Nike Romaleos 3

88 Great!

Corescore

4.2/5 from 119 users

89/100 from 25 experts

Summary

We spent 8.3 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:

9 reasons to buy

A majority of consumers raved about the overall comfort provided by the Nike Romaleos 3.
The heel was deemed sturdy and offered great support during weight training, said droves of weightlifters.
Many users were delighted that the trainer ran true to size and width.
The lightweight and breathable construction of the shoe gained a lot of positive feedback from gym-goers.
Numerous buyers found the merchandise to be aesthetically pleasing.
The interchangeable insoles were greatly appreciated by a good number of purchasers.
Various testers praised the cushioned collar because it kept the ankle steady and supported.
The midfoot strap was just the right length and securely locked the foot down, according to several reviewers.
More than a few training enthusiasts liked the flexible forefoot because they didn’t have to change footwear for cardio sessions.

8 reasons not to buy

A lot of owners complained that the tongue quickly tore off after several times of use.
The narrow forefoot dismayed many wearers because the upper ripped when their feet expanded while lifting heavy.
Sole peeled away after a few weeks of regular use, said a significant number of critics.
Numerous shoppers griped about the laces that constantly got caught in the hook-and-loop strap causing them to fray.
The strap on the Nike Romaleos 3 irked plenty of folks because it looked like a seatbelt, the buckle easily broke, and it did not stay latched.
Budget-conscious individuals perceived this product expensive given its poor quality.
Multiple users mentioned that the upper material stretched out and loosened the fit too much.
A small number of consumers were unhappy that they needed to break in the trainer.

Bottom line

The Nike Romaleos 3 received a lot of flak because of quality issues which included the flimsy tongue, the frayed laces, and the buckle of the strap. The narrow fit caused some pairs to rip open while training. On the other hand, those who were able to get the right size sang praises because the heel felt stable during heavy lifts. The flexible forefoot also allowed them to use the footgear for other workouts. In the end, though there were structural mishaps, many were still satisfied with their purchase.

Summary

We spent 8.3 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what training geeks think:

9 reasons to buy

A majority of consumers raved about the overall comfort provided by the Nike Romaleos 3.
The heel was deemed sturdy and offered great support during weight training, said droves of weightlifters.
Many users were delighted that the trainer ran true to size and width.
The lightweight and breathable construction of the shoe gained a lot of positive feedback from gym-goers.
Numerous buyers found the merchandise to be aesthetically pleasing.
The interchangeable insoles were greatly appreciated by a good number of purchasers.
Various testers praised the cushioned collar because it kept the ankle steady and supported.
The midfoot strap was just the right length and securely locked the foot down, according to several reviewers.
More than a few training enthusiasts liked the flexible forefoot because they didn’t have to change footwear for cardio sessions.

8 reasons not to buy

A lot of owners complained that the tongue quickly tore off after several times of use.
The narrow forefoot dismayed many wearers because the upper ripped when their feet expanded while lifting heavy.
Sole peeled away after a few weeks of regular use, said a significant number of critics.
Numerous shoppers griped about the laces that constantly got caught in the hook-and-loop strap causing them to fray.
The strap on the Nike Romaleos 3 irked plenty of folks because it looked like a seatbelt, the buckle easily broke, and it did not stay latched.
Budget-conscious individuals perceived this product expensive given its poor quality.
Multiple users mentioned that the upper material stretched out and loosened the fit too much.
A small number of consumers were unhappy that they needed to break in the trainer.

Bottom line

The Nike Romaleos 3 received a lot of flak because of quality issues which included the flimsy tongue, the frayed laces, and the buckle of the strap. The narrow fit caused some pairs to rip open while training. On the other hand, those who were able to get the right size sang praises because the heel felt stable during heavy lifts. The flexible forefoot also allowed them to use the footgear for other workouts. In the end, though there were structural mishaps, many were still satisfied with their purchase.

