MX20BS4 Cross Minimus Training Shoes are ideal for CrossFit and weightlifting. The lightweight shoes allow for maximum breathability and flexibility. They have a comfortable, minimal style and feature adequate cushioning and a large tongue that expands evenly over the foot to better secure your feet. They have a no-sew mesh upper with stabilizing overlays and a Vibram synthetic sole, which provides great grip. They are odor-resistant and feature welded seams to prevent chafing, so you can wear them with or without socks.

These are available in a wide range of colors. They are recommended by Men’s Fitness and have 500 five-star reviews on Amazon. The New Balance Men's MX608V4 Training Shoes are another widely recommended option, with more than 2,000 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $86.46 on Amazon

Reebok Men's R CrossFit Nano 5 Training Shoes

As the name implies, the Reebok Men's R CrossFit Nano 5 Training Shoes are the strongest, most versatile CrossFit shoes. They are ideal for CrossFit, lifting, and metabolic circuit workouts. The new re-engineered anatomical design fits the foot even better. They have a durable DuPont Kevlar-infused upper to provide better airflow, durability, support, and protection. The Polyurethane Nano Shell TPU midsole shell offers additional support, comfort, stability, and an extra defense against midsole abrasion. To ensure a secure fit, they also feature a grippy outsole, a flat heel with a contoured heel counter, raised outsole lug patterns for better surface area contact and improved traction, removable soles, a stiff toe box, and RopePro carbon rubber.

These are available in a wide range of colors. They are an Amazon best-seller and are recommended by Men’s Fitness and Men’s Health.

Currently $92.95 on Amazon

ASICS Men's GEL-190 TR Training Shoes

The ASICS Men's GEL-190 TR Training Shoes are ideal for intense workouts. They are comfortable, supportive, and have adequate cushioning (partially thanks to a padded tongue and collar). They are equipped with a SpEVA midsole for support, a mid-foot Trusstic System to reduce the weight of the sole unit, a DuoMax dual-density midsole system for stability, and a rear-foot gel cushioning system for enhanced shock absorption.

These are available in a wide range of colors. They are an Amazon best-seller and are recommended by Men’s Fitness.

Currently $39.99 on Amazon

Adidas Performance Men's Adipure 360.3 M Training Shoes

The lightweight adidas Performance Men's Adipure 360.3 M Training Shoes are comfortable and have good support and ventilation. They are ideal for CrossFit and other high impact workouts. They feature a stretchable, breathable mesh upper that offers more flexibility, striped plastic panels on each side of the foot that offer a comfortable locked-in fit, a flexible EVA midsole that offers lightweight cushioning, and a rubber outsole with flex grooves for grip. They also have a supportive mid-foot panel and a mid-foot stabilizer clip for added stability.

These are available in a wide range of colors. They are an Amazon best-seller and are recommended by Men’s Fitness. The adidas Performance Men's Speed Trainer 2 Training Shoes are another widely recommended option.

Currently $59.95 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best cross training shoes for men. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Women's Cross Training Shoes

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 25 Aug 2016 09:30:31 +0000

If you are involved in high impact workouts, like HIIT or CrossFit, you need a good pair of cross training shoes to help you become the best athlete you can be. The right pair of shoes can help you avoid injury by grounding you while you lift, providing traction and grip, and adequately cushioning your feet while you engage in your favorite exercises.

What Are Cross Training Shoes?

Top 5 Women's Cross Training Shoes

Adidas Performance Women's Adipure 360.2 W Cross-Training Shoes

The lightweight Adidas Performance Women's Adipure 360.2 W Cross-Training Shoes are ideal for HIIT, interval training, weightlifting, and bootcamp training. To help improve your workout, they feature deep grooves in the forefoot and extra stability from the midfoot to the heel. They also feature flex grooves in the outsole for additional flexibility, a cushioned SUPERCLOUD sockliner, and textile lining. The seamless air mesh upper fits like a glove, provides maximum breathability, and supports the feet in key areas.

These are available in a wide variety of colors. They are recommended by Shape Magazine and Fitness Magazine.

Currently $79.95 on Amazon

Reebok Women's CrossFit Nano 5.0 Training Shoes

The Reebok Women's CrossFit Nano 5.0 Training Shoes are comfortable, supportive, flexible, and provide good stability. This new Nano edition is the lightest, strongest, most innovative edition yet, with a new re-engineered shape and a newly developed contoured heel counter. They feature extremely durable Kevlar on the entire upper for additional support and protection. They also have a new NanoShell midsole of Thermoplastic polyurethane shell that supports and cushions the foot. The high-performance weightlifting shoes are ideal for CrossFit and bootcamp training.

