The Best 6 Shoes for Insanity Workouts 2023

So, what are the best shoes for insanity workouts?

The Insanity workout program is renowned for its intense exercise routines. It’s popular with fitness enthusiasts for many reasons, but mostly since it’s affordable and participants are yielding fantastic results.

However, this workout is extreme—your choice in footwear can make all the difference. So, we’ve reviewed six of the best insanity trainers.

 

Here our top 6 picks of the best shoes for insanity workouts

1. Under Armour Men’s Charged Commit 2.0

The men’s Charged Commit 2.0 is a stylish cross trainer that includes dual-external heel counters for added stability. For further support, it comes with a leather, midfoot saddle that provides a comfortable platform for your feet.

 

2. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave

Reebok designed its men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave specifically for Crossfit enthusiasts—featuring specific components using input from the Crossfit community. It includes a heel bootie construction, providing optimal performance comfort.

 

3. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe

The women’s Tazon 6 from Puma is as comfortable as it is stylish. It has a sleek, streamlined look—classic Puma. For its exterior, you’ll find a synthetic leather upper with a midfoot saddle, improving the fit, and an EVA heel.

 

4. New Balance Men’s MX517v1 Training Shoe

With New Balance memory sole comfort inserts, the MX517v1 training shoe is worth a look if you require additional support. It offers a rubber sole and shock-absorbing midsole for maximum performance.

 

5. NOBULL Women’s Training Shoe

As a bit of a newcomer on our reviews, the NOBULL women’s training shoe offers a one-piece, seamless design. NOBULL crafted this by using its SuperFabric guard plates, creating a 360-shield around the mesh material for optimal support and protection.

 

6. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1

Designed to enhance your athleisure appearance as well as comfort, the FuelCore Nergize V1 from New Balance stands out from the crowd. It’s easy to slip in and out of and offers a versatile style defined by its clean lines and modern upper. The shoe is ultra-light yet delivers in terms of cushioning.

 

 

Reviews of Insanity trainers

1. Under Armour Men’s Charged Commit 2.0

One of the best cross training shoes is the Charged Commit 2.0 from Under Armour. It consists of a lightweight mesh upper, which is fully breathable, keeping your feet comfy during your workout.

 

For a secure fit, Under Armour includes a dual-external heel counter, which effectively hugs your feet and aids stability. The midfoot leather saddle complements this, by providing comfortable support.

Inside, you’ll have a cushioned sock liner that molds and conforms to the shape of your feet. It will also prevent slippage inside the shoe as well as delivering optimal underfoot comfort.

Because this shoe is part of the Charged series, it includes Under Armour’s Charged Cushioning midsole. It effectively absorbs impact and converts it into responsive bursts, allowing for an efficient stride.

The full rubber outsole comes with strategically placed flex grooves, providing multi-surface traction. They’re flexible as well as lightweight, weighing approximately 10.6 ounces.

One of the best cross trainer shoes you can come across is the Charged Commit 2.0. Among many of its components, it features the Charged Cushioning midsole, which converts impact into responsive bursts.

 

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable.
• Comprehensive support.
• Charged Cushioning midsole for shock absorption.
• Full rubber outsole with multi-surface traction.

Cons

• Sole and upper may separate rather quickly.

 

 

2. Reebok Men’s Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave

Insanity workouts require a lot of multi-directional movements, which is why the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave is worth a mention.

 

The Flexweave is a dynamic upper construction, which targets its support for however you perform. It will move according to you while remaining as the core support system.

Reebok designed this shoe with input from the Crossfit community, ensuring that it includes everything needed for optimal performance. It has an updated heel bootie construction, providing the utmost comfort.

What any athlete can appreciate is the wide toe box—you’ll have lots of room to move and wiggle. The front also includes Toe Tection, which delivers durability for high-intensity workouts. On top of that, the forefoot flex grooves allow it to remain flexible.

It doesn’t have a great deal of cushioning, instead it offers a minimal drop outsole, allowing for secure footing. You’re able to squat, deadlift and climb in the shoe—it’s also light, weighing roughly 10 ounces.

The Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave is also available for women.

 

Whether you’re into Insanity workouts or Crossfit, the Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave is one to look out for. The flexibility this shoe offers is practical for various exercises, allowing you to bend and flex without compromising stability and support.

 

Pros

• Flexweave material for flexibility.
• Wide toe box.
• Heel bootie construction.
• Toe Tection for a durable upper.

Cons

• Instep might be too low for some.

Here’s a video showing the Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave in action.

 

 

3. PUMA Women’s Tazon 6 WN’s FM Cross-Trainer Shoe

The women’s Tazon 6 training shoes from PUMA are for the workout enthusiast who wants a stylish shoe that’s quick to step into. It’s engineered to provide a comfortable and stable ride.

 

It consists of a synthetic leather upper, finished off with perf detailing and a T-toe construction. This footwear hugs the feet just right to ensure optimal comfort during your session.

Around the shoe, you’ll have a midfoot saddle that cradles your feet, keeping them stable. Underneath you, there’s a rubber outsole with different patterned lugs for traction on various surfaces.

At the back, PUMA suited an EVA heel to absorb impact as you jump and run. For further stability, you’ll have the TPU shank.

Lining the shoe, there’s a breathable EcoOrthoLite sock liner. This component increases your comfort by optimizing the fit and drawing moisture away from your feet.

The women’s Tazon 6 from PUMA is a practical gym shoe. It offers ample cushioning, especially in the heel area.

 

Pros

• Stylish exterior.
• EVA cushioning.
• EcoOrthoLite sock liner.
• Durable T-toe construction.

Cons

• Toe box is narrow.
• Materials tend to trap the heat.

 

 

4. New Balance Men’s MX517v1 Training Shoe

The men’s MX517v1 training shoe from New Balance is suitable for anything from strength training to boot camp. The shoe includes practical features to maximize your workout.

 

The flexible material can handle a range of motion and activities, providing optimal support without feeling stiff. The upper is durable and designed for impact, allowing you to stay quick on your feet.

Inside the shoe, there’s the NB Memory Sole Comfort Insert keeping your feet comfortable as you exercise. Under this, you’ll find the New Balance ABZORB midsole. This works to absorb impact from the ground, putting less pressure on your feet.

The rubber outsole provides ideal traction on various surfaces, whether you’re in the gym or training in the great outdoors. It also features a multitude of colors, which makes coordinating with your gym wear a breeze.

Please read our guide on how New Balance shoes fit.

The MX517v1 training shoe is a versatile option suitable for various workouts. The materials used offer elasticity, allowing it to flex with your feet as you lift, squat and jump without feeling stiff.

 

Pros

• Versatile shoe.
• Flexible materials.
• Traction outsole.
• Plenty of cushioning.

Cons

• Shoelace holes are fragile.

 

 

5. NOBULL Women’s Training Shoe

As the newcomer to our reviews, the NOBULL women’s training shoe is well worth a mention. It’s another versatile shoe, capable of running, climbing, lifting and much more.

 

At first glance, you’ll notice the seamless design—this is a one-piece construction of SuperFabric—a lightweight breathable and abrasion-resistant material. This consists of guard plates that are placed around the shoe for 360-degree protection.

For the outsole, NOBULL includes a lug pattern incorporating small grips to provide traction on several surfaces. But, it’s also flexible, which enables it to bend with your foot as you squat, turn or jump.

Lastly, the NOBULL logo on the side is reflective, so during low-light hours, you’ll remain visible.

The NOBULL training shoes are a practical choice for those looking for versatile and stylish footwear. It has a seamless mesh upper, which is breathable and flexible, ideal for various workouts.

 

Pros

• Resilient materials.
• Traction control outsole.
• Reflective logo.
• Abrasion-resistant.

Cons

• Sizes run narrow.

 

 

6. New Balance Women’s FuelCore Nergize V1

The New Balance women’s FuelCore Nergize is a fashionable shoe. It offers a textured mesh upper with an elastic saddle that provides support as you flex.

