Nike Metcon 2 Reviewed
The Nike Metcon 2, which stands for metabolic conditioning, is the ultimate cross-trainer which is a good all-around shoe for any workout. It features lightweight Flywire cable construction and a flat firm heel. There is also a grooved flex forefoot and all-terrain traction, which helps you with overall stability and allows you to focus more on your run and reaching your fitness goals. Since this shoe was designed as a cross-trainer, it gives you the ability to use this shoe as you work out in a gym, as you workout outside in a parking lot, sidewalk or pavement, and even when you feel like amping up your cardio a bit by going for a short sprint. In this article, we are going to take a deeper look into the Metcon 2 and breakdown each component to reveal what this shoe is all about.
The super-strong Flywire cable material combines with the laces to lock down your foot
Insides include lightweight foam cushioning which keeps your feet comfortable while you are lifting, jumping, climbing and running
The flat heel will help you feel stable and grounded during explosive lifts.
The fit is about half a size too small
Features
This shoe comes in a wide range of color options, typical for Nike. Whether you like bright neon colors, more basic earthy colors or even just black on black, there is a color combination to suit your taste. The sleek shape and color coordination sections make these shoes quite stylish. They are designed for general training, so you can wear them throughout your workout and not have to trade out shoes for different activities. They have a great mix of solid support and flexibility.
The Metcon 2 is designed to be comfortable and breathable with a mesh upper and lightweight inner cushioning. The sole is stable and has a flat heel which is perfect for weightlifting. They also have reliable traction. The shoe design is pretty standard with the basic lacing pattern. The sole gives an even amount of traction but, in contrast to targeted running shoes, there is no special structure to enhance your step.
See how Metcon compares to Romaleos shoes before deciding which Nike model to buy.
Comfort
Effectiveness
When Nike came up with Metcon 2 they had four main foundational elements. These are the areas which shaped the decisions and designs of the shoe, combining style and function. First, it has to have the perfect LOCKDOWN so your foot is fastened in place and ready for responsiveness. Then they looked at MOBILITY, being able to stand up to the many movements fitness requires strength and flexibility in the forefoot. There needs to be a good GRIP in the midfoot for rope climbs and in the sole for quick movements. Lastly, they considered STABILITY in a stable and strong base to work from.
Materials
The sole is a solid rubber material which gives excellent traction while not having any special structure to enhance your step in any way. The tread is versatile and works for all different types of workout, from running to CrossFit to weightlifting. The inside of the shoe keeps your foot snug with a lightweight foam cushioning. This provides a stable platform to help with your lifts.
Upper
Sole
When you are powerlifting, the slightest hint of instability can throw off your big squat or deadlift which is why standard lifting shoes have hard, elevated heels that are made of hard plastic or even wood. The Metcon 2 imitates that support structure with their flat outer sole and foam padding in the heel which is firm, so your lifts will feel rock solid.
Inner Sole
There is only a minimal amount of cushion in the heel of the shoe, which is perfect for lifting stability. Your shoe will have enough structural integrity so that you will not be wasting your training strength and energy into the shoe rather than the lift. Still, the heel is not too solid that it will not provide you with a bit of give when you are doing sprint work.
Heel
The heel cup is nicely padded, but not excessively so. This makes this shoe easy to put on. The addition of a small lip on the back to help pull your foot into the shoe, however, would have been helpful. The sole of the shoe provides plenty of sticky rubber to give you a good grip. However, there are no differentiated zones on the sole.
The Nike Metcon 2 does not have a raised squatting heel. The heel height is about a half-inch (considerably less than a weightlifting shoe), which is another thing that makes this a very good all-round training shoe.
Breathability
They are comfortable for running, Crossfit, lifting and any exercise which is part of your routine. The foam cushioning inside is also lightweight to keep your feet comfortable and snug.
The Final Word
You will enjoy the breathability of this shoe and the fact that the laces will stay in place. They are stylish and come in a wide variety of color combinations so you are sure to find one to match your tastes. The toe is roomy for your toes, the heal is very stable, and the entire shoe is comfortable and flexible. It features a special textured instep and a sole which is flat to offer perfect stability. The texture is not at any specialty angle so it works for any activity.