Let me start by saying, I’ve never owned the Metcon 1 or 2, and the 3’s are my first pair of Nike “Crossfit” shoes. I’ve mainly been loyal to the Reebok Nano, but was curious what Nike was bringing to the table. So this review will mainly be what I notice in the Metcon 3 as a training shoe, and secondly, how it compares to the Reebok Nano 6.0. So far I’ve trained in the Metcon 3’s for about five workouts and have squatted, snatched, sprinted, rowed, and jumped in them.
The first thing I was concerned about with the Nike training shoes was they would be too wide and bulky. These are two issues I’ve heard tossed around the gym, and I’m a fan of a shoe that is form fitting and somewhat snug. The Metcon 3 isn’t’ too wide for my likes however, as I believe Nike addressed this issue from older models, but the 3 is somewhat stiff out of the box.
Of course with any new shoe, there is a break in period where it molds somewhat to your foot and gait patterns. I’m only a few weeks into the 3’s and they seem to be loosening up a bit, but they are most definitely stiffer than the Nano 6.0. They also make a much louder striking sound when walking and running.
The Metcon 3’s are available in a Flyknit however, which is meant to mimic the feel of a sock and be more form fitting. So if you prefer a more snug fit and willing to spend the extra $30, they might be a better choice.
For squatting, snatching, and other stationary exercises, the Metcon 3’s offer great stability and good responsiveness. I felt a good connection with the ground during these movements, and the heel drop is not too high but not too flat. If your focus is Olympic Lifting, then lifters would be a better choice, but these will perform nicely for your standard WOD Hang Cleans and Snatches.
For running, cutting, and jumping I prefer the Reebok Nanos. The Metcon 3’s feel a bit stiff and lack the responsiveness I’m used to from the Nanos. I feel like I have to tie them extra tight to get that snug fit I like and to be confident in my cutting and footwork. Overall, however, the Metcon 3’s will do the job for short runs and basic agility work. If you’ve worn the Metcon 1 or 2, I think the new narrower fit of the 3’s will be an improvement for running and agility training.
For rowing I think any shoe will do, with maybe the exception of O-lifters, but I did find an issue with the updated heel clip. This is possibly something older Metcon users experience, but you can’t just pop off the heel piece on the erg like you can with Nanos. You have to slide your foot up first to clear the heel clip, then take your foot out. A small inconvenience, but worth noting for timed challenges involving the rower.
Overall, Nike is taking steps to listen to its customer’s feedback and improve its Crossfit footwear. The Metcon 3 is an acceptable training shoe that is designed for a variety of exercises and movements, and will most certainly stand up to any WOD. They feel extremely durable and you can expect month over month of sustained use out of Nike’s latest Metcon. If you have a wide foot this may be a great choice for you as well, however, in my opinion Reebok still reigns supreme in Crossfit footwear.
Nike Metcon 3 Review
Performance:
- Great stability for Squats, Olympic Lifts, and stationary movements.
- Wearable for short distance runs, but a bit stiff out of the box.
- Ok for cutting, ladder drills, agility work, but better alternative available.
Comfort:
- Good out of the box feel, a bit stiff at first but become more pliable with use.
- No major discomfort on the top of the foot, around the heel, or on the soles.
- Wearable for hours on end, no discomfort with prolonged use.
- May want a running shoe for longer distance runs.
Design:
- Nice updates to an already good looking training shoe.
- The Flyknit may not be everyone’s taste but could offer better performance in terms of fit and comfort.
- Limited colors, but Nike always delivers over time with appealing and eye-catching colorways. Already, new colors have dropped on the website and a “Glow” model with a glow-in-the-dark sole for night training.
Value:
- At $130/pair, on par with other training shoes.
- Flyknit option at $160 may offer added performance benefits.
- Worth the price for a serious Crossfitter or functional fitness athlete.