NOBULL cross-training shoes and shoes in general receive a wide range of love from the functional fitness community. Some athlete and lifters absolutely love NOBULL cross-training shoes, while other think they’re high priced and over-hyped. Personally, I like to fall in the middle of these parties and objectively assess their products without a brand bias.
The NOBULL High-top Trainer is an interesting model because it’s not really the most versatile despite it being labeled as a cross-training shoe. However, this doesn’t mean the NOBULL High-Top Trainer doesn’t excel in some activities. Today, I’m going to help break down if the NOBULL High-Top Trainer is worth it for you based on the context of your goals, needs, and preferences.
- Who Should Buy the NOBULL High-Top Trainer?
- NOBULL High-Top Trainer Pros
- NOBULL High-Top Trainer Cons
- NOBULL High-Top Trainer Performance
- NOBULL High-Top Trainer Sizing
- Price
- Construction Details
Be sure to check out my NOBULL High-Top Trainer video review below for a visual breakdown of this model. Also, if you’re on the market for new cross-training shoes, check out my cross-training shoe finder to match with your perfect pair!
Who Should Buy the NOBULL High-Top Trainer?
The NOBULL High-Top Trainer is a good shoe for the lifter and athlete that wants a model to weight train in and wear on a day-to-day basis. This model is easy to clean so it’s solid when getting dirty on a daily basis and it looks fairly aesthetic so you can wear it out and about with a variety of outfits — not just gym clothes.
This model won’t be the most versatile, but for the lifter that simply wants to use them for more static strength work and daily wear, then I think this shoe is worth it. My pair have lasted over 1.5 years and have held up fairly well, too.
NOBULL High-Top Trainer
$139
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Long-Term Durability
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Running
- For Cost-Efficiency
NOBULL High-Top Trainer Pros
Over the course of my training in the NOBULL High-Top Trainer, I’ve noted three things that I really like about this model.
- Overall Durability
- Solid Stability
- Great Day-to-Day Shoe
The first aspect that I like about the NOBULL High-Top Trainer 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.
Another pro that comes along with the NOBULL High-Top Trainer is how stable the midsole and outsole are. If you want this model for strength work specifically, then I think you’ll really 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.
The final perk that comes along with the NOBULL High-Top Trainer is how it can be worn on a day-to-day basis with relative ease. Not every pair of cross-training shoes looks good on a day-to-day wear basis when not rocking gym clothes, but the High-Top Trainer is an exception to this, in my opinion.
NOBULL High-Top Trainer Cons
There are a couple of cons that are worth mentioning about the NOBULL High-Top Trainer.
- Not the Easiest to Get On
- Slightly Pricey
The first common complaint that you’ll see from others in the NOBULL High-Top Trainer is that it’s not the easiest to get on. When breaking this shoe in, you’re going to need to likely unlace them 2-3 eyelets to get them on, which isn’t the biggest deal and it doesn’t impact performance, however, it can be slightly annoying.
Another drawback to this shoe is its overall price point. At the $139 USD, it’s certainly not the most cost-efficient cross-training shoe on the market. Plus, it’s not the most versatile for functional fitness athletes due to its higher boot construction, so its lack of versatility is also a knock on this model’s overall price.
Suggest Read: Interested in trainers for deadlifts? Check out the best cross-training shoes for deadlifts!
NOBULL High-Top Trainer Performance
For the performance of the NOBULL High-Top Trainer, I’m going to break my thoughts below into three sections including lifting, agility/plyometric training, and day-to-day wear/shorter runs.
Lifting
Where I think the NOBULL High-Top Trainer 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 really grounded in this model. Additionally, the toe box is fairly wide so you can splay the toes well in this model.
I also like high-top shoes, so the added boot material does give you a nice level of ankle support if you enjoy how high-top shoes feel generally.
Agility and Plyometrics
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 all the way up and tighten them, 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.
Day-to-Day/Shorter Runs
On a day-to-day basis, I enjoy this model. 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 specifically gym-focused.
For shorter runs, this model will get the job done, but it’s definitely 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.
NOBULL High-Top Trainer Sizing
In the NOBULL High-Top Trainer, most athletes and lifters should be fairly safe going true to size. The toe box is wide enough for toe splay, even for wider footed individuals, and the length feels fairly true.
If you have any questions on the sizing of the NOBULL High-Top Trainer, feel free to reach out!
Price
For the standard NOBULL High-Top Trainer, you can expect to pay around $139 USD. Personally, I do think this price is high, but it really comes down to how you plan to use this model.
If you want this shoe for lifting specifically and you like high-top shoes, then I think the price point could be worth it. Plus, the overall durability is pretty good in this shoe. Conversely, if you are looking for a more versatile trainer, then you might want to look at other cross-training shoes.
NOBULL High-Top Trainer
$139
Best For
- Heavy Lifting
- Day-to-Day Wear
- Long-Term Durability
Falls Short
- For Versatile Training
- For Running
- For Cost-Efficiency
Construction Specs
As for this shoe’s construction, some love the simplicity that comes along with NOBULL Trainers, however, that’s not always a hit for others. Below, I’m going to provide the more notable construction specs for the NOBULL High-Top Trainer, and if you want a visual construction breakdown, then skip to 7:23.
- High-Density Midsole
- Lug-Pattern Outsole Construction
- 4mm Heel-to-Toe Drop
- Superfabric Upper
- NOBULL Branding On Lateral Posterior Heel
Truthfully, there are not that many construction frills that go into the NOBULL High-Top Trainer.
Takeaway Thoughts
Personally, I do like my NOBULL High-Top Trainers and think they’re a good model for anyone that wants to lift heavy and likes high-top shoes. They’re definitely somewhat pricey and I don’t think they’re the best pair for versatile training whatsoever.
If you have any questions on this model, then drop them below or reach on Instagram @jale_boly!
I personally test every product featured on That Fit Friend using a regimen of training tests that I’ve developed over years of testing training gear. I buy the gear I test and may earn commissions on sales made through links on my site.
Hey, so I’ve been running in these Nobull hightop trainers, and before that was running in Reebok nanos. Not just short runs, sometimes up to 6 miles. I don’t mind running on the harder trainer, but I did recently slightly tweak an Achilles, probably combination of the trainers with putting in too much mileage too quickly. Because of this I figured I should transition to an actual running shoe for running. I have never liked running in super cushy with a very thick sole and a lot of construction. My question is what are a couple pairs of shoes what you recommend for someone who likes to run in trainers but needs to start running with runners? Sort of a transition shoe if you will. I was reading a few of your reviews, and the ripstops seemed to jump out but I am not fully sure so figured I would reach out, thanks!
Ripstops are pretty solid! The Runner+ and mesh runners are meh at best. You can also look into something like the Reebok Floatride Energy 3, it’s a good budget-friendly running shoe and the Inov-8 F-Lite Fly G 295 for something a bit more firm, but still running friendly!
Are these good for flat footed individual ms?
They can be depending on your foot’s width, IMO!