Reebok Nano X4
Pros
- Fantastic wear resistance
- Great balance of cushioning and stability
- Feels grounded and supportive
- Secure foot lockdown
- A fully-gusseted tongue (finally)
- Nice breathability
- Lighter than the X3
- Great grip on gym floors
Cons
- Not for heavy lifting
- Not for wide feet
Key Features
- Versatile Performance: Suitable for a variety of activities including jumping, climbing, and general workouts.
- Comfort & Support: Lightweight cushioning provides responsive support while maintaining stability.
- Stylish Design: The sleek shape and modern aesthetics make them great for both workout sessions and casual outings.
- Durable Construction: CORDURA material in the heel area adds durability and resistance to abrasion.
- Excellent Grip: The Vibram ECOSTEP RECYCLE EVO outsole delivers reliable traction on various surfaces.
- Secure Fit: Lace-up closure allows for an adjustable fit tailored to your preferences.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Leather
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Reebok Nano X4 is an excellent choice for individuals seeking a dependable jumping rope trainer. It features a balanced midsole, a breathable upper, and a supportive structure that enhances performance during jumping exercises.
Lab tests indicated that the midsole achieved a softness rating of 30.0 HA, which is close to the average rating of 27.3 HA. This slight deviation contributes to a favorable balance between ground feel and impact protection, allowing for an enjoyable experience while training.
Ventilation in the Reebok Nano X4 is satisfactory. The smoke test demonstrated effective airflow, as the smoke exited easily through the upper, resulting in a ventilation score of 4 out of 5.
The lockdown provided by the heel counter significantly enhances stability. Its rigidity was verified in lab tests, earning a stiffness score of 4 out of 5, indicating strong resistance to manual pushes and squeezes.
A potential drawback of the Nano X4 is its weight, as it is almost an ounce or 25g heavier than the average trainer. This extra weight may affect overall agility during workouts.
Inov8 Bare-XF Pro
Pros
- True barefoot-like experience
- Foot-shaped and roomy toebox
- Super lightweight
- Extremely flexible
- Sock-like in-shoe feel
- Promising durability
- Protection for rope climbs
Cons
- Pricey for its kind
- Moderate breathability
- Subpar outsole girp
Key Features
- Ultimate protection and durability in a barefoot shoe, ensuring long-lasting wear.
- Ample toebox providing room for your toes to move naturally.
- Zero drop design mimicking the sensation of being barefoot.
- Boomerang premium insole for superior cushioning and support.
- Increased RopeTech, toe bumper, and upper protection for added safety during dynamic movements.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Nylon
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Inov8 Bare-XF Pro is an ideal choice for those seeking a minimalist cross-training shoe, providing freedom and versatility during various exercises. Lab tests indicate that its lightweight and flexible construction enhances agility. Additionally, the low-profile design improves control, contributing to stability and precision in jumps and plyometric movements.
During testing, the Bare-XF Pro delivered an experience akin to training barefoot, allowing for quick movement. With a weight of only 8.7 oz (248g), it is 19.0% lighter than average. This lightness is complemented by a design that offers resistance-free movement in all directions.
Whether performing lunges, planks, or stretches, the Bare-XF Pro enables fluid foot movement. Manual assessments resulted in the lowest torsional rigidity score of 1/5, while a bend test showed it is 67.3% more flexible than average, demonstrating minimal resistance and allowing full control during workouts.
This shoe provides a grounded feel, as confirmed by our caliper, which recorded the lowest stack height ever measured in a trainer at 6.9/6.8 mm. Coupled with a genuine zero drop of 0.1 mm, users can expect improved control and stability.
However, the traction is also designed with minimalism in mind, receiving a low rating of 0.19 in our wet-condition test. Testing revealed less surefootedness on dusty or wet surfaces, suggesting that these environments should be avoided when wearing this shoe.
Nike Metcon 10
Pros
- More versatile Metcon overall
- One of the lightest Metcons ever!
- ReactX adds shock absorption and energy return
- Increased forefoot flexibility
- Still amazingly stable for weightlifting
- Fantastic upper durability (even for rope climbs)
- Great grip on gym floors
- Highly secure foot lockdown
- Accommodating fit and toebox
- Handy Lace Tuck
Cons
- Outsole could be more durable
- Upper lacks breathability
Key Features
- Open-holed engineered mesh provides breathability.
- Midsole rubber wrap is more tuned, lighter, and less bulky than the Metcon 9.
- Tough plastic heel clip enhances durability for exercises like handstand push-ups.
- Midfoot band secures your foot on the footbed, helping you maintain focus on form.
