5 Best Training Shoes for Running and Weightlifting (2022) | Top hybrid models (2023)

As athletic and training shoes continue to evolve, we're starting to see more companies diving into the world of hybrid sneakers. Essentially, these are training shoes that walk the fine line between being good at lifting weights and good at running.

Now, it's worth noting that most hybrid shoes will work.across a spectrum of performance. On the one hand, we have serious lifting, and on the other, running. Hybrid training shoes should fall somewhere in the middle of that pick up and run spectrum.

They may not be the best at any1activity, but to deal with both, they can fight back. That being said, when searchinghybrid training shoesI think it is very important to understand this to avoid disappointment or misaligned expectations.

In this article, I'm going to dive into some of my favorite hybrid shoes that work great for running and weight lifting. I've divided my favorite picks into different performance-focused subcategories based on what you might be looking for.

In the market for new cross-training shoes? be sure to check mineTF2 Cross Training Shoes Finder. This calculator matches you with the shoes I've reviewed that best fit your training needs.

Best Hybrid Training Shoes for Treadmill Running

When I test and evaluate the best hybrid training shoes for treadmill running, I'm most concerned about two performance features. The first aspect I consider is the comfort of the treadmill shoe and where your mileage limit is.

The second aspect of performance focuses on lifting and understanding the stability limits of a model. Generally speaking, most training shoes that work well for treadmill running lack higher levels of stability.

Top Pick: Cloud X

The On Cloud X is my best hybrid training shoe for anyone who plans to use their model frequently for treadmill runs. This could be the athlete and lifter who likes to run a few miles before or after training or do full days focused on the treadmill.

The On Cloud X offers a CloudTec midsole that provides a very comfortable ride, especially for short (<3 miles) and medium (3-5 miles) runs. I also like the upper part of this model for running because of its lightness and breathability.

When lifting, the stability of the On Cloud X is good, and it will work with loads up to 275 pounds. Once you get past that threshold, you'll start to notice some midsole compression due to the lack of a more stable CloudTec construction.

If you plan to do mostly HIIT workouts, classes, and light weight lifting with a fairly regular bias towards the treadmill, then the On Cloud X is a good shoe to look at. Two areas of performance where the On Cloud X falls a bit short are maximum lifting and explosive lateral movements.

• Better for: Running on a treadmill, lifting weights, HIIT, agility
• Mileage comfort threshold: 0-5 miles
• Elevation Stability Threshold: <275 pounds
• Drop from heel to toe: 6 mm
• Weight: 8.8 ounces(for my model size 10)
• removable insole: Sim
• sizing: true dimension
• read my review:CloudX Review
• runner-up option:UA HOVR Ascension 3

The best hybrid training shoes for outdoor workouts

To evaluate hybrid outdoor training shoes, I'm looking at the comfort of a running shoe, weightlifting stability, and the outsole for grip on different surfaces.

Ideally, you want a shoe that works well for road running, trail running, and even outdoor training and weight-lifting sessions, so you'll also want a higher level of durability with these shoes.

Escolha principal: STR/KE MVMNT Vimana Hybrid Runner

My top pick for hybrid training shoes for outdoor running is the STR/KE MVMNT Vimana Hybrid Runner. Compared to more popular and well-known models, I feel like the Vimana Hybrid Runner falls under the radar and doesn't get the attention it deserves.

The Vimana Hybrid Runner does a very good job on trails and hikes, and can even work well for shorter road and treadmill runs. I also like the stability you get from the Vimana Hybrid Runner and that its sole doesn't compromise on stability.

This model is built on an EVA/EPE midsole which gives the midsole of this shoe a good level of responsiveness and energy return. The Meta Platform outsole has an omnidirectional tread pattern that does a good job on dirt and rock trails.

I think if you are looking for a really strong minimalist training shoe for trail running, hiking and light road running combined with good stability, then the Vimana Hybrid Runner is worth a look. The two downsides to this model are its grip on loose gravel and its slightly higher price.

• Better for: Trail running, Road racing, Lifting, Everyday use
• Mileage comfort threshold: 0-5 miles
• Elevation Stability Threshold: < 500 pounds
• Drop from heel to toe: 4 mm
• Weight: 10.8 ounces(for my model size 10)
• removable insole: Sim
• sizing: true dimension
• read my review:STR/KE Hybrid Slide MVMNT Vimana
• vice champion:reebok nano x1 aventura

The best hybrid training shoes for fast runs and sprints

When evaluating the best hybrid training shoes for running and running faster, I look at two key performance characteristics. First, I'm looking at the energy return of a shoe and how it feels when it comes to more explosive movements.

