7 Best Cross Training Shoes for Bad Knees 2024
If you wish to engage in cross-training activities but have bad knees, you need to invest incorrect footwear.
- Best Cross Training Shoes for Bad Knees need to have excellent shock absorption properties, enough cushioning, promote good stability, and flexibility.
- Since cross training incorporates multiple training activities like weightlifting, plyometric, rowing machine, rope climbing, and many other training activities.
You’ll need comfortable and supportive shoes to take you through all these exercises. Also Read: Best Shoes for Running on Pavement
Review: 7 Best Cross Training Shoes for Bad Knees
1. Nike Men’s Metcon 4 XD Cross Training Shoes for Bad Knees
Nike Metcon 4 XD has become a favorite of many knee pain sufferers because of its reliable support, comfort, stability, and shock absorption property.
The Metcon 4 XD allows you to engage in various cross-training activities like weightlifting, rope climbs, box jumps, plyometric, Full-body workout, among many other activities.
The midsole features a foam insole that’s removable. The form provides excellent shock absorption and cushioning. Hence, protect your knees and ankles from the impact of the various cross-training activities. You can use orthotics for extra comfort and support.
You’ll also appreciate the flat platform of this shoe. The flatness allows your feet to have a close to the ground contact to permit you to maintain your balance and stability during the CrossFit session.
The upper of Metcon 4 XD features a Lightweight mesh fabric that’s highly breathable. The fabric is two-layered with vertical fibers running across. Thus, it delivers support and cushioning for the foot.
The upper fabric also holds the lateral and medial areas of the midfoot. Hence, it allows the wearer to participate in rope climbing thanks to the excellent side-to-side grip. The TPU heel counter is located at the rear section of this cross-trainer. It helps to prevent accidental shoe removal and excess rearfoot movement.
The Metcon 4 XD features a durable rubber outsole that provides a great platform during cross-fit sessions. Underneath the outsole, there is a tri-star tread pattern that aids in delivering multidirectional traction while providing needed grip on various surfaces.
- Best cross fit shoes
- Offers excellent support and comfort for cross-training
- Stylish and comes with multiple colors
- The large sole unit provides excellent stability
- Excellent traction
- Extremely lightweight
- A customer complained the sole detached itself after only a few months of use
2. Reebok Women’s CROSSFIT Nano 8.0 Cross Trainer
If you plan to engage in cross-fit training but have bad knees you need to pick the Reebok CROSSFIT Nano 8.0. The shoe features a comfortable and sturdy construction.
The shoe features Toe Tection, which offers needed durability and protection during high-intensity workouts. The low cut construction ensures ample ankle movement allowing you to move easily during the various movements you’ll be doing.
The upper has two comfort layers; the internal cleatie sleeve and the outer Flexweave. ; The internal cleatie sleeve offers a great sock-like experience. It provides a snug and comfortable fit within the ankle section. On the other hand, the outer Flexweave features an updated Figure-8 weave that offers flexible, comfortable, and durable support.
The Nano 8.0 features a midsole that provides all-round support. It utilizes a dual-density component that allows it to accomplish the various activities involved in cross-training while protecting your knees from any injuries.
The shoe also features a flexible and cushioned forefoot that allows you to withstand the high-intensity workouts. The heel section features a TPU heel clip that helps to hold the rearfoot in place to prevent shoe slippage during the workout session. The heel area is rigid and provides crucial support during weightlifting.
Nano 8.0 also features a RopePro technology located at the medial and lateral sides of the shoe. The technology provides controlled motions during rope climbing activities.
The outsole features a durable rubber compound that provides needed traction during intense cross-fit training. The deep grooves on the outsole adjust to the shape of your foot allowing the shoe to move or bend naturally.
- Best shoes for cross-fit training
- Highly comfortable
- Lightweight
- Supportive upper
- Breathable
- Can use custom orthotics
- Stable heel
- Roomy forefoot
- Some customers complain that the shoes run small
Read: Best Running Shoes for Ice and Snow
3. Nordic Lifting Crossfit & Gym – Men’s Sneakers
If you want comfort, protection, and stability while doing weight lifting and other gym exercises, the Nordic Lifting Crossfit & Gym sneakers are a perfect choice.
