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Nike has released their first-ever “Free” style Metcon shoe into the training community. The Nike Metcon Free adds to the already existing Metcon shoe line, this Metcon X Free is sure to raise the level of comfort and aesthetics.
Nike, by and large, produces some of the best training shoes when it comes to versatility and durability. The Nike Free X Metcon only adds to Nike’s long track record of quality shoes that are sure to last in the most grueling of moments. With a lightweight feel and strong sole support, Nike Free X Metcons are a great price point option when searching for a training shoe that meets a variety of needs.
Nike
Nike Free X Metcon Shoes
Product Highlights
NIKE® FREE x METCON :: Bring natural flex to your intense workouts with the new Men’s Nike Free x Metcon training shoes. Hey, everyone loves both the Nike Free and Metcon so put ’em together for lightweight, natural motion generating powerfully fast response and innate balance.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
Nike Free X Metcon Review
Nike did not skip any steps in making a quality training shoe that exceeds in both comfort and durability. From top to bottom, the Nike Free X Metcon is borderline flawless and can handle just about anything you throw at it. For starters, the Nike Free X Metcon’s are probably some of the most aesthetically pleasing shoes available. Without a doubt, these shoes perform not only in the gym but also in the streets. The shoes look great while working out and they do not look out-of-place in casual activities.
The Nike Free x Metcon Men’s Training Shoe combines the lightweight flexibility of Nike Free with the durability and stability of Nike Metcon shoes—which means it can stand up to short runs, boot camps, strength training, and the WOD.
The upper section of the Free X Metcon’s is made with TPU-faced mesh. Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) belongs to a class of polyurethane plastics having many important properties such as elasticity, transparency, and resistance to grease, oil, and abrasion. It is unique due to its extremely flexible nature. Technically speaking, TPUs are made up of thermoplastic elastomers.
TPU has different advantages such as resistance to abrasion, ability to perform at low temperature, elasticity, and mechanical properties along with rubber-like elasticity. Think of flexible TPU as a hybrid material between hard plastic and soft silicone. To put this in shoe terms, by being laced with TPU the entire upper portion of the training shoe is designed to give maximum lightweight durability, flexibility, stability, and any other “bility” you can think of while not letting your foot overheat while working out.
Nike is not the only training shoe company to latch on to TPU material, fellow competitor Adidas also has begun to line their training shoes, and work boots have also hopped on the TPU material given its success with durability and resistance to many different water/oils.
The upper section of the Nike Free X Metcon’s seems to reflect that of the Nano 8’s. The look and feel is very similar. This is by no means a bad thing, the Nano 8’s are some of the most comfortable shoes available.
The vamp section of the Nike Free X Metcon’s is lined with an all too familiar term in the Nike community, Flywire technology.
Nike Flywire technology consists of strategically placed filaments that function like cables on a suspension bridge to offer support precisely where it’s needed. These strong Flywire filaments are applied to a minimalistic shoe upper and vamp, reducing weight to make it some of Nike’s lightest footwear. It has paper-thin fabric that covers the top of the foot, with Nike Flywire filaments attaching to the outsole and holding the foot in place.
With Nike Free X Metcon’s being structured with Flywire technology, it gives a dynamic fit that helps you lock your foot in place while allowing for natural movement. Nike Free X Metcon’s is formed with a comfortable fit boot. The comfort fit boot has made it super easy to slide these shoes on and off while also still keeping the shoe soft and flexible.
The outsole of the Free X Metcon is made with two different types of rubber. The first rubber is Carbon Rubber. This is the same rubber that is used to make tires and it is the most durable.
The second rubber is Blown Rubber. This is where the Free X Metcon’s gets its lightweight feel from. It is lighter and more cushiony and not as durable as Carbon Rubber. With Nike combining the two is how the shoe is so durable and still not miss a beat in lightweight. From the outsole, the Free X Metcon has rubber wrap up the midsole of the shoe. With combining the TPU and rubber, we find this extremely helpful with movements that can cause friction and abrasion such as rope climbs.
The heel-to-toe drop of the Free X Metcon’s is 5mm which is in between the Nike Metcon DSX Flyknit 2 at 6mm and Nike Metcon 4’s at 4mm, another shoe we’ve rated highly. Along with this, the sidewall design of the Free X Metcon only enhances its versatility. We tested these shoes in a quick pick-up basketball game and the shoes more than held up. This is due to the sidewall design and a greater focus on athletes that utilize lateral movements. Nike designed the shoe to specifically help athletes with side to side lateral movements (think everyone but CrossFit athletes) like what takes place in a basketball game.
