Overview
The Nike Metcon is the most recognisable shoe in CrossFit. From the first version released in 2015 to the current Metcon 9, the formula has stayed consistent: flat heel, wide base, flexible forefoot, and a rope wrap on the inside of the foot.
Is It Still the Best?
The Metcon faces strong competition now from NOBULL, Reebok Nano, and INOV-8, but it remains the benchmark. Nike’s React foam cushioning in the Metcon 9 adds more comfort underfoot than earlier versions without sacrificing the stability that makes it a good lifting shoe.
What It’s Not For
Don’t run more than a few hundred metres in Metcons — the minimal cushioning isn’t designed for sustained running. Many athletes keep a pair of Metcons for the gym and change to a running shoe for longer cardio efforts.
Rope Climbs
The Metcon’s signature rope wrap is genuinely useful — the rubber grip on the medial side significantly reduces shoe wear during rope climbs and improves security on the rope.
