August 4th 2020 sees the release of Nike’s Metcon 6- the much anticipated ‘training’ shoe aimed at CrossFitters and athletes who like to experience that high intensity workout either at home, or in the gym.

For workouts outside of our normal running sessions, we love putting our running shoes back in their box and getting out a shoe specially designed for training. There are tons of ways training shoes and running shoes differ, with the main one being they are designed to protect and support the feet in completely different activities and movements. More info on our top training shoes for Crossfit , HIIT and Weightlifting here. Our two favourite training shoes to date are the Reebok Nano X and Nike Metcon 5, so we’re super excited to purchase, and get our hands on the latest version of the Metcon from Nike.

The Metcon 6 training shoe has evolved from previous versions, with the biggest change being the new breathable mesh upper, leaving the athlete to not worry about what is on the foot, and concentrate on the task in hand (i.e. lifting heavy weights, fast).

Suitable for both daily gym use, and the functional fitness competition floor, the Metcon 6 doesn’t compromise on durability either, with the upper top coat taken from the Metcon 5 which works to protect the shoe from signs of wear in high abrasion areas. The design of the upper has also changed slighty, with the Swoosh being moved to the forefoot. The standout design features of the sole rope wrap on both sides of the shoe remains, and the divided upper between the heel and forefoot is an evolved version of that seen in the Metcon 5.

The sole unit mirrors that of the Metcon 5, with dual density midsole foam to give solid structure under the heel, and a somewhat cushioned landing under the forefoot when needed. Hyperlift inserts are back too, to make this a more than adequate lifting shoe for barbell work. The wide, flat outsole remains consistent with the Metcon 5 to give you a stable base for lifting with a high foot-ground contact surface area. The extended outsole wrap keeps the foot stable when moving laterally, or when ascending and descending rope climbs.

Despite a global pandemic, closure of gyms, cancellation of sporting events around the world and an uncertain future for CrossFit as a sport, the 2020 Metcon launch hasn’t been a quiet one.

Nike partnered with CrossFit Games’ champion and four times Fittest Man on Earth, Mat Fraser, to launch its inaugural Metcon 6 colorway. This primarily dark shoe represents the dark space Fraser takes his mind to during workouts to focus and to win. The four circles around the heel cup a nod to his 4 Games’ wins, and his ‘Hard Work Pays Off’ motto is on the sock liner. This premium launch version comes in at $20 more than the standard version currently.

The other launch colorways are no more subdued. The women’s model offering a cheetah print with pink detailing, and the men’s a camo design, both on a gum sole base. If you prefer something that likely matches better with all your other workout apparel there is also a black (men’s) and black/white (women’s) version available from August 4th.

The Metcon 6 also comes in a FlyEase option- a collapsible TPU tail gate on the heel, meaning the athlete can step out of the shoe without untying the laces. This is a feature inspired by athletes with unique needs, in this case Logan Aldridge who holds the title of Fittest One-Armed Man on Earth. This sleek design’s purpose is to appeal to all athletes, regardless of their abilities.

During testing of the Metcon 5, we loved the roomy toe box, good fit (true to size), stable feel under foot, and general good looks of the shoe. All of these things seem to be back in the 6the version.

What we didn’t love about the Metcon 5 was the comfort and support when running (although I’m not sure this can ever be fixed in a training shoe), and the heavy weight of the shoe when doing high intensity training. Overall we’re very much looking forward to putting the Metcon 6 through it’s paces, and seeing if these minor issues have been improved upon.