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Once I began CrossFit in 2015, it only took about per week for me to develop an unhealthy obsession with looking for the perfect CrossFit shoes. Despite the fact that the NOBULL brand launched in that very same 12 months, I didn’t buy my first pair of their trainers until 2019. Having put them through a whole bunch of workouts since then, I’m well-equipped to deliver this NOBULL shoes review.

Based on comments I used to listen to on the box where I began my CrossFit journey, and from the feedback I’ve collected from other Breaking Muscle staff members, one thing is obvious: NOBULL trainers could be quite controversial. Below, I’ll explore why that is and discuss the shoes’ advantages, drawbacks, key features, and who they’re best suited to.

Key Takeaways

• The NOBULL trainers retail for around $129 to $149, depending on which colorway you select. 
• The SuperFabric technology used for the upper is durable, but breathability could also be a problem — something to think about if you happen to live and train in a hot climate.
• NOBULL trainers fit true to size, though the toe box runs narrow.

NOBULL Trainers

3.8

• Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters
• Weight: 11 ounces (Men’s 9 / Women’s 10.5)
• Material: SuperFabric®
• Width: Wide

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NOBULL Shoes Pros

• NOBULL shoes are available in numerous colours and prints. If you should stand out within the gym or like wearing color-coordinated gym attire, you need to have the ability to seek out a colorway that suits your style.
• They’re durable. I still have the primary pair of NOBULL trainers I purchased in 2019, and so they don’t look much different now than once I first took them out of the box.
• The lug-patterned outsole provides loads of traction whether you’re training indoors or outdoors.

NOBULL Shoes Cons

• The trainers aren’t good for running or numerous jumping on account of the shortage of cushioning, poor arch support, and minimal forefoot flexibility.
• While their price point of around $129 to $149 is on par with other CrossFit shoes, other brands usually offer sales and discounts. NOBULL shoes are rarely on sale, which generally is a drawback for budget-conscious CrossFitters.
• The SuperFabric® material used for the upper could be stiff, and the trainers may take a couple of weeks to interrupt in.

NOBULL Shoes Rating

At Breaking Muscle, we’ve tested dozens of coaching shoes, including the most recent models of  CrossFit-specific shoes, just like the Nike Metcons and Reebok Nanos. I personally have also bought and trained in at the very least 20 different CrossFit shoes throughout the years. Here’s how the NOBULL trainers scored after we put them through our proprietary factor methodology system.

Factor	Rating (out of 5)
Appearance	4.5
Materials	3.5
Outsole	4.3
Midsole	3
Heel-to-toe drop	4.2
Versatility	3
Price	4
Durability	4

NOBULL Shoes Overview

NOBULL shoes are supposed to be a somewhat minimalist, back-to-basics style of training shoe. They’re designed to face up to rope climbs, burpees, handstand push-ups, powerlifting movements, Olympic weightlifting movements, and the rest your workout of the day (WOD) has in store.

Nevertheless, they could be quite polarizing. Some CrossFitters claim NOBULL trainers are essentially the most comfortable shoes they’ve ever worn. Others claim the shoes lack design ingenuity and don’t perform in addition to other well-known shoes, just like the Nike Metcons.

While NOBULL has released recent shoe models over time — as an example, the Rec Trainers and the NOBULL runners — the unique trainers haven’t modified much. The NOBULL Trainer+ got here out in 2022 with some improvements over the unique trainer, which I’ll discuss within the comparison section in a while. But generally, NOBULL hasn’t strayed too removed from the design of their original trainers.

Who Are NOBULL Shoes 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 strength training.
• In our experience, NOBULL trainers don’t have a brilliant wide toe box, so that they are more suitable for athletes with narrow feet.

Who Are NOBULL Shoes Not Good For?

• Due to the hard bottom, lack of arch support, and minimal cushioning, the NOBULL trainers might not be suitable for anyone who wants a snug sneaker they will wear all day.
• Athletes preferring to wear heeled weightlifting shoes for squats will likely not benefit from the four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop on the NOBULL trainers. (Note, nevertheless, that NOBULL sells weightlifting shoes with 17.5- and 18.5-millimeter heel-to-toe drops.)

NOBULL Shoes In-Depth Review

Appearance

The design of the NOBULL trainers is one thing that makes them so controversial. Some people love the minimalist aesthetic while others consider it quite basic and uninspired. I’m a part of the latter camp — I don’t necessarily think that NOBULL has completed anything groundbreaking or unique with its trainer.

Nevertheless, NOBULL makes up for this by offering their shoes in unique colours and prints. For instance, as of this writing, the ladies’s shoes can be found in fun colorways, reminiscent of neon blue, shiny pink camo, multiple floral patterns, and highlighter yellow. For those who prefer more understated footwear, you’ll be able to go for solid colours, like black, gray, or navy.

I don’t like my gym shoes to be too flashy, but I don’t want them to be too boring, either. Once I bought my first pair of NOBULL trainers, I selected a gray upper with a blue, pink, and purple patterned sole and matching laces. I like that this colorway has a small pop of color that keeps them from being too drab without being so shiny which you could spot me from a mile away once I wear them.

