After I began CrossFit in 2015, it solely took a couple of week for me to develop an unhealthy obsession with looking for the most effective CrossFit footwear. Although the NOBULL model launched in that very same 12 months, I didn’t purchase my first pair of their trainers till 2019. Having put them by lots of of exercises since then, I’m well-equipped to ship this NOBULL footwear evaluate.
Based mostly on feedback I used to listen to on the field the place I began my CrossFit journey, and from the suggestions I’ve collected from different Breaking Muscle employees members, one factor is obvious: NOBULL trainers might be fairly controversial. Beneath, I’ll discover why that is and talk about the footwear’ advantages, drawbacks, key options, and who they’re greatest suited to.
Key Takeaways
- The NOBULL trainers retail for round $129 to $149, relying on which colorway you select.
- The SuperFabric expertise used for the higher is sturdy, however breathability could also be a problem — one thing to contemplate should you stay and practice in a sizzling local weather.
- NOBULL trainers match true to measurement, although the toe field runs slim.
NOBULL Trainers
3.8
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters
- Weight: 11 ounces (Males’s 9 / Ladies’s 10.5)
- Materials: SuperFabric®
- Width: Broad
NOBULL Footwear Execs
- NOBULL footwear are available in plenty of colours and prints. If you wish to stand out within the health club or like carrying color-coordinated health club apparel, you must be capable to discover a colorway that fits your model.
- They’re sturdy. I nonetheless have the primary pair of NOBULL trainers I purchased in 2019, and so they don’t look a lot totally different now than after I first took them out of the field.
- The lug-patterned outsole offers a variety of traction whether or not you’re coaching indoors or open air.
NOBULL Footwear Cons
- The trainers aren’t good for working or plenty of leaping because of the lack of cushioning, poor arch assist, and minimal forefoot flexibility.
- Whereas their worth level of round $129 to $149 is on par with different CrossFit footwear, different manufacturers commonly supply gross sales and reductions. NOBULL footwear are hardly ever on sale, which could be a disadvantage for budget-conscious CrossFitters.
- The SuperFabric® materials used for the higher might be stiff, and the trainers might take just a few weeks to interrupt in.
NOBULL Footwear Score
At Breaking Muscle, we’ve examined dozens of coaching footwear, together with the newest fashions of CrossFit-specific footwear, just like the Nike Metcons and Reebok Nanos. I personally have additionally purchased and skilled in at the very least 20 totally different CrossFit footwear all through the years. Right here’s how the NOBULL trainers scored after we put them by our proprietary issue methodology system.
| Issue | Score (out of 5) |
| Look | 4.5 |
| Supplies | 3.5 |
| Outsole | 4.3 |
| Midsole | 3 |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4.2 |
| Versatility | 3 |
| Value | 4 |
| Sturdiness | 4 |
NOBULL Footwear Overview
NOBULL footwear are supposed to be a considerably minimalist, back-to-basics kind of coaching shoe. They’re designed to face up to rope climbs, burpees, handstand push-ups, powerlifting actions, Olympic weightlifting actions, and the rest your exercise of the day (WOD) has in retailer.
Nevertheless, they are often fairly polarizing. Some CrossFitters declare NOBULL trainers are probably the most snug footwear they’ve ever worn. Others declare the footwear lack design ingenuity and don’t carry out in addition to different well-known footwear, just like the Nike Metcons.
Whereas NOBULL has launched new shoe fashions through the years — as an example, the Rec Trainers and the NOBULL runners — the unique trainers haven’t modified a lot. The NOBULL Coach+ got here out in 2022 with some enhancements over the unique coach, which I’ll talk about within the comparability part afterward. However normally, NOBULL hasn’t strayed too removed from the design of their authentic trainers.
Who Are NOBULL Footwear Good For?
- The general stability of the shoe and the rigidity of the flat sole could make NOBULL trainers good for athletes who focus totally on power coaching.
- In our expertise, NOBULL trainers don’t have a brilliant large toe field, so they’re extra appropriate for athletes with slim toes.
Who Are NOBULL Footwear Not Good For?
- Due to the arduous backside, lack of arch assist, and minimal cushioning, the NOBULL trainers is probably not appropriate for anybody who desires a cushty sneaker they will put on all day.
