If you’re heavily vested in the cross-training shoe world, and more specifically the CrossFit world, then you’ve likely seen a ton of news about the Nike Metcon 7 MF (Mat Fraser). This Nike Metcon 7 iteration is a nod t CrossFit all-time great Mat Fraser and this shoe is his signature Nike Metcon 7 design.
I’ve received a fair amount of questions about the Nike Metcon 7 MF and the traditional Nike Metcon 7. The questions involve what’s different about the two Nike Metcon 7 models and if they perform differently.
To help clear the air, I wanted to put together an article discussing the Nike Metcon 7 MF and five cool things that you should know about this model if you’re thinking about investing.
Suggested Read: Nike Metcon 6 Vs Nike Metcon 7 | Which Model Is Better?
1. The Nuts and Bolts Are the Same
The most frequently asked question that I’ve received thus far is, “Are there any construction features that are different from the Nike Metcon 7 MF and the normal Nike Metcon 7?”
In short, nope! The Nike Metcon 7 MF and Metcon 7 are identical when it comes to their build and construction features, and they perform exactly the same. Now, will you receive a boost in performance due to having the power of Mat Fraser in your feet if you invest in the Nike Metcon 7 MF? That’s up for personal interpretation.
I briefly discuss the Nike Metcon 7 MF in my Metcon 7 first impressions video below if you’re interested in a more visual breakdown of this model.
2. 5 Rings for 5 CrossFit Games Titles
One of the coolest aesthetic changes to the Nike Metcon 7 MF is the five circles/rings that cover the heel’s upper construction. These circles indicate the five years that Mat Fraser walked out of the CrossFit Games as champion.
Mat Fraser is a five CrossFit Games Champion between the years of 2016-2020 and was the runner-up in 2014 and 2015. The five rings on the back of the Nike Metcon 7 MF are a nod to his five years as a CrossFit Games Champion.
3. “The Chrome Finish Will Flake Off With Use Over Time”
When you grab the Nike Metcon 7 MF you’ll see a sticker on the insole of the shoes that reads, “The chrome finish will flake off with use over time.”
Essentially, some of the chrome finish used on the upper and heel of this model will flake off with excessive use. Personally, I kind of like this and think it will give this model a slightly flashy and more rugged look with prolonged use.
However, I could see this being an issue for those that really love the chrome finish and want it to last. In this case, then it might be worth limiting how much you’re wearing and using the Nike Metcon 7 MF if you’re trying to preserve its proprietary more signature nature.
4. There Are Some Visual Asymmetries
While the construction is consistent throughout the Nike Metcon 7 MF and the Nike Metcon 7, there are some visual asymmetries that exist between each Metcon 7 MF shoe.
The first notable visual difference is the insole patterning in the right and left shoes. The right shoe features a red insole and the left shoe features a white insole.
On top of this insole difference, on the medial side of each shoe under the rope guard, Mat Fraser’s signature is slightly different on the left and right shoe.
For the right shoe, the signature is fully covered by the guard, and on the left, the “M” is not.
5. Upper Features “Kintsugi” Design
Fun fact, the upper construction that features the cracked appearance with gold coloring filling the cracks in is actually called “Kintsugi”, and its meaning is pretty freaking awesome.
In Japanese culture, “Kintsugi” is an art form in which artists will fill in cracks of broken pottery with a lacquer that has a powdered silver, platinum, or gold dust finish. It’s said that this art form views broken areas of pottery needing repair as part of the history and growth of said pottery.
This is a nod to Mat Fraser’s “Broken to Best” mantra, a subtle detail that most overlook.
Nike Metcon 7 MF
$140
Best For
- Heavy Training
- CrossFit Workouts
- Plyometrics
- HIIT Training
Falls Short
- For Longer Runs
- For Cost-Efficiency
Other Nike Metcon Mat Fraser Questions
There is no denying the impact that Mat Fraser has had on the CrossFit community throughout the course of his career. Below are a few other commonly asked Mat Fraser and Nike Metcon questions.
1. How many Nike Metcon Mat Fraser models are there?
As of right now, Mat Fraser has five signature Nike Metcon models. The Nike Metcon 3 Mat Fraser Edition, Nike Metcon 4 Mat Fraser, Nike Metcon 5 Mat Fraser, Nike Metcon 6 Mat Fraser, and Nike Metcon 7 MF. Essentially, every year that Mat Fraser has won the CrossFit Games, we’ve seen a special edition Nike Metcon roll out.
2. What does HWPO mean in CrossFit?
One of Mat Fraser’s signature sayings and personal mantra is HWPO, which stands for Hard Work Pays Off. This branding has been used on previous Nike Metcon models like the Nike Metcon 4 Mat Fraser.
