Review The Best Cross Training Shoes For Flat Feet, Overpronation & Arch Support + CrossFit Workout Trainers


If your feet barely have an arch or even have no arch, then you have flat feet.

This is known as overpronation, and it is a common situation shared by at least 30% of the entire Earth’s population. Yes, you're right... I said "at least 30%... have flat feet and that part of the population should wear the proper cross training shoe pair. 

So you’re not alone.

Most of us with flat feet don’t recognize we actually need special gym shoes for exercising. 

It gets worse:

Only the best cross training shoes can help you in finishing your sessions with maximum mobility and no injuries.

Let’s cut to the chase to maximize your flat feet comfort for your next WOD, weightlifting, or training session.

There has been an increase in the demand of the best CrossFit shoes for this in recent times as more and more people are realizing the benefits they can gain when deciding to use these special shoes.

This rise in demand has fueled a focus in creating the top class training shoes with arch support from big shoe companies like Puma, ASICS, Reebok, Nike, and Adidas.

But which one is right for you?

Read on to find out...

Whether you have flat feet or lack of a natural foot arch, it means that you need the best pair of crossfit shoes. This is because you are not getting enough shock absorption as your foot makes contact with the ground.

This article will give you a review of the best training shoes for flat feet.

5 Best CrossFit Shoes for Flat Feet Reviewed

Product Details
1. Nike Free Trainer 5.0 V6 Cross Training Shoe

Comfort And Control

  • Flywire Technology
  • Superb Traction
Check Price
2. Asics Gel-Craze TR 4

Enhanced Cushioning

  • Reduced Irritation
  • Great Arch Support
Check Price
3. Puma Tazon 6 Cross Trainer

Stylish Design

  • Strong Midfoot Saddle
  • Good Air Flow
Check Price
4. Reebok CrossFit Nano 7

Versatile

  • Flexible Bottom
  • Wide Toe Box
Check Price
5. Inov-8 F-lite 195

Durable But Laces Are Too Short

  • Meta-Flex Technology
  • Sticky Rubber Outsole
Check Price

1. Nike Free Trainer 5.0 V6 Cross Training Shoe

Nike Free Trainer 5.0 V6 Cross Training Shoe

Our Verdict: Editor's Top Pick

The Nike Free Trainer 5.0 V6 is the best shoe overall as its features provide TONS of benefits at a reasonable price.

This shoe is the newest version in the market, and it is a well-cushioned shoe that is targeted towards individuals in need of shoes that can handle serious motion.

This gym shoe will provide you with comfort and control which will allow you to perform impeccably well in intense training sessions and also meets the demands of multi-sport workouts.

This product is a good choice especially if you are making a transition from padded shoes to the best CrossFit shoes for flat feet.

The product will ensure you have the maximum capability and it is designed such that the toe box area has plenty of room which is responsible for comfort.

Additionally, the shoe uses a Flywire technology that allows it to be lightweight but does prevent injuries by locking the foot during lateral movements.

The Nike Free Trainer 5.0 v6 is widely used by professionals, and it is gaining deserved popularity. Features such as the low-profile phylite midsole which allows for enhanced shock-absorption and foot support are difficult to resist.

This product will literally take your training game to the next level as its unique design, and multiple features will ensure that you are not disadvantaged because of your flat feet.

Pros:

  • Removable inner sole
  • Water resistant
  • Long-lasting traction
  • Premium stability making it perfect for flat feet
  • Exemplary lockdown fit & arch support
  • Provides excellent comfort & style

Cons:

  • Not true to size (when ordering choose 0.5 - 1.0 full size bigger)

2. Asics Gel-Craze TR 4

Asics Gel-Craze TR 4

Our Verdict: Most Lightweight

The Asics Gel-Craze TR 4 is the most comfortable cross training shoes for overpronation from a trusted brand. 

The shoes are produced by the first company to show an interest in the development of cross training shoes suited for individuals with flat feet.

This product will provide you with protection during high-intensity interval training as well as strength training - specifically weight lifting.

The product has a superb fit and will boost your responsiveness during an intense workout which in itself limits the possibility of sustaining an injury.

Asics Gel-Craze TR 4 also reduces irritation as a result of a seamless mesh upper that hugs your foot during movement. This feature will not only ensure that you are comfortable but will also give you maximum stability just where you need it.

This sneaker is a versatile multipurpose cross trainer that will seemingly slide into your budget without the need to adjust your budget allocation too much.

Whether you are running in the gym, weight lifting, skipping rope, or jogging outdoors, this product will offer protection and comfort as well as responsiveness for ultimate performance.