These are available in a wide variety of colors. They are recommended by Self and Fitness Magazine.

Currently $76.57 on Amazon

New Balance Women's 711 Mesh Cross-Training Shoes

The versatile New Balance Women's 711 Mesh Cross-Training Shoes are very comfortable thanks to a wide toe box and a comfort insert with heel pillow. They feature a CUSH+ midsole, SBS visual tech heel crash pad, and visible forefoot flex grooves.

These are available in a wide variety of colors. They are recommended by Daily Burn. They are also recommended by podiatrists for nurses and those working on their feet all day. The New Balance Women's WX608V4 Training Shoes are another widely recommended option, with more than 600 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $69.95 on Amazon

ASICS Women's GEL-Fit Sana Cross-Training Shoes

The ASICS Women's GEL-Fit Sana Cross-Training Shoes will allow you to train harder, no matter which exercise style you prefer. They feature a low-profile midsole with a Rearfoot GEL Cushioning System for added comfort and shock absorption. They also feature synthetic, stretchable mesh, a sock-fit MONO-SOCK® upper, and a padded tongue and collar that allow you to create the perfect secure fit. They also have a stretch-to-fit Supportive Flexible Fit upper allowing 360° movement. They have an AHAR Plus Dynamic Duomax high-abrasion rubber outsole with a herringbone tread pattern to enhance stability and support, reduce overall weight, and provide enhanced grip on uneven surfaces.

The insole can be removed in place of orthotics for added comfort. They can be quickly slipped on, so you’re out the door in no time. They offer unmatched performance, durability, and support. They are stylish, extremely flexible, breathable, and ultra-lightweight. These are available in a wide variety of colors. They are an Amazon best-seller and have 700 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $59.95 on Amazon

PUMA Women's Cell Riaze Cross-Training Shoes

The PUMA Women's Cell Riaze Cross-Training Shoes combine style and comfort thanks to a breathable mesh upper with faux-leather overlays. They feature a padded tongue and collar, cushioned midsole and heel, high-rebound EcoOrthoLite sockliner, and EverTrack high-abrasion outsole.

These are available in a wide variety of colors. They are widely referred to as the best CrossFit shoes available and have more than 700 five-star reviews on Amazon.

Currently $45.99 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best cross training shoes for women. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Men’s Running Shoes

Andrea Cannon — Wed, 10 Aug 2016 09:30:31 +0000

The right running shoes can improve your run, protect your feet, and reduce injuries. Consumer Reports can verify that it can be a very complicated process to find the right running shoes for your arch type, body type, gait, orthotics, and running style. That’s why we’re here to help you find some of the very best running shoes for runners of all levels.

What Are Men’s Running Shoes?

Running shoes are specialty shoes that offer additional cushioning, flexing at the bar of the foot, and adequate traction and stability, so that you can run safely and comfortably. Running shoes can be very expensive, but if they suit your running style, then they can last comfortably through years of wear and hundreds of miles of tread.

If you aren’t sure which shoes are right for you, visit a professional running center and have them assess your running style while you run on a treadmill. They may take additional measurements and can then make an expert customized recommendation. You can also use online shoe advisers for quick assistance, like the one offered by Runner’s World.

Top 5 Men’s Running Shoes

ASICS Men's GEL-Kayano 19 Running Shoe

The lightweight ASICS Men's GEL-Kayano 19 Running Shoes are renowned by professional runners and running publications. They are made of a breathable, stretchable mesh material to help reduce irritation and keep your feet cool and dry. They also feature a ComforDry sock liner to cushion your feet and help prevent odors.

These offer maximum protection, stability, comfort, and durability. The heel and forefoot silicon gel cushion system absorbs shock, so you can enjoy a more comfortable run. Thanks to the “Personalized Heel Fit,” which is two layers of memory foam around the collar that mold to your heel, you can enjoy a personalized fit and enhanced shock absorption. The heel of the shoe is designed with a Heel Clutching System that provides support while improving fit. They are designed with an Impact Guidance System and a vertical Guidance Line to enhance your gait, stride, and running efficiency. They also feature the Space Trusstic System, a stabilizing feature that enhances foot function. The midsole also features dual-density DuoMax for additional supportive guidance and stability.

