Nike Metcon 7 Review: Workout Performance
I used the Nike Metcon 7 for both strength workouts and cross-training sessions. The exercises I did include deadlifts, barbell squats, overhead presses, box jumps, skipping and so on. I even went for a run in the shoes to see how the React foam performs, despite having access to the best running shoes at home.
I appreciated the now-wider heel platform: it came in handy during heavy lifts as well as jumping. Thankfully, the wider heel doesn’t make the shoes too bulky although I must say, the Nike Metcon 7 is a bit on the heavy side: it weighs 379 grams .
The React foam does the job perfectly and provides some energy return during running. Thanks to the more flexible rubber outsole, running in the Metcon 7 is less of a hassle than it used to be. There is still plenty of rubber for traction, but the shoes bend well, allowing you to move around more freely.
Best Training Shoes For Running And Lifting
As training shoes and running shoes continue to evolve were starting to see more companies dive into the world of hybrid shoes. Essentially, these are training shoes that walk the fine line between being good for lifting and running.
Now, its worth noting that most hybrid training shoes will function on a performance spectrum. On one side, we have serious lifting and on the other, we have running. Hybrid training shoes are intended to land somewhere in the middle of this lifting and running spectrum.
They may not be the best at any one activity, but for tackling both, they can hold their own. That being said, when looking into hybrid training shoes I think its really important to understand this to avoid letdowns or misaligned expectations.
In this article, Im going to dive into some of my favorite hybrid training shoes that work really well for running and lifting. Ive broken my favorite picks into different performance-focused sub-categories based on what you might be looking for.
Reebok Legacy Lifter Ii Best For Heavy Lifting
If youre looking for a strict weightlifting shoe, I recommend the Reebok Legacy Lifter II.
The Reebok Legacy Lifter first came onto the scene in 2019 in collaboration with weightlifter CJ Cummings.
The Legacy Lifter IIs have a 0.86 heel height, making them a good option for tall lifters or lifters with limited ankle mobility.
They are made from a combination of perforated synthetic leather and mesh that makes them breathable and keeps your feet dry and comfortable. They also have an Exoframe heel that locks the foot into place and keeps it stable during heavy lifts.
Because these shoes have a rigid heel and limited flexibility, they arent suitable for running. But if your training consists of more lifting than running, the Legacy Lifters are one of the best lifting shoes you can get.
Pros
Don’t Miss: Golden Goose Old School Sneakers
Best Gym Shoes For Walking
When it comes to reviewing the best gym shoes for walking Im constantly trying to assess how comfortable a model is for day-to-day wear and for longer walks on things like treadmills.
Essentially, Im trying to see if a shoe is good for someone who likes to use your gym shoes for working out, then use them for some walking on the treadmill afterward for conditioning and heath.
Best Workout Shoes For Better Performance In 2022
Written byMatthew Magnante
Last Updated on
Shoes can make all the difference when it comes to your workouts and physical performance, in general.
If you want to run faster, jump higher, lift heavier, and compete better, we recommend that you check out what we believe to be the 16 best workout shoes for 2021.
You May Like: Running Sneakers For Bad Knees
Nike Metcon 7 Training Shoes
- React foam midsole is the perfect blend of spring and comfort
- Lace lock tab keeps laces in-place during agility training
- Heel strikers might feel some discomfort when running
- Slimmer midfoot construction can deter those with wider feet
Nike’s Metcon is always a top contender in the gym space, and the latest iteration is the most feature-packed yet. The Metcon 7 boasts a breathable mesh upper and minimal drop for high stability during heavy lifts. The wide, flat heel and interior plate were a welcomed perk during squats and deadlifts, and the updated React foam midsole provided plenty of energy return when sprinting. Would we recommend taking on a marathon in the Metcon 7s? Absolutely not. But for any other training endeavor, these kicks are an easy top pick.
Saucony Mens Endorphin Speed
Another top of the line running-specific shoe, Saucony Endorphin Speed is a top favorite and a strong contender for best overall running shoe in the past year.
Its made with a speedroll technology that helps to make running more effortless. The shoe is also excellent for quick transitions and speed training because of the flexible material.
Saucony uses a special PEBA-based foam that they say is their lightest and springiest performance cushion yet.
Not to mention the FORMFIT technology hugs the foot and provides a more tailored experience.
Then you have the XY-900 outsole that grips the toughest surfaces making this not only an amazing running shoe but a versatile option to have in your shoe closet.
Youll get a lot of mileage out of the Saucony Endorphin Speed.
Product features
- Speedroll technology helps with running
- Full-length flexible nylon plate helps with natural movement
- FORMFIT technology hugs the foot
- Reinforced high-abrasion zones help with traction and durability
Pros
Don’t Miss: Best Women’s Walking Sneakers With Arch Support
What Are The Differences Between Running Shoes And Training Shoes
Theres a big difference between running shoes and training shoes.