- Athletes preferring to put on heeled weightlifting shoes for squats will possible not benefit from the four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop on the NOBULL trainers. (Notice, nonetheless, that NOBULL sells weightlifting footwear with 17.5- and 18.5-millimeter heel-to-toe drops.)
NOBULL Footwear In-Depth Overview
Look
The design of the NOBULL trainers is one factor that makes them so controversial. Some folks love the minimalist aesthetic whereas others contemplate it fairly primary and uninspired. I’m a part of the latter camp — I don’t essentially suppose that NOBULL has completed something groundbreaking or distinctive with its coach.
Nevertheless, NOBULL makes up for this by providing their footwear in distinctive colours and prints. For instance, as of this writing, the ladies’s footwear can be found in enjoyable colorways, reminiscent of neon blue, vibrant pink camo, a number of floral patterns, and highlighter yellow. Should you want extra understated footwear, you’ll be able to go for strong colours, like black, grey, or navy.
I don’t like my health club footwear to be too flashy, however I don’t need them to be too boring, both. After I purchased my first pair of NOBULL trainers, I selected a grey higher with a blue, pink, and purple patterned sole and matching laces. I like that this colorway has a small pop of shade that retains them from being too drab with out being so vibrant which you could spot me from a mile away after I put on them.
The NOBULL trainers even have one of many largest picks of prints and colours I’ve seen in any health club sneaker, not to mention a CrossFit shoe. You’ll be able to even get them in excessive tops, just like the Converse Chuck Taylors. They get a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars for aesthetics from this CrossFit shoe junkie.
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Supplies
NOBULL footwear are made with SuperFabric® expertise. NOBULL takes regular mesh cloth and applies tiny guard plates to it, leading to a fabric that’s extremely immune to abrasions. I’m not at all times light with how I deal with my footwear, however my NOBULL trainers hardly have any scuff marks or imperfections on them.
Nevertheless, the SuperFabric® materials is just not very breathable. I admire this within the winter after I’m coaching in my chilly storage as a result of it helps hold my toes heat. However I don’t significantly benefit from the lack of breathability in the summertime as a result of it makes my toes overly sizzling and sweaty. The suede tongue has holes for air flow, however I don’t suppose they do a lot.
The fabric can be stiff. I nonetheless must loosen the shoelaces practically all the best way to get the footwear on, and I’ve had the trainers for 4 years now. Due to the fabric’s stiffness and minimal breathability, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Outsole
NOBULL trainers have a flat, secure carbon rubber outsole with a grippy lug sample and a strengthened sidewall. The footwear don’t slide round simply after I’m lifting on the rubber gym flooring in my storage, and on the uncommon events that I’ve worn them for out of doors runs, I haven’t felt like I used to be going to slide.
The bottoms have much less traction now than after I first received the footwear, however the outsoles haven’t worn down as shortly as lots of my different cross-training footwear. I gave the outsole 4.3 out of 5 stars for that reason.
Midsole
The midsole incorporates a light-weight foam materials that doesn’t compress. It is a nice characteristic whenever you’re lifting heavy weights, as you need your footwear that can assist you really feel balanced and secure. Nevertheless, it’s a disadvantage for sprints, leaping, and different high-impact actions as a result of the midsole isn’t very shock-absorbing or responsive (which means it doesn’t supply a lot vitality switch when your toes hit the bottom). I solely scored the midsole 3 out of 5 stars as a result of, as I’ll talk about under, the shoe’s minimal midsole limits its versatility.
Heel-to-Toe Drop
NOBULL trainers have a four-millimeter heel-to-doe drop. The low heel-to-toe drop makes it perfect for heavy lifts as a result of it retains you extra balanced and secure. In truth, the NOBULL trainers are my go-to footwear for days after I’m solely doing power coaching.
I give them 4.2 stars for the heel-to-toe drop, nonetheless, as a result of I want a heeled lifting shoe for heavy squats. I’m 5’8 and have lengthy legs, and a better heel-to-toe drop makes it simpler for me to squat under parallel.
That stated, I do suppose they’re a very good shoe for lifters preferring squatting in a flatter shoe. They only don’t work for me for many barbell squat variations.
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Versatility
On the subject of versatility, I solely give NOBULL trainers a 3 out of 5. They’re presupposed to be all-purpose footwear which can be good for working, leaping, and lifting weights. Nevertheless, in my expertise, they don’t work nicely for something high-impact.
I’ve lengthy since given up on carrying them for any exercises that embody a variety of working (even brief distances), field jumps, or double-unders. I solely put on them for my strict power coaching days, when my CrossFit WODs name for largely static actions, or after I’m utilizing a low-impact cardio machine like a rower or train bike. I’ve flat toes and have had a number of foot and ankle accidents. For prime-impact actions, I attain for footwear with extra cushioning and arch assist.
I wouldn’t even advocate carrying the NOBULL trainers for working errands or strolling round city. I’ve tried carrying them whereas strolling by a shopping center and whereas strolling my canine, and my toes ached for hours afterward. Should you’re on the lookout for a shoe that may double as a exercise shoe and a leisure, a NOBULL pair of footwear might not minimize it.
Value
NOBULL trainers value between $129 and $149, relying on which model and colorway you select. I give them 4 out of 5 stars for the fee. Although the value tag could appear excessive, I don’t fault NOBULL for it an excessive amount of. It’s arduous to search out CrossFit footwear which can be less expensive except you’re fortunate sufficient to get them on sale.
Sturdiness
The NOBULL trainers get 4 out of 5 stars from me for sturdiness. I’ve had my first pair since 2019, and so they look practically the identical now as they did after they arrived at my doorstep. The one motive I knocked off some extent is that I practice at residence in a cramped storage health club with a low ceiling and nil empty wall house, so I don’t have room for issues like rope climbs and handstand push-ups. I can’t give the footwear an ideal rating for sturdiness since I haven’t actually put them by an entire check.
NOBULL Coach Buyer Critiques
The NOBULL girls’s trainers have over 19,500 critiques on the model’s web site, with the vast majority of prospects ranking them 5 out of 5 stars. Patrons reward the trainers for his or her stability, large shade choice, and true-to-size match. Those that left adverse critiques state the footwear aren’t breathable and take a very long time to interrupt in.
NOBULL Coach vs. NOBULL Coach+
The NOBULL Coach+ boasts a thicker EVA midsole and a extra cushioned heel cup. I haven’t personally examined the NOBULL Coach+, however a Breaking Muscle product tester who wore them stated these up to date options might be each good and dangerous. As an illustration, the thicker midsole and elevated cushioning supply extra shock-absorbing capabilities for working and leaping however make the footwear really feel much less secure when lifting heavy weights.
One other new characteristic on the NOBULL Coach+ is the herringbone-patterned outsole. Whereas I by no means had an issue with slippage when carrying the unique coach, the brand new outsole is designed to supply even better traction. The Coach+ additionally has a bigger toe bumper and a sturdier sidewall guard for enhanced sturdiness. The SuperFabric materials has carried over from the unique coach to the Coach+.
The Coach+ prices round $139 to $149, although some colorways are priced even greater at about $169. Yow will discover some colorways within the authentic coach for cheaper, however normally, the costs of the 2 variations are about the identical.
NOBULL Trainer+
3.5
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters
- Weight: 13.13 ounces (Males’s 9 / Ladies’s 10.5)
- Materials: SuperFabric®
- Width: Broad
NOBULL Trainers vs. Nike Metcons
Up till just a few months in the past after I purchased my first pair of TYR CXT-1 trainers, the Nike Metcons have been my go-to footwear for all of my CrossFit exercises. I haven’t tried the Metcon 8s or 9s — I nonetheless have two pairs of Nike Metcon 6s that I rotate by typically. I additionally used to personal a pair of Metcon 2s and a pair of Nike Metcon Flyknits (which it appears to be like like Nike now not makes). I just about wore each of them into the bottom as a result of I cherished them a lot. Suffice it to say, I’d typically advocate the Metcons over the NOBULL trainers any day.
Just like the NOBULL trainers, the Nike Metcons have a four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop. They aren’t overly cushioned, so I’m nonetheless in a position to push towards the ground when doing heavy static lifts like squats and deadlifts. Whereas I don’t take pleasure in doing any leaping actions in my NOBULL trainers, I can tolerate them within the Nike Metcons.
The Nike footwear aren’t the most effective for working lengthy distances as a result of the arduous plastic heel might be uncomfortable (particularly should you heel strike, which I are inclined to do after I get fatigued). However general, I discover the Metcons extra snug than the NOBULL footwear.
At round $150, the Metcons value about the identical as or barely greater than the NOBULL trainers (relying on which shade you get). Nike tends to run gross sales on their sneakers every so often, although. If worth is a figuring out issue for you, it could be worthwhile to maintain a watch out for gross sales and go for a pair of Metcons.
Nike Metcon 8
4.2
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters
- Weight: 12.5 ounces (measurement 10)
- Materials: Light-weight mesh with textured overlays
- Width: Impartial to large
NOBULL Trainers vs. Reebok Nano
I’ve by no means actually cherished any of the Reebok Nano’s I’ve tried, however I haven’t hated them, both. I’ve truly discovered Nano’s to be extra snug for working than the NOBULL trainers. They’re springier and extra responsive and due to this fact additionally higher for field jumps, double-unders, and different high-impact actions.
Nevertheless, I don’t really feel as secure lifting near-maximal masses within the Nanos as I do within the NOBULL trainers. I solely attain for my Nanos after I’m lifting at round 70 to 75 p.c of my one-rep maxes or doing CrossFit WODs with a variety of working or cardio machine work.
The Nano X3s have a seven-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, which is three millimeters greater than the NOBULL trainers. Based mostly on the suggestions I’ve acquired from different Breaking Muscle employees members, the Nano X3s are extra breathable.
The Nano X3s value round $140 to $150, about the identical because the NOBULL trainers. However should you want a extra cushioned CrossFit shoe, the Nanos could also be a better option.
Reebok Nano X3
4.0
- Heel-to-toe drop: Seven millimeters
- Weight: 12 ounces (unisex measurement 9)
- Materials: Artificial and textile higher
- Width: Superb for large toes
Last Ideas: Are the NOBULL Trainers Value It?
Whether or not you’re a health fanatic or a aggressive CrossFit athlete, the NOBULL trainers might be price it. Perceive, nonetheless, that they could not work for every type of workouts, relying in your foot anatomy and the way a lot assist you want in a cross-training shoe. They are often uncomfortable for high-impact actions as a consequence of their rigidity and minimal cushioning, however they’re perfect for heavy weightlifting as a result of they provide a secure platform and let you nonetheless really feel linked to the bottom.
Earlier than shelling out at the very least $129, contemplate the kind of actions you do most frequently in your CrossFit WODs. Should you do a variety of heavy barbell biking or machine work, the NOBULL trainers could also be a good selection. However should you prefer to program a variety of working, field jumps, and double-unders in your WODs, chances are you’ll wish to contemplate a shoe that will probably be extra snug for these actions.
FAQs
NOBULL is an efficient shoe model and has a robust following throughout the CrossFit neighborhood. In addition they sponsor NFL gamers, Olympians, professional golfers, NHL gamers, and different skilled athletes. Nevertheless, their suitability for you is dependent upon the kind of coaching you do. In our expertise, NOBULL trainers are greatest for normal weight coaching and low-impact actions. They aren’t perfect for long-distance working or plenty of leaping as a consequence of their lack of cushioning and inflexible soles.
NOBULL is just not owned by Reebok. Nevertheless, NOBULL did take over for Reebok because the title sponsor for the CrossFit Video games starting in 2021.
In our expertise, NOBULL footwear match true to measurement. Breaking Muscle employees members who’ve worn them have all gotten their ordinary measurement and had no complaints in regards to the match.
We don’t advocate working lengthy distances within the NOBULL trainers. They’ve a tough, inflexible backside and don’t supply a lot cushioning or arch assist. Should you’ll be working any distance over a mile, go for conventional trainers as an alternative.
Notice which you could additionally purchase NOBULL runners, however we don’t essentially advocate these for severe working, both. We discovered sturdiness to be a problem, and so they weren’t fairly as supportive as footwear from Brooks (a model with a strong fame within the working neighborhood).
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