For me to be able to review the very popular Nike Metcon 4, I need to compare it to another popular CrossFit/weightlifting shoe.
It’s really the only way to tell give you the best information about the shoe overall.
So, unlike other Nike metcon reviews, I am going to be comparing the Nike Metcon 4 to is the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0.
I recently reviewed these versatile shoes on my YouTube Channel, which you can watch here.
You’ll see why comparing these 2 shoes is necessary in the following sections.
In this Nike Metcon 4 review, I am going to go over 4 things specifically:
- Who are the Nike Metcons for? (Functionality)
- The Construction (Build Quality)
- The Overall Fit and Comfortability of the Nike Metcon 4.
- & Finally, the Price
Would you rather watch my review video of the Nike Metcon 4s?
Then click on the video below to watch:
Before we get into all of these 4 sections, I need to give this review some…
Background:
When I purchased the Nike Metcon 4s, I was looking for one thing only.
A Great Weightlifting Shoe.
One that could handle heavy:
- Deadlifts
- Squats
- Bench Press (yes, I wanted to be able to firmly grip the floor while for my “leg-drive” in the bench press movement)
- And the Overhead Press
*Check Price On Nike Metcon 4 Here*
Basically, something sturdy that I can really press my weight into while handling some heavy ass weight.
For the longest time, I had been lifting in running shoes that were squishy and unstable.
Specifically, Nike “Free-runs.”
If you didn’t know, you definitely want a stable base when lifting.
Lifting from a wobbly platform/surface is definitely not safe or optimal.
That means squatting or even deadlifting in running/“comfy” shoes is not okay.
And so that’s why I decided to try out the Nike Metcon 4s.
You might be in the same situation, or perhaps you’re JUST looking for your average workout shoe.
In whatever case, let’s find out if these worked for me and if they will work for you.
*Check Price On Nike Metcon 4 Here*
Let’s look at the first couple of categories:
1. The NIKE Metcon 4 – Who Are They For Exactly?
Nike Metcon For Lifting
Do you deadlift?
Do you deadlift heavy?
Then these shoes are perfect for you.
I swear these were made with deadlifters in mind.
I’m not saying world-class powerlifters should use these, but for the lifter that deadlifts frequently and heavily, these are your best bet when it comes to shoes.
The flat sole and construction (which we’ll talk about more in the next section) of this shoe are perfect for solid weightlifting moves.
I know some people like to deadlift barefoot, but for myself and many others, shoes give a bit of extra support when deadlifting.
Simply put, if you do a lot of heavy lifting and some occasional High-Intensity Interval Training, then you will definitely love these shoes.
Not only that but they look amazing!
*Check Price On Nike Metcon 4 Here*
However, let’s say you:
1. Do Crossfit
If you do Crossfit, then these shoes are also a great fit for you and your WOD needs.
I don’t personally do Crossfit, however, I have in the past and know what its like.
Things like:
- Cleans
- Jerks
- Snatches
- Deadlifting
- Running
- Box Jumps
- Etc.
The Metcons can handle, no problem.
But, this is where I have to bring in the comparison between the Metcons and the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0.
In my review of that shoe, I talked about how they were amazing for crossfit (obviously, it’s in the name).
They are a LOT more flexible than the Metcon 4s and can handle more crossfit/circuit style workouts.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a shoe that can handle more WOD and crossfit/circuit style workouts, I’d definitely pick up the Reebok Crossfit Nano 8.0s.
I’ll go over a couple more reasons why in the upcoming sections.
2. Run, A Lot
If you run a lot, I would not pick up these shoes.
While they can handle a ½ mile to 1 mile tops, they’re NOT for running multiple miles or marathons at all.
The build of the shoes just aren’t made for it.
They are way too stiff and will hurt your feet.
I recommend checking out the NIKE Pegasus 35s instead.
3. Go To The Gym, But You Don’t Lift Heavy
If you’re just an average gym goer who isn’t trying to lift heavy weights and just trying to get a good sweat going, these shoes are probably overkill.
I’d only recommend them if you like the look, have the money to spend on them, or both.
They’re a great workout shoe, but if you’re tight on money, you can definitely get something cheaper and still fit your needs.
4. Are Looking To Do Heavy Squats
Those who squat heavy and frequently CAN get away with these as their main squat shoes, however, they’d be better off with some ACTUAL squat shoes.
For example, shoes with an elevated heel such as the following options…:
- Nike Romaleos 3 (Pricey option)
- Adidas Adipower (Pricey option)
- Nordic Powerlifting Shoes (Budget Option)
- Adidas Powerlift 3.1 (Budget Option)
Squat shoes usually have an elevated heels. The Romaleo 3s are a good example of this.
… would benefit you WAY more than the Metcons would in terms of squatting.
While the Metcons do provide a stable and sturdy base for heavy weightlifting, shoes that are MADE for squatting are your best bet.
Doesn’t mean you can’t squat with them. It just means it’s not optimal if you’re simply looking for shoes to squat in.
