With the Nike Metcon 8 being the latest Nike cross-training shoe on the market, you’ve likely wondered what the differences were between this model and the Nike Metcon 7. Upon first glance, both shoes look similar.
The Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8 share many similarities like their midsole and outsole construction. That being said, there are a few key differences between these shoes to note if you’re undecided on which cross-training shoe you should go with.
Overall, I’ve enjoyed training and testing the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7. Both shoes offer a good amount of stability for lifting and durability for CrossFit-focused sessions.
Looking for new cross-training shoes? Try my shoe finder. This tool matches you with training shoes that fit your needs and wants best.
Nike Metcon 8 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Performance
For this section, I will discuss and detail the performance differences between the Nike Metcon 8 versus the Nike Metcon 7 in different training contexts. I’ll discuss how these shoes compare for lifting, CrossFit, versatile training, and running.
There are a lot of performance similarities that exist between the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8. There are also a couple of subtle differences that may make a difference for some athletes with niche training asks.
Nike Metcon 8 Vs Nike Metcon 7 for Lifting and CrossFit
When it comes to lifting and the stability you’ll get from these shoes, the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7 are virtually similar. Both models have a similar midsole and outsole construction, so stability is super similar in both shoes.
The Nike Metcon 7 and Metcon 8 both feature Nike React foam throughout their midsoles, have full rubber outsoles, and a built-in Hyperlift insert in the heel. They’re so similar that I felt comfortable squatting 385 lbs with a Metcon 7 and Metcon 8 on each foot.
For barbell lifts, I’ve deadlifted over 500 lbs in the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8 and didn’t have any major issues with stability, and for squats, I’ve hit over 400 lbs in each with relatively no stability issues.
The full rubber outsole in both shoes also does a good job at providing traction for more dynamic movements like cleans and walking lunges. This model should be a good option for most lifting-focused sessions.
If you’re planning to use either model primarily for strength work and recreational lifting, then you should be safe going with either model. I suggest going with the model with the best price point and colorway for your preferences since stability is virtually the same.
My only gripe with the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8 for lifting is they could use more width in the toe box. Both models have the stereotypical “athletic” Nike fit, which can be limiting for wide feet. Narrow and neutral-width feet will resonate best with these models for lifting.
For CrossFit, the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7 perform similarly as well. The Nike React foam with the flex grooves in the forefoot of these models gives this shoe a pretty responsive performance for double-unders and box jumps.
The medial and lateral midfoot outsole wrap are both comparable in performance despite the Metcon 8 having the removal of the medial rope guard. Durability-wise and based on my testing, both shoes should hold up similarly for rope climbs.
The midfoot wraps work well for both S-wrap and J-wrap rope climbing during CrossFit workouts. I also think the reworked upper in the Nike Metcon 8 is a good thing for long-term durability in this shoe’s toe box.
In the Nike Metcon 7, if you were going to experience durability issues during CrossFit workouts, the toe box upper was an area that was prone to ripping. While I didn’t experience this in this model, other lifters in my community had. The Metcon 8’s new upper seems to have potentially fixed this.
The Hyperlift insert in the heel is my biggest knock against the Metcon 7 and Metcon 8 for CrossFit. It can feel pretty clunky at times and lacks adequate flexibility to give you a high degree of foot articulation for some WODs.
For example, if you’re doing a WOD with a lot of running or jumping, you may find this feature pretty uncomfortable, especially if you’re not used to it. This may be looking too far ahead, but I hope Nike reworks the heel in the Nike Metcon 9 because the current heel construction is “meh” at best.
That being said, like lifting, the Metcon 7 and Metcon 8 will be fairly comparable for CrossFit. The Nike Metcon 8 may have better toe box durability, but for most, the Nike Metcon 7 will likely work just fine, especially if you can them on sale and save money with them.
Winner: For lifting, tie. For CrossFit, tie, however, if you’re concerned with the fairly rare issue with toe box durability, then it may be worth exploring and investing in the Nike Metcon 8.
Nike Metcon 8
Nike Metcon 7
Nike Metcon 8 Vs Nike Metcon 7 for HIIT, Plyometrics, and Agility Training
In the context of versatile training, so for tackling activities like HIIT workouts, classes, and athletic sessions, the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7 will both deliver similar performances. That is a constant theme in these models’ performances.
These models both have their respective lists of pros and cons for this training context. In my opinion, there are three pros and two cons that come with the Metcon 8 and Metcon 7 for versatile training.
The first pro is that if you’re someone who has a bias in their training for lifting and CrossFit and does some versatile training workouts here and there, then the Metcon 8 and 7 can be good shoes.
These models can hold their own for casual versatile training, so if your primary focus is lifting/CrossFit, then these will fair better than a pair of HIIT-focused shoes. The second pro is the Nike React foam in the forefoot of this shoe.
This feature gives these models a much more forgiving feel compared to a shoe like the Nike Metcon 6 when jumping and tackling multi-directional. The third and final pro is the upper constructions in both models.
Both shoes feature a low-profile upper that hugs the feet pretty well. If you have a narrow or neutral-width foot, then I think you’ll enjoy the security and fit you get with the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7.
The two drawbacks with the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8 revolve around their fit for some individuals and their heel construction. If you have wide feet or flat feet, you’ll want to steer clear of the Nike Metcon 7 and 8.
Their lack of width can feel limiting, and they have a pretty pronounced arch which can be pretty uncomfortable for some when doing a lot of jumping and explosive work. Plus, with their low-profile designs, even if you size up these models to make them work, then you can be prone to experiencing heel slip.
The heel construction is another drawback of these shoes for versatile training. The heel in these models lacks flexibility, so if you’re doing any form of workout where you have a lot of heel strike going on, then you’ll likely find these models uncomfortable.
Winner: Both are okay for casual versatile training. In my opinion, they’re not the best option for someone who is primarily wanting a training shoe for activities like classes, running, and jumping, but they can work for versatile sessions here and there.
Nike Metcon 8 Vs Nike Metcon 7 for Running, Walking, and Standing
For running, the Metcon 8 and Metcon 7 are both sub-par. I’d suggest passing on these shoes if one of your big training asks is running. These models get pretty uncomfortable when running distances over 400-meters.
Even for WODs that have running, I find the Metcon 8 and Metcon 7 to be uncomfortable. Lifters in the TF2 community have also expressed similar sentiments about these models and their comfort with running. Their discomfort is even more apparent for those that strike with the midfoot and heel while running.
If you’re wanting these shoes for casual sprint work here and there, they can work. If you’re going to sprint in the Metcon 7 and 8, I’d suggest doing so on turf, a track, or rubber gym floors. The heel can be wicked uncomfortable when decelerating on concrete.
For walking and standing, the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8 are also pretty sub-par. These will not be the training shoes you can wear all day casually and then go train in.
The stability, width, and heel construction in these models are all a turnoff for these contexts. If you want a training shoe for walking and being on your feet all day, I’d suggest looking into other models.
Winner: Neither. The Metcon 7 and Metcon 8 are sub-par for running, walking, and standing.
Nike Metcon 8 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Construction
To discuss the construction differences and similarities between the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7, I’m going to break this section into multiple parts.
This way, it’s easier for you to navigate this section, making it easier to identify and point out what’s different between the two Nike Metcon cross-training shoes and see the differences between these models.
Outsole
The outsole construction used in the Nike Metcon 7 is the exact as the Nike Metcon 8. Both shoes feature a full rubber tread patterning with the flex grooves in the forefoot, midfoot outsole wraps, and cutout in the heel where you can see the Hyperlift.
Regarding traction, both shoes should do an adequate job, and the outsole is a construction aspect that I enjoy with both of these shoes.
One thing to note with the outsole in both of these models is that if you’re training outdoors, keep an eye on the exposed foam around the base of the forefoot. If you’re doing a lot of cutting and multi-directional work on concrete, then you may experience some breakdown here.
Midsole
Similar to the outsole construction, the midsole construction is the exact same in the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8. Both shoes feature Nike React foam throughout the sole.
In the heel, both models feature Nike React foam, a TPU clip, and the built-in Hyperlift insert. Since both models feature similar midsole components, their stack heights are also virtually the same.
Since the midsoles are the same in both of these shoes, you can expect a similar level of responsiveness in the forefoot and a similar level of stability in the heel.
Upon first testing the Nike Metcon 8, I actually thought the midfoot felt more maneuverable. However, after multiple tests and training in this shoe in different contexts, I think both models are equally the same in their overall flexibility.
Upper
Arguably the biggest change between the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7 is the upper construction used in both models. In the Nike Metcon 7, you have a chainlink mesh upper that extends from the forefoot and midfoot.
The Metcon 7 has synthetic overlays that cover parts of the toe box and midfoot. The heel is built with layered materials to give the boot structure. This model also has a medial rubber rope guard that covers the midfoot.
In the Nike Metcon 8, mesh upper with synthetic overlays that extend from the forefoot back to the start of the heel. These overlays feel slicker than the chainlink mesh in the Metcon 7, and the upper in the 8 doesn’t stretch as much.
The heel also features layered materials giving the boot structure. Additionally, the medial rope guard has been removed in this model. The upper around the toe box in the Metcon 8 does feel a bit more durable, which was a problem area in the Metcon 7.
Laces and Tongue
Another major difference between the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8 is the reworked lacing systems and tongue constructions. In the Nike Metcon 7, the medial side of the midfoot utilized an internal lacing system while the lateral side used a traditional system.
The middle three eyelets have Nike Flywire on the lateral side of the midfoot on the Metcon 7. The tongue utilizes a lace lock mechanism with velcro on the bottom and top of the tongue so you can fold the lace lock down if you want.
