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.
Adidas Dropset 2
Pros
- Mindblowingly breathable
- Grounded and stable platform
- Flat base for weightlifting
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Reliable protection for rope climbs
- Surprisingly flexible forefoot
- Excellent grip on gym floors
- Gusseted tongue
Cons
- Mesh is easily destroyed
- Clunky for aerobics and treadmill
Key Features
- Unisex Design: Suitable for both men and women, catering to a wider audience.
- Rubber Sole: Provides excellent traction and durability for a range of surfaces.
- No Heel: Designed for a flat profile, promoting balance during exercise.
- Lace-Up Closure: Ensures a secure fit for optimal support.
Specifications
- Origin: Made in USA and Imported.
- Sole Material: Rubber.
- Outer Material: Rubber.
- Closure Type: Lace-Up.
The Adidas Dropset 2 is recognized as the best stability trainer among the HIIT shoes we tested. This shoe is well-suited for those engaged in both lifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts, offering a supportive structure that includes a firm heel, a wide grounded platform, and a grippy outsole. Additionally, it provides a good balance of flex and ventilation for comfort during intensive activities.
Its vast and low platform contributes to a secure footing, delivering adequate cushioning for jumps while ensuring support for steady lifts. The Dropset 2 incorporates dual-density foam, with our durometer readings showing a balanced 31.1 HA in the forefoot and a robust 47.0 HA in the heel, which is 68.5% firmer than average. This firmness is noticeable, particularly during snatches and clean and jerks, where compression is minimized.
The TPU panels on the outer sides provide notable ankle support, enhancing control during lunges and lateral movements. The combination of the flexible midsole and grippy outsole offers improved maneuverability, supported by our bend test indicating it is 14.9% more adaptive than average. This adaptability contributes to its performance in various training scenarios.
Breathability is a significant feature of the Dropset 2, equipped with large ventilation holes and a unique Airflow Window hole in the sole. This design effectively releases body heat and promotes airflow, making intense workouts in hot environments more tolerable. As such, it stands out for its ability to keep the foot cool during strenuous activities.
However, the weight of 11.9 oz (336g) may limit its suitability for quick and jumpy cardio sessions. While it excels in stability and support, this weight factor should be considered when selecting a trainer for diverse workout regimens.
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.
On Cloud X 4
Pros
- Super airy and breathable upper
- Feels very light, disappears on foot
- Great cushioning for jumps and short runs
- Highly flexible construction
- Doubles as a comfy walking shoe
- Comfortable step-in feel
- Recycled upper materials
Cons
- Awful durability
- Seriously overpriced
- Stability is almost non-existent
- Weak outsole grip
Key Features
- Rubber sole: Provides excellent traction and durability.
- Perforated panels: Enhance breathability, keeping your feet cool.
- Reflective accents: Improve visibility during low-light conditions for safer outdoor exercise.
- Cushioned collar and super-soft insole: Offer additional comfort for extended wear.
- Ultra lightweight design: Ensures you don’t feel weighed down during your activities.
- Helion superfoam: Injected CloudTec sole provides responsive cushioning.
- Round toe: Allows for natural foot movement and comfort.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Performance mesh
- Inner material: Fabric
The On Cloud X 4 is best suited for individuals seeking a versatile HIIT shoe that combines energy return and cushioning with a lightweight design. In our lab and gym tests, it demonstrated the best energy return among the HIIT shoes evaluated.
Even during intense HIIT sessions, post-workout soreness was minimal. The shoe features a stack height of 30.4/21.5 mm, which is taller than average, providing thick cushioning that effectively reduces landing impact. This is supported by high shock absorption scores of 109/73 SA in the heel and forefoot, respectively, both exceeding average benchmarks.
The Cloudtec pods enhance energy efficiency by returning energy after landings, functioning like a springboard. Our tests revealed above-average energy return scores of 58.0% in the heel and 59.4% in the forefoot, showcasing effective energy rebound.
We found the shoe's weight to be a significant advantage at 9.5 oz (268g), making it 12.1% lighter than average and facilitating agile movement. However, users should note that the shoe exhibits stiffness during foot bending, which may not cater to those prioritizing flexibility in their trainers.
Reebok Nano X3 Adventure
Pros
- Perfect gym-to-trail shoe
- Excellent traction indoors and outdoors
- Great impact protection
- Offers enough court feel
- Super durable upper
- Just enough stability for exercises
- Feels light
- Fairly flexible structure
Cons
- Poor breathability
- Pricey if not used outdoors
Key Features
- Versatile Workout Shoes: These shoes combine the functionality of training and running shoes, featuring a Lift and Run Chassis system that enhances your workout experience.
- Soft and Durable Upper: The Flexweave knit upper provides breathability and durability, ensuring you get the support needed for multidirectional movements during intense training sessions.
- Responsive and Flexible Design: The Floatride Energy Foam offers lightweight cushioning, helping you stay stable while making running feel effortless.
- Reliable Traction: Equipped with a durable rubber outsole, these sneakers provide excellent grip, allowing you to train confidently in any weather conditions.
- Stylish and Supportive Build: The stylish aesthetics combined with a supportive structure help you not only meet your workout goals but also feel confident in your footwear choice.
Specifications
- Sole material: Rubber
- Outer material: Rubber
- Inner material: Breathable Fabric
- Closure type: Lace-Up
The Reebok Nano X3 Adventure is well-suited for outdoor jump rope workouts, providing notable cushioning and support. The plushness of the midsole significantly enhanced our comfort during jumping sessions, allowing for longer workout durations. Additionally, the shoe's upper demonstrated impressive durability, complemented by adequate heel counter support.
Our HA durometer test indicated that the midsole softness measures at 21.9, notably lower than the average of 27.2. This level of softness not only contributed to jump rope performance but also improved the comfort of walking and running activities. Overall, we found this shoe effective for various outdoor exercises.
The upper material proved to be exceptionally resilient during our tests. After a twelve-second Dremel drilling, the upper showed minimal signs of wear, which led us to assign it a perfect score of 5 for durability. We are confident that this shoe will endure through extensive use over time.
The heel counter provided balanced support without feeling restrictive. It securely held the rearfoot in place, earning a score of 3 out of 5 for stiffness. Enhanced control was also noted due to the sticky outsole, which achieved a solid friction coefficient of 0.50 in our traction assessment.
However, the durable upper may compromise breathability. We experienced warmth while wearing the Reebok Nano X3 Adventure, resulting in a rating of 1 out of 5 for this aspect. While the shoe excels in other areas, ventilation could be improved for more comfortable extended wear.