The Nike React Metcon Turbo continues to gain momentum as one of the more “dedicated” cross-training shoes in 2021. This model features a lot of Nike cross-training shoe staples and also features a handful of construction changes that are worth paying attention to.
To be fair, I didn’t want to like this model because of its price tag, but the Nike React Metcon Turbo has continued to grow on me and I compare it most to the Nike Metcon 4 in regard to its performance (btw, the Nike Metcon 4 was my favorite cross-training shoe from Nike to date!).
In this Nike React Metcon Turbo review, I cover a variety of topics to help you decide if this shoe is worth the money. After all, with a high price tag, I want to make sure you’re absolutely certain you’ll like this model for the context around your training before you make a blind investment.
Nike React Metcon Turbo Review
- Who Should Buy the Nike React Metcon Turbo Shoes?
- Nike React Metcon Pros
- Nike React Metcon Cons
- Performance
- Sizing and Fit
- Price
- Nike React Metcon Turbo Vs Nike Metcon 6
- Construction Details
- FAQs
For a visual breakdown of the Nike React Metcon Turbo and its performance, check out my video review below. If you’re interested in the latest, make sure you also check out my Nike Metcon 7 Detailed Review.
Who Should Buy the Nike React Metcon Turbos?
Look, there’s no denying that the price for Nike React Metcon Turbo is far from great, but I do think it’s a great shoe for the lifter that likes their cross-training shoes to feel and fit similar to an athletic-focused shoe.
Personally, if you’re someone who has the budget and enjoys wearing cross-training shoes that have a pretty good amount of stability and versatility to them, then I’d say go forth and that this model is certainly worth it!
Nike React Metcon Turbo Pros
Since this model feels eerily similar to the Nike Metcon 4, there are a few key things I love about how this shoe fits and performs.
- Maneuverable and Breathable Construction
- Athletic Fit and Feel
- Reworked Upper and Outsole
The first thing I like is how maneuverable and breathable the reworked upper is. This model features an asymmetric construction to feed into its performance and durability which I’m a big fan of thus far.
The second thing I like is the overall fit of this shoe. This model fits very “athletically” and feels just like the Nike Metcon 4 did, as in, it feels like you’re almost wearing a sock or track shoes at times — that’s how “minimal” they feel on the feet compared to other cross-training shoes.
Try This: TF2 cross-training shoe calculator for further help finding your perfect pair of training shoes.
The third thing I enjoy about this shoe is the reworked upper construction and outsole. The outsole has a split at the mid-foot so it’s fairly easy to disassociate the heel from the forefoot. On top of that, Nike cut down some of the additional material in this model to make it lighter than a few of its predecessors (Nike Metcon 5 and 6).
Nike React Metcon Turbo Cons
Despite liking the shoe, the Nike React Metcon Turbo does have a couple of drawbacks and potential cons.
- Price
- Fit and Feeling for Some
The first drawback of this model is the price. With a price tag sitting at $150 USD, this is definitely not one of the most budget-friendly cross-training shoes on the market. To be honest, I think $130 USD for training shoes is a bit much, so $150 for this model stings.
The second drawback I could see some lifters having with this model is the fit and feel. I personally enjoy the slightly more narrow, athletic fit of this shoe, but lifters with wider feet or those who enjoy more toe box room will likely not enjoy how this shoe fits and will report it feels tight.
Performance
When it comes to performance, I don’t have a lot of drawbacks to the Nike React Metcon Turbo. Across the board, this shoe performed exceptionally for the context of its construction and performance focuses.
Lifting
When lifting, I thought this model performed just like other stability-focused Nike Metcon models. This shoe has a minimal heel-to-toe drop and keeps you fairly low to the ground so you feel stable in a variety of exercises. The insole is slightly thicker than previous Nike Metcon models, however, I don’t think it impacts stability that much.
Whether you’re squatting, cleaning, or performing more recreational exercises, I think the Nike React Metcon Turbo is plenty stable under a variety of loads.
Plyometrics, HIIT, and Agility
Overall, I was a big fan of this shoe for plyometrics, HIIT, and agility. The lightweight maneuverability of this model and the athletic fit make it a fan favorite for feeling responsive and light on the feet. In addition, the reworked outsole with the disassociation between the forefoot and heel also makes this model feel great whether you’re moving forward, laterally, or backward.
