Best CrossFit Gear

CrossFit is an extremely intense sport that pushes your body to its limits like few others.

While the impact having the best CrossFit gear can have on your performance is known to experienced competitors, those newer to the world of CrossFit will likely be unaware.

The fact is, having the right clothes and gear is absolutely necessary, as the more comfortable and appropriate the clothing, the better the workout you will have.

This is because proper clothing allows for greater range of motion, mobility, speed, and comfort, among other things.

So, for the newer Crossfitters out there, or even those with some experience who want to take it up a notch, I am now going to go through some of the best CrossFit gear on the market.

So, if you want to get the most out of your performance but aren’t sure where to start, I highly suggest reading on.

Essential Gear for CrossFit Workouts

The first place anyone should start when looking at the absolutely essential gear for your workouts is with your footwear.

Specific shoes that are good for lifting, sprinting, and jumping will enhance your results, while wicking socks that help to remove sweat will improve comfort and limit blisters.

Next up is getting a breathable tank top or T-shirt, and a sports bra for the ladies.

This will keep you secure and comfortable, while limiting how much you sweat and helping to reduce chaffing.

Compression tops are also a good choice, as they help to stimulate blood flow.

What you wear on your lower half is generally considered the least important part of your CrossFit attire, but it still has an important role to play.

If you opt for shorts, technology fibre is good, as it keeps you cool and helps to limit chaffing.

Shorter options are usually better, as they increase range of motion, although options with side splits are another good way to go about this.

Much like with the tops, compression shorts or leggings are also a good option to help improve circulation and blood flow to the legs.

Similarly, items like knee, elbow, and wrist wraps, as well as weight belts and gloves, are another method of getting you safe and your performance levels high.

While any comfortable clothing may work well enough, it can easily become uncomfortable as the intensity of the workout increases.

Investing in proper, durable, CrossFit gear and clothes is a worthwhile purchase for anyone hoping to go far in the sport.

Best CrossFit Shoes

CrossFit shoes are perhaps the most important piece of equipment for anyone who takes the sport seriously.

Not only do they give you the chance to perform to the best of your ability, but they also provide protection and help you to avoid injury.

Nike Metcon – Men’s & Women’s Shoes

Nike Metcon shoes are the ideal choice for activities such as running, jumping, and climbing, as they offer enhanced grip and have a textured print on the top that adds lightweight durability.

They boast a low, flat, wide heel, which strategically offers a heightened level of stability. A removable Hyperlift insert then increases this even further when performing exercises such as squats, thrusters, and wall balls.

Directional traction on the outsole wraps up the side of the shoe and helps provide grip when climbing, then boosts speed in activities like sliding down a rope. They also include a hard plastic point on the end of each heel, which eliminates friction when performing wall handstand push-ups.

With prices ranging between $42.00 and $350.00, there are options available to suit users of all budgets and ability levels.

Pros

• Comfortable 
• Stable
• Good for climbing ropes, running, and lifting, as well as everyday use
• Affordable
• Stylish

Cons

• Some complaints that sizing is slightly off
• Tight fit across the top of the foot

User Reviews:

Reebok Nano X – Men’s & Women’s Shoes

Reebok Nano X shoes feature an exceptional design, made exclusively from recycled materials to help the environment.

They use lightweight EVA foam cushioning and targeted support to provide extreme levels of comfort and make them well suited for all round use.

The Flexweave woven textile allows them to stay cool and let your feet breathe, while being resilient and stretchy enough to stand up to anything you throw at them.

Meanwhile, the rubber sole provides incredible grip and powerful manoeuvrability, which improves your performance and helps you avoid any slips or twists.

This makes them ideal for high intensity workouts, cardio, lifting sessions, climbing, and activities like assault courses.

Priced between $42.75 and $234.99, you have options whether you are a competitive crossfitter looking for the very best and willing to pay for it, or a beginner just getting started who wants to give themselves the best chance possible of being successful.

Pros

• Wide toe box
• Stability in the heel
• Versatile and durable
• Incredible grip and manoeuvrability make them great for CrossFit
• Keep your feet cool and comfortable
• Made from recycled materials
• Prices to suit people of all levels

Cons

• Some complaints that sizes come up too small
• Some find they are too wide

User Reviews:

Best CrossFit Socks

While often given much less attention than shoes, socks are another piece of footwear that is important to consider to maximise your CrossFit performance.

