Cross trainers are the most versatile shoe for athletic activities. On the plus side, you can use cross trainers for your Pilates class, a pick-up game of basketball or an easy jog. You get basic comfort, cushioning, stability and durability for your money, plus you only have to pay for one pair of shoes. There are trade-offs, however. Cross trainers are not appropriate if you are on a regular running program. Cross trainers don't offer enough cushioning and flexibility for regular runners, and they are heavier than running shoes.
Buying Guide
The outersoles on a cross trainer should be wide, stable and reasonably durable. Stability is important to support your lateral mobility in a fitness class or a racquetball game. Uppers are either all leather, which offers more stability but less breathability, or a leather upper paired with breathable synthetic mesh. You should replace your cross trainers every 100 hours or twice per year if you use them for a variety of sports.
Men
The independent experts at Workout Results selected the 10 best cross trainers in 2010. It chose five for women and five for men. Topping the list for men is the New Balance 1010, which provides maximum shock absorption and a fit intended to prevent slippage and jamming of the toes. The Adidas Enduro Bounce II ranked second with its breathable internal membrane, which removes water and offers longer wear. The other top shoes for men were the K-Swiss ST 329, with a compression-molded EVA midsole, the Brooks Beast, which gives more protection for those with minor or major pronation problems and the Brooks Addiction 8, with an arch intended to add back support.
Women
The top rated cross trainer for women is the Nike Free Trainer, an extremely light shoe, designed to provide flexibility, give and traction when used for jogging. The New Balance 1225 is next on the list. It offers the highest level of cushioning and arch support for moderate to severe pronation problems. The Keen Ridgeline was the third-ranked shoe. It is designed to dissipate shock and protect your ankles. The Orthaheel Action X-Trainer, which features built-in inserts for flat feet, and the ASICS GEL-Fluent TR 2, with a heel plus intended to enhance durability, round out the list.
Considerations
If you want to consider another top-rated shoe from an independent source, the website for "Fitness" magazine chose the Avia A 1433 as the best cross trainer in 2010, praising its extra cushioning in the heel and versatile outersole. "Fitness" also selected the New Balance 1010 as its runner-up, which gives the shoe a strong recommendation from two different sources. Fit is critical for athletic shoes, and it can be tricky. Your feet grow over time, so your shoe size might have changed. In addition, size is not always measured the same by different shoe companies. There should be a thumbnail of space between your longest toe and the top of the shoe. It's OK if your heel moves within the shoe, but it shouldn't slip.
Member Comments