5 Cross Trainers for All of Your Fit Pursuits

New year, new rear, new shoes! ‘Cause, hey, if you’re going to take your workouts up a notch, you need the right footwear to help conquer those sweat sessions. And, if you’re like us, your workouts ask you to do a lot of things sometimes. There may be jumping and running and lifting and squatting — heck, even some dancing or burpeeing (it’s a verb now). Now that’s a tall order for a shoe, but one that the right cross trainer can fulfill. Here are five new cross trainers we’re crushing on — or, maybe more appropriately, cross trainers that are helping us to crush our workouts, no matter what we’re doing!

1. Puma IGNITE XT

Want a cross trainer that’ll ignite your fit life? Say hello to the Puma IGNITE XT ($54). A twist on the IGNITE running shoe, the XT is designed specifically for crosstraining and high-intensity workouts. With lots of responsiveness, these shoes are bouncy (the running shoe world calls this “energy return”) yet still allow for multi-directional movement with additional heel thickness at the sides to support side-to-side movements. They’re also light, flexible and comfy. Basically, no matter what you’re asked to do in that boot camp class you’re taking, this cross trainer is there for you.

It’s the perfect cross trainer for: The gal who loves running and wants the feel of a running shoe even during her crosstraining workouts.

2. VIVOBAREFOOT Motus

Guys, these shoes ($150) are incredible. We have to admit that we were a bit skeptical at first (tried one barefoot shoe and tried them all?), but they were amazing. They’re a fantastic mix of getting a real feet-on-floor feeling with some support and a touch of cushion that makes you want to MOVE. The lacing and velcro strap help keep your foot secure and ready to do anything you ask it to do. (On a personal note, I swear these helped me to get so much better at double-unders — at last!) And, unlike some barefoot shoes, these look pretty darn cool on.

It’s the perfect cross trainer for: Someone who likes the feel of a barefoot shoe but isn’t ready to do the whole separate toe thing.

3. Brooks Running PureConnect 4

Besides just looking totally bad-ass (hey, we can’t help but notice when a shoe just looks COOL), the Brooks Running PureConnect 4 ($65) is a great responsive shoe. Yes, it’s technically a running shoe, but it’s adaptive enough to work well for the occasional boot camp or HIIT session. And we’re not just saying that because we’re a Brooks Running blog ambassador — we’re saying that because we end up in the gym with this shoe on all the time … and love it. It’s great for when you want to run a few miles and then hit the weights.

It’s the perfect cross trainer for: The runner who also hits boot camp every now and again.

4. Nike Free TR 5

Who doesn’t want to feel free in her workouts? The Nike Free TR 5 ($100) gives you that freedom with a lightweight shoe that’s great for cardio, strength and other in-the-gym workouts. Totally comfy, these feel like they’re molded to your foot, so you have a secure fit that allows you to push off fast and go in pretty much any direction. They also feature strategically placed rubber pods on the heels, toes and sides that help the shoes to last longer and boost traction. And, bonus, they come in lots of fun colors.

It’s the perfect cross trainer for: The gym rat.

5. Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0

If your crosstraining takes you into a box, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 2.0 ($99) is your shoe. Designed specifically for CrossFit WODS, these are low to the ground with a little cushioning, so that you can be quick, safe and comfy, no matter how many lifts or burpees you’re performing. Unlike previous versions, the Nano 2.0 has more flexibility and breathability — which we think has made for a more loveable shoe. (Oh, and it comes in KIDS’ SIZES. Oh. Em. Gee.)

It’s the perfect cross trainer for: The box rat.

What cross trainers are you sporting these days? Don’t make me pick a fave of the above … I can’t do it! —Jenn