Author: Ihor Shymechko (26 years of Oly Lifting & Training experience)
Reviewed by: Oleksiy Torokhtiy (Olympian with 21 years of Oly Lifting experience)
Nike needs no introduction as one of the world's most well-known sportswear brands. They manufacture a range of apparel and shoes including training shoes designed for different sports activities.
Choosing the right training shoes can make or break your gym workout. Do you go for more comfort or better performance? What heel height do you need? I've reviewed the best Nike training shoes currently on the market and classified them accordingly.
Keep reading my Nike training shoes reviews to help you make the right choice so you could improve your performance and smash your workout goals!
In a hurry?
In a hurry?
In a hurry and can’t keep reading? How about you check out the Nike Metcon 8 Shoes.
Nike's Metcon 8 training shoes are the latest iteration of the popular Metcon line, featuring updated design elements, customizable options, and improved durability, traction, and comfort for intense workouts and dynamic movements.
Each pair of Nike weight training shoes have been ranked according to stability, materials, durability, comfort, breathability, and grip. These are the most important factors to consider when choosing a suitable pair.
Top 6 Best Nike Training Shoes Reviewed
- Metcon 8 Shoes – Top Pick
- Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 Shoes – Runner-Up
- Nike Romaleos 4 – Best for Olympic Weightlifting
- Nike Savaleos – Budget Pick for Olympic Weightlifting
- Nike Varsity Complete TR 3 – Budget Pick for Men
- Nike Superrep Go Running Trainers – Budget Pick for Women
1. Nike Metcon 8 Shoes – Top Pick
- Heel Height: 4 mm
- Sole Material: Rubber Tread, React Foam
- Upper Material: Lightweight Mesh
- Sizing: True to Size
First released in 2015, Nike’s Metcon shoes have been top of the pile when it comes to training shoes. Each model seems to improve on its predecessor, with the Metcon 8’s Nike’s latest training shoe.
The Metcon 8 shoes have many of the same features as the Metcon 7’s but with some updated design touches. For the upper material, the 8’s have used textured synthetic overlaid mesh that keeps your feet cool and combats the tearing issue on the previous model.
At the top of the shoes, the lace locking mechanism keeps the laces down during training. Whilst this isn't a huge functional issue, it can get annoying during intense training sessions.
photo by @mai__lan
One thing the Metcon 8’s don't have is the mid-foot rope guard that provides extra grip during rope climbing. Instead, they come with a rubber wrap that still does a great job of assisting with rope climbing activities.
A great feature of the Metcon 8’s is the ability to customize all design aspects of the shoe. Nike offers an excellent range of color schemes and allows you to place a line or word on the side of your shoes.
The Nike Metcon 8’s have a durable rubber outsole that offers excellent traction on most gym surfaces. Just above, the midsole uses the same reactive foam as the 7’s that provides excellent comfort and cushioning without reducing mobility during dynamic movement patterns.
Positives:
The synthetic overlaid mesh stops the tearing issue commonly seen on the 7’s
The wide, flat heel offers excellent lifting stability for lateral lifting movements
They offer a huge range of color schemes and personalized shoe designs
Could be better:
The lack of a midfoot rope guard might make the shoes less suitable for rope climbing
2. Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 Shoes – Runner-Up
- Heel Height: Flat
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Upper Material: Lightweight Mesh
- Sizing: True to Size
- Weight: 12.5 Ounces (Size 10)
The Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 shoes combine the lightweight features of the Zoom air shoes with the popular Turbo designs and add in some key construction updates. They feature a minimalist-type design but offer excellent performance for a wide range of performance-enhancing features that I’ll detail below.
The insole uses Nike’s react foam cushioning that provides a good level of responsiveness and comfort. The added zoom air capsule at the front gives you a more responsive shoe with an extra level of bounce for explosive training. It gives you a versatile training shoe that offers great stability.
A unique feature of the Metcon Turbo 2 shoes is the flexibility offered by the sole. The outsole uses a separate design that essentially splits the forefoot from the heel using a different midfoot material. This gives you an excellent level of movement and comfort for longer training sessions.
photo by @nikemetcontribe
The upper shoe section features a reworked design that is slightly narrower than the original turbo shoes. This may give a better fit for normal-sized athletes but cause possible issues for those with wider feet.
The midfoot structure has been reworked to offer more grip for rope climbs, with a nice bite when climbing using a J-wrap rope climbing technique. The handstand heel clips help to minimize drag during wall exercises which is a nice touch for better training.