Facts

Use

Weightlifting

Workout

Shoes with optimum cushioning, lateral support, and flexibility for daily workouts and studio sessions. See workout shoes

CrossFit

Versatile, low-profile shoes for constantly varied exercises including plyometrics, sprinting, weightlifting, and rope climbing. See CrossFit shoes

Weightlifting

Heavy-duty shoes with a wedge and an elevated heel that create a sturdy platform and promote ankle mobility. See weightlifting shoes

Walking

Shoes for daily wear that ensure a smooth walking gait cycle. Check out walking shoes
Arch support

Neutral

Neutral

For people with normal pronation. Also provide support for high-arched feet with underpronation (excessive outward rolling of the foot). See neutral training shoes

Stability

For people with low-arched or flat feet and moderate overpronation (excessive inward rolling of the foot). See stability training shoes

Motion control

Shoes feature stabilizing technologies for people with severe overpronation. See motion control training shoes

Good to know

Stability and motion control add-ons are uncommon for workout shoes and are never present in CrossFit or weightlifting footwear. They are mostly found in walking shoes where the gait is easier to correct.
Price

$200
Weight

Men: 14.4oz
Women: 12.3oz

Weight

Training footwear typically weighs between 200g and 300g per shoe to accommodate agile workouts. Minimalist trainers go as low as 150g, while weightlifting shoes can go as high as 500g.
Heel to toe drop

Men: 20mm
Women: 20mm
Width

Men: Normal
Women: Normal
Release date

Jan 2017

Show more facts

Rankings

Top 37% overall

Best training shoes

Best Nike training shoes

Top 8% most popular

Most popular weightlifting training shoes

Expert Reviews

89 / 100 based on 25 expert reviews

Joel "joelxfit" Te

Level 5 expert

97 / 100 | As Many Reviews As Possible

The Nike Romaleo 3 are my favourite weightlifting shoes at the moment because they are the most well-rounded weightlifting shoes that I've used in the past 5 years.
Joel "joelxfit" Te

Level 5 expert

95 / 100 | As Many Reviews As Possible

For CrossFitters, Romaleos 3 are a no-brainer; but for everyone else, you might want to check your options first.
Jake Boly

Level 4 expert

86 / 100 | BarBend

All in all, the Nike Romaleos 3 are an aesthetic, flexible, lightweight update from the previous Romaleos 2 model.
Coop

Level 3 expert

90 / 100 | Garage Gym Reviews

They are the greatest weightlifting shoe that can also be used for things other than weightlifting.

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Updates to Nike Romaleos 3

The Nike Romaleos 3 follows the footsteps of its predecessor, the Romaleos 2, as weightlifting footgear. However, it has been updated to sport a more flexible forefoot than the older version so as to accommodate dynamic movements during non-weightlifting exercises.
Another striking difference is the strap. The Romaleos 2 features two, somewhat thin straps, while the Romaleos 3 only utilizes one, but it is wider, thereby encompassing a larger area.
The new model also has more vents at the vamp. This allows for proper air circulation to prevent the inside from getting uncomfortably hot.
The other new addition is the use of Flywire cables. These strings become taut when the laces are cinched, thereby enhancing the locked-down fit.

Nike Romaleos 3 size and fit

The Nike Romaleos 3 caters to both male and female athletes. It is obtainable in US sizes 3.5 to 15 for men, and 5 to 16.5 for women, with half and full sizes in between. For the width, both are only available in a standard profile, D - Medium for men, and B - Medium for women. The lacing structure allows users to tighten or loosen the midfoot fit while the midfoot strap enhances the locked-down feel of the upper. Also, the synthetic leather material used on the upper contributes to its snug fit.

Outsole

Stability and traction. The outsole of the Romaleos 3 is made from rubber. This compound is engineered to be hardwearing and provides grip on flat surfaces. The forefoot section is thin and flexible to support natural foot bending while walking or performing other activities. The unit also features a honeycomb tread pattern. At the heel section, there are noticeable holes that act like suction cups that heighten the feeling of being planted when lifting weights. The flared out design of the heel structure gives the shoe a wide base. This contributes to the overall stability of the footwear, especially when lifting heavy.

Midsole

Underfoot support. The footwear has a 20-mm offset which is represented by the pronounced heel made of the honeycomb thermoplastic polyurethane plate (TPU). This element is made from the combination of soft silicone and hard plastic, rendering durability and steadiness. The hallowed out construction keeps the weight of the shoe down. The height of the heel reduces the stress on the Achilles tendon, thus allowing wearers to squat deeper without straining the tendon and the knee. This TPU unit also extends up to form a cup under the heel area. This structure holds the rearfoot steady, preventing it from sliding out of place while training.

Insole. The trainer comes with two interchangeable insoles. One of the insoles is softer than the other and aims to cushion foot landings. On the other hand, the firmer insert heightens the support that keeps the foot steady during lifting and squatting.