These weightlifting shoes are designed to enhance lifting performance. They come with various features that make the shoe a favorite of many. The shoes feature a sturdy Velcro Strap that provides your foot needed stability and support.
In addition, the shoe features high-quality material with reinforced stitching ensuring the shoe withstands the biting that comes with intense training. It’s also available in various sizes allowing people with different foot shapes or sizes to get a perfect pair.
Nordic Lifting Crossfit sneakers have a flexible and stable anti-slip sole that ensures you participate in various movements without any injuries. The sole delivers unmatched traction on various surfaces. The heel section also offers extra support during intense weight lifting exercises.
This cross trainer is a versatile shoe that provides an all-rounded workout gear idle for weightlifting, cardio dance, gym exercises, and many other exercise activities. The upper allows lightweight breathability for dry and fresh feet during intense workouts.
- Excellent heel support
- Breathable
- Best weightlifting shoes
- Available in various sizes
- Offers comfort and stability
- Excellent fit
- The finishing is top-notch
- Idle for people with wide feet
- A customer with narrow feet complained that the shoe was too wide for them
4. Inov-8 Women’s F-lite 235 V2 (W) Cross Trainer
The Inov-8 F-lite 235 V2 sneakers are some of the best cross-training shoes for bad knees thanks to their comfort, support, and excellent shock absorption during intense workouts.
The Inov 235 V2 features a mesh upper that’s lightweight and breathable. The upper utilizes the AdapterFit technology that conforms perfectly to your feet for more natural movements during intense, lateral, and medial motions.
The midfoot has a Met-cradle that’s an elastic and soft mesh liner that together with the lacing system holds the midfoot in place providing you a snug fit. The Y-lock system on the heel counter helps to hold the heel in place to provide stability and support during heavy weight lifting.
The midsole features Power heel technology that provides needed stability for heavy lifting. The technology also offers excellent cushioning for intense workouts that involve many movements. The Dynamic Fascia Band found on the heel section offers a bouncy feel in every step you take.
The outsole features a geometric-patterned bottom that has a sticky rubber that provides reliable traction and grip. The toe cap has a thick rubber compound that helps to cushion the toes against toe injuries like burpees.
The shoe also incorporates a Rope-360 technology that extends from the outsole to the upper. It provides protection to the shoe and prevents shoe damage during rope climbing exercises. The META FLEX grooves on the forefoot encourage natural foot movement for extra flexibility during cardio, plyometrics, and other intense workouts.
- Can withstand various cross-training activities without getting a biting
- Lightweight and comfortable
- Breathable upper
- Supportive and flexible
- Rope guard system protects the shoe during rope exercises
- Wide toe box
- Short shoelaces
- Pricey, but worth it
5. Under Armour Men’s Charged Commit 2.0 Cross Trainer
The Under Armour Charged Commit 2.0 is a budget-friendly cross trainer that provides maximum support and comfort. It has excellent cushioning technology that cushions your bad knees against injuries.
The midsole features the brand’s Charged Cushioning. This technology absorbs excess shock and offers protection to your knees during intense workouts.
The padded sockliner mimics the shape of the foot to prevent accidental shoe removal. to ensure extra comfort, the sockliner also wicks moisture away to ensure the foot remains dry and fresh during intense workouts.
The upper of Charged Commit 2.0 features ArmourVent mesh. The mesh has large pores that allow air into the shoe for a cool and fresh experience. The breathable fabric lining on the interior of the shoe also ensures extra comfort.
The heel counter offers heel support and reinforces the rearfoot. The TPU component prevents your feet from sliding.
The outsole features a durable rubber compound that provides durability and traction. Some additional rubber is incorporated on the forefoot and heel sections to extra grip on these high tear wear areas. The rubber on the heel extends upwards and helps to protect the midsole during rope climbs.
- Provides excellent support and stability during weight lifting and other cross fit exercises
- Comfortable
- Ideal for gym and as casual wear
- Lightweight
- Stylish and attractive
- Best shoes for HIIT
- A customer complained the shoe separates from the upper after a few months of use
6. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 Cross-Trainer Shoe
PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 is a lightweight, durable, and supportive shoe that would help soothe your bad knees during cross-training. It has amazing features that ensure your comfort.