Not only do they play a great role in your level of comfort, but they are also play an integral role in helping you get the most from your shoes.

Rockay Accelerate Running Socks

The Rockay Accelerate Running Socks are perhaps the most durable option on the market. They will stand up to even the most extreme conditions and are machine washable.

While paying between $15.95 and $49.95 for a pair of socks may seem steep to many, their lifetime guarantee means you will only ever need to purchase them once, making them great value.

They are designed with ventilation zones that help your feet breathe and disperse any sweat build up. This will help to keep you comfortable and prevent any issues like blisters or athletes’ foot from occurring.

They are made from 100% Recycled materials and claim that each pair represents 22 plastic bottles removed from the world’s oceans.

This means your purchase won’t just improve your performance, it will help the environment as well.

User Reviews:

Under Armour Performance Tech Socks

​​The Under Armour Performance Tech Socks are made from a blend of 69% Polyester, 28% Cotton, and 3% Spandex. This ensures they are lightweight and have a snug, comfortable, breathable fit.

Their pull-on closure method sees them go on and off easily, while securing themselves firmly around your ankles when in place. They are also machine washable, meaning there is no hassle when it comes to cleaning them after use.

Priced between 16 and 33 dollars, they aren’t exactly cheap for a pair of socks. However, when compared to competitors offering a similar level of performance, they still come out as reasonably affordable and represent a good value purchase.

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Best CrossFit Shorts

CrossFit shorts are an important item to improve comfort while exercising and try to help combat issues like chafing.

Experienced competitors will also find their level of aerodynamics is important when you are dealing with fractions of a second making all the difference.

Epic MMA Gear WOD Agility CrossFit Shorts

The Epic MMA Gear WOD Agility CrossFit Shorts are made from a continuous piece of fabric with a pull-on design.

This ensures a snug fit and reduces the chance of deterioration that is often an issue with shorts using Velcro or lace fastening systems.

The side slits ensure you can achieve a four way stretch and reach your full range of motion, so won’t hamper your mobility in any way. This makes them particularly popular for those involved in WOD style training programs.

They feature pockets built into either side, so you always have somewhere to store a phone, iPod, or other music device to fuel your sessions.

With a price of $24.99, they are also a good value purchase, and are likely to be within most people’s price range.

User Reviews:

Under Armour MK-1 Men’s Shorts

Under Armour MK-1 Men’s Shorts are made from their patented, 100% Polyester, HeatGear fabric. This is designed to be ultra-soft and smooth, making them extremely comfortable and remarkably lightweight.

The elastic closure ensures a snug fit and removes the hassle associated with other types of fasteners.

Meanwhile, the mesh side panels provide great levels of ventilation, helping to reduce sweat and dry extremely fast. This will limit chaffing and avoid them from becoming smelly or unpleasant.

When they do inevitably need to be cleaned though, they are machine washable, so can simply be thrown in with your next load.

Priced between $19.99 and $50.93, they do become a little steep at the top end but provide a good range of choice for people at all levels of competition.

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Best CrossFit Tops

Much like the bottoms you select, choosing the best CrossFit tops is important to reduce chaffing, increase aerodynamics, remove excess sweat, and keep you cool and comfortable.

Under Armour RAID Short Sleeve Shirt

The Under Armour RAID Short Sleeve Shirt is made from their patented HeatGear fabric.

Using a blend of 90% polyester and 10% elastane, it is specifically designed to be worn in hot weather and can then simply be popped in the washing machine after use.

Its ultra-soft and smooth finish offers incredible comfort, while being extremely lightweight ensures it won’t hamper your performance or make you overheat.

It is often lauded for its incredible fit, which is snug but not too tight.

Designed for use by men, women, and teenagers, and available in the affordable price range of 22 to 38 dollars, it is a versatile product that will help everyone perform to their absolute best.

User Reviews:

Fittin Racerback Sports Bra

The Fittin Racerback Sports Bra is one of the best on the market.

It features a pull-on, elasticated closure, which creates a snug fit and offers high support for anyone up to a C cup, then moderate support for those above.

