NOBULL Impact Review (2025 Update): Versatile Or Clunky?

The SuperFabric upper gives this shoe a durable build and the midsole and outsole construction also do a fairly good job at walking a fine line between being stable and versatile.

NOBULL Impact for Classes, HIIT Training, and Versatile Training

The NOBULL Impact does a pretty good job for classes, HIIT training, and versatile training. There are things to like about this shoe’s performance in these contexts, but there are also a couple of drawbacks.

For example, I think the reworked outsole tread is great for multi-directional activities and plyometrics, where you’re working to explode through the balls of the feet.

The reworked midsole also provides a bit more comfort for bounding activities, landings, and longer sessions compared to the NOBULL Outwork. The drawbacks with this shoe for this context revolve around its weight and stack height.

At times, the NOBULL Impact can feel a bit heavy, and I noticed this most when doing unilateral plyometrics. Plus, the higher stack height can be hit or miss for stability and balance, especially if you like having a “low-to-the-ground” feeling when jumping and doing explosive work.

NOBULL Impact for Running and Daily Wear

The Impact will work for short runs, but it’s not going to provide the most comfortable ride for mid-range and long-distance runs.

Compared to the NOBULL Outwork, I do like the Impact for providing a slightly more responsive ride, but even then, this shoe’s blocky midsole makes it not the best option for running.

I think if you’re tackling shorter runs that are programmed in WODs or using these for a casual mile before or after your workout, then they should be fine. However, do note that they will be limited overall with their running performance.

The NOBULL Impact works pretty well for daily wear. Its upper and outsole construction helps ensure durability and protects the shoe from outdoor elements like moisture and dirt. The thicker midsole also helps give this shoe a slightly more casual and comfortable fit and feel.

NOBULL Impact Vs NOBULL Outwork

The Impact and NOBULL Outwork have some core construction similarities along with some major differences. For example, the upper and branding in each model remain relatively unchanged. Both shoes have a SuperFabric upper with similar branding on the heel, lateral heel, and tongue.

The first major difference between the NOBULL Impact and Outwork is their midsole constructions. The Trainer+ features a thicker EVA foam midsole that is designed to increase overall comfort. The NOBULL Outwork has a high-density foam midsole that is slightly thinner in nature with a bit more stability.

The second major difference is the outsole construction used on both models. The NOBULL Impact features a herringbone lug construction that wraps over the toe and medial and lateral midfoot. The Trainer features a standard lug pattern with an additional wrap that doesn’t extend up the midsole to the same degree as the Impact.

Another subtle difference is the lacing system and style used in each shoe. The Impact has an internal webbing system for its laces that help provide the foot with a locked-down feeling. In the Outwork, there’s a traditional lacing system with metal eyelets.

The final subtle difference between the Trainer+ and Trainer is how they fit regarding their width and volume. The NOBULL Impact has a slightly wider last construction and it has a bit more volume through the forefoot and midfoot.

Compared to the Outwork, I like this change for anyone with a wider foot or with custom inserts and insoles. The NOBULL Trainer could be a little limiting at times for those who use custom inserts due to their lack of volume.

Takeaway Thoughts: Personally, I think the NOBULL Outwork is a stronger model across the board, but the Trainer+ does have some niche construction changes that may make it a better shoe for some athletes and lifters.

Who Should Invest In the NOBULL Trainer+?

The NOBULL Impact is a pretty good shoe for recreational lifters and CrossFit athletes. This shoe features many construction similarities to the original NOBULL Outwork with a few key updates. For starters, the Trainer+ has a thicker midsole, which slightly increases this model’s overall comfort.

Additionally, this model has been designed to be slightly wider, and it has more forefoot and midfoot volume to accommodate custom inserts. Compared to the NOBULL Trainer, I think NOBULL Impact will work for a wider range of foot anatomies.

The reworked outsole is also a nice touch for making this shoe a better choice for outdoor training sessions.

If you love NOBULL shoes and you want something that’s a bit more comfortable than the original NOBULL Outwork, then the Impact can be a good cross-training shoe to look into.

NOBULL Impact Pros

1. Reworked Outsole Provides More Grip
2. Good Durability and Stability for CrossFit
3. Wider Construction With More Volume

The first thing to like about the NOBULL Impact is its reworked outsole construction. This model features a herringbone lug patterning throughout the entirety of its outsole and this tread pattern provides a nice level of grip on different surfaces. Whether you’re training on rubber gym floors, wooden platforms, outdoors, or on turf, you should have no issues with traction.