As the name suggests, running shoes are designed for running. You can use them both outdoors and on treadmills.
Theyre made for forward-going, heel-to-toe movements. Plus, they reduce lateral, or side-to-side, movement.
They tend to have a higher heel-toe drop, which is the difference in heel-to-toe height. This provides extra cushioning and shock absorption, which helps absorb the impact of your body weight when you run to protect your joints and ligaments .
Typically, theyre made from mesh, allowing for greater heat release and breathability during long, sweaty runs .
On the other hand, or should we say foot, training shoes are intended for multidirectional and lateral movements. They typically have a low heel-toe drop and smaller cushion, allowing for a greater range of motion during movements like squats .
They also tend to have a wider toe box. This extra room supports lateral movements and allows your feet to make quick directional changes.
Use training shoes for fitness activities like weight training, high intensity fitness classes, outdoor boot camps, agility training, and any other activity that requires you to move in multiple directions, such as tennis.
Summary
Running shoes are designed for forward-going, heel-to-toe movements and have extra cushioning for shock absorption. Training shoes are designed for multidirectional movements and usually have a smaller cushion and lower heel height.
9 ):
Best Overall Workout Shoes
By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best workout leggings, gym bags, workout gear, flattering sweatpants,running shorts, and sports bras. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission.
Also Check: Golden Goose Glitter Leopard Sneakers
How To Buy The Best Workout Shoes
Generally speaking, a good workout trainer has a relatively flat sole, especially under the heels . Unlike running shoes, which tend to feature a curve from heel to toe to help you transition from one step to the other, workout shoes best serve their purpose when they are able to provide a stable platform for lifting weights.
Some models have a wider, reinforced heel area, which copes with the excess pressure when tackling a really heavy deadlift or squat and avoids any ankle rolling. In contrast, others will be more geared towards explosive movements and high-intensity workouts.
Keep in mind what you plan to do, as a shoe that’s designed purely for heavyweights probably isn’t the most suited to those thinking of incorporating plenty of jumping jacks, box jumps and sprints into their workouts.
However, the most important factor to consider is fit. Most brands differ in terms of the width and snugness of their offerings, so make sure you do your research before you buy a discounted pair online.
How Do I Choose A Gym Shoe
Choosing a gym shoe is fairly straightforward. You want something that offer cushioning, support , ankle stability and a bit of flexibility. A lightweight shoe will help you to feel light on your toes, plus they won’t weigh your gym bag down a tonne. And don’t forget that however superficial it may seem, the look of the shoe matters too – choose a design that goes with your activewear wardrobe, or opt for a bold colour that will inspire you to actually put them on, lace them up and get yourself to the gym!
You May Like: Steve Madden Black Wedge Sneakers
How We Test Workout Shoes
This collection of workout shoes can be sorted and filtered according to your personal preferences .
Under Armour Tribase Reign 3 Review: Verdict
What can I say? I love the Under Armour TriBase Reign 3, just like I loved the TriBase Reign 2. The Reign 3 inherits most of the best qualities of its predecessor and improves on some to make it even more appealing than ever before.
That said, I would’ve loved to see even more improvements, especially considering all the high tech shoes and gear UA released recently: it’s a bit weird that the Reign 3 only received smaller updates. The shoes are also not the most aesthetically pleasing either, at least if you’re after workout shoes that has a bit of style going on for them.
At the end of the day, you’ll need workout shoes to enable you to perform better in the gym and won’t fall apart after a more intense workout session, and the Under Armour TriBase Reign 3 does just that. It’s robust, comfortable and damn resilient: just buy them already.
Read Also: Prada Americas Cup Sneakers Review
Athletic Propulsion Labs Mclaren Hyspeed
- Three-piece segmented midsole provides a nice underfoot feel with a good blend of cushioning and responsiveness
- McLaren Senna-inspired heel padding gives a plush, locked-in feel to every step and stride
- Supercar-inspired footwear brings supercar-inspired pricing
- Higher stack height and carbon plate creates a profile thats more in-line with running-style workouts
If you cant afford a supercar, these all-new sneakers from APL are a fantastic compromise. With McLaren-inspired notes throughout the profile, these kicks can take any gym wardrobe from lacking to luxe in one fell swoop. While we like the midsole for its cushioning and energy return, the geometry doesnt lend itself to every exercise. In the same sense that you save your supercar for nice driving weather, its best to save these kicks for running or accessory work no squats or deadlifts in these bad boys.
New And Upcoming Releases
Our recommendations are based off real-world testing. Here’s a snapshot of new and unreleased gym shoes our testers are considering for future updates to this guide.
Puma Fuse 2.0 Training Shoes:One of our favorite budget-friendly workout shoes is set to get a facelift this October. The Fuse 2.0s will boast higher sidewall coverage for improved traction and grip, as well as a new TPU heel clip for support where its needed most. According to Puma, the Fuse 2.0s will retail for $90.
