NOBULL Journey 2 Review | Great Running Shoe for Murph?

NOBULL got its foothold for their core cross-training shoes like the Outwork and Outwork Flex, which have been staples in CrossFit boxes for years. However, when it comes to dedicated running shoes, earlier models like the original Journey and the Drive left many, myself included wanting more.

To be honest, I had yet to find a NOBULL running shoe that really “did” it for me. The original Ripstop and Mesh Runners were so-so, so I went into the Journey 2 a little apprehensive. With the Journey 2, NOBULL set out to deliver a daily trainer capable of handling short-to-mid-range mileage while providing enough underfoot substance to support athletes carrying more muscle mass.

After testing the Journey 2 across 1-to-3 mile short intervals, 4-to-6 mile road runs, daily dog walks, and Murph, here is my full breakdown of where this shoe excels and where it falls short.

Who Should Buy the NOBULL Journey 2?

• Heavier Lifters & Muscular Athletes: If you carry more body weight or muscle mass and constantly bottom out softer, low-density running shoes like the Adidas Adizero EVO SL, then the Journey 2 can be a good fit.
• Athletes Tackling Murph & Weighted Runs: If you want a running-first shoe with enough midsole structure and grip to support weighted vests, bodyweight circuits, and rucks, these can be a solid option. These are a good option for lighter strength and running WODs.
• NOBULL Footwear Fans: If you love the brand’s Outwork trainers for lifting and want a dedicated running shoe that outclasses older models like the original Journey and Drive.
• Recreational 1–6 Mile Runners: If you want a simple, comfortable daily cruiser for casual road miles at relaxed training paces, these can work.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the NOBULL Journey 2?

• Speed-Day & Track Athletes: At 10.6 oz, the shoe feels heavy and somewhat clunky when trying to hit top-end sprint turnover or fast interval splits. For a daily trainer that runs a little faster, the RAD Synth and Adizero EVO SL work great.
• Ultra-Wide & High-Volume Feet (3E+): The low-profile, tapered forefoot will likely cause excessive lateral foot spill for runners with 3E+ width feet.
• Minimalist & Ground-Feel Enthusiasts: If you prefer ultra-flexible shoes with low stack heights that connect you closely to the floor. If you want a lower-profile runner with some decent lugs like the Journey 2, look into models like the Altra Lone Peak.

Sizing and Fit Suggestions

About My Feet: I have a normal arch/instep and my feet come in at an E/EE width. The length of my left and right foot are consistent with one another, and I size as a true US 10 for most companies’ sizing charts.

The NOBULL Journey 2 fits true to size for the majority of runners and lifters. I went with my standard US Size 10, which aligned with what I wear across Nike, Reebok, and other NOBULL training models.

• Narrow to Standard (D to E-Width) Feet: Stick true to size. You will experience a snug, sock-like hug from the knit upper and moderate, non-intrusive arch support.
• Slightly Wide (E to 2E-Width) Feet: True to size should still work fine. While the forefoot is tapered, the knit mesh upper has enough stretch and forgiveness to mold to your foot shape after a short break-in period.
• Extra Wide (3E+ Width) & Blocky Feet: Tread lightly. Because the forefoot profile sits relatively low with a noticeable lateral taper, athletes with very wide or boxy forefeet will experience significant spillover over the edges of the footbed. Make sure to test them indoors to assess fit before taking them outside.

Performance Assessment

• Best For: Recreational runners, heavier lifters carrying muscle mass, short-to-mid range runs (1–6 miles at 8:00–10:00/mile paces), and weighted workouts/Murph.
• Lifting & Cross-Training Threshold: Light-to-moderate dumbbell work, bodyweight movements, weighted vest rucks/runs, and functional fitness circuits. Avoid using these for heavy barbell squats or power cleans.
• Run Distance Threshold (that I tested for): 1–6 miles per session. Best suited for short intervals and recreational daily miles; I wouldn’t use them as a dedicated marathon or speed-day runner.

Short Runs (1–3 Miles): 8/10

For short running bouts ranging from 1 to 3 miles, the Journey 2 does a very solid job. The shoe breaks in quickly right out of the box, and the knit upper provides a comfortable, breathable wrap that keeps your foot secure whether you’re wearing thin socks, thick socks, or slipping them on barefoot to walk the dog.