Day-to-Day and Shorter Runs
On a day-to-day basis, the Nike React Metcon Turbo is okay. Remember, it’s a cross-trainer that’s focused on stability, so when we have that aspect, then usually we’ll see a decrease in overall comfort. For shorter runs, this model is also okay and it can be work for ~3 miles with relative ease.
Personally, I would not reach for this model for runs longer than that as its outsole and midsole will likely get uncomfortable for most — but again, it’s not designed for this task.
Nike React Metcon Turbo Sizing
The Nike React Metcon Turbos have a narrower fit and I think most athletes will likely feel that they’re fairly tight in the toe box. That being said, I would recommend two things based on how your shoes normally fit.
- Have some room normally in your toe box? Stay true-to-size.
- Feel cramped normally in the toe box or air on the larger end of your normal training shoe size? Go up a half-size in this model.
*If you’ve ever worn Nike Metcon 4’s before, then opt for the size you wore in those.
Price
For the Nike React Metcon Turbo model, you can expect to pay around $150 USD. Personally, I think this price is high for a cross-training shoe that is going to inevitably get beat up over time, so are they worth it?
Honestly, I hate that I enjoy this model so much because I’m a bit more frugal with my purchases normally. I think if the price isn’t a huge deal for you and you enjoy more athletic fitting trainers, then these could definitely be worth it.
Nike React Metcon Turbo Vs Nike Metcon 6
There are a lot of differences between the Nike React Metcon Turbo and the Nike Metcon 6. In fact, I’ve written an entire React Metcon Turbo vs Metcon 6 article on this topic and have filmed a video comparing the two cross-trainers.
Construction Details
I’m going to provide a quick synopsis of the Nike React Metcon Turbo’s construction below. If you’re interested in a more visual analysis of all of the construction changes that went into this model, then make sure you check out my video above.
Start playing around 7:40 to specifically watch the construction section! The video will provide you with a better visual analysis of what changes went into this cross-training shoe.
- Nike React Foam
- Reworked Heel Clip
- Split Upper With Lightweight Mesh
- Redesigned Mid-Foot Rope Wrap Material
- Grippy Rubber Outsole
There are a lot of changes with the Nike React Metcon Turbo and these are the biggest ones in regard to impacting performance.
Nike React Metcon Turbo FAQs
Are the Nike React Metcon Turbo shoes good for running?
The Nike React Metcon Turbo is an okay training shoe for shorter runs, but I would not recommend them for longer runs. I think for runs longer than 3-miles, most lifters and athletes would find them uncomfortable. It’s worth noting, too, this model is designed for running!
Are the Nike React Metcon Turbo shoes good for HIIT?
Yes. I personally love this training shoe for HIIT workouts. The reworked lighter upper construction and re-vamped outsole make this shoe feel responsive and super accommodating during HIIT training.
Are the Nike React Metcon Turbo shoes worth it?
With a higher price tag, I think it’s important to consider the specificity of your training and your budget when deciding on this model. If you like athletic fitting shoes that are stable and $150 USD doesn’t bother you, then I think this model could be worth adding to your training shoe arsenal.
What are the Nike React Metcon Turbo shoes good for?
The Nike React Metcon Turbo cross-training shoes are awesome for lifting, HIIT training, agility and plyometric workouts, and shorter runs (sprints, too!). This model feels somewhat like a sock on the foot, so it’s great for tackling a variety of athletic and lifting-focused activities.
I buy and test the products featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training shoes and gear. I may earn commissions on sales made through the links on my site.
Thanks for reviewing these shoes. I recently bought the React turbo and metcon free 4 .
With the Reacts I noticed that during lunges the upper material really compressed on my toe joint. I think it’s because of that material that run across the top.
The Free metcon 4 upper construction is phenomenal. And super for lunges. I do agree that it’s not as flat as reacts but I wish the reacts had a similar upper construction.
What was experience with them while doing lunges? Which ones do you prefer?
Great question!
I agree with you that the React Metcon Turbo’s upper could definitely use a little rework for the next model. The Free Metcon 4’s bootie construction which runs fairly snug locks the toes down a tad more, which is why I think you’re experiencing the differences.
Tbh, I prefer the React Metcon Turbos a tad more, but both are equally solid! I like the overall fit of the React Metcon Turbo and thought the FM4’s upper was a bit tight at times. I appreciate you sharing your feedback 🙂