Essential CrossFit Gear & Accessories Guide

CrossFit is intense and varied, and choosing the right accessories can enhance your comfort and maximize your performance. With so many CrossFit accessories on offer, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But don’t worry - we’re here to help you separate the essentials from the items that might just gather dust in your gym bag. Here’s our guide to picking the best CrossFit gear, so you’re always ready to tackle your next workout.

Essential CrossFit Gear

No matter your fitness level or experience, there are a few items every CrossFit athlete should consider. These accessories won’t break the bank, and they’ll make your workouts more comfortable, and effective. From shoes that provide support all around to shin protection, here’s what to prioritize as you build your CrossFit kit.

CrossFit Shoes

A solid foundation starts with the right shoes. CrossFit shoes should offer stability for weightlifting, flexibility for dynamic movements, and durability for the demands of a WOD. Running shoes, while a logical choice for new athletes, often make stabilising in weightlifting movements —like snatches—more difficult due to their softer soles. 

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Because there are so many movements your CrossFit shoes need to be able to perform, you will find that each brand has a slightly different emphasis that you can use to your advantage.  For example, if you excel at lifting but running doesn’t feel great on your joints, you might be willing to trade some stability for more cushioning. Many top brands, like Nike, Under Armour and Reebok, create CrossFit shoes with specialized features, such as added grip for rope climbs. But if you’re just getting started, don’t worry too much—find something comfortable, durable, and budget-friendly. You’ll get a feel for your preferences as you gain experience.

Comfortable apparel

Clothes that fit well and make you feel good can help improve your workout experience. There are few things worse than doing burpees, but doing Fran with a legging that keeps sagging down is definitely one of them. You can spend ages creating the perfect outfit or throw on your old sweatpants. As long as you feel like you can run, jump, squat and cheer in your outfit you’re good to go. And let’s be fair, if you’ve truly caught the CrossFit bug that shirt won’t stay on for long anyway. 

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Nice to have

Once you’ve committed to CrossFit and feel ready to invest in quality gear, a few items stand out for making life easier and your workouts more effective. These “nice-to-haves” aren’t essential for beginners, but they can be worthwhile additions for athletes looking to elevate their training.

CrossFit Grips 

Constantly grabbing bars and doing high-repetition movements can take a toll on your hands. Grips help protect your hands and improve your grip meaning you can hold on for longer and get those extra reps in. From full-coverage grips to those without finger holes, options vary widely. Many people now use grips with extra tackiness that don’t require any chalk and thus save you time in the workout. If you are considering grips, ry as many different types, sizes and brands as possible before committing to one. Ask your buddies if you can try their grips during the warm-up, and see what works for you. Good grips can be expensive, but when taken care of they can last you a long time, so try before you buy. 

Knee sleeves

Knee sleeves are great for warmth during cold months and can offer extra support in movements like squats, helping you bounce up more effectively. There are several different types of knee sleeves, but the main aspect that you should look out for is the thickness. There are very thin sleeves that provide very light compression and mainly help keep the joint warm. Most CrossFitters wear thicker kneesleeves (3-5mm) that help a little in your squats, but are still relatively easy to get on and off and pretty comfortable. Finally there are the kneesleeves that weightlifters and powerlifters wear (5-7mm), these can make a big difference at the bottom of a squat, but are a workout to put on and will make you feel like your legs are falling off if you wear them for more than 30 minutes. Besides thickness there are also different lengths, and you can size up or down depending on how tight you want your sleeves to be. Once again trying different brands and sizes from your buddies can be a great help, just don’t ask them how long it’s been since they’ve washed them…

Jump Rope

Most CrossFit gyms provide general-use jump ropes, but these are usually on the thicker side. A jump rope with a thinner cable spins faster, making double-unders easier - though it also intensifies the sting if you miss. From extra grippy handles to ultra-light options, there’s a range of different options to choose from. One big advantage of having your own rope is setting it to the perfect length, reducing the chance of tripping because the cable is too long or short. Many jump rope brands allow you to replace the cable when it wears out, saving you from repurchasing handles in the long run, but double-check before buying to be sure. A quality jump rope is a modest investment and can be a great gift for your fellow CrossFitter, just as long as you don’t keep forgetting it at the gym. 

Weightlifting belt

“Should I buy a weightlifting belt?” is one of the questions asked most often in class, and unfortunately there’s no easy answer; it depends. When used correctly a belt can significantly increase your power output by reinforcing good bracing technique, but that’s the exact conundrum, you must use it correctly. If you simply slap on a belt for the first time when you’re attempting a 1RM deadlift there’s a very real chance it’s doing more harm than good. So when should you buy a belt? Well, if you are someone who takes CrossFit, weightlifting or powerlifting seriously and has regularly attended those classes, and if you have mastered the art of bracing during your lifts (ask your coach for their opinion on this!) you’re probably ready. However, you still need to be willing to put in the work to learn how to use the belt as a support for your brace, not a replacement. Different sports use different types of belts. CrossFitters use belts with velcro so they can tighten and loosen them easily. Weightlifters wear buckled belts that taper at the front for better range of motion, whereas powerlifters wear thicker belts with a lever buckle to help tighten it even more. There are also specific requirements your belt has to meet if you ever wish to wear it in official competitions, so if that’s something you’re aiming for keep that in mind. To summarise, belts can be a great tool if you take the time to use them wisely, and choose the right type for your goals. 

Conclusion

Having the right CrossFit gear makes a difference in your training experience. From supporting your body to optimizing performance, these CrossFit accessories help you get the most out of every workout. While some stores carry CrossFit apparel and shoes, you’ll likely need to order more specialized items online. That’s why getting recommendations from your fellow CrossFitters can be so helpful. Besides, trying on someone else’s sweaty kneesleeves truly is a bonding experience for you both. Find what works best for you, build up your collection over time, and enjoy every rep!

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