It may seem counterintuitive, but CrossFit shoes are actually quite simple and streamlined. Unlike running shoes which are usually highly cushioned, shoes made for cross training enhances the use of different muscles in your feet. The Crossfit sport demands a lot out of our leg power, spine strength and most of all, the flexibility against all odds. It’s almost like saying a Crossfitter could do anything at anytime.

Since the Crossfit sport is so widely ranged, you choice of shoe also depends on the type of training you are doing, which will determine what type of shoe you should wear. If you are working out with more body weight movements, like squats, pull ups, and push ups, you can do them barefoot or try the Vibram Five Fingers.

The Vibram Five Fingers are basically shoes without padding and toe pockets. The idea behind barefoot training is that it toughens your feet and builds up strength in your ankles and lower legs to prevent injury. Vibrams also add a little grip against the ground.

You can get it online here from only MYR179 onwards. [Offline availability – scroll to the bottom of article.]

On another note, if your choice of training involves across-the-board training and walking around, you can opt for shoes with less padding. There are only a handful of Crossfit shoes available worldwide and there are even lesser choices available here. Still, here are some worth your consideration –

First up, Reebok the crossfit giant has the Reebok Crossfit® Nano 5.0 for both Men and Women –

Reebok was one of the first manufacturers to recognize the need for CrossFit shoes. The Nano Series has been the crossfit best seller but the all-new Nano 5.0 has caught serious attention. Built with Kevlar fibers which is super lightweight, the shoe provides protection and durability with grip, traction, and stability.

The Reebok Crossfit Nano 5.0 retails at MYR429, available at Royal Sporting House outlets. [More about it here]

The next you must know is the Nike Metcon 1 –

While Nike shoes are banned at Reebok’s Crossfit events, the brand has marked the Crossfit giant its primary enemy and instead of “Crossfit”, Nike uses the word “Metcon” on their shoes. The Nike Metcon 1 Men’s Training Shoe is made to lift, run, jump and climb ropes.

You can purchase it online at the Nike Store for $120 (Approximately MYR520, damn ringgit)

Another option would be New Balance ‘s Minimus 20v4 Exclusive Cross-Training –

Available for both men and women. Again, not physically in stores yet but retailing online at $99.99 (MYR430).

New Balance’s approach to cross training footwear is to find a balance between barefoot running and traditional maximum-cushioning running shoe.

However, if your choice of training involves more lifts, for example squats and deadlifts, you will need Weightlifting shoes. These shoes are made very differently with a stronger core and heavier base. This, we will talk about it again soon.

Till then, do let us hear from you if you have anything to add! Drop a comment below —

Availability of Vibrams Five Fingers according to the Official Distributor’s Website:

• Lafuma,  No 16 (Ground Floor), Jalan Telawi, Bangsar Bahru, 59100 Kuala Lumpur. Tel: 603 22871118
• Running Lab Malaysia, G-29 Ground Floor, Tropicana City Mall, No 3 Jalan SS20/27, 47400 Petaling Jaya. Tel:+603-7727-8555, Email: rlmy@outdoor-venture.com
• The Marathon Shop, No. 23-1 (1st floor), Jalan SS23/15 Taman SEA, 47400 Petaling Jaya, Selangor O.E.,Malaysia. Tel : (603) 78034661
• Travis Hegal, 33-B, Abu Sitti Lane, 10400, Georgetown, Penang. Tel : 604-226-1294. www.travishegel.com