As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

CrossFit has a funny way of turning a simple gym session into an equipment-heavy adventure. Between lifting, gymnastics, cardio, and conditioning, there’s always something new to pack in your gym bag.

Over the years I’ve tested plenty of gear, and while some items come and go, there are a handful of essentials I genuinely wouldn’t want to train without. If you’re new to CrossFit or simply looking to upgrade your setup, these are the pieces of kit I’d recommend every time.

1. Metcon Training Shoes

If I could only own one pair of CrossFit shoes, it would be a pair of Metcons.

The Nike Metcon range has become a staple in CrossFit boxes around the world thanks to its stable heel, durable construction, and versatility across different workouts.

They’re perfect for:

  • Squats
  • Deadlifts
  • Box jumps
  • Wall balls
  • Burpees
  • General WODs

Unlike traditional running shoes, Metcons provide a solid base for lifting while still allowing enough flexibility for conditioning work.

Amazon Recommendation:

2. Dedicated Running Shoes

While Metcons are fantastic for CrossFit, they’re not ideal for longer runs. For workouts involving significant running volume, I always prefer a dedicated running shoe.

Your knees and feet will thank you after a few kilometres of running.

Amazon Recommendation:

3. Weightlifting Shoes

When heavy squats, cleans, and snatches are on the menu, a dedicated pair of weightlifting shoes can make a noticeable difference to both your performance and technique.

Their solid, non-compressible sole provides a stable base for lifting, while the raised heel improves ankle mobility and helps you achieve a deeper, more upright squat position. This can lead to better lifting mechanics, increased confidence under the bar, and improved power transfer during your lifts.

Ideal for:

  • Back squats
  • Front squats
  • Olympic lifts (cleans, snatches and jerks)
  • Heavy strength sessions

If your training regularly revolves around lifting heavy, they’re one of the best investments you can make for your gym kit.

Amazon Recommendation:

Weightlifting Shoes, Powerlifting Shoes Gym Shoes for Crossfit Lifting Footwear, Weight Lifting Shoe...

£76.36
  1. 【Non-slip & Safe】 Durable rubber outsole supports the ankle and anchors the shoe to the foot to ensure safety. The anti-skid groove of the sole ensures the ground grasping performance, which makes sure there are no accidents during your high-intensity training.
  2. 【Easy to Put On/Take Off & Wonderful for Training】 Double nylon velcro-tape, easy to put on and take off, safe and firm,
  3. The powerlifting Shoes have an elevated 1.2” heel, front and rear bump sole design, provide good flexibility and adhesion friction, which ensures stability when lifting and improves the posture of lifting.
  4. 【Durable & Breathable】 The weighlifting shoes adopt premium microfiber and fabric, which provides it with long-lasting quality. These weightlifting shoes for men has a breathable upper, which is definitely a good helper to improve your exercise effect greatly.
  5. 【Multiple Use】 CASTIRON LIFT believes in promoting healthy and athletic lifestyles. The ergonomic design makes sure the weight lifting shoes is idea for many wrokout, such as weightlifting, squat, crossfit, and so on.
  6. 【Customer Service】 CASTIRON LIFT is a brand focused on weightlifting shoes, We always insist on using high-quality materials to supply customers with the most cost-effective products. If you have any questions with our shoes, please let us know it and we will response to you within 12 hours.
Buy on Amazon

4. Speed Rope

Every CrossFitter knows the frustration of double unders.

A quality speed rope can dramatically improve consistency and reduce fatigue.

Look for:

  • Adjustable cable length
  • Lightweight handles
  • Smooth bearing system

My favourite ropes are designed specifically for double unders and high-volume conditioning workouts.

