Well, it’s the same shape and size as the prior shoe – so I’m recommending to go 1/2 size up to get comfort in the toe area. There appeared to be a few style updates on the upper, but everything else seems pretty similar, just a few tweaks to improve an already great shoe. Here’s a closeup of the upper on the Nike Metcon 5. It’s a dual layer material with 3d haptic print on top for durability. It wasn’t bad, but it’s definitely not breathable like the Metcon 6. These types of accessory exercises are super important for runners looking to improve their speeds or prevent injuries (which is everyone right?!) and the typical running shoe just doesn’t cut it. The big Metcon M on the heel looks good. The heel clip at the bottom (shiny) is tough TPU plastic with a minimal edge – for low drag on HSPUs.

Stand out is the extended sole wrap, seam overlays in contrasting colors which divide the shoe into two very separate parts, and large zig-zag lace overlays Looking around the heel we can see that the collar is much higher on the Reebok. It’s also got a lot of padding. The Reebok feels bulkier because of this. I didn’t include a picture, but the drop-in midsole and hyperlifts appear to be the same shape, material, and performance. There are just a few small cosmetic differences. To draw a comparison I just prefer the feel on the foot from the higher heel cup and tongue of the Nano X, and prefer Reebok’s classic design and more subtle sole rope wrap.

You can run in these, but remember that the heel (which is firm, stable) doesn’t have much cushion. Changes in the heel are cosmetic only. The 6 has the big Metcon M and a different texture, but the TPU heel clip and relatively low collar are still present. When lifting weights a training shoe like this feels a world away from a running shoe, and is much more comfortable and safer on the joints.

From the side you can see the rope wrap. This is where the tough rubber sole wraps up around the shoe. Great for grip on rope climbs, and it’s super tough too. This ensures the friction from the rope doesn’t destroy the upper. FlyEase works exactly as described by Nike, just consider whether you really need this capability – because you are going to sacrifice a little bit of secure fit for it. Metcon 6 let’s the light shine through (see it in the toe area?). The 5’s upper is two layers, and quite dense – no sunlight shines in. Nike says the 6 is 18% more breathable – but I’m guessing it might be much more than that.

Nike Metcon 6 First Impressions

The heel feels quite loose in the FlyEase version of the shoe – that’s the tradeoff for the ability to put them on and take them off without using your hands. What’s different in the Nike Metcon 6 as compared to the Metcon 5? Not much. The upper is the real difference. If you’re a harsh heel striker, the firm heel is far from ideal, but the sole does offer some cushioning, the shoe stays put on the foot, and I managed to get in some speedy sprints in them, both on a treadmill and outdoors.

The aim was to guide runners who are working out in a gym environment or doing any strength training to choose the right shoe for their exercise programs. That said these shoes don’t really have any heel raise (4mm) until you put in those hyperlifts – and then they’ve got 12mm of heel raise!.This is great for minimizing ankle flexion in the pistol squats, thrusters, and really anything that requires squatting. I wear a Men’s Size 11 (US) in all my Nike running shoes, and in most shoes from Reebok, UA, Adidas, etc. The fit was true to size- I went ½ size smaller than my Nike running shoes and the width and length felt perfect. It also doesn’t have a firm heel cup like in the regular edition shoe. How could it? You wouldn’t be able to collapse the heel to slide your foot in.The Metcon 6 has only one standout competitor, the Nano X, which I scored a 10/10 in my review earlier this year. If I could give Metcon 6 half marks it would be a 9.5/10. When we reviewed the Metcon 5 we loved the stability underfoot (especially when lifting weights) comfortable, wide fit, durability and general aesthetics of the shoe. Nike also delivers a splash of color onto the Metcon 6s. I actually loved the muted, two-tone look of last year’s Metcons; something about them felt perfectly no-nonsense, perfect for a serious, focused workout. The tongue is attached in a partial bootie to the upper, meaning it stays put when working out and makes getting the shoe on and off easily.