Second, I'm evaluating the overall comfort and responsiveness of the shoe. For sprints and fast runs, you'll generally want a shoe that offers an athletic fit that gives you more "pop" as you get deeper into the forefoot.

Best Pick: Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295

The Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 is my preferred hybrid training shoe for short to medium runs combined with sprints. This model is technically designed for running, but it can also work for bodyweight exercises and light functional conditioning exercises.

When conceptualizing the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295, I put it in the best performance category for the person who loves to hit the trail to do speed work, gain mileage, and tackle some body weight, I work with dumbbells or kettlebells. .

This shoe has Inov-8's proprietary Fly+ midsole and it does a great job of providing a good level of energy return when faced with different running training. I like the combination of EVA foam and graphene in the sole of this shoe and how it helps performance.

I also like that the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 can hold its own for slower recovery runs. I have used this shoe for runs up to 6 miles and they were comfortable. The two downsides to this model are its higher price and its performance when it comes to doing explosive lateral work on surfaces like grass.

• Better for: Sprints, short and medium runs, light training
• Mileage comfort threshold: 0-6 miles
• Elevation Stability Threshold: <225 pounds
• Drop from heel to toe: 8 mm
• Weight: 11.45 ounces (for my size 10 model)
• removable insole: Sim
• sizing: true dimension
• read my review:Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 Review
• vice champion:NOBULL Ripstop runner

The best hybrid training shoes for wide feet

When looking for the best hybrid shoes for wide feet, I worry about how a shoe will perform in the context of running and lifting weights, but I mainly look at the width of the shoe.

When it comes to hybrid exercises, narrow shoes can start to feel very uncomfortable for wide feet, so finding the right shoes can be very important.

Best pick: Altra Solstice XT 2

The Altra Solstice XT 2 is my best hybrid training shoe for wide feet. This model will work best for those who want a hybrid training shoe for running and weight lifting on a casual treadmill.

The Altra Solstice XT 2 has a good width and an anatomical toe box that avoids the harsher cones that you can find in some training shoes. This model also features a 0mm heel-to-toe drop, which could be good for those who like a minimalist drop.

The upper of the shoe is lightweight and breathable, and its foam midsole does a good job of being stable enough for weight lifting, but also comfortable enough for shorter runs. With that being said, I think this shoe will work best for those planning to do shorter indoor runs.

If you like zero drop training shoes and need a model with which to train and run a few kilometers here and there before and after training, the Solstice XT 2 is worth a look. Run outdoors, not shoes more aesthetic.

• Better for: Wide feet, sprints on the treadmill, HIIT workouts, casual training
• Mileage comfort threshold: 0-3 miles
• Elevation Stability Threshold: <315 pounds
• Drop from heel to toe: 0mm
• Weight: 9.5 ounces(for my model size 10)
• removable insole: Sim
• sizing: true dimension
• read my review:Altra Solstice XT 2 review
• Wide foot runner option for outdoor activities:STR/KE Hybrid Slide MVMNT Vimana

Best hybrid training shoes for lifting

When evaluating the best hybrid weightlifting shoes, I look at stability when training really hard and whether a model is comfortable for a few runs.

Essentially, if you want a shoe that will perform really well for a lifting bias, you're probably going to have to compromise on running performance. In this case, it's more a question of which models you can train hard and get away with some light ones.

Best Pick: Reebok Nano X2

The Reebok Nano X2 takes my place of honor in hybrid training shoes for weightlifting. You can train pretty hard in the Reebok Nano X2 and they work decently well for shorter indoor and outdoor runs (<3 miles).

This shoe features Reebok's Floatride Energy Foam in its midsole and has a full rubber outsole with a lug pattern. The combination of these two features helps give this shoe a good fit and a responsive, yet fairly stable feel.

I think the Reebok Nano X2 will work best for someone who likes to prioritize weight lifting on a weekly basis, but also likes to do some light warm up and cool down runs.

Another aspect that may be a benefit to some with the Reebok Nano X2 is that they have a reasonably good width so they can work with wider feet as well. Cons of the Reebok Nano X2 include that it is not a great model for CrossFit(unlike previous Nano models)and that might not work for narrow feet.

• Better for: CrossFit-style training, weight lifting, and sprints
• Mileage comfort threshold: 0-3 miles
• Elevation Stability Threshold: <505 pounds
• Drop from heel to toe: 7 mm
• Weight: 11.9 ounces(for my model size 10)
• removable insole: Sim
• sizing: true dimension
• read my review:Reebok Nano X2 Review

What makes a great hybrid training shoe?

