7 Best Training Shoes in 2023

We crown the Nike Free Metcon 5 as the best training shoe on record because it is insanely serious about support and lockdown. Additionally, this shoe also delivers a lot of plushness and underfoot comfort. Finally, it is amazingly lightweight. 

This shoe surely provided great foot containment, and we have its well-padded collar and fully gusseted tongue to thank for that. The thickness of the collar padding closed off any space between the foot and the shoe, effectively enhancing the fit. The gusseted tongue also stayed in its place and effectively held down our feet even if our movements became a bit aggressive.

The moment we stepped into the Nike Free Metcon 5, we immediately noticed the cloud-like feel of its cushioning system. In the lab, our HA durometer measurements confirmed that it’s a lot softer than average, 17.4 against 27.0.

At 11.2 oz or 317g, the average weight of training shoes is already on the lower end of the scale. But the Free Metcon 5 is still lighter at 10.5 oz or 298g. No wonder we never felt weighed down during our runs, leaps, and jumps.

We were just a little disappointed with the upper. After a 12-second Dremel test in our lab, we already observed considerable damage in it. Those who are looking for a shoe that lasts long may want to look for something else.

When it comes to lifting, the Nike Romaleos 4 easily rose above other training shoes because of its amazingly firm midsole, impressively wide base, and totally firm structure. Our feet were surely kept in place no matter how heavy we were hoisting above our heads.

We learned through our HA durometer measurements in the lab that the midsole is a lot firmer than average. While the average HA durometer rating is 75.0, the Romaleos 4’s score was as high as 97.0! There really was no wobbliness because of this much firmness.

The wide midsole platform contributed a lot to the shoe’s overall stability. Our caliper measurements revealed that the platform is 111.5 mm (average is 107.1 mm) wide at the forefoot while it’s 91.3 mm (average is 87.1 mm) wide at the heel.

The shoe’s minimal flexibility also did so much in keeping our feet in place and ensuring that we got the support that we needed. Using a digital force gauge, we uncovered that we needed to exert 40.4N of force to bend this shoe at 90 degrees. The typical trainer would need only 26.0N.

We just didn’t like that our feet were sweating a lot when inside this shoe. There was not much ventilation! True enough, this shoe only got a 2 out of 5 when we subjected this shoe to our smoke breathability test in the lab.

It’s not surprising that the Reebok Nano X3 is the most comfortable out of all the training shoes that we tried. This shoe offered pampering from all directions. Its cushioning is plush so impact protection was always there. Aside from having a breathable upper, it also has an inner sleeve that truly felt great. Finally, its tongue is slightly more padded than average which translated to no lace bite no matter how hard we tied the laces! 

After measuring its softness using a caliper, we learned that the midsole at the heel of the Nano X3 has a softness score of 20.5. This number is significantly lower than the 27.0 average. This setup kept our sprints pain-free.

After conducting a breathability test in the lab, the upper got a score of 4 out 5. This means that it allowed air (we used smoke during the test for more visibility) to go out of the shoe quickly. Indeed, it kept our feet dry and comfortable.

The tongue, which felt full to the touch, not only improved the fit but also added to the overall experience of comfort. When assessed using a caliper, we learned that it’s actually slightly thicker than average, 6.6 mm vs 5.8 mm.

We just don’t like the fact that the Nano X3 couldn’t accommodate the wide-footers among us. At its widest point, the toe box is 100.2 mm while the average is 100.5 mm.

In terms of training shoes for speed, the Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2 is at the very top thanks to its super-responsive midsole, awesome flexibility, and secure fit.

The Metcon Turbo 2 delivers a distinct bounce that we just haven't felt from other training shoes. That's due to the responsive React foam, which we measured to be 17% softer than the average trainer. The foam feels nice and bouncy but does not bottom out. Meanwhile, the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot adds a pop of energy that helps us go quicker in short bursts.

We are impressed with how the Metcon Turbo 2 just feels so secure on our feet no matter how fast we push the pace. The fully gusseted tongue definitely does its job of providing a great lockdown.

The shoe also does an amazing job of keeping our feet cool amid demanding speed training. It scored a perfect 5 out of 5 in our breathability lab test as the smoke we pumped in simply passed through the upper without much resistance.

But as good as the Metcon Turbo 2 is for speed training, it might be even better if it weren't quite so heavy. We weighed it at 12.1 oz (342g), which is 1 oz (27g) heavier than the average training shoe.

After working out in it for many sessions, we have come to conclude that the Reebok Nano X2 TR Adventure is the most suitable for outdoor use. Aside from having a firm midsole, it also delivered a stiff and largely supportive structure. The really durable upper was also an important part of our great outdoor experience with this training shoe. 

Using an HA durometer, we realize just how much firmer the midsole of the Nano X2 TR Adventure is than that of the typical trainer. Its midsole registered a rating of 32.0 while the average is only 27.0. The firmer cushion gave us much more spring back to fuel our sprints and other agile movements.

To test just how unrelenting this shoe is, we did manual maneuvers on it in the lab. We gave the heel counter a good squeeze while we bent and twisted the whole shoe to target its base. Both the counter and base got a 3 out of 5 for rigidity, making them firmer than the average trainer which gets 2.6 and 2.3, respectively. Because of the firmness that these shoe parts bring, we felt that our feet got the support and lockdown that they needed.

We were so impressed with how durable the upper was. After twelve seconds of high-pressure Dremel drilling, only a scratch was seen. We never had doubts that this shoe would last long even when used regularly outdoors.

We were just not big fans of the shoe’s weight. At 12.2 oz or 345g, it is an ounce or 28g heavier than the average training shoe.

We got the Nike Legend Essential 3 for only $65 when the average price of training shoes is $91. It sure is cheap, but it definitely gave us more than what we paid for as it’s also uber grippy and amazingly supportive. Hence, we consider it the most valuable buy among all training shoes that we ever got our hands on.

When we executed some side-to-side movements, the shoe’s grip on the floor surely helped stabilize our feet. Our HC durometer showed that the outsole is softer (80.5) than average (84.4). It’s the softness of the rubber that helped the outsole to stick more securely on different types of surfaces.

Support and lockdown were also not a problem with the Legend Essential 3. We enjoyed its snug fit especially when our programs became a little intense. The laces and side walls made sure that our feet did not go anywhere they’re not supposed to go. This shoe also had a thicker insole that registered 4.5 mm vs the 3.9 mm average on the caliper. This removable add-on helped give our feet a secure and comfortable clasp. 

This trainer, however, is not for those who want shoes that last. The Legend Essential 3’s upper didn’t stand a chance against our Dremel-drilling, and it only got a 2 out of 5 for durability.

Among all the training shoes we worked out in, the Nike Metcon 9 is undoubtedly the best for Crossfit. With its sturdy base, amazing foothold and grip, and high levels of comfort, it performs any WOD exceptionally and shines best in lifting.

We did heavy squats, snatches, and deadlifts and the Metcon’s base assisted us very well even if it didn’t have a raised heel. It offers superb lockdown thanks to its supportive upper and raised sidewalls.

Since Crossfit isn’t all about lifting, we tested Metcon 9 against box jumps, burpees, rope climbing, and lunges. It proved itself versatile in most CrossFit activities, providing excellent stability and grip on the gym floor. This boosted our confidence, making us enjoy the WOD even more.

We appreciate the upper that provides ample padding for comfort and lots of ventilation for sweaty indoor sessions.

Through our workouts, we discovered this shoe isn’t the ideal choice for cardio or aerobic activities. A more flexible shoe will deliver in these types of exercises.