Upper

Foothold. Synthetic leather material gives the trainer its snug fit and structure. The inside is lined with a smooth fabric that aims to deliver a comfortable surrounding.

The tongue of this model is thin and unpadded but still serves to protect the instep against the pressure created by the laces. Garterized straps attach on either side of the tongue, connecting it to the inside of the footwear. This construction keeps the tongue in place but still accommodate different foot shapes coming in or out.

The collar, on the other hand, is lightly padded. The plushness of this area not only heightens the comfort provided by the shoe but also contributes to locking the foot down. The collar sits just below the ankle, allowing it to move freely, but still provide support to keep it steady during various movements.

Closure. The footgear employs a traditional lace-up closure that gives users the ability to customize the tightness or looseness of the fit. There are six pairs of eyelets on the Romaleos 3, though most people don’t use the last pair unless they want the collar to hug the ankle completely. The laces also received an update. They now have metal aglets instead of plastic, which protect the ends better and lessens the chance of fraying.

The second and third eyelets from the top have the Flywire technology integrated into them. These cables were developed by Nike to add support to the upper without increasing the weight of the shoe. When the laces are cinched, the Flywire strings become taut, thereby enhancing the hold of the upper to the foot.

Also found on the midfoot is the single, wide hook-and-loop strap. The material used on this is similar to the ones used in seatbelts. Like seatbelts, the strap secures the foot, preventing slippage and injuries. The midfoot overlay adds to the lateral support offered by the strap.

Breathability. There are perforations added on the vamp section, on the top of the tongue, and at the medial side of the midfoot, helping in aerating the foot chamber. The shoe's interior sports a mesh lining that also helps to keep the interior fresh.

Branding. Nike fans will be delighted to see that the brand name and the iconic Swoosh logo are prominent in this pair of weightlifting shoes. The Swoosh appears on the outsole, the vamp, the medial quarter, and the insole. As for the Nike name, it is placed on the strap and the tongue, along with the model name.

Colorways and special editions

Nike Romaleos Viking Quest

The Nike Romaleos 3 Viking Quest sports a tough Nordic look. The upper features the Ridgerock hue which is a rich dark brown color. The strap and trimmings come in anthracite or metallic gray color. The color of the insole has also been made to match the outside tones. This battlefield-ready style aims to help set the mood and keep you amped during rigorous workout sessions.

Nike Romaleos Americana

The other limited edition release is the Nike Romaleos Americana. As the name implies, it pays homage to the American flag. The footwear uses a vibrant combination of team red, white, and gym blue coloration for the upper. The medial overlay is also covered in five-pointed stars, completing The Stars and Stripes look. The insole has also been updated and is embellished with white and blue stripes. Wearing this pair will surely leave you feeling patriotic.

Nike Romaleos Freedom

Another variant that aims to represent the United States of America is the Nike Romaleos 3 Freedom. It bears the red and blue colors, but they are deeper and darker in comparison to the color scheme of the Americana. Instead of white, Nike used a gold colorway on it. The blue shade is used on the tongue, the heel, and the rearfoot, while the red hue is utilized on the forefoot and the outsole. The gold is used on the strap, the buckle and the midfoot overlay, the Flywire cables, the outline of the Swoosh logo, and the Nike brand and model name on the tongue. Completing the look of Freedom are the laces that bear the red, white, and blue colorways — reminiscent of the American flag.

Nike Romaleos XD

Even though it seems like Nike has put a laughing smiley face next to the shoe’s name, it is, in fact, a new iteration of the trainer. Released in January 2019, it refreshes the model by adding several new color options in the classic, reserved hues:

Black/Black/Metallic Bomber Grey
Wolf Grey/Black/Cool Grey
White/Metallic Platinum

Apart from the new palette, the XD trainer also adds padding in the tongue and beefs up the medial strap. These alterations contribute to the cushioning in the upper unit to keep the athlete more comfortable and secure inside the footwear.

Nike Romaleos XD Patch

In this iteration of the lifter, Nike decided to inspire the sturdy fellows with a set of old-school army patches. The Velcro-attachable material on the strap and the rear part of the shoe's upper allows you to place any of the six emblems that come with the shoe. That way you can have a feisty bee or a muscle-building tornado uplifting your spirits at your next workout. The trainer is also offered in a dark stucco colorway to match the product’s military vibe.

Comparison