"Running" being mentioned, please keep in mind that running shoe type, no matter how expensive is not always the suitable type for flat feet.

The design of the shoe contains firm inner soles in addition to the Gel cushioning technology made famous by ASICS. The lightweight midsole combined with its enhanced cushioning and durability will guarantee you that you are purchasing the best CrossFit shoes for flat feet.

Pros:

  • Firm inner soles
  • Great arch support
  • Durable & comfortable
  • Super lightweight
  • Solid multipurpose shoe
  • Outsole offers great grip

Cons:

  • Heel slippage due to low cut
  • Can produce squeaky noise

3. Puma Tazon 6 Cross Trainer

Puma Tazon 6 Cross Trainer

Our Verdict: Best Budget Buy

The Puma Tazon 6 Cross Trainer is the most economical workout shoes for flat feet. 

These shoes have plenty of features that ensure great support and comfort for individuals with flat feet.

This product will allow you to transition from the gym to the pavement.

Hence, if you are deciding to change your workout routine, you cannot do better than acquiring a Puma Tazon 6 Cross Trainer.

The stylish look and design of the shoe have misled many customers into thinking that it is expensive.

But that’s not the case at all...

This cross trainer even goes beyond the stylish look as it ensures that you have the necessary shock absorption and arch support.

The Puma Tazon has a strong ‘midfoot saddle’ which provides ideal arch support and also ensures cushioning and shock absorption through the EVA heel pod.

The 6th generation of Puma Tazon has received plenty of great feedback from customers, and this has no shock as the shoe is built for walking, training, and running for people with flat feet.

This product also ensures that you have total control and responsiveness which protects you from any serious injuries and limits the chances that you injure yourself in the first place.

The shoe also offers breathability during intense workout sessions because it features synthetic leather with perforations that allow good air flow.

Pros:

  • Breathability allows good air flow
  • Stylish design
  • Value for money
  • Great arch support
  • Suitable for indoor & outdoor
  • Runs true to size
  • Streamlined silhouette

Cons:

  • Thin soles
  • Requires break-in

4. Reebok CrossFit Nano 7

Reebok CrossFit Nano 7

Our Verdict: Best For Intense Training

Simply put, the Reebok CrossFit Nano 7 is the #1 cross training shoes for professionals in athletics or other extremely demanding outdoor and indoor sports. 

This is a training shoe design with a goal in mind that it will be exposed to intense workout sessions and this is why the shoe can receive plenty of beating without wearing out.

Reebok’s Nano series has always been well received by customers, and Nano 7 follows the same trend not because of the brand name but rather the key features that it has.

Look:

The all-purpose versatility is one of the features that make the shoe stand out and the added comfortability and arch support to develop, you have the best recipe for the best pair of shoes for flat feet.

The wraparound clips are the newly added feature that adds more stability and offers greater support when training. This upgraded feature allows you to run or weightlift even in the harshest conditions without sacrificing your ankles.

Reebok Crossfit Nano 7 also has a flexible bottom for traction and mobility making it highly recommended for intense workouts that involve box jumps and lateral movements.

There is no disputing that this shoe is one of the best for cross training on the market today.

This shoe is purchase by individuals who look for an all-purpose shoe, and this is why the entire length of the foot has plenty of cushioning.

Pros:

  • Secured locked-in feel
  • Crystallized rubber outsole for flexibility & great traction
  • Designed for increased stability
  • Breathable & stratchy upper

Cons:

  • A bit tight midfoot
  • Expensive 

5. Inov-8 F-lite 195

Inov-8 F-lite 195

Our Verdict: Most Durable

The Inov-8 F-lite 195 shoe is the most durable cross trainer for flat feet, and its comfortability makes it ideal for everyday use.

This shoe has plenty of added features making it an easy choice for an individual searching for the best cross training shoes for flat feet and overpronation.

The Inov-8 F-lite 195 allows flat footed individuals to train comfortably, even during cross training, as a result of the zero heel-to-toe drops. META-FLEX technologies is another feature that will improve your stability and your performance in every movement is greatly improved.

The thin layer of protection between the ground and foot ensures that the Inov-8 F-lite 195 is light. This makes it suitable for a wide range of movements such as lifting and squatting.

The shoe has a one-piece upper that is internally structured and allows the shoe to support good air flow.

The shoe is also quite durable and will allow you to perform high-intensity workouts without rapid wear and tear. It also provides adequate arch support during cross training.

Additionally, it has a sticky rubber outsole, and this allows for flexibility and incredible grip. The Rope-Tec reinforcement also allows for exercises such as rope climbing.

