Nike Metcon 8 Vs NOBULL Trainer Vs NOBULL Trainer+

Nike Metcon 8 Vs NOBULL Trainer Vs NOBULL Trainer+ for Versatile Training

For versatile training including things like plyometrics, HIIT workouts, and athletic-style training, these shoes are all just okay. None of these models are going to be great for things contexts like class workouts or pure versatility-focused training.

They’ll work, but the stability in all of these shoes can, at times, take away from their forgiveness for longer sessions where you’ll be jumping a lot. For example, the NOBULL Trainer can feel pretty rough for longer athletic sessions due to its high-density foam midsole.

The Nike Metcon 8 works pretty well for athletic-focused training and some HIIT workouts where you’re going to be primarily on the forefoot. For example, if you’re blending things like heavy squats with broad jumps, you’ll enjoy the Metcon 8’s feel.

Where the Nike Metcon 8 falls short of versatility is with its heel construction. The Hyperlift insert, while being great for lifting, can feel clunky at times and any form of heel strike with this model with multi-directional can be uncomfortable.

The NOBULL Trainer+ is arguably the best option of these three for versatile training. Its midsole has a bit more forgiveness to it for longer sessions where you’re jumping a lot and its durability is solid for a variety of contexts.

Winner: NOBULL Trainer+ and Nike Metcon 8, ever so slightly. All of these shoes are okay for versatile training. I think it’s important to understand the limitations of these models for this training context.

Nike Metcon 8 Vs NOBULL Trainer Vs NOBULL Trainer+ for Short Runs and Daily Wear

When it comes to short runs, none of these models really perform that well. They’ll all work for runs that are programmed in WODs, but they’re not going to be the hybrid training shoe that is comfortable for a few pre and post-workout miles.

The Nike Metcon 8’s blocky heel is my main knock against this shoe’s running performance, and the NOBULL Trainer’s high-density foam midsole is pretty uncomfortable as well. Both of these models’ stability is their biggest downfall when running.

The NOBULL Trainer+ is okay for 1-3 miles here and there and that’s due to its slightly thicker midsole. Plus, this is the better shoe for tackling short runs outdoors due to its outsole construction. Once again, though, none of these shoes are super great for running.

On a daily wear basis, the NOBULL Trainer and NOBULL Trainer+ outperform the Nike Metcon 8. These models are both durable for weathering outdoor elements and they’re decently comfortable for all-day wear. The Trainer+ takes the edge over the Trainer, by the way.

The Nike Metcon 8 can get uncomfortable for all-day wear due to its narrower toe box and lower profile upper construction. Plus, its heel is not the best for doing long walks. This is a shoe that you’ll primarily want to reserve for training.

Winner: None of these models are that great for short runs. However, they all will work for WODs with shorter runs programmed. Additionally, the NOBULL Trainer+ is the better option of the three for tackling short distances ranging from 1-3 miles.

For daily wear, opt for the NOBULL Trainer or NOBULL Trainer+ over the Nike Metcon 8. These models will fair better with daily wear durability and run more comfortable due to them having more upper volume for the feet. 

Nike Metcon 8 Vs NOBULL Trainer Vs NOBULL Trainer+ Construction

I’m going to break this section into multiple parts to discuss the construction differences that exist between the Nike Metcon 8, NOBULL Trainer, and NOBULL Trainer+.

This helps make this section much easier to consume, and it helps to make it easier when identifying some of the key differences that exist between the construction of these cross-training shoes.

Outsole

The NOBULL Trainer, NOBULL Trainer+, and Nike Metcon 8 all feature full rubber outsoles. You should experience slippage or traction issues with any of these shoes during your training.

The NOBULL Trainer’s outsole is built with a standard lug patterning and this outsole extends over the toe box and wraps up the medial and lateral midfoot slightly.

The NOBULL Trainer+ features a full rubber outsole with a herringbone tread patterning. This outsole is thicker than the NOBULL Trainer’s outsole and its tread is a little deeper which makes them good for outdoor sessions.

The Nike Metcon 8’s outsole varies in textures from the forefoot, midfoot, and heel. This model has flex grooves running through the forefoot and has a varied material at the midfoot for rope climbing support.

Midsole

The midsoles all vary pretty significantly between these shoes. The Nike Metcon 8 features Nike React Foam as its core midsole component and has a Hyperlift insert built into the heel. This gives the forefoot more responsiveness while keeping the heel stable.

The NOBULL Trainer features a high-density foam midsole that runs consistently throughout the entirety of the sole. This gives this shoe a stable and consistent feeling when training whereas the Metcon 8 varies slightly.

The NOBULL Trainer+ features a medium-density foam midsole and this midsole also runs the entirety of this shoe’s sole.

The stack height of this model is slightly higher than the Metcon 8 and NOBULL Trainer, which gives this shoe a more “platform-esque” feeling.

Upper

The upper construction of the NOBULL Trainer and NOBULL Trainer+ is pretty similar. Both models feature NOBULL’s signature SuperFabric material. This upper material does a good job with durability, however, it’s not the most breathable.

The Nike Metcon 8’s upper is built with a mesh that features synthetic overlays over the toe box and midfoot. The heel is built with a thicker mesh material and there are outsole wraps that extend fairly high up the midfoot on the lateral and medial sides.