Amazon Recommendation:

Skipping Ropes for Adults - Great as Cross-fit Skipping Rope, for Boxing or as Adult Fitness Jump Rope - For Home Gym Equipment & Accessories - Adjustable for Men, Women & Kids by WODNation

£9.91
  1. BEST PARTNER FOR YOUR CARDIO WORKOUT! ERGONOMIC DESIGN – Cut Seconds or Even Minutes Off Your Workout Times: This jumping rope is not only fast but also creates a very stable rope swing so you can easily recover from inaccurate swings. Made from a special braided steel cable, this rope comes with easy-grip plastic handles
  2. GET THE BEST SHAPE OF YOUR LIFE! We designed this speed skip rope to not only spin fast but to also last a long time. If used regularly, you will be in the best shape of your life! With precision engineered ball bearings for the perfect level of control, speed and whip. Skipping workouts will never be the same again
  3. AMAZING ‘DOUBLE UNDERS’. FOR MEN & WOMEN: After customizing this speed skipping-rope with a quick snip, you will be on your way to stringing together multiple ‘double-unders’. Completely adjustable for children to an adult skipping rope. Stop using cheap low-end plastic skipping ropes that everybody shares at the gym. Choose a premium, high quality jump rope to exercise to your full skill potential
  4. PORTABLE & VERSATILE. GREAT FOR AT-HOME TRAINING TOO: This rope is really all you need to stay fit and healthy when working out. It is perfect for boxers, MMA, fitness fans and HIIT enthusiasts
  5. GREAT FOR NEW YEAR RESOLUTIONS! – If you need support to stick to your fitness resolutions, we offer attractive skipping ropes in different colours. Goals are only good if you follow through with them, and our rope provides a sure fire way to help you stay in shape!
  6. For Use On Smooth Surfaces Only: Like all steel cable jump ropes, this rope should only be used on a smooth gym surface. Do not use on cement or asphalt as the rough surface will destroy the coating on the cable
Buy on Amazon

5. Knee Sleeves

Knee sleeves are one of the most underrated pieces of equipment. They provide warmth, support, and confidence during heavy lifting and high-volume squatting workouts. The extra thick Strength Shop 3 ply knee sleeves are great if you suffer with knee pan.

Particularly useful for:

  • Squats
  • Lunges
  • Wall balls
  • Thrusters

Amazon Recommendation:

AVIDDA Knee Support Brace 2 Pack - Compression Knee Sleeves ...

£9.99
  1. Great Support & Full protection: The Knee Support offers stable pressure across your knee joint, offers optimal muscle support and full protection during your workouts and casual everyday activities. PLEASE TAKE A LOOK AT OUR SIZING CHART AND MEASURE YOUR CIRCUMFERENCE BASE ON OUR INSTRUCTIONS!
  2. Pain Relief & Injury Recovery: Whether you suffer from intermittent or constant knee pain, the knee brace can give your instant pain relief. Additionally, targeted compression will help encourage blood circulation, reducing inflammation/swelling and speeding up the recovery healing process, including ACL, MCL, or PCL sprain or tear, and others.
  3. Comfortable to Wear and Anti-slip System: Special knitted technical design with two silicone gel strips, ensuring the knee sleeves stay in place, no matter what you do! The high quality fabric featured in Breathable & Sweat-Absorbing gives you a smooth and soft feel so you can wear them all day long! The compression knee supports fit for both men & women, kids and adults.
  4. Suitable for Various Sports: Our knee braces are perfect for any activity that involves a great amount of stress on the joints like, Baseball, Basketball, Soccer Golf, gym, Hiking, Running, Tennis, Volleyball and more! You’ll be able to enjoy exceptional knee support while still maintaining your peak performance and a full range of leg motion!
  5. Professional Customer Service: our service team will do whatever it takes to ensure your satisfaction. With any questions or problems about our compression knee sleeves, please feel free to contact us anytime and anywhere via ‘Your Account – ‘Your Orders’ – ‘Ask Question’.
Buy on Amazon

6. Gymnastics Grips

If you’ve ever ripped your hands during pull-ups or toes-to-bar, you’ll understand why grips make this list. I currently love the Velites range because they provide excellent grip while protecting my hands during high-volume workouts.

Perfect for:

  • Pull-ups
  • Toes-to-bar
  • Muscle-ups
  • Chest-to-bar

Amazon Recommendation:

7. Lifting belt

A weightlifting belt isn’t something you need for every workout, but when the barbell starts getting heavy, it’s one of the most valuable pieces of kit you can have in your CrossFit bag. A belt helps increase intra-abdominal pressure, giving your core extra support and stability during heavy lifts. If you’re buying your first belt, I’d recommend choosing a soft nylon belt rather than a stiff leather powerlifting belt. Nylon belts are lighter, more comfortable, and quick to adjust between movements

Best Seller

RDX Weight Lifting Belt AUTO LOCK, ...