 

This shoe sports an easy-on, easy-off design, but with laces so that you can customize the fit. For extra comfort, you have the Revlite midsole foam, which is ultra-light but very responsive. It delivers bounce back and protects your feet from impact.

You can use this option for various activities, even for running errands. It’s stylish and you have a broad range of colors and designs to choose from.

The FuelCore Nergize from New Balance is another stylish shoe, available in several colors. It features an elastic saddle, hugging your feet as you exercise, and a Revlite midsole for shock absorption and comfort.

 

Pros

• Easy slip-on design.
• Revlite midsole foam.
• Several color options.

Cons

• Limited arch support.
• Not suitable for long-distance running.

 

 

About Insanity Workouts

The Insanity workout was created by Team Beachbody with trainer Shaun T as the frontman. It’s an advanced exercise plan designed to sculpt your body in 60 days.

One of the pros of Insanity is that it doesn’t require any equipment and it’s available on DVD that you can play from home. The exercise plan requires you to work out six days a week for 20 to 60 minutes at a time.

True to its name, the workouts are insane, using only bodyweight exercises and HIIT sessions. Because of this, it isn’t suitable for beginners or those with little to no level of fitness. Many recommend that you consult your doctor before participating.

Since its start, Insanity has evolved into other spin-offs. One example is the MAX30, which is like the original, but you’re doing it all in 30 minutes. There’s also a weight loss program called Insanity: The Asylum, where the creators claim that participants burn 1000 calories per workout.

Watch this video for a quick insight into Insanity.

 

Why Invest in Shoes for Insanity?

Because of the intensity of Insanity, it’s essential to protect yourself from injuries. Wearing no shoes or unsupportive kicks when you’re starting out, can result in aches and pains, perhaps even strains.

Bodyweight exercises include push-ups, planks, burpees, among others—in Insanity, they’re modified to maximize the resistance on your body. If you’re new to this, you could easily twist your ankles or strain the tendons. However, wearing appropriate footwear can reduce the chances of this occurring.

 

Using Running Shoes for Insanity Workouts?

Using your regular pair of running shoes for your Insanity workout isn’t a practical idea. Running shoes cushion the high impact your legs are exposed to when jogging. However, they aren’t suitable for side-to-side movements, explosive jumps and excessive flexing of the feet.

If you wear running shoes, you’ll risk ruining the cushioning inside, which makes them useless next time you’re going to use them for their intended purpose. Another con is that they can be cumbersome on the feet, which may impair the way you land during exercises.

 

Choosing Good Shoes for Insanity

1. Type

Out of athletic shoes, you’ll have roughly nine types to choose from. These are:

• Running shoes.
• Walking.
• Trainers.
• Minimalistic shoes.
• Trail.
• Court.
• Hiking shoes.
• Cleats.
• Cross trainers.

These aren’t uniform—each includes features suitable for specific activities. For example, hiking shoes—these come with shock-absorbing soles and thick outsoles with deep treads for traction. Minimalistic shoes mimic barefoot running, but with an added layer of protection under the feet.

For workouts like Insanity, you want a type that can provide sufficient support for the various movements.

The best shoes for Insanity are mostly cross trainers. These are designed for various sports, but not one in particular. For instance, if you’re planning on running more than three times per week, cross trainers aren’t suitable.

They usually consist of mesh materials with strips of leather or elastic to provide stretching and to flex with your movements.

If you’re going to exercise indoors, it’s a practical idea to find the best workout shoes for carpet floors. For this, watch the outsole—if they have deep treads, it will be challenging to move on such surfaces.

Here’s a brief summary of what to wear and what not to wear:

What to Wear

• Cross training shoes.
• Training shoes.

What Not to Wear

• Running shoes.
• Walking shoes.
• Hiking footwear.
• Court shoes.
• Curling footwear.

 

2. Flexibility

Flexible shoes are best when participating in an Insanity workout. You’re going to be jumping a lot and moving from side-to-side. Wearing a stiff shoe may inhibit the required movements, whereas flexible materials make it a lot easier.

Watch for materials such as mesh and elastics. These provide ample give for your ankles and feet while still being supportive.