The NOBULL trainers even have one in all the biggest selections of prints and colours I’ve seen in any gym sneaker, let alone a CrossFit shoe. You possibly can even get them in high tops, much like the Converse Chuck Taylors. They get a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for aesthetics from this CrossFit shoe junkie.

RELATED: Is CrossFit Bad for You?

Materials

NOBULL shoes are made with SuperFabric® technology. NOBULL takes normal mesh fabric and applies tiny guard plates to it, leading to a cloth that is very proof against abrasions. I’m not at all times gentle with how I treat my shoes, but my NOBULL trainers hardly have any scuff marks or imperfections on them.

Nevertheless, the SuperFabric® material is just not very breathable. I appreciate this within the winter once I’m training in my cold garage since it helps keep my feet warm. But I don’t particularly enjoy the shortage of breathability in the summertime since it makes my feet overly hot and sweaty. The suede tongue has holes for ventilation, but I don’t think they do much.

The fabric can also be stiff. I still should loosen the shoelaces nearly all of the option to get the shoes on, and I’ve had the trainers for 4 years now. Due to the material’s stiffness and minimal breathability, I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Outsole

NOBULL trainers have a flat, stable carbon rubber outsole with a grippy lug pattern and a reinforced sidewall. The shoes don’t slide around easily once I’m lifting on the rubber gym flooring in my garage, and on the rare occasions that I even have worn them for outdoor runs, I haven’t felt like I used to be going to slide.

The bottoms have less traction now than once I first got the shoes, however the outsoles haven’t worn down as quickly as a lot of my other cross-training shoes. I gave the outsole 4.3 out of 5 stars because of this.

Midsole

The midsole encompasses a lightweight foam material that doesn’t compress. That is an ideal feature once you’re lifting heavy weights, as you wish your shoes to show you how to feel balanced and stable. Nevertheless, it’s a drawback for sprints, jumping, and other high-impact activities since the midsole isn’t very shock-absorbing or responsive (meaning it doesn’t offer much energy transfer when your feet hit the bottom). I only scored the midsole 3 out of 5 stars because, as I’ll discuss below, 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 ideal for heavy lifts since it keeps you more balanced and stable. In truth, the NOBULL trainers are my go-to shoes for days once I’m only doing strength training.

I give them 4.2 stars for the heel-to-toe drop, nevertheless, because I prefer a heeled lifting shoe for heavy squats. I’m 5’8 and have long legs, and a better heel-to-toe drop makes it easier for me to squat below parallel.

That said, I do think they’re an excellent shoe for lifters preferring squatting in a flatter shoe. They only don’t work for me for many barbell squat variations.

RELATED: Best Weightlifting Belts

Versatility

On the subject of versatility, I only give NOBULL trainers a 3 out of 5. They’re alleged to be all-purpose shoes which can be good for running, jumping, and lifting weights. Nevertheless, in my experience, they don’t work well for anything high-impact.

I’ve long since given up on wearing them for any workouts that include loads of running (even short distances), box jumps, or double-unders. I only wear them for my strict strength training days, when my CrossFit WODs call for mostly static movements, or once I’m using a low-impact cardio machine like a rower or exercise bike. I even have flat feet and have had multiple foot and ankle injuries. For top-impact movements, I reach for shoes with more cushioning and arch support.

I wouldn’t even recommend wearing the NOBULL trainers for running errands or walking around town. I’ve tried wearing them while strolling through a shopping center and while walking my dog, and my feet ached for hours afterward. For those who’re in search of a shoe that may double as a workout shoe and a recreational, a NOBULL pair of shoes may not cut it.

Price

NOBULL trainers cost between $129 and $149, depending on which style and colorway you select. I give them 4 out of 5 stars for the associated fee. Despite the fact that the worth tag could appear high, I don’t fault NOBULL for it an excessive amount of. It’s hard to seek out CrossFit shoes which can be less expensive unless you’re lucky enough to get them on sale.

Durability

The NOBULL trainers get 4 out of 5 stars from me for durability. I’ve had my first pair since 2019, and they appear nearly the identical now as they did after they arrived at my doorstep. The one reason I knocked off a degree is that I train at home in a cramped garage gym with a low ceiling and nil empty wall space, so I don’t have room for things like rope climbs and handstand push-ups. I can’t give the shoes an ideal rating for durability since I haven’t really put them through an entire test.

NOBULL Trainer Customer Reviews

The NOBULL women’s trainers have over 19,500 reviews on the brand’s website, with the vast majority of customers rating them 5 out of 5 stars. Buyers praise the trainers for his or her stability, wide color selection, and true-to-size fit. Those that left negative reviews state the shoes aren’t breathable and take a protracted time to interrupt in.

NOBULL Trainer vs. NOBULL Trainer+

The NOBULL Trainer+ boasts a thicker EVA midsole and a more cushioned heel cup. I haven’t personally tested the NOBULL Trainer+, but a Breaking Muscle product tester who wore them said these updated features could be each good and bad. As an example, the thicker midsole and increased cushioning offer more shock-absorbing capabilities for running and jumping but make the shoes feel less stable when lifting heavy weights.

