How to Select the Best Gear for CrossFit Training

10 September 2025

So, you’ve decided to take the plunge into the heart-pounding, sweat-dripping, soul-testing world of CrossFit? Good for you! But before you start flipping tires and swinging kettlebells like a raging Spartan, you need to gear up properly.

CrossFit isn’t just about raw strength and endurance—it’s also about having the right tools for the job. You wouldn’t go into battle with a foam sword (unless you're LARPing, of course), so why go into a WOD (Workout of the Day) with subpar gear?

Let's dive into the nitty-gritty of selecting the best CrossFit gear so you can train like a beast and not look like a newbie flailing through a burpee.

1. CrossFit Shoes – Your Foundation Matters

If you take nothing else from this article, remember this: shoes can make or break your CrossFit experience. Unlike regular running shoes, CrossFit shoes need to handle lifts, jumps, sprints, and the occasional rope climb without falling apart like a cookie in milk.

What to Look for in CrossFit Shoes:

✅ Flat and Stable Soles – You don’t want to wobble like a baby giraffe while lifting heavy. Stability is key, so look for shoes with minimal cushioning but solid support.

✅ Durability – Rope climbs can shred weak shoes faster than a toddler with wrapping paper. Get shoes with reinforced sides to withstand the friction.

✅ Flexibility – You’re doing everything from box jumps to lunges, so make sure they bend where they need to.

Popular Choices:

- Nike Metcon Series (Tough as nails, built for everything)
- Reebok Nano Series (A CrossFit OG, versatile and reliable)
- NoBull Trainers (Sleek, sturdy, and stylish—if that matters to you)

2. Apparel – Because Nobody Wants to See Your Shorts Rip Mid-Squat

The last thing you need is to be in the middle of an overhead squat when—RIP!—your shorts betray you. Invest in cross-training-friendly apparel that moves with you, not against you.

What to Look for in Clothing:

👕 Moisture-Wicking Fabric – Unless you enjoy being drenched in your own sweat like a human sponge, get breathable, quick-drying materials.

🔄 Stretchability – Your clothes need to handle deep squats, burpees, and wall balls without limiting movement.

💪 Durability – Cheap gear won’t last long under CrossFit-level abuse. Invest in quality brands.

Top Brands:

- Lululemon (Yes, they make men’s gear too, and it’s legit)
- Under Armour (Tough, breathable, and built for sweating)
- Rogue Apparel (Because looking cool while suffering matters)

3. CrossFit Gloves or Grips – Save Your Hands from Becoming Sandpaper

Unless you enjoy having hands that resemble a lumberjack’s after a week of chopping wood, you might want to invest in some hand protection.

Gloves vs. Grips:

🧤 Gloves – Full-hand coverage; decent for general training but can reduce bar grip.

✋ Grips – Cover the palms, better for barbell work, pull-ups, and reducing calluses.

Best Options:

- Bear KompleX Grips (Favored by serious CrossFitters)
- Rogue V2 Grips (Durable and breathable)
- WOD Nation Gloves (If you insist on going the glove route)

4. Knee Sleeves – Because Nobody Wants Sad Knees

Whether you’re crushing squats or lunging across the gym floor, your knees take a beating. Knee sleeves provide extra support, keep your joints warm, and can even help prevent injuries.

Choosing the Right Knee Sleeves:

✅ Compression – Keeps your knees feeling snug and secure.
✅ Thickness – 5mm is great for general support; 7mm if you're lifting heavy often.
✅ Material – Neoprene is the go-to choice.

Popular Brands:

- Rehband (Top-tier support, widely used in CrossFit)
- Rogue Knee Sleeves (Solid quality and durability)
- Bear KompleX Sleeves (Good mix of support and flexibility)

5. Weightlifting Belt – When You’re Ready to Lift Like a Boss

If you're serious about lifting heavy, a weightlifting belt can help stabilize your core and protect your lower back. But don’t use it as a crutch—your natural core strength matters too!

What to Look for in a Belt:

✔ 4-6 inches wide – Proper support without suffocating your midsection.
✔ Adjustable (Velcro or Buckle) – Easy to tighten and loosen as needed.
✔ Stiffness – Leather for max support, nylon for more flexibility.

Best Picks:

- Rogue Oly Lifting Belt (For serious lifters)
- Harbinger Padded Belt (Good for beginners)
- Element 26 Self-Locking Belt (Quick adjustments, solid stability)

6. Jump Rope – Because Double-Unders Are a Necessary Evil

You’ll either love or hate double-unders (probably the latter), but a good jump rope makes all the difference.

Choosing a Jump Rope:

✔ Adjustable Length – If it’s too short, you’ll trip. Too long? You’ll create a weapon.
✔ Lightweight Handles – Faster wrist movement = easier double-unders.
✔ Durability – Coated cables last longer than basic plastic ones.

Popular Choices:

- RPM Speed Rope (Lightning fast, perfect for pros)
- Rogue SR-1 (Smooth bearings, great for beginners)
- WOD Nation Speed Rope (Affordable, durable, and effective)

7. Wrist Wraps – Because Nobody Likes Wrist Pain

If your wrists feel like they’ve been through a meat grinder after overhead presses or snatches, wrist wraps might be your new best friend.

What to Look for:

✔ Elasticity – Supportive but not too stiff.
✔ Adjustable Straps – Easy to tighten or loosen.
✔ Breathability – Sweaty wrists aren’t fun.

Recommended Brands:

- Rogue Wrist Wraps (Reliable and solid support)
- Bear KompleX Wraps (Comfortable and durable)
- WOD Nation Wrist Wraps (Great for beginners)

Final Thoughts – Gear Up and Get After It!

CrossFit isn’t just about brute strength or endurance—it’s about being prepared. The right gear won’t turn you into Mat Fraser overnight, but it will make your workouts more effective, safer, and enjoyable (okay, maybe less painful).

So, get yourself some solid shoes, protective hand gear, supportive sleeves, and maybe even a trusty jump rope. Your future, fitter self will thank you. Until then, embrace the sweat, conquer the WODs, and try not to cry during burpees.