While it wouldn’t be my first pick for fast track intervals or speed sessions due to its 10.6 oz weight, it handles recreational paces and casual pickups with ease. If your weekly routine involves knocking out a quick couple of miles before or after a workout, this model delivers reliable comfort and step-in support.

Mid-Range Runs (4–6 Miles): 7.5/10

On 4-to-6 mile runs hovering between an 8:00 and 10:00-minute pace, the midsole geometry really comes into play. The heel bevel and toe spring provide a smooth, consistent transition through your gait cycle.

Where the Journey 2 truly shines over lighter, squishier daily trainers is underfoot resilience. If you are a heavier athlete or a lifter carrying significant muscle mass, you won’t have to worry about crushing or bottoming out this midsole. The CMEVA foam and Ortholite footbed absorb pounding pavement without collapsing, preserving underfoot support deep into multi-mile efforts.

Cross-Training & Murph-Like Workouts: 8.3/10

While the Journey 2 is explicitly a running shoe, it crosses over into functional fitness workouts better than many traditional runners. The midsole provides enough inherent density and ground stability to handle bodyweight movements, rucking, and light dumbbell exercises.

I wore the Journey 2 for Murph (a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and a 1-mile run in a 20-lb vest AKA my book-loaded backpack!), and it performed exceptionally well. The 6mm drop and supportive midsole kept my feet from fatiguing under the added weight, and the aggressive outsole lugs provided reliable traction on turf, asphalt, and outdoor surfaces. It makes an ideal gym-bag companion to swap into when your workout shifts from heavy barbells to high-volume running and bodyweight work.

The Performance Takeaway

If you stop reading this review here, here are your core takeaways.

The NOBULL Journey 2 is a step in the right direction for NOBULL’s running lineup, noticeably outperforming both the original Journey and the Drive. It delivers a balanced, CMEVA foam midsole paired with an Ortholite footbed that absorbs force decently well while keeping ride comfort high.

If you are a heavier-set lifter, an athlete who carries muscle mass, or someone looking for a running shoe to tackle workouts like Murph or weighted vest runs alongside your NOBULL Outwork trainers, the Journey 2 provides great protection and foot-hugging comfort.

Construction Details

Upper

The upper is built from an engineered knit mesh that extends from the forefoot through the midfoot and heel, offering great breathability and a secure, glove-like wrap. An extended rubber outsole bumper wraps up over the front of the toe box for extra durability against scuffs.

At the rearfoot, NOBULL added a TPU heel clip for lateral structure, accompanied by an external pull tab to make sliding the shoe on easier. The lacing system features five core eyelets with a sixth eyelet for lace locking, anchoring over a gusseted, padded mesh tongue that stays locked in place during runs.

Midsole

The underfoot cushioning consists of a CMEVA (Compression Molded EVA) foam midsole paired with a molded Ortholite footbed. It sits at a 33.5mm heel stack and a 27.5mm forefoot stack, creating a 6mm drop.

This compound runs moderately dense rather than overly pillowy, providing high impact absorption, resilience under heavier body weights, and a predictable rebound that resists excessive compression.

Outsole

The outsole features full rubber coverage with an aggressive lug pattern running across the forefoot, midfoot, and heel.

Strategic flex breaks are placed through the medial midfoot to preserve natural foot articulation without sacrificing surface grip, allowing the shoe to bite securely into pavement, gravel paths, and turf. Inside, the shoe includes a removable foam insole that can be swapped out for custom orthotics if needed.

Final Remarks: Is the NOBULL Journey 2 Worth It?

The NOBULL Journey 2 is a solid, welcome progression for NOBULL’s running category. By combining a supportive, non-collapsing CMEVA midsole with an accommodating knit upper and aggressive outsole traction, NOBULL delivered a shoe that makes genuine sense for the hybrid training community.

While it is too heavy for dedicated track speedwork and runs too tapered for extra-wide feet, it hits the mark as a durable, dependable daily trainer for heavier athletes, recreational road runners, and weighted conditioning workouts.

If you have additional questions about how the NOBULL Journey 2 fits, how it performs under load, or how it compares to other hybrid running shoes, drop a comment below!