My foot never felt insecure while playing, I never felt I was one step away from twisting my ankle, and I would play basketball in these again if needed. But of course, not everyone is going to use these shoes to play basketball in…but our thought was, why not test it. To take these training shoes to the next level, Nike added heel clips that roll up the lateral and medial sides of the shoe. This is extremely helpful to anyone that decides to flip upside down and perform handstand push-ups.
For anyone that competed in the CrossFit Open 2018, this would have come quite handy for 18.4. Heel clips are designed to give the athlete minimal to almost zero drag while doing handstand push-ups. With just a rubber medial outsole, it can be difficult to get into a rhythm and you are making it harder on yourself with all of the friction/drag that is produced.
Finally, the midsole is built into the shoe. What this means is less likelihood for the shoe to squeak, which is a big benefit over the traditional Metcon line.
Top to bottom the Nike Free X Metcon’s are some of the most versatile and durable shoes available, and at a price point of $119 should not go overlooked.
Nike Free X Metcon’s vs Nike Metcon 4’s
What is the Metcon X Free going to offer you that the already existing Metcon four does not? Glad you asked.
If you have been following Nike over the years, you find that the title “Free” is not new to the Nike brand. Nike has released Nike Free 3.0 that when advertised they claimed the shoes felt like you we walking on the beach…they weren’t far off.
The Nike Free X Metcon’s are sure to be a hit thanks to their styling, many different colorways, price points, and association with Nike’s two most popular shoes, the Metcon and Free’s.
Is either shoe better than the other? Not necessarily. It all depends on the style of training you do.
As we’ll discuss further in the article, the Nike Free X Metcon’s are a much more traditional training shoe. Meaning more cushioning and support for lateral movements. To keep the recommendation as basic as possible, the Nike Metcon’s are ideal for anyone that trains for CrossFit and doesn’t feel the need for additional cushioning. The Nike Free X Metcon’s will work extremely well for everyone else.
There’s no doubt that the Free X Metcon’s are less stable due to more cushioning. However, that extra cushioning is exceptionally helpful for any lateral work (think plyo’s, agility ladder, shuttle run, and slide, etc) and running. The base of the Nike Metcon 4’s allows for a more grounded and stable feel, but the Free X Metcon still performs well for traditional squatting and Olympic Weightlifting movements found in CrossFit.All in all, you can’t go wrong with either, but if you do more running and want a shoe that will work exceptionally well for that and everything else, the Nike Free X Metcon’s are pretty outstanding.
Suggested Improvements
Although the Nike Free X Metcon’s are an incredible shoe, there are a couple of improvements we’d like to see.
The first is the laces. Unfortunately, the laces don’t stay tied and they’re a cheap lace. For a shoe this expensive, we’d like to see more focus on providing a better pair of laces and possibly multiple colorways.
The second issue is how the shoe tightens. Thankfully, the shoe can stay tight due to the way the collar is one piece, but they are a bit difficult to tighten really tight when going for PR’s or sprints. All in all, these are great shoes for just about everyone.
Full Rating
Nike Free X Metcon
Nike, by and large produces some of the best training shoes when it comes to versatility and durability. The Nike Free X Metcon only add to Nike's long track record of quality shoes that are sure to last in the most grueling of moments. With a lightweight feel and strong sole support, Nike Free X Metcons are a great price point option when searching for a training shoe that meets a variety of needs.
Product Brand: Nike
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 119.95
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.5
Nike Free X Metcon FAQs
What are Nike Free Metcon for?
To help you get the most out of your workout, the Nike Free Metcon mixes flexibility and stability. As you accelerate through agility exercises, updated “chain-link” mesh cools and flexes, while support at the midfoot and heel supports you for your hardest weight-lifting sessions.
What is Metcon X?
The Nike Free x Metcon Men’s Training Shoe blends the lightweight flexibility of the Nike Free with the durability and stability of the Nike Metcon shoes, making it ideal for short runs, boot camps, strength training, and WODs. The Free X Metcon’s upper portion is comprised of TPU-faced mesh.
Are free Metcons good for weightlifting?
The Free Metcon 4 provides a wonderful, comfy cushion on which to move around. It offers a superb base for lifting and keeping your weight stable with a large heel and a sole that narrows out toward the toes.
Where to Purchase
Nike
Nike Free X Metcon Shoes
Product Highlights
NIKE® FREE x METCON :: Bring natural flex to your intense workouts with the new Men’s Nike Free x Metcon training shoes. Hey, everyone loves both the Nike Free and Metcon so put ’em together for lightweight, natural motion generating powerfully fast response and innate balance.
Pros & Cons
Bottom Line
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