- Sturdy heel cup combined with lace tuck prevents shifting or slipping during workouts.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Engineered mesh, Rubber outsole
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Nike Metcon 10 is designed for men seeking a versatile gym shoe suitable for CrossFit training. This model delivers a sturdy base, impressive grip, and adaptive flexibility, allowing users to effectively engage in a variety of WOD exercises.
Lab assessments verify that its low profile enhances ground connection and control while facilitating fluid movements. The Metcon 10 provides unwavering support, particularly during lifting sessions, making it an excellent choice for men aiming to progressively increase weights.
Featuring a below-average stack height of 22.8/16.2 mm, the shoe includes a robust Hyperlift heel insert that resists compression under heavy loads. The wide midsole and reliable traction inspire confidence across various movements, with an above-average base measurement of 115.2/90.8 mm to enhance sensitivity.
Even on slippery surfaces, the outsole demonstrates effective traction, evidenced by its solid 0.38 rating in our traction test. This trainer exemplifies that stable footwear can still offer flexibility; it requires minimal effort for foot-bending workouts like planks.
Our bend test confirms that the Metcon 10 is 13.2% more flexible than average, achieving substantial stability without sacrificing movement. However, men seeking enhanced ventilation may find the Metcon 10 lacking, as it scored only 2/5 in our smoke test, suggesting a need for a more breathable option in warm or high-sweat environments.
Nike Free Metcon 6
Pros
- Fantastic breathability
- Very light on foot (lighter than average too)
- Abundant cushioning for HIIT
- Most flexible cross-trainer ever
- Excellent stability for moderate weightlifting
- Sock-like fit in a bootie upper
- Accommodating toebox (for medium feet)
- Great grip on gym surfaces
Cons
- NOT for rope climbs (lacks protection)
- Can be hard to put on (narrow opening)
Key Features
- Flexibility: The shoe offers high flexibility due to its laser-cut outsole, allowing for natural movement during exercises such as jumps and planks.
- Stability: Enhanced support and targeted cushioning provide a secure fit, with added foam in the heel for improved stability during intense workouts.
- Cushioning: Features ample cushioning underfoot that helps soften impact and ensures comfort throughout your training sessions.
- Breathable Upper: Made from specially designed mesh, the upper allows for breathability while providing support and flexibility for lunges, squats, and jumps.
- Secure Fit: Incorporates Flywire fibers that adapt to your foot for a dynamic fit, ensuring you feel secure as you move.
- Traction Profile: Designed for optimal grip on various surfaces, catering to all floors and activities.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Breathable, supportive engineered mesh
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
- Rating: 4.6 out of 5 based on 8 reviews
The Nike Free Metcon 6 is designed for individuals seeking flexibility and agility during workouts, particularly in jump rope sessions. Its lightweight construction enhances comfort and contributes to improved ground feel, making it easier to perform aggressive movements.
With a bending resistance of only 9.0N to reach 30 degrees, compared to the average of 11.1N, the FM6 facilitates greater freedom of movement. Weighing 9.7 oz (274g), it is lighter than the typical trainer, which averages 10.8 oz (306g).
The shoe features a stack height measuring 22.0/14.8 mm, providing high sensitivity in the forefoot and soft cushioning for impact protection. This was validated by our durometer reading, which indicated a softness 17.9% below average. Additionally, the midsole's wide coverage of 113.9/94.4 mm aids in stabilizing landings.
However, we do not recommend this trainer for individuals with narrow feet, as the toe box is wider than average. Those requiring a more streamlined fit may want to consider alternative options.
Inov8 F-Lite
Pros
- Versatile gym all-rounder
- Great balance of cushioning and stability
- Fantastic for wide feet
- Highly flexible forefoot
- Excellent outsole durability
- Protection for rope climbs
- Lighter than average
Cons
- Lacks breathability
- Not for narrow feet
- Not for heavy lifting
- Below-average outsole grip
Key Features
- Lightweight construction ideal for functional training.
- Highly breathable knitted upper for an ergonomic fit.
- POWERFLOW midsole for superior underfoot cushioning.
- ROPE-TEC technology for enhanced traction during rope climbs.
- Padded collar and soft textile lining for added comfort.
- Removable cushioned insole made from textile materials.
- Full lace closure ensuring a secure fit.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in the USA or Imported
- Sole material: Rubber for traction and durability
- Outer material: Mesh for breathability
- Closure type: Lace-Up for a secure fit
The Inov8 F-Lite is an effective choice for gym enthusiasts, offering a balance of support for lifting and flexibility for various workouts such as lunges and planks. Its spacious fit has been verified through lab testing, making it the leading option in cross-training shoes with the best wide toebox.