These are recommended by Men’s Health, Runner’s World, and ConsumerSearch. They also earned the Seal of Acceptance by the American Podiatric Medical Association. They are backed by more than 900 five-star reviews on Amazon and some runners describe these shoes as feeling like you are wearing a padded boxing glove on your feet. If these don’t fit your style, consider the other highly rated ASICS options, like ASICS Men's GEL Venture 5 Running Shoe, ASICS Men's Gel-Contend 2 Running Shoe, and ASICS Men's GEL Nimbus 17 Running Shoe.

Currently $129.00 on Amazon

Brooks Men's Ghost 8 Running Shoe

If you tend to run on the outer sides of your feet, consider the Brooks Men's Ghost 8 Running Shoes. The lightweight shoes offer great arch support (even for high arches), excellent grip and cushioning, and unmatched comfort, so you can enjoy a comfortable, springy run. They have adjustable saddle construction, a rubber sole, no-sew overlays, a heel and midfoot-segmented crash pad, and omega flex grooves in the midsole to enhance every run.

Brooks’ shoes are notoriously high quality. These are durable enough to last you for years, so they offer a great value for the price. They are commonly recommended by professional running stores around the country, for nearly all types of runners, and have outstanding reviews online. If these don’t fit your style, consider the other highly rated Brooks options, like Brooks Men's Beast 14 Running Shoe and Brooks Men's Adrenaline GTS 15 Running Shoe.

Currently $68.05 on Amazon

Saucony Men's Triumph ISO 2 Running Shoe

If you need the perfect everyday trainers, consider the Saucony Men's Triumph ISO 2 Running Shoes. They offer superior cushioning and comfort, including an additional thin layer of cushioning closer to the foot, so you can confidently wear them on marathon runs. They also have enhanced stability and shape retention. They will protect your feet and ensure higher energy returns thanks to the Everun Continuous Cushioning foam, which is a high-tech material that distributes impact energy better than standard EVA-based foams. The ISOFIT upper offers enhanced fit technology and continuously cushions every landing.

These high-end running shoes are durable enough to last reliably for years. They are the Runner’s World Editor’s Choice and are recommended by Men’s Fitness. If these don’t work for you, consider the highly rated Saucony Men's Hurricane ISO Running Shoe.

Currently $85.97 on Amazon

Mizuno Men's Wave Catalyst Running Shoe

The lightweight Mizuno Men's Wave Catalyst Running Shoes offer great cushioning and arch support, along with unmatched comfort. They feature the classic 3D Mizuno fit, breathable upper, and padded tongue and collar. The responsive sole offers enough cushioning for enhanced protection, without slowing you down. This leads to a comfortable, responsive ride.

Runners tend to love the comfortable fit of these top-rated running shoes. They are very high quality and durable enough to last for years. They are recommended by Men’s Health and Runner’s World and are backed by outstanding online reviews.

Currently $109.98 on Amazon

Nike Men's Free 5.0+ Running Shoe

If you’re looking for comfortable running shoes that can be worn anywhere, consider the Nike Men's Free 5.0+ Running Shoes. The textured mesh full inner sleeve offers a sock-like fit and allows you to easily slip them on and off. The asymmetrical lacing system offers reduced pressure on the top ridge of the foot. There are also diagonal cuts through the arch, which encourages natural motion and helps increase foot strength. They have enhanced cushioning, traction, and underfoot protection, allowing you to enjoy a comfortable run.

Runners tend to love the comfortable fit of these running shoes. They are frequently recommended as the ideal all-purpose running shoes and are backed by outstanding online reviews, including nearly 600 five-star reviews on Amazon. If this style doesn’t work for you, consider the other highly rated Nike options, like Nike Men's Free 5.0 Running Shoe, Nike Men's FS Lite Run 3 Running Shoe or Nike Men's Revolution 2 Running Shoe.

Currently $120.04 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best men’s running shoes. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Women’s Running Shoes

Andrea Cannon — Fri, 05 Aug 2016 09:30:33 +0000

The right running shoes can improve your run, protect your feet, and reduce injuries. Consumer Reports can verify that it can be a very complicated process to find just the right running shoes for your arch type, body type, gait, orthotics, and running style. That’s why we’re here to help you find some of the very best running shoes for runners of all levels.

What Are Women’s Running Shoes?

