Nike Metcon 3
Designed for lifting and cross training the Nike Metcon 3 features a slew of updates including more durable components and enhanced stability. Don’t be fooled by the similar look of the Metcon 3, the shoe is definitely a whole new beast. For all of your fitness activities, the third version of the Nike brand cross-trainer offers a great fit, a stable design, and a breathable feel. It’s no surprise that the Metcon is a favorite for CrossFitters and lifters. With an affordable price tag and versatile construction, the Nike shoe hits it out of the park for the third time.
Our review below explores what’s new for the Metcon 3 and what might still need attention in future versions. Overall, the third iteration of the Nike cross trainer is well thought out with a few problems that still need addressing.
- Attractive design
- Very stable
- Extremely grippy
- Responsive feel
- Comfortable
- True to size
- Heel slippage still an issue
- Rigid cushioning isn’t great for long distance training
- These shoes are outstanding for cross fit training sessions, nothing else is better. Easily the best shoe I have used. I put shoes through heavy challenges and these can perform. Simply great.
- I wore these for a 24 hour race, very tough conditions, did’nt get any blisters, the friction protection is impressive and the cushion was perfect, very nice material for letting the feet breath.
- These are now my go-to gym shoe. The Sole is real flat, very grippy and solid hard, which is perfect for leg squat exercises. Not much cushion, and that is a big plus. Breathes nicely in hot weather and a good rubber sole grips well.
- Tight in the top of the toe box in the early days till broke in. The Mesh on top wore in nicely up and they feel great now. Got to be careful cant to run too much in them because my plantar fasciitis hurts because low drop in these shoes. Great for crossfit.
- Been cross fit training for nine months and these have been faithful and worked great, they really are comfortable and reliable. If you want comfort buy these
- These are my first pair of metcons, they are wicked, great for running, I’m hooked for good on these, they are so comfortable.
- Very comfortable and fit great. These are my first Metcons and I really enjoy wearing whenever I wear them I know I’m going to get relaibility, comfort and bags of performance
- I was a Nike fan all the time but these are serious, they work so well for cross fit as if thats what they were designed for. The cushion is really the best, very nice stability and the shoe structure holds really good.
- I really like the shoes ability for wide feet, I do squats and these are perfect for relaible flexibility and sure balance, I highly recommend you try out these
- Great for training and conditioning. Strength training as too. Not sure about running but all other training, these shoes are much better than most others
- My shoes are now 300 hundred days old and they are still good, bit worn in a few places but still fit for purpose, I do tons of cross fit and I love these.
- I know its a corny phrase but these are like wearing a glove, they are perfect, I will use them again by buying them for as long as I can. I use these multi purpose and they have never failed
- Annoying Lint balls appear back of the shoes, It’s disappointing that this happened in earlier shoes and these, it needs fixing.
- The Fit is good but squeek, the cushion is good but squeek, the style is good but squeek, Why? I like the shoes but where have they hid the mouse in my shoe?
- Two weeks in from getting my Metcom 3 shoes they started to squeek, I can’t figure this out, it could be funny if it was a movie but I live in real life. I was told that problem was fixed.
- Avoid these if you have flat feet, the shoe will be agony, I kept going and broke in the shoes but I think its better to avoid for flat footed guys.
- Way too loose in the toe box, they feel a bit sloppy and the shoe can be noisy which really is so strange. Not noisy all the time but some type of squeeky sound, just sometimes.
Outsole
Reviewers commented on the great outsole grip and stable feel of the Metcon's platform. There were still a few complaints from users about durability but otherwise, most were happy with the shoe's outsole construction.
Midsole
Reviewers found the shoe very stable, in large part due to the firm midsole and drop-in design. The cushioning, however, is rigid, so the Metcon is not a suitable choice for running. For sprints in a CrossFit workout, the shoe will feel fine.
Upper
Some reviewers did note that the shoe felt narrower than previous versions but the majority found the Metcon 3 true to size and that overall, it provided a better fit than previous Metcon versions. Users appreciated the breathable mesh and supportive upper design. A few still mentioned fit issues with the heel clip. Even with a re-constructed TPU clip, users still encountered slippage issues - a common problem with the Metcon 2.
Weight
Breathability
Comfort
Reviewers did, however, complain about the heel area fit. While the newly designed TPU heel clip certainly provides lateral stability, some users still complained of heel slippage occurring.
Style
Durability
Protection
Responsiveness
Support
Terrain
Remember, the Metcon 3 isn't designed for running outside. While some users may find the shoe appropriate for running sprints during HIIT-style CrossFit workouts, the shoe is better suited for weightlifting and bodyweight exercises.
Price
Traction
Flexibility
Stability
Drop
Key Features
- Designed for lifting / cross-training
- NEW TPU heel component with texture for grip and stability
- NEW more durable overall construction
- NEW enhanced upper flexibility
- NEW triangular lug pattern and stickier outsole for enhanced flexibility and traction
- Flat heel for stability
- Rubber outsole provides grip
- Forefoot Flex Grooves
- Drop-in midsole design for stability
- Mesh upper with a snug fit
- Flywire upper system for a supportive fit
Bottom Line
The Metcon 3 is a lifting shoe with great grip, a stable base, and a solid foundation. An affordable price tag and comfortable fit round out the reasons why you should consider adding the third Metcon to your athletic shoe collection.
For versions down the line, Nike might consider rethinking the heel cup design in order to eliminate heel slippage. A thicker outsole might also help enhance durability. These are small issues, however, that shouldn't discourage anyone from purchasing the Metcon 3 for cross training.