Positives:
The separate outsole design provides added flexibility and movement over traditional shoes
The handstand heel clips stop your feet from dragging during wall exercises
The inner sole zoom capsule offers extra bounce for explosive training
Could be better:
The narrow toe box may be unsuitable for wider feet
3. Nike Romaleos 4 – Best for Olympic Weightlifting
- Heel Height: 19 mm
- Sole Material: TPU Plastic
- Upper Material: Woven Fabric
- Sizing: True to Size
The Nike Romaleo 4 Squat Shoes have been designed specifically for Olympic weightlifting. They build on the success of the Romaleo 3 shoes by providing comfort, adding stability, and improving performance. They get my pick for the best Olympic weightlifting shoes for a couple of main reasons.
Firstly, they offer an excellent lifting platform with flared heel edges adding stability when lifting. The durable TPU plastic heel and midsole uses a 19 mm heel elevation to help power improve lifter mobility and increase range of motion.
The wider outsole features a unique rubber pattern that Nike states can help to improve grip and feel against the platform floor when lifting. To me, they really feel like pure Olympic lifting shoes.
photo by @liftlikeatito
The Romaleos 4 shoes use a dual leather lock strap closure system with a standard lacing pattern underneath to provide a secure fit during intense training. The straps use a velcro fastening mechanism that runs along the top of the shoes.
On top of this, Nike has added a couple of design features that offer support and improve comfort. At the ankles, the shoe collars have extra padding to help if you have ankle mobility issues. Towards the forefoot, the closure strap wraps all the way around.
Nike offers the Romaleos 4 shoes in several different colors including white, orange, blue, and black. Like the Metcon shoes, you can personalize them by adding writing on the side.
Positives:
The 19 mm heel height offers increased mobility for Olympic lifting
The extra collar padding provides more comfort during longer lifting sessions and improves ankle stability
The unique rubber heel pattern helps to improve grip and platform feel
Could be better:
The velcro straps are less durable than other common shoe closure mechanisms
4. Nike Savaleos – Budget Pick for Olympic Weightlifting
- Heel Height: 15 mm
- Sole Material: Rubber, TPU Plastic
- Upper Material: Perforated Leather
- Sizing: True to Size
The Nike Savaleos are designed as a budget Olympic weightlifting shoe, with a hybrid like design that sits somewhere in between a pair of trainers and pure weightlifting shoes. They offer good support for Olympic lifting whilst being flexible enough for dynamic functional fitness movements such as box jumps and burpees.
With a 15 mm heel height, the Savaleos is an excellent entry-level weightlifting shoe for athletes who are looking to try a raised heel for the first time. Their versatile nature makes them the perfect choice if you want to switch between training exercises without having to change your shoes.
The Savaleos have a single nylon closure strap and lacing mechanism to keep the shoes secure without being overly restrictive. The absence of a forefoot strap means the Savaleos are much lighter than the Romaleos, a deliberate omission from Nike to reduce the shoe weight and improve flexibility.
photo by @sergio_pimen_
At the heel, Nike has used a similar design feature to their Metcon range, including a heel clip for wall exercises to help guide your feet. The wider sole offers a solid base under heavy weight, with the rigid midsole allowing for smooth power transfer on the platform. The flexible forefoot and wider toe box provide comfort for Olympic lifts and dynamic training.
What I particularly like about the Savaleos is the care Nike has taken when merging the design features together. As the shoe is designed as a hybrid model for longer wear, Nike has added a protective mesh inset and additional padding around the ankle and tongue areas.
The heel is made of TPU plastic, a lightweight material that doesn’t compress and is highly resistant to impact. Nike offers the Savaleos in three colors and a large range of sizes.
Positives:
The hybrid design offers a mix of support and flexibility making them a great all-around training shoe
The wider toe box provides added lifting comfort
The TPU plastic heel is non-compressive and resistant to wear
Could be better:
The absence of a forefoot strap might not be suitable for lifers who want a very secure shoe fit
5. Nike Varsity Complete TR 3 – Budget Pick for Men
- Heel Height: Flat
- Sole Material: Foam, Rubber
- Upper Material: Breathable Mesh
- Sizing: True to Size
- Weight: 10 Ounces (size 10)
The Varsity TR 3 shoes are Nike’s answer to an all-in-one athletic shoe that's suitable for a variety of training types including functional fitness, weight lifting, cardio training, and general sports activities. They offer excellent value for money at a fraction of most other training shoes.
The upper portion of the varsity shoes is constructed from lightweight, flexible mesh that allows your feet to breathe and sits comfortably against the skin. The elastic midfoot band works alongside the thick lace closure to keep the shoes firmly secure without being overly restrictive.
photo by @ulistore97
The durable rubber sole uses tri-star patterning that offers excellent traction on a range of indoor and outdoor surfaces. The padded heel helps with comfort whilst the TPU toe cap increases the shoe's overall durability.
Nike offers the varsity TR 3 shoes in several color schemes and a large range of size choices.
