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.
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 Air Zoom TR 1
Pros
- Dependable bite on gym floors
- Pretty durable toebox
- Good impact protection
- Nice lateral stability
- Secure heel hold
- Smooth heel-to-toe transitions
- OK for occasional outdoor use
Cons
- Not breathable at all
- Not for heavy lifting
Key Features
- Responsive Cushioning: Designed to provide an energy return with each step, making your workouts more efficient.
- Durable Construction: Built to endure high-intensity training and regular wear, ensuring longevity.
- Versatile Design: Aesthetically pleasing and functional, suitable for various settings from gym to casual outings.
Specifications
- Sole Material: Rubber for optimal grip and traction.
- Shaft Height: Knöchel, providing ankle support during intense activities.
- Outer Material: Composite, offering durability and style.
- Inner Material: Cotton, ensuring breathability and comfort.
The Nike Air Zoom TR 1 is designed for athletes seeking a responsive jumping rope shoe. It delivers notable energy return, enhancing performance during extended workouts while providing a soft cushion for impact dampening.
The midsole offers significant softness and bounce, attributed to the embedded Air Zoom unit, which contributes to exceptional energy return. Our durometer test shows that the cushioning is 24.6% softer than average, effectively reducing landing impact on the legs and joints.
Flexibility is another key feature; our bend test indicates it is 8.8% more flexible than the average shoe, allowing for greater adaptability during movement. This facilitates easier foot bending while jumping, improving overall agility.
However, breathability poses a challenge as the shoe received a score of 1/5 on our breathability test. This can lead to discomfort due to heat buildup, making it less suitable for use in warmer climates.
Nike Flex Control 4
Pros
- Comfortable in-shoe feel
- Feels nimble and agile
- Lighter than average
- Very flexible
- Foot feels planted
- Budget-friendly
- Good grip
- Simple aesthetics
- True to size
Cons
- Durability issues
- Not for serious workouts
Key Features
- Style#: CD0197-013
- Lightweight Mesh: Abrasion-resistant mesh keeps your feet cool and comfortable.
- Midfoot Strap: Provides additional stability, ensuring your foot stays secure while moving.
- Flex Grooves: Deep grooves in the sole allow for natural foot movement, adapting to your stride.
- Textured Rubber Tread: Offers durable traction and support, especially during lateral movements.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Lightweight mesh, synthetic, rubber
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Nike Flex Control 4 is a lightweight training shoe best suited for individuals engaged in jumping rope, offering a notable combination of lightness, breathability, and grip.
Weighing in at 9.77 oz (277g), the Flex Control 4 ranks among the lightest training shoes in our lab database, being 1.7 oz (49g) lighter than the average weight of 326g. This minimal weight gives the sensation of near-barefoot experience while performing jumps.
The shoe's impressive breathability contributes to its barely-there feeling, keeping feet cool during extended use. In our lab tests, smoke passed swiftly through the mesh upper, resulting in a score of 3 out of 5 for breathability.
Additionally, the Flex Control 4 provides reliable traction with its triangular treads on the outsole. During testing, these shoes demonstrated significant grip on both indoor and outdoor surfaces while jumping rope.
A drawback of the Flex Control 4 is its firmer midsole cushioning. Our durometer readings indicate it is 18.5% firmer than the average training shoe, suggesting that those preferring softer cushioning may want to explore different options.