Made from a blend of 60% Nylon, 28% polyester, and 12% spandex, it features Climacool technology to provide ventilation and wick away any excess sweat.

Its seamless design helps it to go with anything, while removable pads allow users to customise it to their own preferences.

Although it is recommended you hand wash the bra, it can also be machine washed.

Retailing for between $8.49 and $34.99, it comes with a 30-day full money-back guarantee, so offers a no risk purchase if you don’t love the item.

User Reviews:

Best Compression Gear For CrossFit 

Compression clothing is designed to reduce chaffing, while stimulating circulation and blood flow.

Selecting the best compression gear for CrossFit will not only allow you to perform to the best of your ability, but it will also help to avoid any unnecessary soreness.

Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Short Sleeve Compression Shirt

The Under Armour Men’s HeatGear Short Sleeve Compression Shirt is made from their patented HeatGear fabric, designed to provide optimal performance in high temperatures.

The stretch-mesh underarm panels deliver strategic ventilation, while the quick drying material helps to wick away sweat.

With UA compression it provides a great boost to the blood flow in the upper body, while still being comfortable enough to be worn all day, either as an undershirt or on its own. Its 4-way stretch construction then ensures the user still has a full range of motion in every direction.

​Available for between 16 and 49 dollars, it is an affordable product that will help men to get the most out of their sessions.

User Reviews:

CompressionZ Men’s Compression Shorts Performance Series

The CompressionZ Men’s Compression Shorts Performance Series are designed with serious athletes in mind.

They provide a great level of compression around the glutes, hamstrings, and quads, allowing you to perform to the best of your ability.

Made from 85% nylon and 15% spandex, the fabric is great at wicking away sweat and helping to reduce chafing.

Its 4-way stretch allows for a complete range of motion in every direction, while the elastic closure ensures you don’t have to worry about them slipping down.

They are perfect as a base layer and can also be worn on their own. Available for just $29.99, they represent one of the best value options on the market.

User Reviews:

Neleus Women’s Compression Top

The Neleus Women’s Compression Top is designed for both indoor and outdoor sports and features an ergonomic compression fit, that stimulates blood flow without hampering your range of motion.

Its elastic closure means it doesn’t slip, ensuring the compression stays where it is needed.

Made from 85% polyester and 15% spandex, it is lightweight and breathable, making for a cool and comfortable wear.

This is furthered by its moisture wicking ability, which helps to reduce chafing. At just $32.96, it is an affordable product, allowing everybody to reap the rewards it offers.

User Reviews:

BALEAF Women’s High Waist Compression Shorts

The BALEAF Women’s High Waist Compression Shorts are biker style shorts, ideal for activities such as cycling, running, volleyball, weightlifting, and yoga.

Made from 87% polyester and 13% spandex, they are breathable and sweat wicking, which makes for a cool, comfortable, chafing free wear.

The gusseted crotch, longer, ergonomic inseam, stretchy material, and high-rise, wide waistband further eliminate rubbing and help to provide a full range of motion. They also feature elastic closure, to ensure the shorts don’t slip down and lose compression.

Convenience is also a selling point, as they are machine washable and feature large pockets, capable of holding a phone or mp3 device up to 5.5 inches long.

Priced between 20 and 40 dollars, they are easily affordable for most, and offer complete coverage, so modesty needn’t be an issue.

Pros

• Very cool and comfortable
• Capable of withstanding a great deal of stretching
• Large pockets
• Durable material and stitching
• Complete coverage
• Sweat wicking, anti-chaffing design
• Affordable

Cons

• Sizing can run a little smaller than expected

User Reviews:

Best CrossFit Accessories

While most people understand the importance of selecting the right clothing for physical activity, many who are less experienced with CrossFit may not be aware of some of the other options available to help with their development.

With that in mind, we will now look at a few of the best CrossFit accessories, to help take your performance to the next level.

DMoose Wrist Wraps

Dmoose Wrist Wraps are designed to protect your wrists during the various twisting, flexing, and pulling movements involved in CrossFit.

They help to boost both strength and stability in the joint, limiting the risk of injury and helping to maximise your performance.

The adjustable compression wrap design helps stimulate blood flow to the area, without impeding flexibility or mobility. Their width, double stitching, and heavy-duty material ensures they are durable and of the highest quality.

