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The Nike Free Metcon 5 is the fifth shoe to debut in Nike’s popular Free Metcon training shoe line. This model features similarities to its predecessor, the Nike Free Metcon 4 but with a few big upgrades.
For the most part, I’ve enjoyed the progression and changes of the Nike Free Metcon training shoes, and I was super excited to put the Nike Free Metcon 5 to the test. After multiple workouts in the Nike Free Metcon 5, I’ve built a list of pros and cons to keep in mind before buying this shoe.
The Nike Free Metcon 5 can be a good option for anyone wanting a training shoe for light strength training, HIIT/classes, and short runs. The reworked upper in the Nike Free Metcon 5 gives them a more roomy and spacious fit.
Nike Free Metcon 5 Summary
The Nike Free Metcon 5 can be a good “jack-of-all-trades” style shoe for lifting, HIIT, classes, and light runs. If you’re overwhelmed about which shoes to go with because you like to vary your training, then you’ll be happy with the Nike Free Metcon 5.
This shoe is stable enough for things like 275-315 lb deadlifts, and they have a nice bounce for jump rope and classes. The Free Metcon 5’s upper has also been improved compared to the Free Metcon 4 which had a super low-profile and snug upper.
I like the toe box better in this model as it feels a little wider and the upper accommodates different foot thicknesses better, too, speaking to the volume. Keep in mind, these won’t necessarily be your best shoes for lifting and CrossFit as they’re more of a generalist.
Free Metcon 5 Specs to Know
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm (per Nike’s support)
- Weight: 10.05 oz
- Stack Height: N/A
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Width: Medium/Regular
- Sizing: True to Size.
Nike Free Metcon 5
$120
Pros
- The reworked upper and tongue give this shoe a more spacious fit and they're easier to get on than the FM4.
- If you want a shoe for mostly HIIT/class-style workouts with some strength blended in, then you'll enjoy this shoe.
- The Nike Free midsole is flexible in the forefoot while the heel is a little more stable. This shoe should be stable enough for most light to moderate-weight training contexts.
Cons
- The heel can feel a little clunky and blocky at times and if you like lower-profile shoes, then you'll want to consider this.
- The exposed midsole foam in the midfoot can hinder this shoe's long-term durability for daily wear and outdoor workouts.
- For heavy strength sessions, I'd pass on this shoe. This shoe's midsole started to compress when I was lifting anything over 225 lbs.
Best For
- HIIT
- Class Workouts
- Light to Moderate Strength Training
- Short Runs (3 miles)
Falls Short
- For Heavy Lifting (225+ lbs)
- For CrossFit
Who Should Buy the Nike Free Metcon 5?
The Nike Free Metcon 5 will be best for anyone wanting a training shoe that can do a little bit of everything but also want a well-rounded workout shoe that has a HIIT-focused training bias.
For my HIIT workouts, plyometric-focused training sessions, and circuit workouts, the Nike Free Metcon 5 has delivered a well-rounded performance. For these styles of workouts, I’ll typically reach for the Nike Free Metcon 5 over the Nike Metcon 8.
I also think this model will resonate with people who enjoy training shoes with a bit more flexibility in the forefoot. For jump rope, for example, this shoe feels responsive and reactive.
For Nike Free Metcon training shoe fans, I think this model is a stronger shoe than its predecessor the Nike Free Metcon 4. I found that the 4 ran a little too snug and that it could be a pain to get on at times.
The reworked upper construction in the Nike Free Metcon 5 has given them a much more spacious feel and the split in the tongue has helped boost how easy it is to take this shoe on and off.
Who Shouldn’t Buy the Nike Free Metcon 5?
If you didn’t like the Free Metcon 4’s feel and performance regarding its midsole and outsole, then I’d pass on the Free Metcon 5. These construction elements have remained unchanged in the Free Metcon 5 compared to the 4.
In addition, you’ll want to pass on this shoe if you plan to do a lot of heavy lifting in them. This shoe’s midsole, while stable for some strength contexts, will lack the stability you want when getting heavier with barbell and machine work.
For context, I experienced midsole compression with this shoe when doing 225 lb power cleans and hang cleans. On the leg press, the midsole compressed as I passed around 300 lbs of cumulative weight.
The Nike Free Metcon 5 works well for general strength training, but if you’re lifting heavy or doing things like CrossFit, I’d recommend the Nike Metcon 8 or Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2.
Nike Free Metcon 5 Pros
Over the course of my testing and experience with the Nike Free Metcon 5, I’ve found a few pros and things to enjoy with this model.
