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The best cross training shoe overall is the Nike Air Monarch IV, with a stable, supportive base and cushioned ride that suits weights, machines, and everyday wear. For all-day comfort the New Balance 608 V5 is the pick, and the PUMA RIAZE PROWL is best for lighter studio and class workouts.
We compare published specifications, safety certifications and thousands of verified owner reviews, and we do not physically test every unit. Read the full process in our review methodology.
| Shoe | Best for | Brand | Fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nike Air Monarch IV Cross Trainer | Gym and everyday training | Nike | Wide, stable |
| New Balance 608 V5 | Comfort and support | New Balance | Roomy, cushioned |
| New Balance 608 V5 | Women's all-day training | New Balance | Cushioned |
| PUMA RIAZE PROWL Sneaker | Studio and gym classes | PUMA | Light, springy |
| Nike Bella 7 Training Shoe | Studio and dance | Nike | Flexible, low |
A classic, supportive cross trainer with a wide, stable base and cushioned ride that suits gym work and all-day wear. Its comfort, durability, and value make it the best all-round pick.
A supportive, cushioned cross trainer known for all-day comfort and a roomy fit. The pick for those who want a dependable, comfortable everyday training shoe.
The women\u2019s version of the comfortable, supportive 608 V5, built for gym sessions and long days on your feet. The pick for reliable women\u2019s cushioning and fit.
A lighter, flexible training sneaker built for studio and gym workouts with a supportive, springy feel. The pick for women who want a more athletic, agile shoe.
A flexible, lightweight Nike training shoe designed for studio workouts, dance, and gym classes. The pick for women who prioritise flexibility and a low, grippy platform.
A cross training shoe is the versatile all-rounder of the gym, handling weights, machines, and classes better than a specialised running shoe. The best one balances stability, cushioning, and fit for how you actually train. Below, supportive everyday picks and lighter studio options for men and women.
Cross trainers are built for varied workouts rather than one activity, offering a stable, supportive base with moderate cushioning. That makes them ideal if your sessions mix weights, machines, cardio, and classes. They are not running shoes, so serious runners should keep a dedicated pair for that, but for the gym-goer who does a bit of everything, a good cross trainer is the single most useful shoe to own.
The right balance depends on your focus. Heavier, more stable trainers like the Nike Air Monarch and New Balance 608 give a solid platform for weights and machines and all-day support. Lighter, more flexible shoes like the PUMA RIAZE PROWL and Nike Bella suit studio classes, dance, and agility work. Decide whether your training leans toward lifting or toward movement, and choose the shoe that supports it.
Fit matters more for cross trainers than running shoes because of the lateral movement involved. Aim for a snug midfoot to keep the foot stable during side-to-side moves, with about a thumb\u2019s width at the toe, and avoid excess room. Try shoes on later in the day with your workout socks, and pick the men\u2019s or women\u2019s version built for your foot shape rather than just matching a size number.
With regular use, cross trainers last several months to a year before the cushioning and support fade; watch for flattened foam, worn outsoles, and new aches as signs to replace them. Rotating two pairs extends their life. On price, trusted value models deliver dependable support and durability, with premium shoes mainly buying lighter weight and advanced cushioning that competitive athletes notice more than casual gym-goers.
A cross trainer is a versatile gym shoe built to handle a range of activities, from weights and machines to classes and light cardio, rather than specialising in one. It typically offers a stable, supportive base and moderate cushioning. If you do varied workouts rather than only running, a cross trainer is usually a better fit than a dedicated running shoe.
For short distances and treadmill intervals, yes, but cross trainers are not built for serious running. They prioritise lateral stability and support over the forward cushioning and flexibility that running shoes provide. If you run more than occasionally, use a proper running shoe for that and keep the cross trainer for gym and mixed workouts.
Cross trainers with a stable, relatively flat base are well suited to general weight training, giving you a solid platform. For heavy, dedicated lifting, some prefer flatter lifting shoes, but for most gym-goers a supportive cross trainer handles weights, machines, and accessory work well. Look for a firm, stable sole rather than a soft, springy running-style midsole.
They should fit snugly through the midfoot for support during lateral movement, with about a thumb\u2019s width of room at the toe. Unlike running shoes, you do not want excess space, since stability matters for side-to-side moves. Try them on later in the day when your feet are slightly larger, and wear your workout socks when sizing.
Beyond sizing, women\u2019s models are typically built on a narrower last with a different fit profile, and often lighter. The core function is the same. Choose the version matched to your foot; many models, like the New Balance 608, come in both men\u2019s and women\u2019s versions so you can pick the right fit rather than just the right size number.
Not necessarily. A versatile cross trainer covers both, though the ideal leans on your focus: heavier, stable trainers suit weights and machines, while lighter, more flexible shoes suit studio classes, dance, and agility work. If you do a bit of everything, one balanced cross trainer is fine; if you specialise, match the shoe to your main activity.
With regular gym use, expect them to last several months to a year before the cushioning and support degrade, though this varies with use and body weight. Signs to replace them include flattened cushioning, worn outsoles, and new aches. Rotating between two pairs can extend their life and let the foam recover between sessions.
Yes, for most people. Trusted models like the Nike Air Monarch and New Balance 608 offer dependable support and durability at reasonable prices. You are paying more for premium performance shoes mainly for lighter weight and advanced cushioning that serious athletes notice. For general gym use, a well-reviewed value cross trainer performs very well.
Buy the Nike Air Monarch IV for the best all-round gym trainer. Choose the New Balance 608 V5 for comfort and support, or the PUMA RIAZE PROWL and Nike Bella 7 for lighter, more flexible studio and class workouts.