CrossFitters are infamously known for having all the gear. We do all the things so we obviously need all the gear right? I’ll be breaking down the most common items you may see, why you need them, why you don’t and where you can find them.
Shoes
Cross Training Shoes
The two most famous are Reebok Nano and Nike Metcon however there are a lot of options. These shoes have a negative or neutral heel drop that will allow you to stay grounded through your lifts and are versatile so you can run, climb or jump as well.
Popular shoes for CrossFit: Reebok Nano, Nike Metcon, Inov8, NoBull Trainers.
Running Shoes
For those days at the gym with long runs or only running workouts get yourself a pair of running shoes. You might be thinking why buy a real running shoe, I don’t like running? Running shoes provide the best protection for your feet, legs, and body from the repeated stress of thousands of foot landings per mile. Each time you take a stride and land, your foot has to absorb two to three times your body weight. This repeated impact is different from other sports. Running shoes have built-in features that enable you to run day after day more comfortably and with less chance of an over-use injury.
Popular running shoe brands: Brooks, Hokas, On Cloudflow, Adidas Ultraboost, NoBull Runners, Saucony, Asics, Nike
Lifters
Buy lifters add at least 5# to your 1RM back squat. I bet that got your attention. Weightlifting shoes have a raised heel that allows you to squat into a deeper position, maintain a more upright torso, and ensures you have a strong stable base to push through. Lifters are PRICEY and should not be used as a crutch because you have poor mobility in your ankles or hips. They are not the best option for WODs or metcons and should be used for weightlifting, specifically squats, snatches, and clean and jerks. If you don’t want to commit to $200 shoes check out VeraLifts that can be inserted in your normal trainer to help with that squat ROM. Let me repeat, do not let these be an excuse to skip mobility!
Popular shoes for Lifters: Nike Romaleo, Reebok Legacy, Adidas AdiPower, NoBull Lifters
Stay tuned for PART TWO of the gear guide that will cover everything weightlifting related.