What Are Cross Training Shoes?

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If you’ve ever been interested in fitness, then chances are you’ve heard of cross-training shoes. If not, here is a quick breakdown of what cross trainers are and their benefits.

Cross trainers are shoes made for sports other than the ones that they are already designed for. These include running, playing tennis, working out at the gym, walking or even gardening.

They have features that make them perfect for various tasks and can help many people with different needs.

After reading this article, it will be easy to decide if these shoes are ideal for you.

Read on to learn more about cross-training shoes!

To understand a product, you need to know its purpose.

Cross-trainers are a by-product of cross-training, which is an exercise that improves upper body strength and muscles, unlike running. 

The term cross-training can mean many things to different individuals, such as yoga to some, weightlifting to others, and so forth. Being a series of exercises: cross-training adds variety to your fitness regime and doesn’t end up boring and repetitive like running. 

Exercises tailored to a specific sport target a single body part, like running is a leg-only workout.

When you cross-train, you get to exercise all those body parts that aren’t targeted by running or, better said, by sports targeted at specific body parts. 

Doctors report that a cycle of repetitive exercises can lead to overuse injuries. As an alternative to repeating the same activity every day of the week, cross-training allows you to achieve more in less time.

It also prevents over-stressing your body as it keeps the guesswork going in your workout routine. 

There are certain benefits to cross-training you cannot ignore. 

Improved mental health

Besides being physically beneficial, cross-training improves mental health as well. One of the reasons is the release of endorphins. Lastly, the variety of exercises prevent boredom and help you remain calm. 

Eliminates Injuries

The experts say that focusing only on one thing increases your chances of developing overuse injuries.

By adding new exercises to your routine, you minimize overuse injuries and keep your body from becoming overstressed. It is also a great way to learn new exercises! 

Enhanced Fitness 

You ignore your other body parts when you focus solely on one. In contrast, a variety of exercises can keep the whole body active and in good condition. 

Faster Recovery

Any workout that adds variety to your fitness regimen is cross-training.

It consists of recovery exercises such as yoga alongside necessary breaks, making it easier to recover after a hard-core running session: Talk about killing two birds with one stone! 

Even though they cannot replace sport-specific shoes in terms of the support needed for each sport, cross trainers can do the job well no matter what you use them for. 

Versatility

The all-purpose nature of the design means they work for everything from Zumba to basketball to volleyball to weightlifting, etc. 

In terms of CrossFit shoes, their flat soles and forefoot cushioning allow a broader range of motion and transition between different sports activities, thanks to their flexibility.

Durability

It’s a mix of different shoe features merged for the following objectives: flexibility and durability.

By combining various shoe features into one, the result is a pair that is sharper, faster, more stabilized, and stronger than most sport-specific footwear because cross-trainers need to be durable to endure numerous sports activities. 

Time & Money Efficient

Conversely, you can save time and money by using cross-training shoes. 

The time you spend switching between different pairs of shoes for various sports: money from buying shoes for every other sports activity: Which CrossFit shoes can easily handle. 

The most common question we receive after what are cross-training shoes is: can I use cross-training shoes for running? You can run in cross trainers, but don’t expect to run long distances in them. 

Crossfit shoes are cushioned and padded, but less than running shoes, to assist with side-to-side movement in various exercises. The soles also provide enough cushioning for your toes to remain protected while you leap and lunge. 

In contrast, running shoes have a heel-to-toe cushion, are ultralight and shock-absorbent, allowing for faster running, less foot fatigue, and more support at the ankle. 

A running shoe cannot deal with multidirectional movements, but a cross-training shoe can. Despite this, both have their own set of qualities. 

We already discussed above how cross-training shoes are constructed with thicker, more durable materials than most activity-specific shoes to withstand many workouts. However, the shoes are heavier as a result. As you run, they can add up and slow you down and may cause injury. 

We don’t recommend running shoes for cross-training either, because with weightlifting, for instance, the running shoes will compress or leave you in an uncomfortable position. 

Yes, and no. If you run and cross-train (excellent decision, by the way), you will need separate shoes for each.

There are several reasons for this.

Running shoes, aside from being lightweight and better for heel-to-toe movements, have the advantage of good mesh to keep feet dry and prevent unnecessary sweating. 

Running shoes should also fit correctly, so you can run without having them come loose. Moreover, if you have any specific foot issues, such as flat feet, you need distinctive shoes to address your problem. 

It is well known that wearing an incorrect shoe size will cause pain, arthritis, and stress on your feet and back, and many doctors advise against it.

As a result, you cannot risk your health by choosing the wrong shoes over much recommended activity-specific footwear, especially when it comes to running, football, and basketball. 

Cross-training shoes can be temporarily substituted for sport-specific shoes, but not when you’re serious about the sport.

For activities such as jumping rope, dancing, weightlifting, aerobics, and so on, Cross training shoes are only appropriate for the gym. Leave the specifics to their fields. 

Cross-training shoes are versatile and ideal for cross-training. Especially if you don’t want a closet full of sports shoes. But when you get serious about sports that require specific shoes, you should follow the rules of that sport. 

There are a lot of factors at play here, especially the fact that better-quality shoes last longer.

Also, let’s establish that not all cross training shoes are the same (our section about what are cross training shoes and what cross training shoes are good for can help you figure out what to consider before you buy them).

As per our research, cross-training shoes can last you a year or six months of wear; a high-quality pair could last even longer with proper care.

This is enough time for you to realize if you’ve overgrown your current pair, lost interest, or if you ought to consider replacing them.

In most cases, it’s the cushioning that deteriorates. 

Wear them only when cross-training: 

It is a contradiction in terms that I like to wear mine casually, but they are so comfortable that I wear them all the time!

Though it doesn’t deny that when you wear them every day, the cushioning and the materials wear out faster, which is also true for any shoe. 

Regularly clean the shoes: 

Yes, no more kicking them in the closet when you’re done with them.

It’s always a good idea to clean your cross-training shoes regularly, making sure they’re dirt-proof, dry, and odor-free, as dirty shoes are a breeding ground for mold and can seriously damage the rubber.

Keep them tucked away from direct sunlight and in their original packaging!

Set your own comfort: 

Now, as we mentioned earlier, not all cross training shoes are the same, and the same applies to their insoles.

If you have a pair of cross-training shoes with removable insoles, get your own that are more comfortable than the standard ones.

In addition to feeling more comfortable, you’ll also have shoes that fit better!