6 Best Nike Training Shoes in 2023

Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo on
6 Best Nike Training Shoes in 2023
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Nike fans looking for a pair of versatile and dependable training shoes for gym workouts, non-stop jumping, and hardcore weightlifting need not look far. A brand known for its stylish sneakers and performance running kicks, the Swoosh brand has been keen on expanding its catalog. So expect over a dozen men's and women's Nike training shoes lined up for you.

Whether you’re a HIIT junkie trying to set a new PB or a beginner weightlifter on the lookout for the most stable kicks to jumpstart your game, we have got you covered. RunRepeat even went the extra mile to look for the best overall and the most affordable kick out there.

How we test training shoes

True, Nike training shoes are good-looking and all, but the question is - do they deliver performance-wise? Enter: RunRepeat. 

RunRepeat shoe-doting geeks are here to tell you which shoes are all hype and which actually work. To achieve this, we do the following:

  • Collect and analyze reviews from users and experts.
  • Buy shoes using our own money to avoid pressure from brand partnerships.
  • Weigh, measure, test, and even stretch and flex every shoe to its limits.
  • And finally, calculate and assign Corescores from 0 to 100 to each shoe to show its likability quickly.

For more information about our testing methodology, check out this link.

Best Nike training shoes overall

What makes it the best?

The Nike Free Metcon 4 is a great shoe for an all-around application. If you want to buy one shoe to do most of your exercise needs, I don’t think you would regret the Nike Free Metcon 4. They are not running shoes, but they will get it done in a pinch if you need to pump out a mile or two at the end of your routine.

Pros

  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Unbelievably flexible
  • Solid platform
  • Grippy outsole
  • Highly breathable
  • Durable
  • Unique design

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Not suitable for running
  • Expensive
Full review of Nike Free Metcon 4

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Red (CT3886600)
Mint Foam Ghost Green Barely Green (CT3886300)
Team Red Bright Crimson Cave Purple (CT3886601)
Crimson/Grey (CT3886602)
Iron Grey Black Grey Fog White (CT3886011)
Rattan/Thunder Blue-Sandalwood-Green Strike (CT3886234)
Black White Black Volt (CZ0596010)
Green (CT3886393)
More colors

Best Nike gym shoes

What makes it the best?

Belonging to Nike’s cheapest training shoes, the Legend Essential 2 manages to offer that essential comfort and support for moderate gym workouts as well as recreational use. If you take it easy at the gym, you'll make the best out of this superb deal.

Pros

  • Insanely cheap
  • Doubles as a casual sneaker
  • Lightweight
  • Breathes well
  • Snug fit
  • Very flexible
  • Reliable grip
  • Looks great

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Not the most durable
Full review of Nike Legend Essential 2

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
White (CQ9356002)
Black (CQ9356034)
Black (CQ9356004)
Old Royal Black Racer Blue Dk Smoke Grey (CQ9356403)
Black (CQ9356001)
Cargo Khaki Light Bone Safety Orange (CQ9356300)
Black (CQ9356005)
Iron Grey/White-dk Smoke Grey (CQ9356016)
More colors

Best Nike hiit shoes

What makes it the best?

The SuperRep has got to be Nike’s most flashy training shoe series. The third iteration receives some design tweaks to give you the right balance of cushioning for jumps, flexibility for planks, and support for side-to-side and other movements involved in HIIT. The shoe’s unusual design is not only there for looks, it enhances performance when it comes to high-impact exercises.

Pros

  • Perfect for HIIT
  • Light on the foot
  • Bouncy cushioning
  • Great flexibility
  • Stable side support
  • Snug, locked-down fit
  • Breathable

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Arc catches debris outdoors
Full review of Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Cargo Khaki/Alligator (DC9115300)
White (DC9115109)
Black (DC9115001)
Cool Grey Metallic Silver 004 (DC9115004)
White/Metallic Silver/Volt/Bla (DC9115107)
Pro Green Multi Color Washed Teal Black (DC9115393)
Light Orewood Brown (DQ5357181)

Best Nike training shoes for cross-training

What makes it the best?

The Flex Control 4 is one of the cheapest workout shoes from Nike and yet, it doesn’t fall short of the essentials needed for a moderate gym session. Coming from the Nike Flex series, it is stated in the name that the trainer is meant to feel extremely flexible to promote agile, multi-directional movements. This is not to mention how light and comfy it feels on the foot overall.

Pros

  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Lighter than average
  • Very flexible
  • Foot feels planted
  • Budget-friendly
  • Good grip
  • Simple aesthetics
  • True to size

Cons

  • Durability issues
  • Not for serious workouts
Full review of Nike Flex Control 4

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Black/white-dark smoke grey (CD0197002)
Black Smoke Grey Ghost Green Photon Dust (CD0197004)
White/Smoke Grey/Black (CD0197100)
grau (CD0199001)
Midnight navy/metallic silver (CD0197400)

Best Nike training shoes for crossfit

Nike Metcon 5
92
Superb!

What makes it the best?

In summary, the Nike Metcon 5 is a solid trainer that will be effective for a variety of workouts that fall under the “cross-training” category. The shoe’s high price will probably make it most suitable for dedicated athletes or those involved in such structured programs as CrossFit.

Pros

  • Exceptionally stable
  • Fits true to size
  • Secure foothold
  • Wide toebox
  • Sufficient cushioning for jumps
  • Solid grip
  • Adequate outsole flexibility
  • No break-in period
  • Durable
  • Very breathable
  • Contemporary style

Cons

  • A bit pricey for newbies and occasional users
  • Overly bulky insole
Full review of Nike Metcon 5

Today's best price

Unisex
Any color
Particle Grey Dk Smoke Grey Barely Volt (AQ1189017)
White/Black/University Red (CW0526106)
Black (AQ1189009)
Multi (AQ1189035)
Black/Gunsmoke (AQ1189001)
White (AQ1189190)
Grey (AQ1189019)
Black/Black/White (AQ1189007)
More colors

Best value Nike training shoes

Nike MC Trainer
83
Good!

What makes it the best?

The Nike MC Trainer brings the high-quality standard for a wallet-friendly shoe that will perform exactly how you need it to. Comfortable, functional, and sharp-looking, the MC trainer rises to meet the standard instead of feeling like a cheap, low-quality alternative.

Pros

  • Very plush
  • Good solid foundation
  • Grippy
  • Lightweight
  • Durable
  • Budget-friendly

Cons

  • Narrow
  • Not extremely flexible
  • Poor ventilation
Full review of Nike MC Trainer

Today's best price

Men
Women
Any color
Cave Purple Hyper Pink Black White (CU3584500)
Smoke Grey White Dk Smoke Grey Lime (CU3580007)
COOL GREY BLACK WHITE (CU3580001)
Black (CU3584004)
Gray (CU3580011)
Black (CU3580003)
Black/ White (CU3580005)
BLACK/ANTHRACITE (CU3580031)

Comparison of the 6 best Nike training shoes

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Best
CoreScore
Users rating
Experts
Best price
Ranking
Popularity
# of colorways
Author
Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo

Nick combines 10+ years of experience in the health and fitness industry and a background in the sciences in his role as the Fitness Research Director. During his competitive powerlifting years his PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Bodybuilding.com, LiveStrong, Healthline, WebMD, WashingtonPost, and many more. Along the way, collaborating with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.