Positives:
The Phylon midsole offers good cushioning and adapts well to different movement patterns
The varsity shoes offer great value for money for general training and performance
The elastic midfoot band helps to keep the shoes secure without being overly restrictive
Could be better:
The shoes don’t have a toe clip making them less suitable for wall exercises
6. Nike Superrep Go Running Trainers – Budget Pick for Women
- Item dimensions: 53” L x 49” W x 83” H
- Heel Height: Flat
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Upper Material: Synthetic Mesh
- Sizing: True to Size
- Weight: 12 Ounces (size 10)
The Nike Superrep Go Running Trainers are designed for general workouts, cardio classes, and normal lifting. They offer a budget-friendly shoe choice for women who are looking for a blend of comfort and stability.
The shoes feature a simple but nice-looking design, with the Superep logo running up the tongue underneath the Nike tick. A durable rubber outsole covers the heel and balls of the feet to give you decent stability.
photo by @ivanafitnesstrainer
The shoe's upper portion is made of breathable mesh and synthetic materials that have been layered throughout the main stress areas. At the toe box area, Nike has used a mesh material with air holes for added ventilation. Five eyelets run up the shoe, with the top eyelet reinforced for added durability.
Whilst the SuperRep Go shoes feature a fairly simple-looking design, they are really comfortable to wear and offer an excellent budget-friendly women's training shoe.
Positives:
The lateral and medial sides of the shoes are reinforced for added support
The combination of mesh and synthetic breathable materials helps moisture to escape quickly
Could be better:
A larger range of size choices would accommodate more users
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4 Benefits of Wearing Nike Training Shoes
Nike shoes come from a company that puts product innovation at the forefront of their brand. Here are just some of the benefits of wearing Nike training shoes.
✅ Enhanced Comfort and Support
Nike training shoes offer fantastic comfort and support by using innovative shoe designs that are created using versatile material combinations.
The rubber sole materials are designed to absorb enough impact to protect tendons, joints, and muscles from damage. Nike training shoes usually use breathable mesh uppers that are combined with durable rubber soles.
✅ Increased Performance
Nike is well-known as a brand for its commitment to product innovation. Performance is at the forefront of their shoe design procedure. Nike rigorously tests their shoes through a wide range of training movements before releasing them to the public. Examples of performance-enhancing design features include their reactive foam for added cushioning and flywire for lightweight support.
✅ Versatile Uses
Nike training shoes are designed to support a wide range of sports movements including functional fitness, weight training, HIIT, plyometrics, and running. Their training shoes are typically designed to provide added support, offer excellent movement, and improve performance with a wide range of shoe ranges available to choose from.
✅ Customization Options
Nike offers a great range of customization options for their training shoes. These include different colors, materials, and custom text designs on the side of the shoe. This allows you to tailor your training shoes to your specific needs and preferences.
Choosing the Perfect Nike Training Shoes
Shoe construction can play a vital role in movement and performance. When choosing the best Nike gym shoes, make sure to consider these main factors. This ensures you are making the right choice that suits your lifestyle and workout goals.
1. Consider Your Workout
Nike training shoes offer fantastic comfort and support by using innovative shoe designs that are created using versatile material combinations. The rubber sole materials are designed to absorb enough impact to protect tendons, joints, and muscles from damage. Nike training shoes usually use breathable mesh uppers that are combined with durable rubber soles.
2. Increased Performance
Nike is well-known as a brand for its commitment to product innovation. Performance is at the forefront of their shoe design procedure. Nike rigorously tests their shoes through a wide range of training movements before releasing them to the public. Examples of performance-enhancing design features include their reactive foam for added cushioning and flywire for lightweight support.
3. Versatile Uses
Nike training shoes are designed to support a wide range of sports movements including functional fitness, weight training, HIIT, plyometrics, and running. Their training shoes are typically designed to provide added support, offer excellent movement, and improve performance with a wide range of shoe ranges available to choose from.
4. Customization Options
Nike offers a great range of customization options for their training shoes. These include different colors, materials, and custom text designs on the side of the shoe. This allows you to tailor your training shoes to your specific needs and preferences.
Choosing the Perfect Nike Training Shoes
Shoe construction can play a vital role in movement and performance. When choosing the best Nike gym shoes, make sure to consider these main factors. This ensures you are making the right choice that suits your lifestyle and workout goals.
1. Consider Your Workout
Before looking at the shoe characteristics, consider the type of workout or sport you’ll be performing regularly. If your training mainly consists of weight lifting, go for a shoe with a bigger heel lift that offers extra support in the midsole area.
If your focus is cross training, you want a shoe with a flatter heel that offers excellent breathability. If you plan to do a combination of both, a shoe that has a mild heel lit and materials offering good breathability might be the best option.
2. Shoe Materials
When considering shoe materials, you can split them into three different sections - the upper, midsole, and bottom. Training shoes are typically made of breathable mesh upper materials that allow moisture to escape whilst offering excellent comfort.
