VIKTOS isn’t a household name in terms of training shoes, but they should be. If you’ve seen my other two VIKTOS reviews, you already know that VIKTOS makes a solid shoe. So when I saw the Core Containment, I was excited to give them a test run.
I’ve been thoroughly impressed with this one. It immediately felt like a stripped-down, no-frills shoe that’s surprisingly capable. It’s not going to be the best at any one thing and it doesn’t have to be.
The best part? It’s not trying to be.
At $130, it’s made with materials that can outlast most premium brands that cost considerably more. It’s very much a do-it-all shoe that stays comfortable.
VIKTOS Core Containment
$130
Pros
- Wider fit
- Good do it all shoe
- Great outsole grip
Cons
- Lacing system is so-so
- Upper can lack breathability
- Variable durability
Best For
- General strength and hypertrophy
- Light cross-training and HIIT
- Short interval runs
- Daily wear
Specs
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 8mm |
| Weight | 10.65 oz (size 10) |
| Width | Wide(r) |
| Lifting Threshold | ~455 lbs |
| Run Distance Threshold | 1-2 miles (at one time) |
ALTERNATIVES
Who Should Buy This Shoe?
- If you have a wider or flatter foot, the fit will feel great. It has good width in the forefoot and the midfoot taper isn’t super aggressive.
- If you need a solid generalist trainer that do a little bit of everything, this is worth keeping in your bag.
- If you’re frustrated with how long other shoes take to break in and feel comfortable, this one breaks in quickly.
Who Shouldn’t Buy This Shoe?
- CrossFit athletes should look elsewhere. The midsole on this model is pretty exposed and could break down faster than you’d like.
- If you have an excessively wide foot, think 3E or wider, this model is narrower than Viktos’s other models and will feel limiting.
- If you train a lot of lateral work, explosive lateral jumps, side-to-side cuts and agility drills, the Core Containment’s lateral stability and lockdown can be lacking.
Fit & Sizing 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.
Fit Breakdown:
- Narrow (<D) Feet: True to size
- Medium (D) Feet: True to size, size up a half-size if you like more length in your toe box.
- Wider Feet (E, EE, 3-4E): Go up a half-size
If you currently wear VIKTOS shoes, go up half a size. These run narrower than Viktos’s other models and you’ll want that extra half size to really be comfortable.
If this is your first VIKTOS shoe and you traditionally have a thumb’s width length or more at the end of your toe, you’ll be good staying true to size. If you have less than a thumb’s width length and like having a little extra room to splay your toes, go up half a size.
Overall, while they do run narrower than VIKTOS’ other models, they still have good width through the forefoot and midfoot. The midfoot taper isn’t too aggressive and there’s not as much of an arch, which bodes will for those athletes with flatter feet.
Performance Assessment
Lifting: 8/10
I genuinely enjoy these for strength training. Are these going to replace your dedicated lifters? No, but that’s not what they’re built for. They’re stable enough for 455 lb deadlifts, grippy on machines, and have good lockdown for single-leg work.
The medium-density EVA foam is what I’d describe as pretty standard when compared to other trainers regarding density and stability. For example, I’d compare them to the Nano X5 or Metcon 9’s midsoles.
My one concern with this shoe’s durability for lifting is that I’ve seen others online report the materials at their shoe’s toe box splitting. I haven’t personally experienced this, but it’s worth noting because I’ve seen more than one complaint about it.
Another thing to keep in mind before you buy is that they do have an 8mm heel-to-toe drop. If you prefer a flatter, more grounded feel for your training shoes, these aren’t going to fit that bill. While it’s not the most excessive drop, it is very noticeable and can leave you pitched forward a good amount. It’s more something to keep in mind than a true knock against them.
Cross-Training: 8/10
This is another area that I’ve truly enjoyed these shoes. They’re incredibly lightweight and break in faster than most modern-day trainers I’ve tested lately. They also have a very nice bounce and spring to them, perfect for box jumps, broad jumps, and quick rebounds
They felt just as comfortable through longer cross-training sessions as they did through shorter HIIT workouts. The herringbone tread on the bottom was a nice touch for sled pushes and pulls. It gripped the turf super well, there was no slipping or sliding around trying to push or pull a heavy sled.
The only knock against them is the lack of lateral stability. The lightweight construction comes at a cost, and in this instance, that cost is structure and lockdown. Quick and explosive side-to-side work, slower-paced lateral sled walks, and the lack of security quickly became something I noticed.
Short Runs: 7/10
These weren’t my favorite for runs. They’re fine for shorter intervals or a quick mile to mile and a half warm-up or cool-down. Anything further than that and the lack of lockdown became an issue.
They’re comfortable enough to work in a pinch and there’s a bit of a heel bevel which makes transitioning through your gait a bit smoother. Just don’t ask them to handle a 5K or 10K.
Daily Wear: 7.8/10
Outside of general strength work, this is probably where they shine the most. They’re light and breathable and break in really fast. They also have a good amount of flexibility and move naturally with your foot.
You also don’t need to worry too much about getting them dirty. Viktos applied a stain resistant finish to the upper that does a great job of repelling the elements. I don’t think twice about wearing them if the weather is gross or if I’m in the city or on trails. If they do get dirty, they clean up so easily.
Construction Details
The Viktos Core Containment weighs 10.65 oz for a men’s size US 10. They have an 8mm heel-to-toe drop, and come with a thin foam removable insole.
The extended outsole up the forefoot is notably wide and adds durability. The outsole extends up a bit on the lateral side and the heel with a smaller overlay on the medial side. The outsole features a full rubber tread in a herring bone pattern. The tread is entirely encircled by a denser rubber for additional flexibility. The outsole features breaks in the forefoot for additional stability. There’s also a high rebound EVA foam midsole that runs the full length of the shoe.
The upper is a thin mesh with nylon overlays that balances breathability and durability. The upper has a stain resistant finish that does a fantastic job of repelling the elements. The boot is less structured but features a heel tab for easy on and off.
The 5 eyelets are non-traditional, the bottom two are nylon loops and the top 3 are standard eyelets. The combination makes lacing and unlacing a bit awkward. They don’t loosen easily when unlacing. Underneath the laces there is a padded mesh tongue that is gusseted.
Final Thoughts: Would I Buy Again?
I really enjoyed these shoes. I’d definitely buy these again because they’ve been one of the most reliable do-it-all shoes I’ve worn. They’re a no-frills, lightweight, and flexible training shoe that can do anything you ask it to do.
If Viktos isn’t on your radar yet, it should be.
The Core Containment is a slept-on shoe that’s consistent across the board. If you’ve been looking for a solid, reliable, do-everything trainer, this is the shoe for you.
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