Heck I still do (at least until I pick up some squat shoes).
So, choose whatever you can afford for now.
If you have the budget for only 1 shoe, then pick the Metcon 4s.
That way you have a more versatile shoe that can handle other workout activities other than JUST squatting.
All in all, the Nike Metcon, for lifting purposes, is a great shoe.
*Check Price On Nike Metcon 4 Here*
2. How’s the Build Quality/Construction of the NIKE Metcon 4?
This is where the Metcons shine.
The build quality on these shoes are insanely good.
When you take those first steps, you’ll see what I mean.
They just FEEL premium.
They have a nice weight to them and they are STIFF AND STURDY.
Again, they are amazing for deadlifting and weightlifting in general.
They’re stable, feel tight, and they are a great platform to push off of when you’re deadlifting.
This is all thanks to the outsole of the shoe.
The outsole rubber of the shoe extends up by the sides of the shoe:
You can see this also in the picture before this one in the middle of the shoe.
Thanks to this design, the shoe grips the floor extremely well.
You definitely won’t be sliding around anywhere while lifting which is very important.
It also makes its very durable to anything you throw at it.
Other than the outsole rubber, the Nike Metcon uses Flywire and Vectran, which is a solid material for shoes and is apparently 5 times stronger than steel!
Safe to say that these shoes will last you a VERY LONG time.
The shoes are just well-built.
I can’t say much more than that.
*Check Price On Nike Metcon 4 Here*
The Heel of the Metcon 4
Nothing drastic about the heel of the shoe here.
It has a 4mm heel-to-toe drop which means it has a very slight elevated heel.
Nothing compared to the heel-to-toe drop of squat shoes, but I thought I should mention it.
Metcon 3 vs Metcon 4
I have never owned a pair of the Metcon 3s, however, from what I’ve read around the internet, there’s not that much of a difference other than the upper.
The Metcon 3 was very durable, but it wasn’t as breathable as the Metcon 4s.
The Metcon 4 still keeps the durability of the 3s, but is a lot more breathable.
This is very important for comfort and the overall feel/fit of the shoe in general.
Other than that subtle change, and some other colorways, they’re pretty much the same shoe.
The Nike Metcon Squeak?
Maybe I’m deaf, I’m not sure, but with my pair, there’s no squeak to be heard.
Apparently, unbeknowst to me, there’s a “squeak” within the Metcons that has been there since the first iteration of the shoe.
I haven’t had this problem, but if your pair does “squeak,” a quick fix is to apply some baby powder to the bottom of the insole and it should go away.
*Check Price On Nike Metcon 4 Here*
3. How do the Metcons Fit? Are They Comfy?
I might’ve felt differently about this section if I hadn’t FIRST tried on the Reebok Nano 8.0’s before trying these on.
The Nano 8.0’s came in a couple days earlier before the Metcons and they were VERY comfortable.
When I tried on the Nike Metcons when they arrived, I wasn’t as impressed.
It’s not that they are NOT comfortable, but, when compared to the Nano’s, I give the edge to them.
For example, if I HAD to walk all day in some shoes and my 2 options were the REEBOK Nano 8.0’s and the NIKE Metcon 4s, I’d choose the Nano’s.
However, you are giving up some stiffness and sturdiness with that comfort that comes with the Nano’s. I go over this more in my review video.
If you’re doing “CHELSEA” and other WODs, you can definitely use the Metcons, however, the Nano’s might be a bit more lightweight and flexible.
It all depends on the workout and your lifestyle.
If you’re just lifting heavy one day and not doing any circuit/crossfit style training, then the Metcons are your best bet.
Vice versa applies for the other circumstance.
Again, this all comes down to how you workout on a daily basis and what you do most often.
As far as sizing goes, NIKE shoes usually run a bit smaller, however, in my case, it fit true to size.
In other stores and sites, they’ll most likely tell you to order a ½ size up, so I’d go with that recommendation for now.
*Check Price On Nike Metcon 4 Here*
4. How Much Do The NIKE Metcon 4 Cost?
The price of the NIKE Metcon 4 varies.
I’ve seen them as low as $70 but they top out at $140 for some exclusive colorways.
It depends on where you buy them and what colorways specifically.
The biggest discounts I’ve seen for multiple colorways are on DICKS Sporting Goods Website and Amazon.
They have a ton of colorways and different discounts all the time for them.
You can also find them on ROGUE, as they have some exclusive colorways and some nice discounts also.
5. Final Thoughts
The NIKE METCON 4 shoes are a great buy.
They’re extremely well built.
They’re sturdy for heavy lifting.
They’re versatile and can handle crossfit (although, you may want to look at the Nano 8.0s as an alternative option).
And finally, they don’t cost as much as “Weight-lifting” shoes (e.g., $200).
You can pick some sick colorways for $100-130 and they will last you a long time, even if you beat them to the dirt.
Let me know if you have any questions in the comment below and I’ll be happy to answer them!
