3 Best Altra Shoes for CrossFit [2020 Reviews]
So you’re looking for an awesome pair of CrossFit shoes for your next WOD and you heard that Altra might be the brand for you. Well you’re in luck.
When it comes to cross-training sneakers, picking a high quality pair can help improve your gym performance and lead to more muscle built and more fat burned. But choose a pair without a solid reputation, and you might find yourself leaving the gym with a minor injury or sprain.
To help you pick a good pair of workout sneakers that you can trust, make sure you go through this list of the best Altra CrossFit shoes to wear for your next WOD.
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In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Quick Rankings
[Table]
1. HIIT XT – Best for Men
At the top of the list we have the Altra HIIT XT Cross-Training Shoe and this model does a good job living up to its name. Thanks to its solid design you shouldn’t have a problem performing a variety of physical activities from CrossFit and gym training, to light running or sprints.
These workout sneakers provide pretty good traction for rope climbs or quick movements thanks to the wrap-around rubber midsole. And the insole is removable if you need more arch support on the inside.
The upper layer is mesh to make things a little more breathable and they feel very stable during weightlifting and HIIT movements.
Pros:
- Stable thanks to zero drop
- Nice bottom grip
- Hugs mid foot well
Cons:
- Can feel stiff
- Sometimes considered TOO narrow
2. HIIT XT 2 – Best for Women
Even though the Altra HIIT XT 2 shoes are labeled as a “road running shoe,” they’re actually very versatile. They have a few ideal uses including court sports, cross training, lifting, and of course… CrossFit.
I think you’ll find that in comparison to the standard HIIT XT, these have a slightly upgraded feel. They offer a little more durability and flexibility for really intense workouts. They’re also pretty comfortable so you don’t have to worry about strain during plyometric movements.
You’ll notice that the laces attach a little higher up the tongue and this increases stability. It’s a nice little upgrade that improves your footing on weightlifting exercises like cleans a jerks.
One of the drawbacks of this model is probably how stiff they are. Owners have reported that even though the toe box is wide enough, the front is a little abrasive for their long toes.
Pros:
- Very versatile for different training
- Comfortable
- Improved stability since the HIIT XT
Cons:
- Stiff toe box
- Might not last long term
3. HIIT XT 1.5
Here’s another zero-drop sole shoe that’s designed specifically for cross training. As far as workout sneakers with a flat sole, these should be a a suitable choice for all sorts of gym activities.
The HIIT XT 1.5 shoes are very stable and make them a go-to choice for weightlifting whether that’s for squats, deadlifts, or cleans. They do take awhile to break in, but don’t let that deter you because they’re much more comfortable after the first couple weeks or so.
These shoes are also very comfortable. People with wide feet might describe them as “snug,” but if you have a narrower foot, you’re more likely to have “just enough” room for comfort.
Pros
- Stable for heavy weightlifting
- Lots of cushion
Cons
- Break-in period
- May be tight for wide feet
Bonus: Solstice
Now if you know anything about the Altra Solstice Sneakers, then you know that they’re primarily a running shoe. Uh oh! Why are they on this list then?
Well, they’re included because as a CrossFitter, you know better than others that short (or even longer) cardio sessions could be part of the WOD. Strapping on a pair of dedicated running shoes might be your best bet.
These running shoes have a nice breathable forefoot thanks to the mesh over the toes to help keep your foot cool even on those really hot days. Alternatively, the mesh in the midfoot and heel is a little more supportive so your foot doesn’t jostle around inside the shoe.
The outsoles are also pretty durable so you can count on them to perform for both cardio and dynamic movements. Really, if you’re someone who values the comfort and feel of a running shoe over others, you may want to go with these. However, we still stand by the recommendation that a traditional cross-training shoe is your best bet for CrossFit.
Pros
- Breathable
- Feels nice ans soft
Cons
- Not a cross-training shoe
And the Best Altra CrossFit Shoe is…?
After taking the time to do this research on a number of shoes, I can confidently say that Altra is a very reliable brand and makes some pretty cool shoes. Of course, this brand primarily manufacturers running sneakers so it’s a little suprising that they still manage to produce a few cross-training models tha tcan compete with the big boys like Reebok and Nike.
That being said, of all the Altra shoes that we researched, even though three models made this list of the “best of,” the one pair that took our highest recommendation are the Altra HIIT XT. Even though they’re not actually the latest model, they still deliver the best quality and performance in a cross-training shoe.
The zero drop design makes them very stable for lifting and short sprints, the bottom grips very well for those dynamic jumping and plyometrics, and they hug your midfoot in a very comfortable way for extra traction.
Make sure you check the latest price on Amazon so you can compare with some other popular shoe brands.
And if you’d like to see discover our “best of the best,” then make sure you click through to our top CrossFit sneakers for exercising list and pick a pair of workout shoes from the very top of the heap.
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