The ASICS GEL-550TR 2E WIDE Mens Cross Training Shoes is aimed at the kind of training most people actually do: a bit of everything, on a hard gym floor, with plenty of stop-start movement.
ASICS GEL-550TR 2E WIDE Mens Cross Training Shoes Review: Stable support for mixed training
What it is
The ASICS GEL-550TR 2E WIDE Mens Cross Training Shoes is a men's cross-training shoe from A. In practical terms, it is designed for sessions that mix lifting, general conditioning, and side-to-side movement. That use case needs a different feel to a running shoe, because you want the platform to stay composed when you plant, pivot, and load up.
Cross-trainers are typically judged on three things. First, stability underfoot when you are doing strength work or moving laterally. Second, enough cushioning and shock absorption to handle repeated impact in circuits, skipping, and short conditioning bursts. Third, an upper that holds your foot securely so you are not sliding around inside the shoe when things get quick.
From the product description, the ASICS GEL-550TR 2E WIDE Mens Cross Training Shoes is pitched as an evolution of a long-standing training series, leaning into a faster and lighter look and feel while still keeping stability in the mix.
Who it's built for
This model tends to suit people who train across multiple modalities in the one week, rather than specialising in just one thing. If you alternate between strength sessions, group fitness, and general gym work, a stable trainer is often the more comfortable and safer-feeling option than a soft running shoe.
It also suits athletes who do court-style conditioning and want a shoe that feels confident when they cut side to side. That includes plenty of winter sports prep, where training blocks are heavy on agility drills, short sprints, and change-of-direction work.
The wide fit (2E) is another clear signal. If you regularly feel pressure across the forefoot in standard-width trainers, a wide option can be the difference between a shoe you tolerate and one you actually enjoy wearing for a full session.
Who it is less suited to: runners who are primarily logging kilometres and only doing the occasional light gym session. A run-first model generally gives a smoother feel and can be a better match for higher-volume running.
Key design features (from the product description)
A desk-based review lives and dies on the details that are actually stated. Here are the headline features called out in the product description, plus what they mean in plain terms when you are choosing a trainer.
- FLYTEFOAM midsole
- DUOMAX for medial midfoot support
- Solid rubber outsole forefoot and AHAR plus rearfoot and exposed forefoot flex grooving
- TRUSSTIC
- Full grain leather vamp and synthetic leather upper
- Forefoot and rearfoot GEL
A midsole call-out like FLYTEFOAM generally points to a lighter, more responsive cushioning package compared to older, heavier foams. For gym training, that can help the shoe feel less bulky when your session includes quick footwork.
Support terms like DUOMAX and a TRUSSTIC component usually indicate a more structured approach through the midfoot. That matters when your training includes lateral movement, because the shoe needs to resist rolling and keep your foot tracking cleanly.
Outsole notes, like solid rubber coverage and flex grooves, are worth paying attention to. Gym floors and outdoor training surfaces can be abrasive, and a trainer that is built for repetition tends to hold up better and feel more predictable underfoot.
Upper material notes, like leather and synthetic leather, usually point towards a more durable, structured feel. If you like a soft, sock-like upper, this style can feel more traditional. If you want shape and support, it can be exactly what you are after.
Where it works best, and where it doesn't
This shoe style makes the most sense in the gym, on hard indoor surfaces, and on training sessions that involve lateral work. If your week includes things like bodyweight circuits, HIIT, functional strength, or agility blocks, the stability focus is a real advantage.
The cushioning call-outs in the description also matter for impact-heavy sessions. Skipping, plyometrics, and short sharp conditioning can add up, and shock absorption is what keeps the shoe feeling comfortable across the back half of a workout.
Where it is less suited is long, run-heavy training. A cross-trainer can do short jogs and warm-ups, but if your main goal is steady running, a running-specific shoe usually feels smoother and less blocky over distance.
It is also worth thinking about your training environment. If you are mostly outdoors, on mixed surfaces, the outsole construction becomes more important than the marketing language. If you are mostly indoors, comfort and stability under load tend to be the deciding factors.
Fit and sizing
This version is listed as a 2E wide option. Wide fits are not just about feeling roomier at the toes, they can also help the shoe sit more naturally under the ball of the foot when you are doing strength work.
If you wear orthotics, or you know you have a higher-volume foot, a wide fit can be a cleaner starting point. You are less likely to feel pressure from the upper once you tighten the laces for support.
If the shoe is mainly for lifting and gym work, a secure midfoot hold matters. The practical way to check that is to pay attention to heel hold and midfoot lockdown when you try them on. If you feel your heel slipping, it is usually the wrong shape for your foot, even if the length is fine.
If you are unsure, our team can help with fit in-store at Moorabbin, Northcote or Preston. A quick try-on is often enough to confirm if the last shape suits you.
Trade-offs to be aware of
The trade-off with a more stable cross-trainer is that it can feel firmer and more structured than a run-first shoe. That structure is the point for lateral work and strength sessions, but it is not always what people want if their training is mostly easy running.
Another trade-off is that a more durable, structured upper can feel less airy than a light mesh runner. If breathability is your top priority, it is worth comparing within the training category for an upper that is built around ventilation.
A good way to keep the decision honest is to list your top two session types. If you do more lateral work and strength than running, prioritise stability. If you do more running than gym, prioritise a runner and accept the compromise in the gym.
Who should look elsewhere
If you are chasing an ultra-minimal, barefoot-style lifting feel, this is likely more shoe than you want. A lower-profile trainer will feel closer to the floor.
If your main training is high-volume running, or you want a softer, more rolling ride for longer sessions, you are better off in a running-specific model and using it for light gym work.
And if you do mainly heavy lifting with very little movement, you may prefer a shoe designed around maximum underfoot stability rather than a mixed-training compromise.
The verdict
The ASICS GEL-550TR 2E WIDE Mens Cross Training Shoes is a strong option for mixed gym training when you value midfoot support, stability for lateral movement, and cushioning that can handle repeated impact.
If those are your priorities, it is an easy shoe to shortlist. If your priorities sit elsewhere, especially run-heavy training or minimalist lifting, it is worth comparing within the broader category first.
Where to buy the ASICS GEL-550TR 2E WIDE Mens Cross Training Shoes at Sportsmart
You can find the ASICS GEL-550TR 2E WIDE Mens Cross Training Shoes at Sportsmart here: https://sportsmart.com.au/products/asics-gel-550tr-2e-wide-mens-cross-training-shoes-2.
Still deciding? Drop into our Moorabbin, Kilsyth or Preston stores to try them on, or reach out to the online team for guidance.