One other recent feature on the NOBULL Trainer+ is the herringbone-patterned outsole. While I never had an issue with slippage when wearing the unique trainer, the brand new outsole is designed to supply even greater traction. The Trainer+ also has a bigger toe bumper and a sturdier sidewall guard for enhanced durability. The SuperFabric material has carried over from the unique trainer to the Trainer+.

The Trainer+ costs around $139 to $149, though some colorways are priced even higher at about $169. Yow will discover some colorways in the unique trainer for cheaper, but generally, the costs of the 2 versions are in regards to the same.

NOBULL Trainer+

3.5

• Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters
• Weight: 13.13 ounces (Men’s 9 / Women’s 10.5)
• Material: SuperFabric®
• Width: Wide

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NOBULL Trainers vs. Nike Metcons

Up until a couple of months ago once I bought my first pair of TYR CXT-1 trainers, the Nike Metcons were my go-to shoes for all of my CrossFit workouts. I haven’t tried the Metcon 8s or 9s — I still have two pairs of Nike Metcon 6s that I rotate through sometimes. I also used to own a pair of Metcon 2s and a pair of Nike Metcon Flyknits (which it looks like Nike now not makes). I just about wore each of them into the bottom because I loved them a lot. Suffice it to say, I might generally recommend 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 still in a position to push against the ground when doing heavy static lifts like squats and deadlifts. While I don’t enjoy doing any jumping movements in my NOBULL trainers, I can tolerate them within the Nike Metcons. 

The Nike shoes aren’t the perfect for running long distances since the hard plastic heel could be uncomfortable (especially if you happen to heel strike, which I are inclined to do once I get fatigued). But overall, I find the Metcons more comfortable than the NOBULL shoes.

At around $150, the Metcons cost in regards to the same as or barely greater than the NOBULL trainers (depending on which color you get). Nike tends to run sales on their sneakers occasionally, though. If price is a determining factor for you, it might be worthwhile to maintain a watch out for sales and go for a pair of Metcons.

Nike Metcon 8

4.2

• Heel-to-toe drop: 4 millimeters
• Weight: 12.5 ounces (size 10)
• Material: Lightweight mesh with textured overlays
• Width: Neutral to wide

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NOBULL Trainers vs. Reebok Nano

I’ve never really loved any of the Reebok Nano’s I’ve tried, but I haven’t hated them, either. I’ve actually found Nano’s to be more comfortable for running than the NOBULL trainers. They’re springier and more responsive and subsequently also higher for box jumps, double-unders, and other high-impact movements.

Nevertheless, I don’t feel as stable lifting near-maximal loads within the Nanos as I do within the NOBULL trainers. I only reach for my Nanos once I’m lifting at around 70 to 75 percent of my one-rep maxes or doing CrossFit WODs with loads of running 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 on the feedback I’ve received from other Breaking Muscle staff members, the Nano X3s are more breathable.

The Nano X3s cost around $140 to $150, in regards to the same because the NOBULL trainers. But if you happen to need a more 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 size 9)
• Material: Synthetic and textile upper
• Width: Ideal for wide feet

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Final Thoughts: Are the NOBULL Trainers Price It?

Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or a competitive CrossFit athlete, the NOBULL trainers could be price it. Understand, nevertheless, that they might not work for every kind of exercises, depending in your foot anatomy and the way much support you want in a cross-training shoe. They could be uncomfortable for high-impact activities on account of their rigidity and minimal cushioning, but they’re ideal for heavy weightlifting because they provide a stable platform and help you still feel connected to the bottom.

Before shelling out at the very least $129, consider the style of movements you do most frequently in your CrossFit WODs. For those who do loads of heavy barbell cycling or machine work, the NOBULL trainers could also be an excellent alternative. But if you happen to prefer to program loads of running, box jumps, and double-unders in your WODs, you might want to think about a shoe that will probably be more comfortable for those movements.

FAQs

Is NOBULL an excellent shoe brand?

NOBULL is an excellent shoe brand and has a robust following inside the CrossFit community. Additionally they sponsor NFL players, Olympians, pro golfers, NHL players, and other skilled athletes. Nevertheless, their suitability for you will depend on the style of training you do. In our experience, NOBULL trainers are best for general weight training and low-impact activities. They aren’t ideal for long-distance running or numerous jumping on account of their lack of cushioning and rigid soles.

Is NOBULL owned by Reebok?

NOBULL is just not owned by Reebok. Nevertheless, NOBULL did take over for Reebok because the title sponsor for the CrossFit Games starting in 2021. 

Should I size up for NOBULL shoes?

In our experience, NOBULL shoes fit true to size. Breaking Muscle staff members who’ve worn them have all gotten their usual size and had no complaints in regards to the fit.

Are you able to run long distances in NOBULL shoes?

We don’t recommend running long distances within the NOBULL trainers. They’ve a tough, rigid bottom and don’t offer much cushioning or arch support. For those who’ll be running any distance over a mile, go for traditional trainers as an alternative.

Note which you could also buy NOBULL runners, but we don’t necessarily recommend those for serious running, either. We found durability to be a problem, and so they weren’t quite as supportive as shoes from Brooks (a brand with a solid repute within the running community).