Additionally, I like that this outsole extends and wraps over the entirety of the toe box. This helps provide this shoe with more traction than the NOBULL Outwork for certain activities and increases its overall durability for things like burpees. The medial and lateral midfoot wraps are also a nice touch for rope climbs.

The second aspect to like is that the NOBULL Impact provides a good amount of durability and stability for CrossFit, lifting, and cross-training. I think most lifters and athletes won’t have an issue with how this shoe performs in these contexts. The midsole, despite being thicker, easily accommodated my deadlifts at 455 lbs and cleans at 245 lbs.

On top of their stability, the SuperFabric upper does a good job at abrasion resistance to prolong this shoe’s durability for CrossFit workouts. Upper durability is often not an issue you hear a lot about in the original NOBULL Outwork and with its similar upper construction build and reworked outsole wrap, the NOBULL Impact provides a good amount of durability.

The last thing to like about the NOBULL Impact is that NOBULL reworked the last construction slightly in this model. Compared to the NOBULL Outwork, the Trainer+ now has a slightly wider construction which could make this a good shoe to look into for anyone with slightly wider feet.

In addition, this Impact also has a bit more volume in the forefoot and midfoot. This is good news for athletes that use thicker custom inserts and insoles. It basically gives you more wiggle room with this shoe’s upper without it feeling like it’s suffocating your feet.

NOBULL Impact Cons

1. Can Feel Blocky for Some Workouts
2. Toe Spring Can Impact Some Exercises

The first potential drawback I could see others having with the NOBULL Impact is that it can sometimes feel a little blocky and heavy due to increased stack height. While I can appreciate NOBULL’s effort to make this shoe more comfortable and accommodating by changing its midsole, I feel like it still could use a little reworking.

For example, the thicker midsole in the NOBULL Impact can feel a little heavy for plyometrics, and when you’re doing lateral work, the thicker nature of the midsole can feel a little blocky. I think if they reduced the thickness a little bit, then this midsole would deliver a much more rounded performance while also increasing this shoe’s comfort.

The second potential drawback with this shoe, and this also stems from our first point, is that the toe spring in the NOBULL Trainer+ is not the greatest. With its thicker midsole and additional toe box outsole wraps, I found it pretty tough to ground my toes in certain exercises like deadlifts, RDLS, kettlebell swings, and cleans.

I don’t think this aspect will impact the majority of training for which most lifters and athletes will use these shoes. However, I think it’s important to note this construction aspect, especially for those who love having a flatter or more grounded shoe that doesn’t have a tendency to rock or leave the toes floating when lifting.

NOBULL Impact Sizing

For the Impact, you should be safe going true-to-size in this model. Compared to the NOBULL Outwork, the Impact has a little bit more volume throughout the forefoot and midfoot which could help it serve as a better shoe for those who have customer inserts and insoles.

The length of this shoe fits true and they have what I would describe as a neutral width. There is a little bit of arch support in this model, but not a lot.

• NOBULL Trainer+ Sizing Thoughts: Go true-to-size.

If you have additional sizing and fit questions on the NOBULL Impact or how they fit compared to other NOBULL shoes, drop a comment below.

Construction Details

The NOBULL Impact has received a few key core construction updates compared to its NOBULL Outwork peer. This model as a whole, though, also has a lot of similarities with the original Outwork.

Below are some of the biggest and most notable construction callouts influencing the NOBULL Impact’s performance and durability.

• Heel-to-Toe Drop: 4mm
• Weight: 12.7 oz (for my size 10 model)
• Removable Insole: Yes
• SuperFabric Upper
• EVA Foam Midsole
• Thicker EVA Midsole
• Herringbone Outsole Lug Pattern
• Perforated Tongue
• Reflective NOBULL Branding

Takeaway Thoughts

The NOBULL Impact is designed to provide athletes and lifters with a cross-training shoe that delivers more comfort cushion compared to the popular Outwork. As a whole, this shoe is okay, but there are definitely areas where I think it could be improved.

If you’re on the fence between the NOBULL Impact and the Outwork, then I would lean toward opting for the regular Trainer.

If you have additional questions on the NOBULL Impact, drop a comment below or reach out to me personally via Instagram (@jake_boly).