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It's a simple shoe, really. Minimalistic in its overall design, and other than some flowers here and some camo there, not much in the way of patterns. But, boy, do NOBULL Trainers elicit some passionate opinions—from those who love these training shoes, as well as the ones who are just wrong.
Joking, folks, just joking.
However, I do offer a unique perspective when it comes to NOBULL Trainers. I hated my first pair so much that I gave them away, but then I was given a gift card, and I decided to give them another shot. I now have four pairs—or "a bit of a problem" if you were to ask my husband. I'm happy to bring my experience full circle with this NOBULL Trainer review.
A Quick Look at the NOBULL Trainer
SPECS
- Weight: 10-12 oz.
- Heel-to-toe-drop: 4mm
- Tread material: High carbon rubber
NOBULL came charging onto the CrossFit scene in 2015, and they have only risen in popularity since. From their humble New England beginnings, NOBULL has now signed some of the biggest names in CrossFit, including six-time CrossFit Games champion, Tia-Claire Toomey, and up and coming stars such as Mal O'Brien and Justin Medeiros. They are also the title sponsor of the 2022 CrossFit games, and in 2023 they will become an official partner of the NFL's scouting combine.
The company started with trainers built to handle the multitude of movements that CrossFit throws at them, and although the past five years have brought a big expansion of products, NOBULL has stayed true to their roots. The trainers that started it all are now offered in mid- and high tops, but other than that these trainers have the same sleek, no-nonsense design. When it comes to the materials used in constructing the NOBULL’s, the company again took an if it ain't broke, don't fix it approach.
NOBULL Trainers are incredibly well-rounded. Other functional fitness shoes may outshine these in a particular area, but you won't find a cross trainer that performs as consistently and reliably across a broad spectrum of movements as the NOBULL Trainers. The durable uppers handle rope climbs with ease, while the high carbon rubber soles provide gripability and stability for exercises such as shuttle runs and box jumps. And when it’s time to pick up the barbell, the four-millimeter heel-to-toe drop allows your feet to stay anchored to the floor.
What We Like
- Incredible durability
- Breathable
- Lightweight
- Well-rounded
- Large variety of colors
- Great grip
What We Don't Like
- Fairly stiff (especially at first)
- Expensive and they never go on sale
- Laces come untied easily
- Some people may enjoy a wider toe box
BUY: NOBULL Trainers - Women's
NOBULL Trainers Construction
Although the design of the NOBULL Trainers is fairly basic, don't let that fool you into thinking that these shoes aren't one of the best all-around CrossFit and cross-training shoes that you can slip your feet into.
SuperFabric
I may have mentioned this a time or two, but these shoes truly are crazy durable. This is due in large part to the SuperFabric material used for the uppers. SuperFabric is highly resistant to abrasion because of the small plates that are woven into the fabric. These plates provide a rigid yet lightweight outer and make rips and tears almost nonexistent. Despite being durable, SuperFabric is surprisingly breathable, which allows your feet to be protected without overheating. Furthermore, although the SuperFabric may seem fairly stiff at first, it doesn't take long for them to loosen up, and as long as you have the right size there is little concern about blisters or rubbing.
Uppers
NOBULL Trainers uppers are wrapped entirely in SuperFabric which gives them a smooth and consistent feel. The tongue is made from soft, breathable suede that is comfortable against the top of your foot. However, the tongue can shift during intense workouts, potentially causing you to have to stop to adjust it. Although the heels don't have any specific protection against the wear and tear of performing handstand pushups against a wall, the heels are reinforced, and you will find that the SuperFabric holds up remarkably well.
Tongue and Laces
The metal eyelets are tough and secure. You won't have to worry about them coming loose from the shoe. However, although I love the look of NOBULL's flat shoelaces (and, many of their shoes come with a spare pair), I have found that they come untied rather easily.
Sole
A carbon rubber outsole provides a great grip. It is always reassuring to know that you don't have to worry about your shoes slipping when you are moving heavy weights or jumping atop a high box, and the soles of NOBULL Trainers definitely give you peace of mind in that area. The outsole also extends slightly over the toe, heel and both sides. This detail helps with overall durability and helps with gripping the rope during rope climbs.
Insole
Although it adds nothing to the shoe performance-wise, I like that NOBULL prints its name on the insole as it adds to the clean overall aesthetic. The midsole consists of about an inch of lightweight and comfortable EVA foam. It holds up well under underweight and during explosive movements, and the minimal heel-to-toe drop offers a solid base. However, this also means that they won't be great for running WODs.
Are NOBULL Trainers Worth It?
There is no reason to sugarcoat it, NOBULL Trainers are expensive. However, that isn't the real sticking point for me. When looking at the full retail price, the NOBULL Trainers are comparable, if not even a little cheaper, than other popular CrossFit shoes such as the Reebok Nano X1 and the Nike Metcon 7. However, the NOBULL Trainers never go on sale—like ever.
With that being said, I still believe that these shoes are worth it. They perform exceptionally well across a broad spectrum of functional fitness movements (although I would not recommend running far in them), and most importantly, they are more durable than any other CrossFit shoe that I've tried. And, I've tried a lot of them. Although this may be a controversial statement, they pair well with casual clothes, and can also be worn when you're outside the gym. Given the durability and well-roundedness of this shoe, I definitely think that the NOBULL Trainers are worth it.
Our Verdict
The NOBULL Trainers are tough as nails, and considering that you could easily be lacing these up for years and years, they offer a heckuva value. And while there are other trainers that outshine the NOBULLs in specific areas, there are none that perform as well across the board.
BUY: NOBULL Trainers - Women's
Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
FAQs About NOBULL Trainers
How long do NOBULL Trainers last?
NOBULL Trainers have an incredibly long shelf life. Their durability is unparalleled in the cross-trainer field. You will be lacing up your NOBULL Trainers for years to come.
Are NOBULL Trainers good for walking?
While NOBULL Trainers are comfortable, they do not offer much when it comes to arch support. Therefore, while they would be great for short distances, you may be better served with shoes tailored toward walking if you will be racking up a bit of steps.
Should I size up in NOBULL Trainers?
NOBULL Trainers tend to run true to size. Please note that most of their shoes use unisex sizing. Therefore, you will want to make sure that you are ordering your correct size.
Are NOBULL Trainers comfortable?
In a word, yes. Of course, what is comfortable for one may not be for another. However, these shoes have many fans who often cite their comfort as one of the key attributes.
About the Author
Sosha is a staff writer for ACTIVE.com and a CrossFit enthusiast. Her work’s been featured in The Washington Post, Huffington Post, MUTHA Magazine, Charlotte Magazine, and The Charlotte Observer. Her weekly column, Soshally Awkward, is featured on the nationally-syndicated radio show, Bob & Sheri.
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