If you need extra ankle support, check the upper shoe height to see if they are suitable. In terms of the midsole, some shoes have different cushioning materials that react to your movement pattern and cushioning to support lateral movements. The shoe sole should offer good traction and be made from durable rubber material that can withstand repeated impact in outdoor environments.
3. Heel Shape and Support
A wide, flared-out heel will provide a more stable lifting base whilst a narrow heel offers less stability but supports a wider range of dynamic lifting movements. Choose the heel shape and size that supports your preferred lifestyle.
Whilst most training shoes have a flat heel, some offer an elevated heel height to support force generation and improve mobility and performance. Check the heel height and consider the main training movements you'll be doing.
FAQ
What Are the Best Nike Trainers to Wear for General Lifestyle Activities?
Sneakers for general lifestyle activities should be comfortable to wear and allow unrestricted movement. The best pair of Nike trainers should be based on your budget, preference, and previous trainer use. Look for shoes with a flat heel, supportive midsole, and breathable upper.
Which Pair of Nike Shoes Are the Best for the Gym?
The best pair of Nike shoes for the gym depends on the exercises you're performing. If you’re doing mostly Olympic Lifting, look for a sneaker with a bigger heel lift to allow you to generate more power off the floor.
If you’re performing a combination of Olympic lifting and normal weight training exercises, go for a moderate heel life. Also, make sure the shoes have breathable upper portions to prevent the build-up of moisture.
Are the Nike Superrep Trainers Good for Functional Fitness?
The Nike Superrep trainers are designed for dynamic, high-impact exercises, much like the ones commonly used in functional fitness workouts. The Nike Superrep shoes are a great budget choice if your functional fitness workout consists of light weight-bearing exercises and agility-based movements.
Conclusion
Nike training shoes come from a world-leading sportswear brand with a well-proven reputation for producing durable, innovative performance-based products. In my review, I tried to pick a versatile range of sports shoes including Nike shoes for working out. I also included some budget picks that offer excellent value for money.
Out of the six best Nike lifting shoes I’ve reviewed above, the Nike Metcon 8 shoes get my top pick choice. They are an excellent all-around cross-training and lifting shoe, with a reworked upper portion and responsive forefoot.
What training shoes do you currently use? What do you think of the Nike shoes I’ve reviewed above? Which are your best Nike cross trainers? Let’s talk about your training in the comment below.
Also read:
References:
- Nike, Inc. // Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Nike,_Inc.
- Training Shoes vs Running Shoes: What's the Difference? // Nike: https://www.nike.com /au/a/difference-between-training-running-shoes
- Benefits Of Weightlifting Shoes: Do You Need Them? // Liftbigeatbig: https://liftbigeatbig.com /benefits-of-weightlifting-shoes/
- The effect of footwear on running performance and running economy in distance runners // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /25404508/
- Systematic Review of the Role of Footwear Constructions in Running Biomechanics: Implications for Running-Related Injury and Performance // NCBI: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /pmc/articles/ PMC7039038/
- The Role of Textile Materials in Sports Footwear: A Comprehensive Review // Austinpublishinggroup: https://austinpublishinggroup.com /textile-engineering/fulltext/arte-v8-id1081.pdf
- Biomechanical analysis of lifting on stable versus unstable surfaces—a laboratory-based proof-of-concept study // Biomedcentral: https://pilotfeasibilitystudies. biomedcentral.com /articles/10.1186 /s40814-022-01157-2
- The effect of weightlifting shoes on the kinetics and kinematics of the back squat // NCBI: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ 27096286/
- All Photos made by Torokhtiy Media Team.
Why Trust Us?
Experience: 26 years
Best Results: Snatch - 208 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Ihor and I have been a professional weightlifter since 1996. With over 20 years of competition experience, my resume includes European Champion in 2009 and the silver medalist at 2011's Senior World Championships – 105kg division.
I competed at the 2008, 2012 and 2016 Summer Olympics.
After hanging up my own competitive lifting shoes, I decided to share my huge background as a coach. I am currently coaching multiple athletes who are competing at national and international competitions.
Experience: 21 years
Best Results: Snatch – 200 kg,
C&J - 240 kg
My name is Oleksiy Torokhtiy. I am a professional athlete with 20 years of experience in Olympic weightlifting. I have won multiple European, and World titles and have taken part in two Olympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012).
After finishing my career, I have committed myself to coach, and as of 2022, I’ve hosted 200+ weightlifting seminars all over the globe. I’m the founder of an international sportswear and accessories brand, Warm Body Cold Mind (my motto), author, and creator of a series of training programs and eBooks.
If you have any questions/suggestions/any other inquiry, you can reach out to us via email - reviews@torokhtiy.com
This article was written by our qualified author and proofread by expert with proven experience. When writing the article we use our expertise and data from open sources with strong reputation, scientific or medical based. The list of references is provided at the end of the article.
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