Top 5 Women’s Running Shoes

Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 15 Shoe

The Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 15 Shoes are ideal for most feet. They work well for wide feet and have enhanced cushioning, stability, flexibility, and arch support. They have breathable linings, which can help wick moisture away to keep your feet cool and dry. Thanks to the comfortable, responsive cushioning, runners find these are comfortable to run in for long extended periods, like marathon runs.

They feature a wide base, a mid-foot shank and foam that becomes firmer toward the inside edge of each shoe, and an adjustable saddle design for targeted support. The extended crash pad also allows for full ground contact and a great heel-to-toe transition. The Omega Flex Grooves allow for more natural forefoot movement and fluidity.

These are recommended by ConsumerSearch and are some of the best-selling running shoes on Amazon. They are also commonly recommended by professional running stores around the country. They are designed to last for years, so they offer a great value.

Currently $79.99 on Amazon

ASICS Women's GEL-Nimbus 17 Running Shoe

If you have issues in your feet or heels, you may want to try the ASICS Women's GEL-Nimbus 17 Running Shoes. They offer unmatched cushioning, stability, support, and comfort for all types of runners, including underpronators. They feature a padded collar, asymmetrical lacing system, and breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool and dry.

The FluidFit upper can also aid in preventing blisters. They have rearfoot and forefoot gel cushioning to reduce the shock during impact and toe-off phases. The FluidFit upper technology utilizes multidirectional stretch mesh and stretch reinforcements to create a more secure fit. They also feature a gait-enhancing impact guidance system, vertical flex grooves, and a supportive heel-clutching system.

These are very durable, so they should last you reliably for years. They are recommended by Runner’s World and are an Amazon best-seller. They are also backed by more than 900 five-star reviews on Amazon. If these don’t work for your style, consider the other highly rated shoes from ASICS, like ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 5 Running Shoe, ASICS Women's GEL-Venture 4 Running Shoe, or ASICS Women's GEL-Kayano 21 Running Shoe.

Currently $101.95 on Amazon

Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 11 Running Shoe

The lightweight Mizuno Women's Wave Inspire 11 Running Shoes offer enhanced comfort and control. They work well for overpronators and for runners who frequently experience leg fatigue because they are springy enough to add serious cushioning to your run. They feature supple internal straps, which hug the foot for a more secure fit. The Fan Wave technology within the midsole lends support, stability, and cushioning, guiding the foot through the entire gait cycle.

These offer a better fit, better control, and better grip than past editions. They are recommended by Runner’s World and Health Magazine, and are some of the best-selling running shoes on Amazon.

Currently $67.31 on Amazon

Saucony Women's Cohesion 8 Running Shoe

The lightweight Saucony Women's Cohesion 8 Running Shoes are ideal for nearly all runners, even underpronators and runners who have wide feet and high arches. They are made with breathable mesh to keep your feet cool and dry. They offer unmatched comfort and support, thanks to adequate cushioning and a plush tongue and collar.

The Flex Grooves are added to the forefoot to increase flexibility. The Heel GRID System is embedded into the midsole foam to enhance cushioning in the heel, while the external heel counter aids in stabilizing the heel. The IMEVA midsole can also absorb shock and provide adequate traction.

These offer lasting durability, so they should last you for years and provide a great value over time. They are some of the best-selling running shoes on Amazon and are backed by more than 800 five-star reviews on Amazon. Many reviewers found that once they tried these, they could never go back to another running shoe again.

Currently $44.99 on Amazon

Nike Women's Flex 2015 Rn Running Shoe

If you are looking for the ideal all-purpose running shoes, consider the sleek, lightweight Nike Women's Flex 2015 Rn Running Shoe. They feature a lace-up closure, fabric mesh lining, and breathable mesh upper to keep your feet cool and dry. The soft phylon midsole core offers unrivaled cushioning, flexibility, and support, so they can be worn on long runs or to your next visit to the gym.

They also have a synthetic overlay for additional support, a padded collar and tongue for added comfort, and an inner mesh sleeve that provides a sock-like fit. The removable FITSOLE insole also provides additional underfoot cushioning. The flex grooves in the outsole also add additional flexibility, allowing the shoe to bend properly with the natural motion of the foot.

These have outstanding online reviews and should last for years, providing a great value. They also have a minimal feel, which is ideal for those who don’t like flashy running shoes.

Currently $61.16 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best women’s running shoes. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

Like this article? Pin it!

This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: