After I began CrossFit in 2015, it solely took a few week for me to develop an unhealthy obsession with searching for one of the best CrossFit sneakers. Regardless that the NOBULL model launched in that very same yr, I didn’t purchase my first pair of their trainers till 2019. Having put them via lots of of exercises since then, I’m well-equipped to ship this NOBULL sneakers evaluation.
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. Under, I’ll discover why that is and focus on the sneakers’ advantages, drawbacks, key options, and who they’re finest suited to.
Key Takeaways
- The NOBULL trainers retail for round $129 to $149, relying on which colorway you select.
- The SuperFabric know-how used for the higher is sturdy, however breathability could also be a difficulty — one thing to contemplate for those who dwell and practice in a sizzling local weather.
- NOBULL trainers match true to dimension, although the toe field runs slender.
NOBULL Trainers
3.8
- Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters
- Weight: 11 ounces (Males’s 9 / Girls’s 10.5)
- Materials: SuperFabric®
- Width: Huge
NOBULL Footwear Professionals
- NOBULL sneakers are available in plenty of colours and prints. If you wish to stand out within the health club or like sporting color-coordinated health club apparel, it is best to be capable of discover a colorway that fits your fashion.
- 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 whole lot of traction whether or not you’re coaching indoors or outside.
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 sneakers, different manufacturers repeatedly supply gross sales and reductions. NOBULL sneakers are hardly ever on sale, which generally is a downside for budget-conscious CrossFitters.
- The SuperFabric® materials used for the higher might be stiff, and the trainers might take a number of weeks to interrupt in.
NOBULL Footwear Score
At Breaking Muscle, we’ve examined dozens of coaching sneakers, together with the newest fashions of CrossFit-specific sneakers, just like the Nike Metcons and Reebok Nanos. I personally have additionally purchased and skilled in no less than 20 totally different CrossFit sneakers all through the years. Right here’s how the NOBULL trainers scored after we put them via 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 |
| Worth | 4 |
| Sturdiness | 4 |
NOBULL Footwear Overview
NOBULL sneakers are supposed to be a considerably minimalist, back-to-basics sort of coaching shoe. They’re designed to face up to rope climbs, burpees, handstand push-ups, powerlifting actions, Olympic weightlifting actions, and anything 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 sneakers they’ve ever worn. Others declare the sneakers lack design ingenuity and don’t carry out in addition to different well-known sneakers, just like the Nike Metcons.
Whereas NOBULL has launched new shoe fashions over time — for 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 focus on within the comparability part afterward. However generally, 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 energy coaching.
- In our expertise, NOBULL trainers don’t have an excellent large toe field, so they’re extra appropriate for athletes with slender toes.
Who Are NOBULL Footwear Not Good For?
- Due to the exhausting backside, lack of arch assist, and minimal cushioning, the NOBULL trainers is probably not appropriate for anybody who desires a snug sneaker they’ll put on all day.
- Athletes preferring to put on heeled weightlifting shoes for squats will probably not benefit from the four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop on the NOBULL trainers. (Observe, nonetheless, that NOBULL sells weightlifting sneakers with 17.5- and 18.5-millimeter heel-to-toe drops.)
NOBULL Footwear In-Depth Evaluation
Look
The design of the NOBULL trainers is one factor that makes them so controversial. Some folks love the minimalist aesthetic whereas others take into account it fairly fundamental and uninspired. I’m a part of the latter camp — I don’t essentially assume that NOBULL has completed something groundbreaking or distinctive with its coach.
Nevertheless, NOBULL makes up for this by providing their sneakers in distinctive colours and prints. For instance, as of this writing, the ladies’s sneakers can be found in enjoyable colorways, resembling neon blue, brilliant pink camo, a number of floral patterns, and highlighter yellow. In case you choose extra understated footwear, you may go for strong colours, like black, grey, or navy.
I don’t like my health club sneakers 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 coloration that retains them from being too drab with out being so brilliant that you could spot me from a mile away after I put on them.
The NOBULL trainers even have one of many largest alternatives of prints and colours I’ve seen in any health club sneaker, not to mention a CrossFit shoe. You possibly can even get them in excessive tops, much 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 sneakers are made with SuperFabric® know-how. NOBULL takes regular mesh material and applies tiny guard plates to it, leading to a fabric that’s extremely immune to abrasions. I’m not all the time light with how I deal with my sneakers, however my NOBULL trainers hardly have any scuff marks or imperfections on them.
Nevertheless, the SuperFabric® materials isn’t very breathable. I respect this within the winter after I’m coaching in my chilly storage as a result of it helps maintain 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 assume they do a lot.
The fabric can be stiff. I nonetheless should loosen the shoelaces almost all the best way to get the sneakers 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 sneakers 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 outside runs, I haven’t felt like I used to be going to slide.
The bottoms have much less traction now than after I first acquired the sneakers, however the outsoles haven’t worn down as rapidly as a lot of my different cross-training sneakers. I gave the outsole 4.3 out of 5 stars because of this.
Midsole
The midsole includes a light-weight foam materials that doesn’t compress. It is a nice function once you’re lifting heavy weights, as you need your sneakers that will help you really feel balanced and secure. Nevertheless, it’s a downside 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 power switch when your toes hit the bottom). I solely scored the midsole 3 out of 5 stars as a result of, as I’ll focus on 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. Actually, the NOBULL trainers are my go-to sneakers for days after I’m solely doing energy coaching.
I give them 4.2 stars for the heel-to-toe drop, nonetheless, as a result of I choose 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 mentioned, I do assume they’re a superb shoe for lifters preferring squatting in a flatter shoe. They simply don’t work for me for many barbell squat variations.
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Versatility
In the case of versatility, I solely give NOBULL trainers a 3 out of 5. They’re purported to be all-purpose sneakers which are good for working, leaping, and lifting weights. Nevertheless, in my expertise, they don’t work effectively for something high-impact.
I’ve lengthy since given up on sporting them for any exercises that embrace a whole lot of working (even brief distances), field jumps, or double-unders. I solely put on them for my strict energy 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 top-impact actions, I attain for sneakers with extra cushioning and arch assist.
I wouldn’t even advocate sporting the NOBULL trainers for working errands or strolling round city. I’ve tried sporting them whereas strolling via a shopping center and whereas strolling my canine, and my toes ached for hours afterward. In case you’re searching for a shoe that may double as a exercise shoe and a leisure, a NOBULL pair of sneakers might not lower it.
Worth
NOBULL trainers value between $129 and $149, relying on which fashion and colorway you select. I give them 4 out of 5 stars for the price. Regardless that the value tag could seem excessive, I don’t fault NOBULL for it an excessive amount of. It’s exhausting to search out CrossFit sneakers which are 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 almost the identical now as they did once they arrived at my doorstep. The one motive I knocked off some extent is that I practice at dwelling in a cramped storage health club with a low ceiling and 0 empty wall area, so I don’t have room for issues like rope climbs and handstand push-ups. I can’t give the sneakers an ideal rating for sturdiness since I haven’t actually put them via an entire check.
NOBULL Coach Buyer Evaluations
The NOBULL girls’s trainers have over 19,500 opinions on the model’s web site, with the vast majority of clients ranking them 5 out of 5 stars. Consumers reward the trainers for his or her stability, large coloration choice, and true-to-size match. Those that left adverse opinions state the sneakers 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 mentioned 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 sneakers really feel much less secure when lifting heavy weights.
One other new function on the NOBULL Coach+ is the herringbone-patterned outsole. Whereas I by no means had an issue with slippage when sporting the unique coach, the brand new outsole is designed to offer even higher 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 increased at about $169. Yow will discover some colorways within the authentic coach for cheaper, however generally, 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 / Girls’s 10.5)
- Materials: SuperFabric®
- Width: Huge
NOBULL Trainers vs. Nike Metcons
Up till a number of months in the past after I purchased my first pair of TYR CXT-1 trainers, the Nike Metcons have been my go-to sneakers 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 via typically. I additionally used to personal a pair of Metcon 2s and a pair of Nike Metcon Flyknits (which it seems to be 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 capable of 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 sneakers aren’t one of the best for working lengthy distances as a result of the exhausting plastic heel might be uncomfortable (particularly for those who heel strike, which I are likely to do after I get fatigued). However total, I discover the Metcons extra snug than the NOBULL sneakers.
At round $150, the Metcons value about the identical as or barely greater than the NOBULL trainers (relying on which coloration you get). Nike tends to run gross sales on their sneakers now and again, although. If worth is a figuring out issue for you, it might be worthwhile to maintain an eye fixed 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 (dimension 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 really 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 hundreds 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 whole lot 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 for those who 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 dimension 9)
- Materials: Artificial and textile higher
- Width: Ultimate for large toes
Closing 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 might not work for all sorts 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 resulting from their rigidity and minimal cushioning, however they’re perfect for heavy weightlifting as a result of they provide a secure platform and will let you nonetheless really feel related to the bottom.
Earlier than shelling out no less than $129, take into account the kind of actions you do most frequently in your CrossFit WODs. In case you do a whole lot of heavy barbell biking or machine work, the NOBULL trainers could also be a good selection. However for those who wish to program a whole lot of working, field jumps, and double-unders in your WODs, it’s possible you’ll need to take into account a shoe that will likely be extra snug for these actions.
FAQs
NOBULL is an efficient shoe model and has a powerful following throughout the CrossFit neighborhood. Additionally they sponsor NFL gamers, Olympians, professional golfers, NHL gamers, and different skilled athletes. Nevertheless, their suitability for you is determined by the kind of coaching you do. In our expertise, NOBULL trainers are finest for common weight coaching and low-impact actions. They aren’t perfect for long-distance working or plenty of leaping resulting from their lack of cushioning and inflexible soles.
NOBULL isn’t 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 sneakers match true to dimension. Breaking Muscle employees members who’ve worn them have all gotten their standard dimension 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. In case you’ll be working any distance over a mile, go for conventional trainers as an alternative.
Observe that you could additionally purchase NOBULL runners, however we don’t essentially advocate these for severe working, both. We discovered sturdiness to be a difficulty, and so they weren’t fairly as supportive as sneakers from Brooks (a model with a strong repute within the working neighborhood).
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