During our assessment, we confirmed the generous room for toe splaying with a wide reading of 78.1 mm in the toebox, significantly surpassing the average of 73.8 mm. Additionally, it provides ample vertical clearance at 30.7 mm, reducing the risk of black toenails during training sessions.
The midfoot area incorporates the Met-Cradle cage, which enhances lateral stability. This design helps maintain secure footing during lifts and forceful movements, resulting in a high torsional rigidity score of 4/5 in our twist test.
For fluid exercises, the shoe demonstrates impressive flexibility, exhibiting 20.8% higher pliability than the average, which contributes to enhanced comfort and versatility. It adapts well to dynamic movements without hindrance.
However, the results of our traction test were below expectations. Athletes requiring consistent grip may want to consider alternative options that offer improved traction.
Adidas Dropset 3
Pros
- Exceptional stability for lifting and lateral movements
- Very wide and grounded platform
- Extra durable and grippy outsole
- Very secure foothold
- Flexible enough for plyometrics
- Fantastic breathability
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Not great for running and walking (clunky heel)
- Can't be worn outside because of sole apertures
Key Features
- Strength Training Shoes: Equipped with adjustable lacing and supportive uppers to enhance your workout experience.
- Wide Fit: Designed with a wider last than regular-fitting shoes to ensure added comfort.
- Heat Management: Features adidas HEAT.RDY technology to help you stay cool during intense training sessions.
- Durable Traction: The Adiwear 6 outsole with Traxion heel offers superior grip and wear-resistance.
- Eco-Friendly Construction: Made with at least 20% recycled materials to promote sustainability and reduce your environmental footprint.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Dropset 3 is recognized as Adidas’ top gym shoe, ideal for individuals seeking stability and control during workouts. Our tests indicate that it provides a secure footing for lifts and allows for easy management of dynamic movements. The design effectively balances rigid and flexible components to enhance both support and comfort.
A wide and grounded platform contributes to its stability, with a robust heel offering reassurance during heavy lifts. Our evaluation of shock absorption revealed a below-average score of 73 SA, indicating a focus on ground feel rather than cushioning. This design choice supports performance in strength training while maintaining a strong connection to the ground.
In dynamic workouts and lateral movements, the shoe offers excellent control. The grippy outsole facilitates quick stops, while the responsive midsole allows for smooth acceleration. The flexibility of the shoe is confirmed by our bend test, showing it is 25.2% more flexible than average, along with an impressive grip from the Adiwear outsole, which is 14.7% stronger than typical models.
The upper portion of the Dropset 3 enhances breathability, effectively managing heat and moisture during intense sessions. It received a perfect score of 5/5 in our breathability tests, highlighting its superior ventilation, attributed to the HEAT.RDY technology integrated into the sole. However, this feature also presents a drawback, as the ventilation openings may allow water, dirt, and debris to enter the shoe, making it less suitable for outdoor use or inclement weather conditions.
On Cloudpulse
Pros
- Excellent impact protection for HIIT and cardio
- Midsole feels responsive for jumps and runs
- Great lateral support and stability
- Highly breathable upper
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Perfect outsole grip for gym floors
- Accommodating toebox
Cons
- Not for heavy lifting (200 lbs/90 kg max)
- Not very bendy forefoot
- Frail toebox mesh (not for rope climbs)
Key Features
- Padded collar and footbed for enhanced comfort
- Lightweight and breathable design keeps your feet cool
- Specifically designed for training sessions
- Round toe shape allows for natural movement
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Performance mesh
- Inner material: Polyester
The On Cloudpulse is an ideal choice for those seeking a jump rope shoe that excels in impact protection and cushioning. Its above-average height is designed to enhance stability during high-impact activities.
This shoe delivers exceptional comfort, which allowed us to extend our jump rope sessions without fatigue. Lab tests confirmed its shock absorption capabilities, with scores of 104 SA in the heel and 85 SA in the forefoot, reinforcing our positive experience.
With a stack height of 32.0/23.1 mm, the On Cloudpulse offers substantial cushioning between the foot and the ground. Additionally, it features a forefoot energy return of 60.0%, contributing to a more effortless and enjoyable experience.
The shoe also demonstrates notable traction, evidenced by lab tests indicating it is 32.4% grippier than average. This reliable grip was consistent on various surfaces, including wooden and polished gym floors.
A significant drawback of the Cloudpulse is its weight of 11.3 oz (319g), which may be a concern for individuals seeking a more agile footwear option. Those preferring a lighter shoe might consider alternative models.