Under Armour UA HOVR Phantom 3:Released September 7, this all-new silhouette from Under Armour builds off previous Phantom iterations with an improved HOVR midsole technology spanning the full length of the midsole. Available for $140, these versatile sneakers also features a highly-textured UA Intelliknit upper for added breathability, stretch and flex.
TYR CXT-1:TYR made quite the splash in the CrossFit community when six of the top 10 male finishers at the 2022 CrossFit Games took the podium dawning the brands yet-to-be-released CXT-1 trainers. While TYR states the CXT-1s should be available sometime in November for roughly $130, were more than anxious to test the patent-pending stability platform and uncommon 9mm-heel-to-toe drop. With a dominating Games performance already under its belt, who wouldnt be excited?
You May Like: Best Walking Sneakers For Underpronation
Best Gym Shoes For High Arches
When testing and reviewing the best gym shoes for high arches, Im focused primarily on two key performance areas. First, I want to know much arch support a shoe provides during different styles of training.
Second, Im reviewing how well a shoe does in different performance settings and assessing where it excels and falls short. There are a lot of great gym shoes on the market for high arches every model has its own list of pros and cons.
How We Tested The Best Cross Training Shoes
Before we recommend a set of the best cross training shoes, we put them to the test to see whether they offer the right level of support you need for multi-activity workouts. Before we even lace up a pair, we look at whether the shoe has a men’s, women’s, or unisex edition.
One of the most important factors is how comfortable they feel, so we evaluate the overall fit, the types of materials used, and whether the shoes need to be worn before they soften. Similarly, we check to see if the fabrics are breathable to help you avoid sweaty feet.
As we use them for our own workouts, we consider how supportive they feel during different exercise styles. To see if they’re best suited for certain activities, we wear them during HIIT workouts, quick cardio sessions, and resistance training and weight lifting.
We take note of essential design considerations like the amount of lift around your heel, how much cushioning is in the sole and where on your foot it is, and if there’s sufficient support around your ankle.
Read Also: Uhc Medicare Advantage Silver Sneakers
Under Armour Tribase Reign 3 Review: Also Consider
If you’re looking for something less robust, give the Inov-8 BARE-XF 210 V3 a try. These amazing minimalist, barefoot-style shoes are flexible, comfortable and provide excellent grip during workouts. Perfect for lifting sessions, although it might need some getting used to if you never tried barefoot shoes before.
With a stable platform for lifting and sure-footed grip for hardcore aerobic exercises, such as mountain climbers and burpees, the Nike Free X Metcon 2 prove themselves as the perfect accompaniment to any sweaty gym session. These shoes are a superb option for anyone taking their strength training and weight-lifting fairly seriously.
If you’re after a versatile pair of all-around cross-training shoes, the Under Armour Hovr Apex 3 will have you covered. Theyre particularly good for HIIT workouts or other workout classes, and indoor gym workouts mixed in with short sessions of treadmill running, albeit they are a bit heavier than the UA TriBase Reign 3.
Top Choice: Nike Metcon 7
The Nike Metcon 7 is earning the top pick for the best gym shoes for women. This model is a really strong well-rounded gym shoe for gym-goers that like to lift, do class work have out here and there, and do athletic-style training.
The star players for the Nike Metcon 7 are the midsole, outsole, and upper construction. The Nike React foam midsole gives this shoes forefoot a nice edge for versatility when jumping and explosive movements.
The outsole has a good level of traction when training on different surfaces and the medial and lateral midfoot outsole wraps boost this shoes overall durability and functionality for things like rope climbs.
My girlfriend wearing the Nike Metcon 7s for rope climbs.
Theres a TPU Hyperlift insert built into this shoes heel and this helps contribute to this models stability. The chain-link mesh upper and synthetic overlays also help boost this shoes overall durability for abrasion resistance.
- Best For: Lifting, HIIT, and CrossFit-Style Training
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
Recommended Reading: Leopard Print Steve Madden Sneakers
Converse Chuck Taylor All Star High Top Sneaker
- Flat sole and minimal cushioning create a super stable base to push off of
- Not ideal for agility training
- Other, more advanced weightlifting shoes out there
Yup, you read that right. Despite its persona as a go-to street shoe, the Converse Chuck Taylor is still one of the best weightlifting shoes you can lace up. Chucks are cheap, provide a flat sole and are durable enough to withstand plenty of static lifts. While the lack of an elevated heel can be a negative on some movements, if youre just getting into weightlifting and testing how your shoes play into the equation, Chuck Taylors are an easy entry point.
- Dual-density ProFly+ midsole improves on previous models with more energy return without sacrificing cushioning
- Light padding through the collar and heel make for a comfortable profile that doesnt lend itself to rubbing or hot spots
- Great for daily training, but longer runs may leave you wanting a little more cushioning underfoot
- The roomier toe box may be too much for some, which might require sizing down a half size
