Cross trainers are the jacks-of-all-trades in the athletic-shoe world: They lighten your gym bag by doing a multitude of tasks well, taking you from the elliptical machine to a hip-hop class to the weight room without requiring a footwear change.

Yet because cross trainers are so versatile, choosing the right pair can be difficult with the myriad of options out there. That's why we had almost 70 avid exercisers, trainers and instructors recruited from the Northwest Personal Training & Fitness Education women's health club in Portland, Ore., try 11 of fall's new cross trainers and rank them in categories such as "Stability," "Comfort," "Soles" and "Fit."

Consider the activity you do most often or the quality you most appreciate in a shoe (such as stability or breath-ability), then peruse the six winners of our annual cross-training shoe review to find the perfect shoe for you.

BEST FOR

Cardio-class enthusiasts and machine users who want to feel nimble and unencumbered.

DETAILS

Featherweight shoe (8.5 oz.) designed to mimic exercising barefoot. Support straps in heel, midfoot and forefoot keep foot stable. Sole flexible enough to actually fold shoe in half.

COMMENTS

Felt so light and flexible--even dainty, like an extension of my feet.

It's like these shoes were designed to assist my muscles.

BEST FOR

Fitness fans who want a solid base of support on cardio machines and in the weight room.

DETAILS

Plastic midfoot "bridge" in the sole provides lateral and front-back stability. Gel-filled cushioning insert in the heel. Runs slightly narrow and half-size small.

COMMENTS

Supportive and sturdy yet flexible and light.

Great stability for a variety of exercises.

BEST FOR

Fitness enthusiasts looking for a stable-yet-flexible shoe for all areas of the gym--cardio machines, weight room and variety of studio classes.

DETAILS

Springy cushioning in the heel and forefoot. Midfoot shank for support and stability. Runs half-size small.

COMMENTS

Perfect amount of cushioning--the most comfortable workout shoe I've ever worn.

Awesome support in uppers through laces and strap.

BEST FOR

Gym-goers who spend majority of their time in weight room or taking sculpting classes.

DETAILS

Shank in heel area for lateral support. Unique flared sole design ("cantilever") helps keep foot stable and centered.

COMMENTS

Great for squats and lifting weights--they kept my feet 'grounded.'

Provided a sense of stability I haven't found with many shoes lately.

BEST FOR

Studio junkies and instructors looking for a midcut shoe with great cushioning.

DETAILS

Cushioning inserts in the heel and forefoot. Midfoot shank provides stability and arch support. Midcut synthetic leather-and-mesh upper. Available in black or white. Runs half-size small.

COMMENTS

Lightweight, and mesh uppers allowed my feet to breathe.

Excellent ankle support while still allowing my foot to move.

BEST FOR

Fans of kickboxing, hip-hop, agility training or plyometric classes with fast footwork.

DETAILS

Shock-absorbing inserts in heel and forefoot. Lightweight plastic "web" in sole provides midfoot support. Internal elastic straps hold foot securely in place. Runs half-size small.

COMMENTS

Incredible lateral stability: I felt very secure in this shoe.

The upper is fantastic: I've never worn such a light-weight design.

honorable mentions

adidas Speed Trainer, $75

Nike shox Legend, $100

where to find them For information about store locations or to purchase shoes directly:

adidas (800) 448-1796, adidas.com

Asics (800) 678-9435, asicsamerica.com

Avia (888) 855-AVIA, avia.com

New Balance (800) 253-SHOE, newbalance.com

Nike niketown.com

Ryka (800) 848-8698, ryka.com

SARAH BOWEN SHEA is footwear editor for Shape.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Weider Publications
COPYRIGHT 2005 Gale Group