Laces and Tongue

The NOBULL Trainer features a traditional lacing system. This model has five metal eyelets and a thin breathable mesh tongue. Despite only having five eyelets, this shoe does a good job at limiting heel slip issues.

The NOBULL Trainer+ has an internal webbing lacing system with a traditional top eyelet. The bottom four eyelets in this model utilize the internal lacing system while the fifth is a traditional metal eyelet. This model’s tongue is built with a breathable thin mesh as well.

The Nike Metcon 8’s lacing system is also pretty traditional in nature since Nike scrapped the Flywire in this model. The Metcon 8 features five traditional eyelets and a mesh tongue that uses Nike’s lace-lock system towards the top of the tongue.

Insole, Weight, and Heel-to-Toe Drop

All three of these shoes feature thin foam removable insoles. For the most part, these insoles do a pretty good job at being durable and not sliding after months of training in these shoes.

• Nike Metcon 8 Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 12.4 oz (for me size 10 model), 4mm heel-to-toe drop.
• NOBULL Trainer Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 10.7 oz (for my size 10 model), 4mm heel-to-toe drop.
• NOBULL Trainer+ Weight and Heel-to-Toe Drop: 12.7 oz (for my size 10 model), 4mm heel-to-toe drop.

If you have additional questions about any of the construction topics covered above, drop a comment below and I can you out accordingly.

Nike Metcon 8 Vs NOBULL Trainer Vs NOBULL Trainer+ Sizing

When it comes to sizing and fit differences between the Nike Metcon 8, NOBULL Trainer, and NOBULL Trainer+, there are a few details to note and keep in mind. Each shoe has a variance with its sizing and what type of foot anatomies it will work best with.

For a variety of lifters and athletes, going true to size will be the call in these three cross-training shoes. As you get more specific with your sizing needs, the way each shoe will fit will change accordingly and I’ll discuss this below.

• Nike Metcon 8: Go true to size. Wide feet, pass on this model.
• NOBULL Trainer: Go true to size.
• NOBULL Trainer+: Go true to size for neutral and wide feet. Size down a half size for notably narrow feet.

The Nike Metcon 8 has a neutral width and athletic fit to them. I often compare them as feeling similar to cleats in regard to their low-profile boot construction and tapered toe box.

The NOBULL Trainer also has a neutral width but doesn’t taper nearly as aggressively at the toe box as the Nike Metcon 8 does. That’s why I often suggest the NOBULL Trainer over the Metcon 8 for athletes with blockier and flatter feet.

The NOBULL Trainer+ runs a bit longer than both of these shoes and has a higher upper volume. If you need shoes with more of a base or a model for custom orthotics/inserts, then the NOBULL Trainer+ is the way to go.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions about the Metcon 8, NOBULL Trainer, and NOBULL Trainer+, or want to know how they compare to other cross-training shoes, drop a comment below.

Nike Metcon 8 Vs NOBULL Trainer Vs NOBULL Trainer+ Durability

When it comes to durability, all of these shoes do a fairly good job for lifting, CrossFit, and cross-training. The NOBULL Trainer, which has remained relatively unchanged for years, tends to last multiple months without showing major signs of breakdown.

The NOBULL Trainer+ is similar to the original NOBULL Trainer in this respect because there are a lot of construction features that carry over between the two. For example, both shoes feature SuperFabric uppers and durable rubber outsoles.

While the Nike Metcon 8 is relatively newer to the market, they do feel a little more durable compared to the Nike Metcon 7. The Nike Metcon 8 is very similar to the Metcon 7, but it’s received a notable change to its upper.

For example, in the Nike Metcon 7, if you were going to experience durability issues it was typically going to be with the chainlink mesh upper around the toe box. The Metcon 8’s upper now has a synthetic overlay that has faired pretty well thus far in my training.

That being said, I think you should be fine with all of these training shoes and their durability if you’re investing in one of them. They all do a good job for CrossFit, and for more recreational training, they should last quite some time.

Price Comparison

When it comes to price, the Nike Metcon 8, NOBULL Trainer, and NOBULL Trainer+ all have similar price points. These models all hover between $129 USD to $139 USD.

For the NOBULL Trainer and Nike Metcon 8, you can expect to pay $129 and $130 USD, respectively. The NOBULL Trainer+ is slightly more pricey and costs $139 USD.

I feel as though all of these shoes can be worth their price points if you’re investing in them for their ideal use. They’re all durable cross-training shoes and perform well in the gym.

Takeaway Thoughts

The Nike Metcon 8, NOBULL Trainer, and NOBULL Trainer+ are all pretty strong cross-training shoes. Each of these shoes has its respective list of pros and cons based on what you want out of your training shoes.

The Nike Metcon 8 will be best suited for lifters that plan to use them for CrossFit, heavy lifting, and athletic-style training sessions, while the NOBULL Trainer is a good and consistent model for lifting and CrossFit.

The NOBULL Trainer+ is a good option for those that like to train outdoors and want a durable shoe for CrossFit and cross-training that also has decent motion control.

If you have additional questions on the Nike Metcon 8, NOBULL Trainer, or NOBULL Trainer+, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly or @that_fit_friend).