Best Gym and Cross-Training Shoes UK (2026)
A cross-training shoe has to do several jobs at once: stay stable under a heavy squat, flex for burpees, and hold up on a short run. This guide compares shoes tested by BarBend, covering the best options for lifting, HIIT, wide and flat feet, and barefoot-style training.
We have not hands-on tested these products. Our picks are based on published independent tests and reviews, listed at the bottom of this page. How we pick.
Our top pick
Reebok Nano X5
Best overall
BarBend's overall pick. An updated EVA midsole supports running better than previous Nanos, with a rope climb traction plate and a wide colour range, though the Flexweave upper stretches over time and there's no wide sizing.
- Updated EVA midsole supports running
- Wide colour range
- Rope climb traction plate
Quick comparison
| Product | Best for | Key spec | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reebok Nano X5 | Best overall | Updated EVA midsole, rope climb traction plate | Check price |
| Nike Metcon 9 | Best for wide feet | Wider toe box, durable mesh upper, 13.55oz | Check price |
| Adidas Adipower Weightlifting 3 | Best for squats | 22mm heel-drop, wider heel, multiple closure systems | Check price |
| NOBULL Outwork Edge Series | Best for flat feet | Sturdy heel counter, herringbone outsole | Check price |
| Inov-8 F-Lite G 300 | Best for rope climbs | Graphene-infused outsole, 10.5oz | Check price |
| PUMA Fuse 3.0 | Best budget | Under $125, stable midsole | Check price |
| Xero Prio | Best barefoot-style | Zero-drop, removable insole, under $90 | Check price |
| R.A.D. One v2 | Best for HIIT | 6mm drop, R.A.D. Wave outsole | Check price |
Our picks in detail
Best overall
Reebok Nano X5
BarBend's overall pick. An updated EVA midsole supports running better than previous Nanos, with a rope climb traction plate and a wide colour range, though the Flexweave upper stretches over time and there's no wide sizing.
- Midsole
- Updated EVA
- Extras
- Rope climb traction plate
Pros
- Updated EVA midsole supports running
- Wide colour range
- Rope climb traction plate
Cons
- Flexweave upper stretches over time
- No wide sizing
- Limited outdoor traction
Best for wide feet
Nike Metcon 9
A wider toe box than previous Metcons with a durable mesh upper and extensive rope guard, though BarBend found it heavy and the rigid plate limits cardio performance.
- Weight
- 13.55oz
Pros
- Wider toe box than previous versions
- Durable mesh upper
- Extensive rope guard
Cons
- Heavy
- Rigid Hyperplate limits cardio performance
- Less breathable
Best for squats
Adidas Adipower Weightlifting 3
A dedicated weightlifting shoe with a 22mm heel-drop that aids squat positioning and a wider heel for stability, though it has a narrow toe box and limited versatility outside lifting.
- Heel-drop
- 22mm
Pros
- 22mm heel-drop aids squat positioning
- Wider heel for stability
- Multiple closure systems
Cons
- Narrow toe box
- Limited versatility
- Less breathable canvas upper
Best for flat feet
NOBULL Outwork Edge Series
A sturdy heel counter and herringbone outsole that maintains traction, well suited to flat-footed lifters, though the upper lacks breathability and needs an extended break-in period.
- Outsole
- Herringbone
Pros
- Sturdy heel counter
- Herringbone outsole maintains traction
- Multiple colourways
Cons
- Upper lacks breathability
- Extended break-in period
- High-tops difficult to put on and remove
Best for rope climbs
Inov-8 F-Lite G 300
A lightweight shoe with a graphene-infused outsole BarBend rates as extremely durable, plus a dedicated rope-grip system, though eyelets are prone to tearing and the collar fits tight.
- Weight
- 10.5oz
- Outsole
- Graphene-infused
Pros
- Graphene-infused outsole is extremely durable
- Lightweight
- Rope-Tec grip system
Cons
- Fewer vibrant colours
- Eyelets prone to tearing
- Tight bootie-style collar
Best budget
PUMA Fuse 3.0
Excellent value with a quick break-in and a stable midsole well suited to heavy lifts, though colour choice is limited and the 4mm drop can feel flat for some.
- Drop
- 4mm
Pros
- Excellent value
- Quick break-in
- Stable midsole ideal for heavy lifts
Cons
- Only three colourways
- Thicker mesh reduces breathability
- 4mm drop feels flat to some
Best barefoot-style
Xero Prio
A zero-drop minimalist shoe with a removable insole, affordable and durable, though it has a learning curve if you haven't trained barefoot-style before.
- Drop
- Zero
Pros
- Zero-drop design
- Removable insole
- Affordable
- Durable upper
Cons
- Learning curve for barefoot shoes
- Bulky laces
- Limited breathability
Best for HIIT
R.A.D. One v2
BarBend picks this for HIIT, with a 6mm drop that balances lifting and sprinting and a durable build, though it's premium-priced and sizing can be inconsistent for wider feet.
- Drop
- 6mm
Pros
- Durable build
- 6mm drop balances lifts and sprints
- Durable outsole
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Sizing inconsistencies for wider feet
Buying guide
What heel-to-toe drop should I look for?
A lower drop (zero to 4mm) suits lifting and barefoot-style training by keeping your heel close to the ground. A slightly higher drop (6mm or so) is a good compromise for mixed HIIT sessions that include running. Dedicated weightlifting shoes often use a much higher, fixed heel (around 20mm+) specifically to aid squat depth and posture.
Do I need a dedicated weightlifting shoe?
If you regularly do heavy back squats or Olympic lifts, a weightlifting shoe's raised, stable heel can improve your position. For general gym training, HIIT and mixed workouts, a cross-trainer with a lower, more versatile drop is usually more practical.
Can I run in cross-training shoes?
Cross-trainers can handle short runs and sprints within a workout, but their firmer, more stable build makes them less cushioned and comfortable than a dedicated running shoe over longer distances.
How do I choose between stability and flexibility?
Heavier lifting benefits from a firmer, more stable shoe that won't compress under load. More dynamic training, like HIIT or plyometrics, benefits from a shoe with more flex and cushioning. Several picks here specialise in one or the other, so match the shoe to what you do most.
Sources
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