7 Best Brooks CrossFit Shoes for 2020 [Reviews]

If you’re gearing up for a CrossFit workout, you need to make sure you have the right footwear. The popular training style is not only going to test your endurance and muscularity, but it’ll test the strength of your shoes too.
And in the cross-training world, Reebok and Nike have always been the most popular sneaker brands hogging the CrossFit spotlight, but surprisingly the lesser-known Brooks brand offers a number of high-quality options that you shouldn’t scoff at.
Make sure you read all the way to the end because you’re about to discover the 7 best Brooks shoes to wear for your next CrossFit workout.
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In a Rush? Here’s Our Top Pick!
Brooks Beast 18
- Extremely comfortable
- Fit feels custom
- Can work for both lifting and running
Rank | Name | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
#1 |
Brooks Beast 18 |
|
Check Price |
#2 |
Brooks Ghost 12 |
|
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#3 |
Brooks Pureflow 7 |
|
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#4 |
Brooks Bedlam |
|
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#5 |
Brooks Levitate 2 |
|
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#6 |
Brooks Launch 6 |
|
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#7 |
Brooks Ghost 11 |
|
Check Price |
How We Compared Brooks CrossFit Shoes
There are a number of features and specifications to compare when picking good shoes for CrossFit. Here’s what we based our selections on:
Support
Workout shoes need to be supportive if you want to avoid unnecessary injuries. With all the jumping, climbing, and running, a rolled ankle or slip could ruin your day. That’s why you need to make sure the shoes you pick are going to be stable enough to handle the day’s WOD and keep your performance up.
Comfort
According to studies, comfortable shoes tend to provide a better wearing experience and support to the wearer (imagine that) haha. The last thing we want is to force on a pair of sneakers that are “supposed” to be good for your workout, but hurt like hell.
Durability
Finally, the shoes you pick have to be durable. Performing these intense activities multiple times per week for months is really going to test your footwear. If you don’t want to keep shelling out money for new shoes, then make sure you pick a durable pair from the beginning.
Caution!
We should let you know that the primary purpose of Brooks sneakers are for long distance running. Even though these shoes can still be used for CrossFit and short distance cardio workouts, you would be better off performing your heavy lifts in a pair of shoes from this list instead.
1. Brooks Beast 18
At the very top of the list, we have the Brooks Beast 18 which is the successor to the 16 (also a very good shoe). This is a pretty darn comfortable shoe with plenty of cushioning to fit just right. Additionally, the Extended Progressive Diagonal Rollbar (PDRB) gives more control so you can use these for both running and lifting.
Click here to read the latest Amazon reviews
Pros:
- Extremely comfortable
- Fit feels custom
- Can work for both lifting and running
Cons:
- Runs a little narrow
2. Brooks Ghost 12
The Brooks Ghost 12 Sneakers are pretty versatile shoes in that they can be worn for long distance running, cross-training, treadmill runs, and on roads. We like the Segmented Crash Pad on the bottom because they act as mini shock absorbers to make heel to toe transitions really smooth. And they also feel really light for those quick sprint sessions.
Click here to read the latest Amazon reviews
Pros:
- Versatile enough for long distance running, cross-training, and different terrain
- Good shock absorption
- Lightweight feel
Cons:
- Narrower than the previous model
- Some reviewers claimed the nylon wore quickly
3. Brooks PureFlow 7
If you’re looking for more of a minimal design, then the Brooks PureFlow 7 is a good choice. One thing we really like about these shoes is the 4 mm heel to toe differential which is more inline with a typical CrossFit shoe. Plus, they were designed to be lighter than most shoes, but still with a highly flexible response. The outsole pods also do a very good job of providing traction and grip.
Click here to read the latest Amazon reviews.
Pros:
- Minimal shoe with heel to toe differential ideal for cross training
- Light with a flexible response
- Good traction and grip
Cons:
- May require a break-in period to get really comfortable
- Durability isn’t great for constant outdoor use
4. Brooks Bedlam
The first thing that stands out about the Brooks Bedlam Shoe is the design which sports this wicked pixelated knit upper (so cool). It has a nice responsive midsole that does well during plyometric movements. And this model does a good job of keeping your feet in proper alignment so that your entire leg, including your knees, don’t develop long-term injuries over time.
Click here to read the latest reviews on Amazon.
Pros:
- Really cool-looking knit upper design
- Responsive midsole
- Cushioning provides good support
Cons:
- Requires a break-in period
- Some buyers claim the sizes run big
5. Brooks Levitate 2
If you’re worried about comfort around your Achilles Tendon, then the Brooks Levitate 2 Sneakers might be for you. They have this layer of soft foam in the back that Brooks calls “The Achilles Guard”, that’s super comfy when you slip them on. They’re also very responsive in the midsole and the bottom grip is very good to support your natural gait as you move.
Click here to read the latest reviews on Amazon.
Pros:
- Achilles Tendon Guard is very supportive to your heel
- Responsive midsole
- Nice grip
Cons:
- Some buyers said these don’t work well for long-distance running
6. Brooks Launch 6
This isn’t the first time that the Brooks Launch 6 Shoes have appeared on one of our lists. We praise them because of their excellent support for people with high arches, and we think they’re good enough to appear on our overall “best of” CrossFit workout footwear too.
And it’s mostly due to their comfort and support. They’re not great for heavy lifting, but short distance runs, jumping, and sled drags shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Click here to read the latest Amazon reviews.
Pros:
- Great support for high arches
- Comfortable
Cons:
- Not good for weightlifting
7. Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoe
Now, we already included the Ghost 12 on this list, but we wanted to make sure we included the Brooks Ghost 11 Running Shoe because they’re also a high quality model that can make CrossFit a better experience. These supply good support for people with medium to high arches, so they don’t feel too flat while you’re training.
They have the signature Segmented Crash Pad that makes landing on your feet very adaptable, and the mesh upper is breathable with a little give so it stretches to your specifications nicely.
Click here to see the latest Amazon reviews.
Pros:
- Supportive for feet with medium to high arches
- Segmented Crash Pad adapts to your natural roll step
- Breathable mesh upper
Cons:
- May run wider than expected
- Not as sturdy as other Brooks models
Top 3 Best Brooks CrossFit Shoes
Category | Name | Price |
---|---|---|
Best Overall |
Brooks Beast 18 |
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Best Minimalistic |
Brooks Pureflow 7 |
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Best Arch Support |
Brooks Launch 6 |
Check Price |
Brooks may be a lesser-known shoe brand in the CrossFit world, but they still supply high-quality sneakers that can perform well during WODs. And now that you’ve seen our full list of the best Brooks shoes for CrossFit, here are our top 3 to make buying a little easier.
For the best overall, we picked the Brooks Beast 18 because of its rugged and durable build and comfort. The Brooks Pureflow 7 is a great choice if you’re looking for a more minimal design. And finally, if you have high arches that require more special attention, you can’t go wrong with the Brooks Launch 6 Shoes.
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