The shoe has a low profile midsole that allows the feet to have close ground contact. The close ground contact helps you control your movements while remaining stable.
The midsole also features Foam sock liner that’s lightweight and soft. It provides a comfortable underfoot feeling. Soft Foam and the EVA heel pod work in conjunction to provide excellent cushioning and shock absorption protection your knees from hard ground impact.
The TPU shank ensures extra sturdiness and offers the foot remains steady during an intense cross-fit session. The forefoot has a T-Toe design that incorporates an additional layer of leather that provides protection and prevents wear and tear.
The padding on the collar and tongue ensures additional comfort and cushioning. Other than that, the outsole of Tazon 6 features a durable rubber outsole that provides traction and ensures protection against abrasion.
The outsole also has a geometrical tread pattern that allows you to engage in multidirectional movements without fear of falling or sliding. The pattern provides extra grip.
- Comfortable cross-training shoe
- Offers support for all-day standing
- High quality and durable
- Stable platform
- Available in various colour schemes
- Some customers complained of insufficient ventilation especially during intense workouts
7. New Balance Men’s 608 V5 Cross Trainer
The New Balance 608 V5 is a stylish and comfortable cross-training shoe that’s ideal for knee pain sufferers. The sneaker offers excellent shock absorption to protect knees, feet, and ankles from injuries. It’s also durable and offers underfoot support.
To ensure excellent underfoot cushioning, the midsole has a full-length foam that offers needed support and durability. The form protects the foot from repeated impact during intense cross-fit training.
The midsole also features Abzorb technology, which a combination of foam and Dupont Engage Isoprene rubber. These components help in extra cushioning and protection of the foot during workouts. The Abzorb heel pad delivers protection against hard ground impact during intense workout sessions.
The upper of 608 V5 is all leather that provides a secure foothold to the wearer. You’ll notice extra leather overlays on the heel and forefoot sections. The overlays provide extra support while reinforcing the structural integrity of the shoe.
The leather material also has small perforations throughout the upper to ensure the inside of the shoe remains aerated. The padded tongue and collar ensure extra comfort and support.
Other than that, the outsole features a durable rubber compound that provides durability and protects the shoe against abrasion. The underside of the outsole has geometrical tread patterns that deliver reliable traction and grip on various training surfaces.
- Durable construction
- Excellent cushioning
- Breathable upper
- Roomy toe box
- Excellent heel support
- Stylish design
- Comfortable
- A customer complained that they run small
Buyers’ Guide for Best Cross Training Shoes for Bad Knees
Supportive Upper
When looking for the best cross-training shoes for bad knees, ensure you pick ones with a firm and supportive upper. A cross trainer with a good upper will ensure your comfort throughout the training session.
The upper should hold the foot securely in place and prevent unnecessary foot movement during intense workouts. The upper should also be breathable and allow a sufficient amount of air into the shoe.
If your feet need extra support, you can decide to pick a shoe that has a leather upper. Overall, your cross-training shoes should support all kinds of cross-training activities
Shock Absorption
Best Cross training shoes for bad knees need to have excellent shock absorption properties. If you’ll be spending most of your time engaging in different strenuous activities, then a shoe with good shock absorption should be your priority. This way you would protect your knees, feet, and ankles from injuries.
Good cushioning is also critical when picking the Best Cross training shoes for bad knees. Well-cushioned shoes ensure protection against hard ground impact. The heel and the forefoot section should offer good cushioning.
Excellent Traction
Shoes with excellent traction help you avoid slipping or falling during workouts. Choose shoes with a rubber outsole that would provide durability and protection against abrasion. Beneath the outsole, there should be tread patterns that would provide extra grip and traction on various surfaces.
Stability
Ensure you choose a cross-trainer that would provide you good balance and help you remain stable during the various intense workouts. Stability in a cross-trainer also ensures you remain grounded and well-balanced during heavy weightlifting
Conclusion
I hope that this review on best cross-training shoes for bad knees has been helpful. All the reviewed cross-trainers will deliver excellent support and cushioning throughout your training session. Choose cross trainers that would allow your feet to move naturally during the different cross-training movements.
Remember to replace your cross-training shoes immediately you notice wear and tear. However, you may decide to replace then after every 100 exercises to eliminate any chance of discomfort or injury.