£20.99
  1. INNOVATIVE AUTO-LOCKING SYSTEM– Tired of belts that spring open during heavy lifting? Our innovatively designed auto-lock closure system combines with the long hook and loop strap to ensure that your belt will not spring open even during the toughest workouts. Yes, it won’t budge from its place. The RX3 workout belt for weightlifting has a sturdy roller buckle that utilizes a tension-based technology that does not let the belt or strap open accidentally during workout and training sessions.
  2. SET YOUR SPIRIT ABLAZE– Ignite your spirit and enhance your core stabilization with our weightlifting belts that will help you master the art of heavy lifting. The RDX RX3 gym belt is made of polyester and nylon, making it durable and resilient in the face of long and grueling hours of deadlifting and powerlifting workouts in the gym.
  3. INTELLIGENTLY CONTOURED DESIGN– The RDX contoured squats belt is functionally designed to custom-fit the natural shape of your body the unique contoured design means that the belt doesn’t get in the way of your movements yet still provides an unprecedented level of optimal lumbar support during your heavy weight training sessions.
  4. 5 INCHES THOUGHTFUL SUPPORT– The powerlifting belt has 6.5 inches of support in the back which uses a combination of Blacktop fabric, Compressed EVA-Lution, and SpongEX sthe to provide optimal comfort and support to your spine and abs as they lift weights in the gym. This support helps you brace your core as you lift and helps you maximize your gains.
  5. STYLE WITH STRENGTH– Flaunt your belt with style during your fitness game. The training belts come in a wide range of colors that feature phenomenal sturdy stitching and nylon piping, making the weight lifting belt a combination of style, strength, and durability.
  6. VARIABLE SIZES– Kindly do not choose your exercise belt size as your pant size. Refer to the size chart in the picture to choose the size correctly. If your waist measurement falls between two sizes choose the upper size for maximum utility.
Buy on Amazon
Best Seller

PICSIL - Weight Lifting Belt | Core & Back Support...

£36.95
  1. IMPROVE YOUR PERFORMANCE: Elevate your performance with our lumbar belt designed for cross training and weightlifting
  2. provides essential support for your back and core, ideal for squats, deadlifts and lunges
  3. customisable design allows you to add patches to express your style while staying safe during the most intense workouts
  4. LUMBAR PROTECTION: Protect your well-being with our lumbar belt, ideal for cross-training and gym sessions
  5. its ergonomic design and intra-abdominal pressure reduce the risk of injury
  6. made of polyester, it offers a comfortable and secure fit, ideal for women and men looking for performance without compromising safety
  7. QUICK & SECURE FIT: Find the perfect fit with our lumbar belt designed to fit different body types, it guarantees comfort and stability during your workouts
  8. its reinforced metal pin makes it easy to put on, ensuring you focus only on pushing your limits
  9. DESIGNED FOR ALL TYPES OF ATHLETES: Our lumbar belt is ideal for heavy lifters
  10. its construction prevents awkward shifting and protects against impacts from the bar
  11. made in one piece, it is the right choice for those looking for style and performance in every workout
  12. VARIETY OF COLOURS AND SIZES: Available in different colours and sizes, it combines fashion and functionality
  13. its patch space allows you to display your achievements or affiliation, making it a unique accessory to stand out in the gym while giving you the support you need.
Buy on Amazon

8. A Gym Bag That Fits Everything

CrossFit athletes carry more gear than most people realise.

My gym bag typically contains:

  • Shoes
  • Knee sleeves
  • Grips
  • Speed rope
  • Water bottle
  • Lifting belt
  • Spare clothes

The QT&QY 45L Tactical Backpack has become a favourite because it offers plenty of storage while remaining comfortable to carry.

Amazon Recommendation:

Final Thoughts

CrossFit doesn’t require lots of equipment, but the right equipment can make training more comfortable, efficient, and enjoyable.

If I were starting again, I’d prioritise:

  1. Metcon shoes
  2. Speed rope
  3. Gymnastics grips
  4. Knee sleeves
  5. Quality gym bag

Everything else can be added as your training develops.