The best hybrid training shoes have one thing in common. That similarity is that they can performright on a lift trackand running configurations that serve as a true hybrid training shoe.

The way I like to conceptualize training shoes, running shoes, and hybrid training shoes is by placing them on a performance spectrum. On the one hand, we have sports shoes that stand out for theirheavy lifting and more serious.

On the other hand, we have models designed to run and excel at different mileages. Once I've identified where the shoe falls on the performance spectrum, I begin to evaluate the construction of the shoe and how it relates to versatility, stability, and comfort.

More specifically, I'm considering three main aspects of the build. First, the midsole of the shoe and the materials used in it. The midsole of a shoe is related to its responsiveness when running and its stability when training hard.

Must read:6 Best HIIT Shoes | Picks for Women, Wide Feet, and More

Second, I'm considering how the midsole of the hybrid training shoe influences comfort. Factors that can influence and contribute to comfort include the stack height of the shoe, heel-to-toe drop, and the compression you experience from training and running with the materials used.

Third and last, I am evaluating the durability of a shoe and in which configurations this durability will best fit. For example, if it's primarily outdoor exercise, you'll want a shoe with a sole and upper that can withstand the demands of outdoor training.

Basically, I like to consider the three main building blocks below when considering the factors that can influence the performance of a hybrid training shoe.

1. Midsole materials and construction.
2. Pile height, heel-to-toe drop, comfort
3. Outsole and upper durability

These three building blocks help paint the picture as to what mileage and stability limits hybrid shoes will be best for.

Benefits of Hybrid Training Shoes

When it comes to training shoes that are good for weight lifting and running, there are two main benefits that can come with them. These benefits can come and go depending on the shoe in question and your performance needs.

1. The best of all worlds

The first benefit is that hybrid training shoes can give you that "best of all worlds" feeling. This means that your shoes can work great when lifting weights, tackling HIIT workouts, and even doing shorter runs.

This can be useful for athletes and lifters who are not hyperspecific in any category of training. As you get more niche with your training, you'll want something more specific, but if you're not specific with your goals, a hybrid shoe could be a very good option.

For niche examples, cross-training shoes that are super stable in nature will not be comfortable when running and can tire your feet. Secondly,running shoes may lack stabilityby training hard and compromising performance.

2. You only need one pair of shoes

Another benefit of hybrid training shoes is that you only need to pack one pair of shoes for most training sessions. This is great for contexts where you don't want to bring more than one pair of shoes to training, or when you don't want to change shoes mid-training.

This can be great for someone who travels with limited space in their bag, or someone who wants to limit their overhead by investing in one pair of shoes instead of specific shoes for each type of training.

Disadvantages of Hybrid Training Shoes

As you become more serious andspecific to your training, the benefits of a hybrid training shoe will start to fade. I like to draw from my coaching experience when discussing and conceptualizing the drawbacks of hybrid training shoes.

A good example here would be someone who primarily does CrossFit workouts and works to get better at the sport. For these athletes, they will want aquality pair of CrossFit shoesto help them achieve their goals.

A good pair of CrossFit shoes will provide construction features that specifically drive that style of training, while hybrid training shoes will be more general with their construction.

That being said, the main downside to hybrid training shoes is that there will always be a threshold where your performance will drop and this can be in the form of running or weight lifting focused goals.

How I test and review hybrid training shoes

For testing training shoes that excel at lifting and running, I have two main categories of performance I look at and they include running and pushing the limits of one shoe for each.

When it comes to running, I rate the following:

1. The mileage where a shoe begins to lose comfort.
2. The configuration in which you can comfortably run on the model.
3. The amount of energy return you get from the shoe.

When it comes to lifting, I look at the following:

1. From what weight does the stability of the shoe begin to decrease?
2. What types of lifting setups does the shoe work best with (free weights, machines, bodyweight, etc.)

Once I identify these limits, I dive into the construction of the shoe to better understand the materials used in the model. This may suggest the durability of the shoe, which may be related to the two threshold categories above.

thoughts for the trip

There are certain training shoes on the market that are specifically designed for running and weight lifting. If you train like a hybrid athlete, these models are worth exploring, especially if you only want one shoe for your workouts.

As you get more specific with your training, you may want to look into more specific training shoes. Hybrid training shoes can be great for those looking to spend less and take fewer shoes to the gym.

If you have any questions about the hybrid sneakers featured in this article, please leave a comment below or reach out to me personally on Instagram (@jake_boly).