A CrossFit Brand Made a Running Shoe. Here’s What Happened.

There has certainly been no shortage of new performance footwear brands hitting the market lately, with offerings ranging from CrossFit- and Hyrox-style training shoes to running daily trainers. The While On Earth Rhythm Runner is here to try and meet that hybrid training need.

While on Earth is one of the latest brands to come from CrossFit roots, first with a daily cross trainer and now with their first running-specific shoe. Previously we reviewed their Earth Move Trainer and found it to be a good entry point to a shoe for a bit more time on feet than a CrossFit class.

As someone who also has many years of both CrossFit and running experience, I was intrigued by this offering. Could a brand that bills itself as a “performance wellness brand” produce a running shoe that would win over my feet?

Most runners will likely find this shoe is best suited for shorter runs and hybrid workouts.

While on Earth Rhythm Runner Overview

The first thing I thought upon opening the Rhythm Runner box is “These definitely look like they were designed by CrossFitters.”

Currently only available in three very neutral colorways with a rather nondescript technical woven mesh upper and high-abrasion rubber outsole, these are not flashy and definitely have more of that trainer-meets-lifestyle shoe vibe.

If you’d rather your running shoes not scream “performance running shoe!” and also function well for going about your daily life, these are the shoes for you.

The Rhythm Runner has a stack height of 37mm of what While on Earth calls supercritical TPU foam. This should mean it’s very comparable to other running daily trainers, but I just never felt the cushion to be as soft. Again this is a weird spot where I don’t want an overly soft cushion when picking up heavy weights, but I do want more softness with heading out for 6+ miles of running.

So I think this shoe hasn’t quite met the goal of being a great running shoe, but it’s still a good option for everyone doing Hyrox that needs to lift then run, lift then run, repeat, repeat.

With a relatively wide base of support, they are plenty stable even on the tightest turns, which is need for those interval style workotus. A rocker geometry helps keep the shoe moving forward.

For those that prefer a more natural footstrike pattern, this might be a good fit as there is no plate providing propulsion.

These are not particularly lightweight shoes, but the extra weight provides stability for those who need it. We’re a little surprised at the 10mm drop because it just feels a bit high and has become far less standard in running shoes and most gym shoes are lower as well.

It’s going to be beneficial for those with less ankle mobility or those with Achilles issues.

While on Earth Fit

As noted above, the Rhythm Runner has a wider fit and very roomy toebox, similar in shape to Altra running shoes. This is certainly a plus for those who need the extra space given that these shoes do not come in a wide width.

In fact, I likely could’ve sized down a half size and still had plenty of room for my toes.

However, the fit was otherwise more in line with what I’ve come to expect from gym trainers than running shoes. The tongue is a bit thicker and stiffer than what I typically prefer in running shoes, and put a little added pressure on the top of my feet when combined with lacing them tight enough to provide a snug fit for my narrower feet.

The heel collar was similarly stiff, though well-padded. Unfortunately for me, though, the stiffness and slightly wider shape of the heel meant they rubbed the backs of my heels despite higher socks and my best efforts to lock down the laces to prevent my narrow heels from slipping.

While on Earth Feel

My initial impressions upon trying the shoes on and walking around were that they were decently cushioned. However, once I started running I found the cushioning to be a lot firmer than I anticipated.

I generally don’t mind cushioning that’s more firm than squishy, but these felt particularly dense and unforgiving.

A quick search of other reviews online reveals a similar sentiment, and it also may be possible that the first run of these shoes in the particular colorway I received (wheat) may be even firmer than the other two colorways.

Nonetheless, I did feel these transitioned well throughout the gait cycle, likely aided by the rocker shape. The firmness of the cushioning and the rocker geometry did help provide a stable, responsive feel.

The 10mm drop will appeal to some and not to others who have become more accustomed to lower drop shoes. Ordinarily, I would also not recommend a 37mm stack height, 10mm drop shoe to someone looking to use their running shoes for weight lifting or hybrid training, but the stability of these shoes make them an acceptable choice if you’re trying to streamline your shoe collection.

So did this CrossFit-inspired running shoe find a lasting place in my running shoe rotation? I sure hoped so, but unfortunately they just did not work well for my feet.

The firm, dense cushioning just did not feel comfortable enough for me even after many miles of trying to break them in, and the stiff, wider heel collar presented a major blister risk for my narrow heels.

Have you tried any shoes from While on Earth? Love them for your gym workouts already? We love to hear your feedback to help more athletes find the right fit.

What to read next?

• Best Foam Roller for Runners
• The Best Daily Trainers After Hundred of Test Miles
• Strength Training for Aesthetics vs Performance