Pros:

  • Ideal for everyday use
  • Incredible grip
  • META-FLEX  technology
  • Zero "heel-to-toe" drops

Cons:

  • Shoe laces come too short
  • Runs about half size small

Why Do I Need Special Shoes For Overpronation & Flat Feet?

The Mechanics of Fallen Arches

As a flat footer, your foot tends to roll inwards when it hits the ground. And this, I'm telling you, is a good candidate to injuries especially for cross training.

This movement inwards creates a situation where the feet can't fully stabilize the body, as explained in the video below:

How The Right Trainers Can Help You

The arch support in cross trainers work as a shock absorber and provide stability to lessen the pressure on the bottom of your foot.

A well-designed cross training pair of shoes should support your feet while helping negate this inward motion when you're running or training and just any running shoe pair doesn't equate to this.

They provide stability to the forefoot, heel, and ankle to actively discourage pronation, and also provide midsole support to avoid extra strain on the foot during intense workouts.

Almost every high-quality sports brand has cross trainers that are tailored to flat feet or people who have severe overpronation of their feet.

person running up stairs in sneakers

The top cross training shoes for overpronation allow you to secure your movements and ensure that you encounter no pain during intense training sessions.

Paying attention to your sneakers will ensure that you get the best gym shoes for flat feet and this will allow you to train intensely without injury for a long time.

They will reduce and ease the strain on your feet during intense WOD'S, HIIT workouts, and running.

The shoes above have decent medial support and will allow you to perform a variety of intense workouts such as cardio and strength training.

How Do I Choose Cross Trainers?

When choosing a cross trainer that will suit your needs, there are important features that you need to consider carefully.

Protection

Protection is the first factor you will consider especially if you are performing a variety of intense activities such as rope climbing, rope jumping, and box jumps among others.

You should thus choose shoes that provide superior shock absorption when you do extreme movements such as some of the required activities of cross training.

Durability

Another factor that you should consider is durability as intense workouts put plenty of stress on your shoes.

Thus you should consider the material of the shoe and the outer sole such that it does not leave you with shoes without grip in just a few weeks.

Flexibility

Flexibility is yet another factor that will allow you to choose suitable cross trainers especially if you do a variety of cross training exercises such as climbing, running, jumping, and bouncing.

You should choose a shoe that is optimized in the type of training that you want to carry out. Like, if you are a runner, you have to get the correct type of running shoes, but not for people with flat feet.

Consider Your Activities

The shoes you choose will have a big impact on the level of performance on any given exercise.

A shoe might up the potential on one cross-training activity but reduce your potential in other exercises. Say like, shoes for crossfit training on a rebounder or trampoline may not be as suitable to use for boxing or mountain climbing, for that matter. 

Support, style, and versatility of the shoe are some of the other considerations that you need to take into account before committing to buying a shoe to make sure it suits your needs and training regimen, especially for cross training.

Using Your Trainers to Prevent Injuries

Utilizing the best pair of trainers for flat feet will reduce the chances of injury, but you should also ensure that you are cautious about how you conduct yourself.

Avoid Overtraining

This is because it is easy to run the risk of overtraining. It's not ever about wearing out your best shoes, but it's also a good option to have a spare set of training shoes or even a pair of lifting shoes ready as an alternative.

To avoid injuries, it is best to create a split routine. Without this consideration, not even the best shoes will save you from injury.

Stay Hydrated

Another important caution is that you should never forget to properly hydrate during cross training.

If your body lacks fluids, it is more likely and easy to sustain an injury while doing your cross training.

Conclusion

The #1 best cross training shoes for flat footed peeps is the Nike Free Trainer 5.0 V6 even though this was a tightly contested review as each product has its strengths. This shoe creates balance in all the areas of training since it is not only affordable but also light, comfortable, and offers great support.

This cross training shoe pair will be quite efficient in all types of training, and the design makes it a great choice for casual wear for flat feet.

In comparison with some of the other expensive shoe brands, this one offers you a great value for your money and will seem cheaper as you progress with training.

However, while a cross trainer review will recommend the best cross training shoes for flat feet, a suitable product for you will depend on what you are looking for. This article allows you to determine what product suits your specific needs.

Choosing the best training shoes for flat feet is just a matter of knowing what you want to achieve and conducting research based on recommendations provided, so you know how to select the best CrossFit shoes.

Last Updated on September 10, 2020

Health Listed
 

HealthListed.com is committed to providing the latest and greatest health information to our loyal readers. Whether you want to learn more about nutrition, fitness, or anything else health-related, we cover it all!

Click Here to Leave a Comment Below 0 comments