- Reworked Upper Is a Quality of Life Improvement
- Still a Good Shoe for a Little Bit of Everything
- Nike Free Midsole Is Comfortable and Flexible
The first and arguably most notable pro with the Nike Free Metcon 5 is its reworked upper construction. My biggest knock against the Nike Free Metcon 4 was its upper construction as it ran and felt really snug and the bootie construction made this model tough to get on at times.
The Nike Free Metcon 5’s reworked mesh upper gives it a much more spacious feel, and I like its breathability. Regarding volume, there’s a lot more room in the forefoot and midfoot compared to the Free Metcon 4.
I also like that Nike gave the tongue and boot a slit to help with the ease of getting this shoe on. Even when taking and putting these on post-workout with sweaty socks I didn’t have a ton of issues which was a nice quality-of-life update to this shoe.
The second thing to like about the Nike Free Metcon 5 is that it’s still a good jack-of-all-trades for those that want a workout shoe for a little bit of everything. More specifically, if you like to blend classes, HIIT, short runs, and lifting together, then you’ll enjoy this model.
In the context of being well-rounded, this shoe will definitely be biased toward HIIT workouts. If you want a training shoe for a bit of everything that is biased toward lifting and CrossFit, then you’ll want to look into a shoe like the Reebok Nano X3.
The final perk and thing to like with the Nike Free Metcon 5 is its Nike Free midsole. This shoe feels comfortable and flexible which makes their break-in process a breeze. Plus, with the roomier upper this shoe took virtually no time to break in for my experience with them.
The forefoot has a nice level of flexibility to it, and this might just be me, but it seems like the midsole in this model is a tiny bit plusher than the Nike Free Metcon 4. Note, I don’t think most will notice this and this may just be me based on my Free Metcon 4’s “feel” at this point in its life.
I also see this shoe’s midsole as a perk for individuals like personal trainers and retail workers that will be on their feet all day and want a comfortable shoe for their day-to-day contexts.
Nike Free Metcon 5 Cons
For the most part, I find the Nike Free Metcon 5 to be a stronger shoe than the Free Metcon 4. However, there are a couple of cons to note with this model.
- Pass On Them for Heavy Lifting
- The Heel Can Still Feel a Little Chunky
The first drawback with the Nike Free Metcon 5 is that this is not to be your best training shoe for lifting heavy. Granted, I tread lightly with this con because this isn’t really a con with this shoe, but more so a potential limitation for some.
For example, when training over 225 lbs I noticed that this shoe’s midsole started to compress a bit. I noticed this more when doing power movements like power cleans and for more static strength work like deadlifts, you should be okay loading up to 275 lbs.
To be fair, I don’t think this limitation will hinder most who want this shoe for primarily HIIT and classes with a little strength work. However, the way Nike languages this model’s performance as stable and great for lifting needs a little context and should be taken with a grain of salt.
The second drawback with the Nike Free Metcon 5 is that it still has its fairly large heel construction, which is a feature that has remained somewhat to the Free Mertcon 3 and 4.
If you weren’t a fan of the Free Metcon 4’s heel, then I don’t think you’ll enjoy the Free Metcon 5 either. The heel does feel a little more responsive in the 5, but I don’t think it will be enough for those who are more prone to noticing the heels of their shoes.
In the context of training, I’m not the biggest fan of this shoe’s feel for slower steady-state runs as it can feel a little clunky when making contact with the ground, especially for those who are heel strikers when running at slower paces.
Nike Free Metcon 5 On Feet Performance
To break down the performance of the Nike Free Metcon 5, I used them across multiple workouts to assess their stability and versatility for different training styles.
I tested this model for lifting, versatile workouts, short runs, and daily wear. Since this shoe is designed to be versatile, I wanted to make sure I assessed its best features for training and limitations.
Testing the Nike Free Metcon 5 for Lifting
In my experience testing the Nike Free Metcon 5 for lifting I enjoy them for the most part. This shoe feels consistent with its predecessors and its stability is what I expected for a HIIT-biased training shoe.
As mentioned above, I don’t think the Nike Free Metcon 5 will be the best option for someone who plans to do a lot of heavy barbell and machine work with their shoes. I would cap barbell loading in this shoe to about 275 lbs and with heavy machine work like hack squats and leg presses, I’d tread lightly.
To add to the above about machines, since this shoe’s midsole compresses a bit and it lacks rubber tread through its midfoot, I don’t want you to experience slip and compression issues when hammering the legs heavily.
That being out of the way, for accessory strength work, I really enjoyed these shoes. I liked how this shoe felt for my athletic-focused training days when I was doing things like split squats and lunges.
The flexibility of this shoe blended with its moderate level of stability makes it a good option for the dynamic-focused individual that wants to train strength and explosiveness all in one session.