They are extremely breathable, so won’t cause any issues with sweat build-up and are also incredibly easy to put on and take off, while featuring a thumb loop to keep them from sliding down.

Priced between $11.59 and $17.99, they are extremely affordable, making them attainable for people of all budgets.

Pros

• Comfortable and breathable
• Offer a great level of compression, support and stability
• Ideal for lifting
• Don’t impede range of motion
• Affordable

Cons

• Certain colours are stiffer than others

User Reviews:

Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt

The Element 26 Self-Locking Weightlifting Belt is made from high strength nylon, allowing it to provide great levels of support and protection, without being overly heavy.

It creates even, consistent, intra-abdominal pressure, to help increase your stability and strength during your lift.

The self-locking technology used on the buckle is extremely simple and easy to use. It provides a secure grip when closed, then releases immediately upon pulling the release roller.

Fully approved for use in Olympic lifting and functional fitness competitions, you can be confident in the fact you will be able to replicate your performance in training if you decide to compete.

The price tag of $34.97 makes it an affordable purchase for all, while its lifetime warranty ensures you can have complete confidence that you are covered if anything ever goes wrong during normal usage of the belt.

Pros

• Buckle is secure and easy to use
• Easy to get on and off
• Highly durable
• Provides a great level of support
• Affordable
• Permitted for use in almost all major competitions

Cons

• Some complaints that it is stiff when new

User Reviews:

Rehband Rx Knee Support 5mm Sleeve

The Rehband Rx Knee Support 5mm Sleeve applies comfortable, flexible compression and reinforcement around the entirety of the knee joint.

This allows users to feel more confident and secure in any activity, especially if they have any pre-existing injuries.

Made with a patented anatomical fit and contoured, 3-D design, it ensures it is comfortable to wear and that the support is provided without impeding the users range of motion.

Made by a brand who have been creating similar products since 1955, you can be confident that they know what they are doing.

Priced between 24 and 52 dollars, it isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but still provides good value, considering what it offers.

Pros

• Great support for CrossFit
• Helps prevent knee pain or injury
• Does not absorb odour
• Comfortable and supportive

Cons

• Expensive

User Reviews:

Best CrossFit Backpacks

Once you have all your clothing and accessories taken care of, you also don’t want to overlook selecting one of the best CrossFit backpacks.

The best options will look stylish and have enough space and compartments to carry everything you need, while being able to separate clean items form those you have used.

While it won’t directly impact your performance, it will make your life considerably easier, especially if you often compete.

Under Armour Adult Undeniable 3.0 Backpack

The Under Armour Adult Undeniable 3.0 Backpack is the top CrossFit backpack on the market.

Priced at $69.99, it features a 100% cotton exterior, with a lining made from 83% polyester and 17% nylon.

It boasts a 16-inch shoulder drop and a main compartment capable of holding items up to 15 inches in length.

Reinforced foam panels add protection to keep all of your valuables safe, while the tough, abrasion resistant bottom panel helps preserve the integrity of the bag.

UA Storm technology delivers an element-battling, highly water-resistant finish, designed to keep everything inside the bag dry and secure.

Separate pockets also feature water-repellent material, ensuring your valuables and clean items don’t get wet or soiled by used, sweaty clothes or shoes.

Machine washable and with a zipper closure, its high level of convenience rounds off a truly fantastic product.

Pros

• Compact with a large capacity
• Lightweight and durable
• Top opening makes it easy to access
• Separate compartments allow you to separate valuable and clean items from used clothing
• Water resistant
• Padded for protection of your items

Cons

• Some complaints that it is hard to put a water bottle in the side pocket when the bag is full
• Expensive

User Reviews:

Conclusion

Ensuring you have the right clothing, footwear, and accessories, as well as a suitable backpack to carry them all in, is essential to having the highest levels of success in CrossFit.

It will improve your level of performance, decrease your chances of injury or discomfort, make you feel more confident when training or competing, and even make things more convenient, so your experience feels fun, as opposed to being a chore.

This article should have given you plenty of options to select everything you need to get the most out of your CrossFit journey.

All that’s left is to go and purchase all the items you have decided on, so you can start reaping all the rewards for yourself.