 

3. Weight

Lightweight footwear is usually better for exercise as they take up less energy than heavier ones. Most cross trainers are relatively light since they don’t include as much cushioning as running or hiking shoes, for example.

 

4. Breathability

During your workout, you’re going to break a sweat—a lot, in fact. To avoid overheating your feet, look for breathable materials that will reduce the amount of perspiration and some may even wick away moisture.

Mesh is favorable. It’s a naturally breathable material that may also keep odors from settling. Some shoes also include sock liners—these are great for drawing away moisture, preserving an optimal balance inside the shoe. But of course, always let them air-out properly following a workout.

 

5. Comfort

Comfortable shoes can mean the difference between a good workout and a poor one. For this, consider the type of midsole and insole the footwear offers.

Since you’ll be jumping and landing on your feet a lot, EVA or gel pads can protect your feet from impact. Another practical idea is to look for memory foam, as it molds to the shape of your feet, creating a customized feel.

 

6. Size

An ill-fitting shoe is a guarantee for disaster, especially when it comes to athletic footwear. Here are some tips for finding the right size:

• When you measure your feet, do it toward the end of the day or following a workout. By this time, your feet are probably more swollen than in the morning, giving you an accurate reading.
• While measuring, wear the same socks you’re planning to wear while working out.
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Sizes vary between brands and models, so after you’ve measured your feet, compare your results to the manufacturer’s suggestions.
• Mind the heel counter. Ensure that it sits snugly around your heel, keeping it in place, aiding the overall stability.
• As you’re wearing the shoes, make sure that there’s 5-inch between the longest toe and the shoe. The extra room allows your feet to fall slightly forward as you exercise without feeling confined.
• You should also ensure that the toe box itself is wide and there’s wiggle room for your toes.
• While you’re trying the shoes, walk around on different surfaces, like carpet or tile, to get a sense of the soles. If you’re working out on a rug, make sure that you can move freely.
• Tighten the laces to get a feel of how they wrap around your feet. If you’re finding that you have to keep tightening, they’re probably too wide or big for your feet.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Shoes Does Shaun T Wear in Insanity?

Shaun T is the fitness instructor who leads the Insanity workout videos. He’s often asked what shoes he wears, and it’s somewhat surprising. Shaun T states that he wears minimalistic shoes or on occasion, even barefoot. In some cases, this has proven to be beneficial, but you need to be careful.

Not wearing shoes isn’t recommended for the regular fitness enthusiast. You want protective footwear that will keep your feet and knees safe.

 

What Are the Best Shoes for HIIT Workouts?

HIIT stands for high-intensity interval training—it’s where you’re going all out for a short period, then rest and repeat several times. This form of exercise is a fantastic way to burn fat and tone up your body. Insanity workouts often include HIIT sessions.

One of the best HIIT shoes for men is the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0 Flexweave. Because the shoe is so flexible, it allows the feet to move without compromising support. For women, the PUMA Tazon 6 takes the crown.

 

 

What Is the Difference Between Running Shoes and Training Shoes?

We’ve already touched on the differences between running shoes and cross trainers. So let’s learn about the distinctions between trainers and running shoes:

• Training shoes are designed for multi-directional movements—notably, lateral, or side-to-side, like you’ll perform during bodyweight exercises, among others.
• Trainers generally have a much flatter sole, making it a lot more flexible to allow that broad range of motion. Training shoes are the best for the gym.
• Running shoes, however, are designed for heel-to-toe movements. You’ll notice that the heel drop is higher, meaning that there’s more cushioning and support. Such shoes are for treadmills and tracks.

For more information, please read our training shoes vs. running shoes guide .

 

In Conclusion

Insanity is an extreme workout program designed to transform your body in 60 days. It consists of tough bodyweight exercises and HIIT sessions—wearing the right gear is essential. When looking for the best shoes for Insanity, consider the type—cross trainers are best.

Ensure that the sole is flexible and includes cushioning. Watch out for materials and aim to pick something breathable such as mesh. Lastly, ensure the size is right and that you feel comfortable.

We hope you found the Insanity shoes for you. Please leave us a comment in the section below and share our guide with friends and family.

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