Testing the Nike Free Metcon 5 for Versatile Workouts
For versatile workouts, I really like the Nike Free Metcon 5. This shoe feels “athletic” which I enjoy and if you’re similar in wanting a lightweight workout shoe that feels sock-like in nature, then I think you’ll resonate with these.
When doing plyometrics, the Nike Free Metcon 5 felt lively and responsive, and I’ve had a solid experience thus far with them when tackling things like box jumps and jump rope.
The flexible forefoot is a nice perk of this shoe for HIIT and class workouts where you’ll be primarily on the toes and the outsole tread should provide enough traction to help promote grip for different training settings. At least, it’s performed well for me thus far.
Another positive experience that I’ve had with the Free Metcon 5 for versatile workouts is its upper construction. This shoe feels snug enough to promote security but loose enough to let the toes wiggle and do their thing when training.
One thing I did notice with this shoe is that you can see the glute of this model’s midsole when doing exercises that put more stress on the forefoot and how it’s flexing. For example, if you do a lot of heavy sled pushes, then you’ll want to keep an eye on this.
Testing the Nike Free Metcon 5 for Short Runs and Daily Wear
For short runs, the Nike Free Metcon 5 should do a pretty good job. I put this shoe into the camp of hybrid training shoes that can work for runs that range from 1-3 miles.
I think if you’re tackling a pre or post-mile or two following your workout session, then you’ll enjoy the Free Metcon 5. I like how responsive the forefoot is and have enjoyed this shoe for my short interval running sessions.
For longer runs where you’ll be doing steady-state work, these shoes I think will be hit or miss. I find the heel to be a little offputting, however, I adapt a heel strike when running slow and this may not be the case in everyone’s experience.
For daily wear, the Nike Free Metcon 5 is comfortable and I think it will work best for those that want a shoe for all-day indoor wear and in climates where there isn’t a ton of inclement weather.
On days when it’s rainy, I’d pass on the Nike Free Metcon 5. My durability experiences haven’t been the best with Nike Free training shoes when wearing them in dodgy weather. In addition, this model may not be the best for trail-focused outdoor wear where as the midsole can pick up rocks.
My Experience In the Nike Free Metcon 5 SummaryNike Free Metcon 5 Sizing
For the Nike Free Metcon 5, I think most individuals should be safe going true to size in this shoe. Their length runs true to size and they have what I would describe as a medium/neutral width.
This shoe feels more spacious than its predecessor, which I’ve mentioned a few times above. Therefore, I think this model will work for a wider range of foot anatomies, especially those who found the Free Metcon 4s too snug.
I also like that Nike added the tongue slit in this shoe to make them easier to get on. This feature and change also give the midfoot a little more volume, which I like for thicker feet and higher arches.
- Nike Free Metcon 5 Sizing Thoughts: True to size for most.
If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the Nike Free Metcon 5, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
Price Breakdown
The Nike Free Metcon 5 costs $120 USD, which is in line with the cost of the prior Nike Free Metcon models. Personally, I think the price of this shoe is pretty fair for what it offers.
In addition, if you like the Nike Free Metcon training shoe line then I think you’ll find this model to be worth your investment as they perform well and have some nice upper improvements.
For CrossFit and heavy lifting, the price for this shoe will be a miss as they’re not really designed for that training context. If you need a training shoe for CrossFit, you’ll want to explore CrossFit-focused models.
Construction Details
The Nike Free Metcon 5 features a few similarities to the Nike Free Metcon 4 like its midsole and outsole construction, but it also has a few notable updates. Below are the construction details to note for this shoe.
- Fit: True to Size
- Price: $120 USD
- Heel-to-Toe Drop: 5mm
- Weight: 10.05 oz (for my size 10 model)
- Removable Insole: Yes
- Nike Free Midsole
- Forefoot and Heel Rubber Outsole Tread
- Mesh Upper
- Synthetic and Textile Overlays
- Lateral and Medial Heel Cup Support
- 4 Core Eyelets
If you have additional construction-related questions about the Nike Free Metcon 5, drop a comment below and I can help you out.
Takeaway Thoughts
The Nike Free Metcon 5 has been a strong-performing workout shoe for versatile workouts and HIIT. This shoe is a nice continuation of its predecessor the Nike Free Metcon 4.
Despite not being crazy different from the 4, I do think the Free Metcon 5 can be worth it because its updates improve the quality of life components of this shoe. It’s not like the Metcon 7 and 8, which were similar, but the 8 lacked any real upgrades.
If you have additional questions about the Nike Free Metcon 5, drop a comment below or reach out to me on Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend)!
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