In the Nike Metcon 8, we have a traditional lacing system with five core eyelets. The Tongue on the 8 also only features the lace lock mechanism at the top as opposed to the bottom, like in the Metcon 7.
Both shoes do a good job of providing you with enough midfoot security. The Metcon 7 does feel a bit snugger through the midfoot, and I think this is due to the internal lacing on the medial side. In my opinion, the lace lock change makes no difference to the shoe’s performance.
Insole
The Nike Metcon 8 and Metcon 7 both feature similar insoles. Both models have thin foam removable insoles that have similar shapes due to the last construction being comparable with one another.
Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop
The heel-to-toe drop in the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7 remains unchanged and sits at 4mm. The weight between these two shoes is also similar despite the removal of the rubber medial rope guard on the Metcon 7.
For my Nike Metcon 8 and Metcon 7 size 10 models, they have a weight of 12.40 oz. If you were a fan of the weight of the Nike Metcon 7, you can expect a similar weight in the Metcon 8.
Nike Metcon 8 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Sizing
The Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7 are similar across the board regarding sizing. Both models have lengths that fit true to size and have what I would describe as a neutral width.
If you’ve ever worn a Nike Metcon 7 and you’re interested in the Nike Metcon 8, then I’d suggest sizing these models the same. Their last constructions are virtually similar so they should fit similar with only a few small discrepancies.
The first subtle discrepancy between the Metcon 8 and Metcon 7’s sizing is that the Metcon 8 does run a tiny bit longer than the 7. I think this is likely due to the upper construction and how it interacts with the shoe’s sole.
For example, it seems like the Metcon 7’s upper pulls the toe box up a tiny bit more than the 8’s upper, which would explain why the length of these models has a very slight difference.
Another discrepancy is the reworked lacing system in the Nike Metcon 8. The Metcon 7 featured an internal lacing structure with Flywire tech, which hugs the midfoot slightly tighter than the more “traditional” lacing system in the Metcon 8.
Honestly, these sizing discrepancies are so subtle that I don’t think most lifters and athletes will notice much of a difference between these shoes’ fits. It will likely only impact a small population of athletes who have specific sizing and fit asks.
- Nike Metcon 8 Sizing Thoughts: Go true to size.
- Nike Metcon 7 Sizing Thoughts: Go true to size.
Drop a comment below if you have additional sizing questions about the Nike Metcon 8 and Metcon 7. Also, if you notice a difference between these models and their sizing, let me know what you experience and how you like your shoes to fit.
Your feedback helps me make better sizing recommendations for other athletes and lifters that have similar foot anatomies to yourself.
Nike Metcon 8 Vs Nike Metcon 7 Durability
In the context of durability for the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7, both shoes do a pretty good job across the board, but there are a couple of areas that can be problematic for these shoes.
The first area is with the exposed foam on the forefoot of both models’ outsoles. If you train a lot outdoors, pay close attention to this area because the foam can take a beating during multi-directional exercises.
The second area is around the toe box in the Nike Metcon 7. Some lifters and athletes have had issues with the upper pulling off of the sole or ripping in their model’s toe box.
While I haven’t experienced this, I think this is likely due to the chainlink mesh lacking security and tenacity against prolonged stress. The Nike Metcon 8 upper seems to have fixed this. However, it’s still a little early to make any definitive claims.
It will be fun to compare the Metcon 8 and Metcon 7’s durability more thoroughly as more athletes continue to train in both shoes. For what it’s worth, I feel as though both models do a pretty good job with durability for lifting and CrossFit.
Price Breakdown
For the Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7, you can expect to pay $130 USD for the core Metcon models. If you decide to go with the “By You” colorway options, then you can expect to pay $160 USD for these shoes.
These price points are similar to previous Nike Metcon models. If you’re planning on using these models primarily for lifting and CrossFit, then I feel as though the price points are pretty fair for these shoes.
Both models should deliver a fair amount of durability for their prices. Conversely, if you want a training shoe for running or daily wear, neither of these models will be your best bet.
Nike Metcon 8
Nike Metcon 7
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q:What is the heel to toe drop in the Metcon 7 and Metcon 8?
Q:Do the Nike Metcon 7 and Nike Metcon 8 fit true to size?
Q:What are Nike Metcons used for?
Takeaway Thoughts
The Nike Metcon 8 and Nike Metcon 7 share a lot of similarities with one another. Both shoes have similar last constructions, and midsole and outsole used in the 7 and 8 provide comparable levels of versatility and stability.
If you weren’t a fan of the Nike Metcon 7, you won’t like the Nike Metcon 8, and I’d suggest skipping this model. Conversely, for my Nike Metcon 7 fans, I think you’ll enjoy what the Metcon 8 has to offer.
If you have additional questions on the Nike Metcon 8 or Metcon 7, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).
Add a Comment