Part 1: Nanos, MetCons, Inov8s, and No Bulls – oh my!

allshoescircle

When I started CrossFit a few years ago, there weren’t really any shoes out there that could handle the rigors of Olympic lifting, running, rope climbing, and more all in one.

Since CrossFit has become a bit more mainstream, there are more brands willing to develop and manufacture shoes to get their share of the money produced by the sport.

I have accumulated quite an assortment of shoes. I do in fact have at least one pair of every shoe I talk about here. And I do rotate through them and use them for different workouts depending on the movements in the workout that day.

I realize having 5+ pairs of shoes is a bit unrealistic for every day CrossFitters. In my experience most people already have a pair of running shoes. Those are great to start with. You can certainly get started with CrossFit with pretty much any kind of athletic shoe you already have.

If you are looking for your second pair of shoes, ones that will be your “CrossFit” shoes, the ones that you leave at the gym in the cubby, then I recommend a shoe made for CrossFit – Reebok Nanos, Nike MetCons, Inov8 F-LITE 235s, or No Bulls.

Unfortunately, I don’t know of any sporting goods or running stores that carry all 4 kinds of shoes. Running stores will carry the Inov8s, sporting good stores will maybe carry the Nike and the Reebok. More stores are starting to carry some Reebok Nanos, but it is rare to see Nike MetCons on a retail shelf, and you can only order No Bulls through their web site.

I recommend trying on each of the shoes, if you can, to see how they feel and fit on your feet. Also make note of the sizing of each brand that fits best for you. In my experiences, Inov8’s and No Bull’s run true, Nike’s are big, and Reebok’s are small.

If you can’t get to a store, you can also utilize each brand’s shoe sizing chart on their web site. Most on-line retailers have return policies as well, so be sure to check that out before you buy.

Being part of a great gym community is also helpful. If you ask real nice, most people will let you try a pair of their shoes to see what you think.

Inov8 F-LITE

inov8s

My notes on Inov8s:

  • Minimalist running shoe
  • Very lightweight (the 235 stands for how many grams they weigh)
  • Easy to find good deals on – $60-80 (zappos.com and theclymb.com)
  • Narrower fit
  • Because of lightweight nature of shoe, wear out faster
  • I like them for jumping – box, rope, burpees
  • Not bad for deadlifting because you can feel the floor
  • No heel, so no added lift to elevate the heel
  • As a coach, standing in them all day hurts my legs because they have no sole
  • Huge variety of colors and styles
  • Run true to size

From the Inov8 site:
F-LITE™ 235

An evolution of the original F-LITE™ series, the F-LITE™ 235 allows an athlete to challenge any workout with more flexibility, durability and versatility. Features a new outsole and upper design. The ultimate fitness shoe for all WODs, the versatile F-LITE™ 235 features 360-degree Rope-Tec™ for burn protection, a 40% denser heel unit for stability, multi-directional outsole flexibility, a seamless toe bumper for burpee protection and increased cushioning.

Reebok Nanos

nanos

My notes about Nanos:

  • Made by Reebok, so made for the varied movements of CrossFit
  • Wider toe box
  • Hold up well to rigors of varied crossfit movements
  • Comfy to be in all day
  • Light enough for jumping, stable enough for lifting, great for rope climbing
  • If you have decent running form, they are good, if you are a heel striker (like me) too much running hurts my calves
  • Pricey
  • Current style (5.0) has limited color choices
  • Can customize colors (costs extra and extra shipping time)
  • Run ½ size small

From the Reebok site:
Introducing our lightest, strongest, most innovative Nano yet. For the first time ever, the Nano’s mesh upper is infused with durable Kevlar® for elite-level abrasion protection. Plus, the entire midsole shape has been re-engineered to fit more precisely and support your foot better during heavy lifts. Don’t believe us? Put it to the WOD, and see for yourself.

  • DuPont™ Kevlar® infused mesh upper for airflow and extreme durability
  • CMEVA for better cushion and an anatomical heel and footbed for a secure fit
  • Polyurethane NanoShell for an extra defense against midsole abrasion and support for the foot during heavy lifts
  • RopePro carbon rubber to withstand demanding CrossFit maneuvers
  • Raised outsole lug patterns for better surface area contact and improved traction
  • 3MM toe to heel drop platform for improved stability during any WOD
Nike MetCons

metcons

My notes about MetCons:

  • Feel slightly heavier than the Nanos
  • Feel bulkier
  • Have arch support
  • Solid shoe, comfy to be standing in all day
  • Pricey (about the same at Nanos)
  • Difficult to find right now, on-line only, and availability is sporadic
  • Lots of color choices
  • Sizing runs a little big
  • They have women’s sizes up to a 12 – which for me is a HUGE deal

From the Nike site:
The MetCon 1 (short for “metabolic conditioning”) is Nike’s ultimate, all-purpose cross-training shoe. From the flat firm heel to the grooved forefoot design, MetCons are built to provide stability on heavy lifts, flexibility on sprints and climbs, and optimal comfort for distance runs and day-to-day abuse.

It’s the small details that help set the Nike® MetCon 1 apart. A rubber padding on the midsole reduces friction during rope climbs. An extra-durable mesh lining offers much-needed breathability. And Nike’s lightweight Flywire cables help maintain a strong support structure without the bulkiness of some other leading cross-trainers. MetCons also deliver dependable traction that performs on the gym floor, the track, and training grounds far off the beaten path.

  • Cross-Training Shoe
  • Weight: 11.2 oz
  • Heel to Toe Drop: 4mm
  • Flat, max-support heel for weightlifting
  • Drop-in midsole & forefoot grooves for greater flexibility
  • Breathable, abrasion-resistant mesh
  • Lightweight Vectran filaments (Flywire) for optimal structure and support
No Bull

nobullshoes

My notes about No Bull:

  • Flat, solid sole with very little differential from heel to toe
  • Lighter than MetCons, about the same as the Nanos
  • The shoe is made from one solid piece of material, seems durable
  • Solid shoe, comfy to be standing in all day
  • Range in price from $99 – $129 (not sure why the price difference to be honest)
  • Can only find on-line at nobullproject.com
  • One style, different color options
  • Sizing runs pretty true to size
  • They have a few styles in women’s sizes up to a 11.5, but the colors and styles are pretty gender neutral so ordering in men’s isn’t a big deal
  • Every pair of shoes come with 2 pairs of laces – fun pink laces came with the men’s grey shoe which made them more feminine!

From the No Bull site:
Run, climb, slide, grind, lift….these kicks have you covered. Lightweight, breathable and flexible protection that moves the way you do. Like a ninja.

  •  The upper of the Trainer features a seamless one-piece construction of SuperFabric®, an extremely durable, breathable and abrasion resistant material.
  • The SuperFabric® guard plates are applied to a highly flexible mesh base layer, creating a 360 degree shield from zombies, rope climbs, and excuses.
  • The outsole lug pattern was designed for multi-environment usage, allowing for an easy transition between inside and outside with the right blend of flexibility, traction and support.
  • High carbon lateral and medial guards for added protection on sidewalls.
  • Reflective NOBULL logo for visibility when you need it most.
  • The Trainer comes with two pairs of laces.
  • Weight: 9.3 Ounces (men’s size 9.5)

Don’t let its simple design fool you. This shoe is made to withstand the elements. SuperFabric® is glass, knife, and barbed wire resistant. Yes, barbed wire. 

And be sure to check out the second part of the Shoe Series:

Which Shoes to Wear for Which Workout?
Part 2: CrossFit, Running, and Lifters

 

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