The Nike Legend Essential 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models of 2026

The Nike Legend Essential 3 is a budget cross-trainer designed for those new to the gym. With its moderate price point, this shoe offers notable performance in both weight training and cardio workouts.

Lab tests indicate that it provides a stable platform, making it ideal for beginners who require versatility in their training routines. The construction facilitates easy transitions between exercises, enhancing the overall workout experience.


Pros

  • Very affordable
  • Super lightweight
  • Breathable upper
  • Great cushioning for jumps
  • Wide platform
  • Flexible

Cons

  • Lacks durability
  • Not for heavy lifting
  • Lacking outsole grip

Key Features

  • Flat Heel Design: Provides stability during lifting and squats, ensuring your heel is braced properly.
  • Stacked Midfoot Foam: Enhances sturdiness, allowing you to squeeze out that extra rep with confidence.
  • Grooved Sole: Promotes flexibility for agility drills, adapting to a variety of movements.
  • High-Abrasion Honeycomb Mesh: Offers durability and breathability, making it resilient for prolonged use.
  • Plush Collar: Ensures easy entry and exit from the shoe, adding to overall convenience.
  • Eco-Friendly Material: Constructed with at least 8% Nike Grind material, showcasing a commitment to sustainability.

Specifications

  • Sole Material: Rubber - provides excellent grip and durability.
  • Outer Material: Mesh - enhances breathability and comfort.
  • Closure Type: Hook & Loop - allows for quick adjustments and easy access.

Nike Legend Essential 3 Review & Lab Test: Shop Men’S & Women’S Models – Price, Ratings, Reviews & Sales Insights

Nike Legend Essential 3 Nike Free Metcon 6 Nike Flex Control 4 Under Armour SlipSpeed
Price $65 $120 $65 $120
Use Workout Workout Workout Workout
Drop lab 4.5 mm 7.2 mm 3.4 mm 1.9 mm
Heel stack lab 24.2 mm 22.0 mm 19.0 mm 21.1 mm
Forefoot 19.7 mm 14.8 mm 15.6 mm 19.2 mm
Weight lab 8.8 oz / 249g 9.7 oz / 274g 9.8 oz / 277g 10.2 oz / 288g
Lightweight
Breathability Breathable Breathable Moderate Warm
Width / fit Medium Medium Narrow Narrow
Toebox width Wide Medium - Narrow
Size Slightly small True to size True to size Half size small
Midsole softness Balanced Balanced Firm Balanced
Stiffness Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Torsional rigidity Flexible Flexible Flexible Flexible
Heel counter stiffness Flexible Moderate Flexible Flexible
Toebox durability Decent Decent - Good
Heel padding durability Bad Good - Good
Outsole durability - Good - Bad
Midsole width - forefoot Average Average Average Very wide
Midsole width - heel Average Wide Average Wide
Widths available Normal Narrow Normal Normal
Insole thickness Average Average Average Average
Outsole thickness Average Average Thick
Outsole hardness Average Average Average Very soft
Heel tab None Finger loop None None
Tongue: gusset type None Bootie None Bootie
Tongue padding Average Average Average Average
Ranking Bottom 9% Bottom 30% Top 49% Top 19%
Popularity Bottom 48% Top 7% Top 25% Top 37%