Cross Training Shoes
Cross training shoes are the most versatile shoes on the market. In the past you basically had one shoe that could do it all, but as the technology used inside sports shoes advanced, they developed to perform more specific tasks. For example, you wouldn’t use a standard running shoe to play tennis, netball or basketball as you could potentially cause yourself an injury. This is because running shoes are designed to go forwards and not for fast lateral movements - that’s where cross training shoes fit in. They’re not targeted towards any particular sport so if you like to go for a run and then occasionally play a few games of tennis, then the cross trainer will support you much better than a dedicated running shoe.
At RunDNA we have a collection of cross training shoes from well-known and established brands such as Brooks, Asics and New Balance. You can use the filtering function on our online shop to locate the right shoes for your size, width and colour choice. All the sports shoes we sell come with our 30-day returns policy, so if they are not suitable you can contact us to arrange for a return. For all orders over $100 shipping is free ($7.95 for an order under $100) and we can ship your order to anywhere in Australia (we can ship internationally for an additional cost).
If you feel that you’d prefer to stick with running shoes for your daily routine, then you have a much larger choice in brands and styles. We have men’s running shoes and women’s running shoes from brands such as Mizuno, Nike, Adidas and many others. We also have a great selection of sports clothing to complete your look.
What are cross training shoes used for?
Just as the name suggests, cross training shoes are suitable for a variety of tasks. If you play a few different sports and occasionally go for a run, but you’d never consider yourself a specialist in any of those activities then cross trainers could be the solution. While you won't get the full benefits from what you can expect in a dedicated running shoe, or the stability and grip of trail running shoes on an outdoor track, if you run on mixed surfaces then they will do the job and save you from buying more than one pair of shoes.
The best way to describe cross training shoes is that they’re a hybrid mix, you get some of the benefits of other more dedicated shoes but not all. They are close in design and structure to what running shoes used to be before they were specialised for running sport. The upper of cross trainers can be made from a variety of materials, but the most common is breathable synthetics and they’re more flexible than regular running shoes.
The absolute standout function for cross trainers is their versatility. When you’re wearing cross trainers, you are not limited to what you do. If you enjoy going for an evening run but also need a shoe for walking the dog and like a more comfortable shoe, then cross trainers are probably the best. Perhaps you pass some outdoor gym equipment on your daily run and you’d like to blend it into your routine, ditching your stiff running shoes for a more flexible shoe could be your best option.
Are cross training shoes good for walking and running?
A cross training shoe is not a specialist walking shoe or a running shoe. While it can support you during a run or a walk, if you’re more of a specialist runner then dedicated running shoes will be the better option. If you enjoy the freedom of a shoe that can be used for multiple purposes but still give you a good fit that protects your feet then picking up a pair of cross trainers will be the answer for your needs.
What are the best cross training shoes?
The best cross training shoe is one that fits within your budget. At RunDNA we have stocked a variety of cross training shoes from Asics, Brooks and New Balance, as these can support people at different levels of fitness and skill.
As a general guide when looking at shoes from the same brand a lower-priced shoe will not last as long as its higher-priced counterpart. That’s because the higher priced model has extra features inside the shoe that will support the wearer better and therefore increase the lifespan of the shoe.
Where to buy cross training shoes?
You can buy cross training shoes at RunDNA. You can use the filters in our online shop to find the perfect shoe that matches your size, width and even your favourite colours. Buying shoes online is the best option as you have access to many more shoes than you would find in a retail outlet because we’re not constrained to a particular size. It is like buying your shoes directly from the manufacturer's warehouse.
We often run specials on all our shoes as we make way for new releases and other products. You can find an excellent pair of shoes at a discounted rate simply because they are last season's models and the supplier has decided to replace it with a new one.
Buying shoes online means that you can shop whenever you prefer. If, for example, you went for a run late on the weekend and you notice your shoes are not giving you the best support possible, then you can come to our online store and find a new pair. After you buy the shoes, we’ll ship them out and in most cases, you’ll have them before the next weekend. With our 30-day returns policy for shoes that do not live up to your high standards, it is simply the best way to buy shoes.