Nike Romaleos 4
Pros
- Phenomenal stability
- Sturdy platform and sole
- Better lockdown with two straps
- Comfortable for a lifting shoe
- True to size
- Efficient traction
- Appealing looks
Cons
- Upper lacks durability
- Not for narrow ankles
- Not breathable
Key Features
- Men to Women Sizing: Easily convert between men's and women's sizes, with the equivalent of 6 Men = 7.5 Women.
- Imported: Designed with internationally sourced materials for quality assurance.
- Rubber Sole: Provides excellent traction on various surfaces, minimizing the risk of slipping during lifts.
- Mesh Material: Ensures breathability, keeping your feet cool and comfortable throughout your workout.
- Lace-Up Closure: Offers a secure fit, allowing for personalized adjustability while lifting.
Specifications
- Origin: Imported
- Sole Material: Rubber
- Outer Material: Mesh Material
- Closure Type: Lace-Up
The Nike Romaleos 4 is designed for serious lifters and professionals seeking stability and support during their workouts. Its strong foothold offers a secure fit, providing unwavering support under heavy loads.
The extended TPU walls and rigid heel counter received a 5/5 rigidity rating, effectively locking the rear foot in place. Two Velcro straps positioned in opposing directions enhance balance, which is essential for lifting performance.
The midsole features a durometer reading of 97.0 HA, making it the toughest we have measured, ensuring that it can support heavy lifting without collapsing. Additionally, its spacious dimensions of 111.5/91.3 mm provide ample space for finding stability.
While the padded upper contributes to comfort, it limits ventilation, which might not suit users who prefer a cooler experience. Therefore, those sensitive to heat may find this shoe less appealing.
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.