NOBULL Outwork High-Top Review (2024)

NOBULL Outwork High-Top Pros

Pro 1: Good Overall Durability

The first aspect that I like about the Outwork High-Top is its overall durability. The Superfabric upper is resistant to abrasion in the gym which prolongs this trainer’s life as a whole.

In addition, it’s fairly easy to clean and wipe down, so if your pair ever gets dirty you can clean them without worrying about the water causing early breakdown. This is also why I’ll typically opt for my Outwork High-Top in inclement weather.

Pro 2: Good Stability for Lifting

Another pro that comes along with the Outwork High-Top is how stable the midsole and outsole are. If you want this model for strength work specifically, then I think you’ll enjoy the stability they provide.

They have a 4mm heel-to-toe drop and I’ve competed in powerlifting in my pair (squatting up to 440 lbs) and didn’t notice much compression whatsoever. If you want a versatile high-top shoe for lifting these can be a great option.

I also like that the stack height isn’t super aggressive in this model like it is in the Impact High-Top. For deadlifts and lower body days, the Outwork High-Top does a really good job.

Pro 3: Great Daily Wear Trainer

The final perk of the Outwork High-Top is its relative ease of wear on a day-to-day basis. Not every pair of cross-training shoes looks good when not wearing gym clothes.

While beauty is obviously in the eye of the beholder, I love how the Outwork High-Top looks when wearing jeans and casually. If you’re a fan of high-top shoes and want a pair of shoes with range for casual wear and gym use these are great.

NOBULL Outwork High-Top Cons

Con 1: Not the Easiest to Get On

The first common complaint that you’ll see from others in the Outwork High-Top is that it’s not the easiest to get on. When breaking this shoe in, you will likely need to unlace them 2-3 eyelets to get them on.

This isn’t the biggest deal and it doesn’t impact performance, however, it can be slightly annoying. If your feet are sweaty or if you have thick feet — forget about it. You’re in for a battle every time you wear these, and I wish you good luck.

Con 2: Versatility Can Be Somewhat Limited

As with most high-top training shoes, the Outwork High-Top will have some limitations when it comes to their versatility. For example, these won’t be the best trainers for hybrid workouts and things like HIIT and classes.

When fully laced, I’ve found that the higher boot can feel a tad limiting at times, especially when it comes to achieving a full range of motion at the ankle. If you’re tackling leg workouts or plyometrics, then you may want to keep your shoe a little looser.

NOBULL Outwork High-Top Performance

Testing the NOBULL Outwork High-Top for Lifting

Where I think the Outwork High-Top excels the most is in lifting settings. The midsole and outsole are both plenty stable and the 4mm heel-to-toe drop promotes your ability to feel grounded in this model.

When it comes to stability and lifters asking, I always like to make the joke about Kevin Oak squatting 700+ lbs for reps in his Outwork High-Top. For most lifters, I wouldn’t stress stability when lifting whatsoever.

I’ve used my Outwork High-Top for powerlifting competitions and have personally squatted up to 440 lbs in my pair with no issues. I like this model’s platform and how well the outsole grips in different lifting settings.

This shoe’s lower stack height is also great for exercises like deadlifts. I’ve pulled over 530 lbs in my pair and have enjoyed the additional ankle support they provide.

If you like high-top shoes for lifting and you’re tired of your traditional Converse Chuck Taylors then I think the Outwork High-Top can be a really good option to look into.

Testing the NOBULL Outwork High-Top for Versatile Training

From a versatility standpoint, this model is “okay”. I think it will get the job done for most recreational functional fitness athletes and lifters, but it does feel slightly limiting at times due to the higher boot construction.

If you lace this model up and tighten it, then you may notice that your dorsiflexion feels slightly limited. This is due to the high boot and thicker upper which does somewhat limit forward knee translation during these activities.

I think before you invest in any high-top shoes for versatile training it’s worth acknowledging that they usually come with limitations. The Outwork High-Top is no different.

The upper isn’t the most breathable and it can feel a tad heavy at times. Granted, I’d take the High-Top Trainer over the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer Mids for versatile training, but it still doesn’t compare to low-top models.

Testing the NOBULL Outwork High-Top for Short Runs and Walking

This model can technically handle shorter runs, but it’s not the best for running. The higher boot feels somewhat limiting, and the firm outsole and midsole are not the most responsive in running settings.

I enjoy this model on a day-to-day basis. It’s durable and fairly comfortable, so you can wear it out and about to run errands or casually. Another perk is that this trainer looks fairly good in clothes that are not explicitly gym-focused.

I also like that this shoe is easy to clean. These are the trainers I wear when it’s raining and I’m going to lift. They’re good puddle stompers that are resilient in most climates.

NOBULL Outwork High-Top Sizing

• NOBULL Outwork High-Top Sizing Thoughts: True to size.

In the Outwork High-Top, most athletes and lifters should be fairly safe going true to size. The length of this shoe runs true and they have a regular or mid-width.

If you currently wear NOBULL training shoes or models like the Nike Metcon, then I’d suggest sticking with the same size that you normally go with this shoe.

My One Sizing and Fit Concern…

Okay, this is probably a very niche complaint, but one issue I constantly have with my NOBULL Outwork High-Top is that they can be a huge pain to get on and off the feet.

This model requires unlacing every time you want to wear it—which I know isn’t the biggest deal—but it can be annoying at times. If you have thicker and wider feet, this can be even more annoying.

If you have additional questions about the sizing of the NOBULL Outwork High-Top, drop a comment below and let me know what shoe you currently wear and in what size.

Who Should Buy the NOBULL Outwork High-Top?

• The lifter and athlete who loves high-top shoes and wants a pair primarily for lifting with some cross-training and CrossFit sprinkled in. This shoe’s performance biases lifting.
• The athlete who wants a high-top shoe for wearing casually and to the gym. This is one of my favorite shoes to wear out and about then go train in due to their cross-functionality for lifting and casual wear.
• The lifter who wants a good shoe to beat up in inclement weather that will last a while. The SuperFabric upper makes this shoe easy to clean and it lasts a while. My pair is 2+ years old at this point and I regularly rotate them with other shoes.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the NOBULL Outwork High-Top?

• If you want a shoe solely for cross-training and need the most versatility possible, then I’d pass on this shoe because it will have some limitations there.
• If your feet tend to run hot, then you may also want to pass on this shoe. The SuperFabric upper doesn’t have the best ventilation and for this reason, I’ll typically wear mine loose to help with this.

Construction Details

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
• Weight: 12.2 oz (size 10 men’s)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• High-Density Midsole
• Lug-Pattern Outsole Construction
• Perforated Mesh Tongue
• Superfabric Upper
• NOBULL Branding On Lateral Posterior Heel
• 8 Core Eyelets

Final Verdict

I like my NOBULL Outwork High-Top and think they’re a good model for anyone who wants to lift heavy and likes high-top shoes. This model’s dense midsole and durable upper give them a nice dynamic feeling for training.

Will this be the best training shoe for every type of training? Not necessarily, and they have their limitations, but if you go into this understanding that, then I think you’ll enjoy them.

If you have questions about this model regarding if it’s right for you drop a comment below and I can answer whatever you have!