Head-to-head · Best Cross Training Shoes

Born Primitive Savage 1 vs STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Born Primitive Savage 1 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about Minimalist lifters with wide feet — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Cross Training Shoes

Born Primitive Savage 1

4.3

$119as of Jul 3

The Born Primitive Savage 1 is a minimalist cross-training shoe designed for lifting, CrossFit, and general training. Reviewers praised its wide toe box, dense midsole, and durability, with one reviewer noting their first pair lasted over a year with heavy use. However, it's not ideal for running and may be too wide for narrow feet. The shoe's simplistic construction and lower stack height appeal to those seeking older-school trainer aesthetics. It's best suited for athletes who prioritize minimalism and wide-foot comfort over running performance.

Strengths

— Good durability for CrossFit WODs
— Wide Toe Box is great for toe splay
— Dense midsole and lower stack height

Watch-outs

— Not the best for running
— May be too wide for narrow feet
— Lower material at midfoot folds at times

$119 · Buy at bornprimitive.com Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Cross Training Shoes

STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer

4.1

$150as of Jul 3

The STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer is a polarizing cross-training shoe that delivers a minimalist feel with its Cush50 midsole and flexible design. Reviewers note its stability for lifting and articulation, though some find the fit tight, particularly for those with high insteps. The shoe's casual appearance makes it suitable for daily wear, but durability concerns include potential toe box wear and outsole fading. Users with E-width feet and moderate arches typically report excellent comfort, while others struggle with initial tightness. The Haze Trainer is best suited for heavy lifting and cross-training workouts rather than long-distance running.

Strengths

— Great for those who love minimalist-feeling trainers
— Upper breathes well and promotes security while training
— Casual look and vibe are great for daily wear

Watch-outs

— Toe box can rip from tough abrasion
— Outsole can fade with high-volume concrete use

$150 · Buy at brownsdbq.com Full review →

How they stack up

Born Primitive Savage 1

The Born Primitive Savage 1 excels in durability and wide toe box comfort, which sets it apart from the more minimalist STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer and the more cushioned R.A.D. One V2, and it's more bombproof than the Nike Metcon 10 for heavy lifting. However, it's not ideal for running like the Reebok Nano X5 and lacks the upper durability of the Nike Metcon 10, and its lower stack height isn't as flexible as the UA TriBase Reign 6.

STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer

The STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer offers a minimalist feel and excellent articulation that the R.A.D. One V2 and Reebok Nano X5 lack, and its breathable upper surpasses the Nike Metcon 10's lack of ventilation. However, it's less durable than the Born Primitive Savage 1 and lacks the stability of the UA TriBase Reign 6 for heavy lifting, and its toe box is more prone to wear than the sturdier Nike Metcon 10.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Born Primitive Savage 1	STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer
Heel-to-Toe Drop	4mm	4mm
Weight	11.2 oz	11.2 oz
Lifting Threshold	545 lbs	545 lbs
Width	Wide(r)	Medium/Wide(ish)
Midsole	Dense, minimalist	Cush50™ midsole with EVA and EPE blend
Outsole	Rubber outsole	Cross Platform 2™ outsole
Run Distance Threshold	—	<3 miles

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