Nike Metcon 8 ($130)
It should come as no surprise that the brand responsible for the internet's favorite soccer cleats, football shoes, and basketball boots also makes a beloved CrossFit shoe.
A more substantial shoe than most other CrossFit trainers, the Nike Metcon 8 is as sturdy as you can get without buying a weightlifting-specific shoe. "I'm doing a lot of strength work at the moment, in particular a lot of squatting, and I love the amount of stability the shoe provides via a wide heel and inner plate, which helps distribute the weight of your feet," says Lucy Campbell, CrossFit Games athlete and the 2022 Fittest Woman in the UK. The shoe, however, doesn't sacrifice springiness for support. "Despite being stable, the shoe is not too rigid — it has a cushioned base, which is great for plyometrics and running," she says.
The Nike Metcon 8s also have a rubber wrap on the inside of the shoe to help with gripping the rope on rope climbs, as well as a clip at the heel to reduce friction when doing handstand push-ups, Campbell says. Oh, and Nike is constantly releasing fun new colorways of these bad boys.
Additional details: Sizes: W 5-15 | Colorways: 12
