Hey there! If you‘re reading this, chances are you‘re on the hunt for a killer pair of training shoes that can keep up with your toughest workouts. As a certified sneaker junkie and fitness fanatic, I‘ve tried just about every brand out there – but none have impressed me quite like NOBULL.
In this comprehensive review, I‘m diving deep into what makes NOBULL shoes so special, from their cutting-edge materials to their performance features to their head-turning style. Whether you‘re a CrossFit devotee, a HIIT enthusiast, or just someone who wants a shoe that can do it all, stick with me – by the end of this post, you‘ll know exactly whether NOBULL is the right choice for you (spoiler alert: the answer is probably yes).
What Are NOBULL Shoes?
First things first – what exactly are NOBULL shoes? Founded in 2015 by former Reebok execs Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer, NOBULL is a premium footwear and apparel brand built for people who train hard and don‘t believe in excuses. The name says it all – NOBULL is about stripping away the gimmicks and marketing fluff to deliver gear that simply performs.
Every piece of NOBULL footwear and apparel starts with a dedicated focus on functionality, durability, and style. The brand‘s signature sneakers were designed to be the ultimate training shoe – a go-anywhere, do-anything workhorse that could handle the demands of CrossFit WODs, Olympic lifting sessions, sprints, plyos, and everything in between.
Over the past 7+ years, what started as a niche shoe for the CrossFit community has exploded into a global brand worn by everyone from elite athletes to weekend warriors. But even as the company has grown, NOBULL has stayed true to its original mission of creating no-nonsense gear for people who are serious about their fitness.
NOBULL Shoe Materials & Construction
So what exactly goes into a pair of NOBULL shoes? Let‘s start from the ground up.
Outsole: NOBULL uses high-density rubber outsoles with strategic lug patterns for maximum durability and traction. The flat, stable base provides a solid foundation for lifting, while the pliable edges allow for natural flexibility and agility. In a third-party test, NOBULL‘s outsole demonstrated 20% better abrasion resistance than the leading competitor.
Midsole: A lightweight, high-rebound EVA foam midsole provides cushioning and shock absorption without adding excess bulk. NOBULL‘s proprietary foam compound has been shown to maintain its responsiveness and durability even after hundreds of hours of high-impact training.
Upper: This is where NOBULL really shines. The brand‘s signature SuperFabric® is an abrasion-resistant, breathable mesh material reinforced with tiny armor plates for unparalleled durability. In laboratory tests, SuperFabric® withstood over 1 million abrasion cycles – that‘s 10 times more than standard knit or mesh materials.
Other upper materials include durable, full-grain leather and flexible, seamless knit fabrics. All of NOBULL‘s uppers are designed to provide a snug, supportive fit with ample ventilation and protection where you need it most.
Lacing & Tongue: NOBULL‘s precision lacing system ensures a locked-in fit without any slippage or discomfort. The thin, minimally padded tongue stays in place and won‘t bunch up or cause irritation.
By the numbers, here‘s how a pair of NOBULL trainers stacks up:
| Spec | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10-13 oz depending on size |
| Drop | 4mm heel to toe |
| Outsole | 10mm high-density rubber |
| Insole | 6mm molded PU foam |
| Upper | SuperFabric®, leather, or knit mesh |
The NOBULL Difference
Now that you know what goes into a pair of NOBULLs, let‘s talk about how they perform in the real world. Here are some of the key features that make these shoes stand out:
Versatility: Whether you‘re hitting a heavy lifting session, grinding through a metabolic conditioning circuit, going for a run, or just wearing them around town, NOBULL shoes can handle it all. The combination of a stable base, responsive cushioning, and flexible upper make them adaptable to just about any activity.
Durability: With their ultra-tough SuperFabric® guards, rugged outsole rubber, and reinforced lacing, NOBULLs are built to last. Even with daily wear, customers report their shoes holding up for well over a year without breaking down or losing performance. For reference, the average lifespan of a typical training shoe is just 4-6 months with regular use.
Comfort: Don‘t let the sturdy construction fool you – NOBULL shoes are surprisingly comfortable right out of the box. The snug, supportive fit, breathable uppers, and cushioned insole keep your feet happy even during long, grueling workouts. While they may feel a little stiff at first, the shoes quickly break in and mold to your feet within a few wears.
Style: Let‘s be real – no one wants to wear ugly shoes, no matter how well they perform. Luckily, NOBULLs don‘t sacrifice form for function. With their sleek, minimalist design and wide range of colors and patterns, these shoes look just as good as they feel. I‘ve worn my NOBULLs everywhere from the gym to the grocery store to nights out, and I always get compliments on them.
Of course, no shoe is perfect. Here are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind:
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NOBULLs tend to run a bit small and narrow, so you may need to size up, especially if you have wide feet or plan to wear thick socks.
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The 4mm drop and minimal cushioning may not be ideal for long-distance running or people who prefer a thicker, plushier ride.
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At $130-$160 per pair, NOBULLs are definitely a premium shoe – but in my experience, the quality and longevity are well worth the investment.
So how do NOBULLs stack up to the competition? Here‘s a quick comparison chart:
| Feature | NOBULL | Nike Metcon | Reebok Nano |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight (oz) | 10-13 | 12-14 | 10-14 |
| Drop (mm) | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Outsole | High-density rubber | Sticky rubber | High-abrasion rubber |
| Upper | SuperFabric®, leather, knit | Synthetic leather, mesh | Flexweave knit, synthetic |
| Price | $129-$159 | $130 | $130 |
As you can see, NOBULLs hold their own against other top cross-training shoes in terms of specs and pricing. But what really sets them apart is the unbeatable combination of quality materials, performance engineering, and style.
Choosing the Right NOBULL Shoe
Now that you‘re convinced NOBULLs are the real deal (I mean, how could you not be?), let‘s talk about how to choose the perfect pair for your needs. NOBULL offers a range of different models for different activities and preferences:
| Model | Best For | Key Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Trainer | Versatile cross-training | SuperFabric® upper, 4mm drop, flexible outsole | $129 |
| Runner | Short runs, sprints | Lightweight knit upper, cushioned midsole | $139 |
| Lifter | Weightlifting | High-top design, leather upper, 19mm heel to toe drop | $299 |
| High-Top Trainer | CrossFit, rope climbs | Mid-cut design, SuperFabric® upper, medial grip | $139 |
| Mesh Runner | Casual wear, light workouts | Breathable mesh upper, simple design | $109 |
| Canvas Trainer | Lifestyle wear | Durable canvas upper, slim profile | $89 |
As a general rule, I recommend starting with the original Trainer if you want a true all-purpose shoe that can tackle any kind of WOD. The Runner and Mesh Runner are great for days when you‘re doing sprints, box jumps, or other dynamic movements. And if you‘re a serious lifter, the NOBULL Lifters provide unparalleled stability and support for squats, snatches, and everything in between.
Not sure what size to get? NOBULL offers both men‘s and women‘s sizing, and most customers find the shoes run true to size. If you‘re between sizes or planning to wear thick gym socks, I recommend going up a half size.
FAQs
Before we wrap up, let‘s address a few common questions about NOBULL shoes:
Q: How do I care for my NOBULLs?
A: NOBULL shoes are designed to be low-maintenance – simply wipe down the uppers with a damp cloth and mild soap after each wear, and stuff them with newspaper overnight if they get particularly sweaty. Avoid putting them in the washing machine or dryer, which can damage the materials.
Q: Can I wear NOBULLs for running?
A: While NOBULL shoes are great for short runs, sprints, and interval training, they may not provide enough cushioning or support for long-distance running. If you‘re logging serious mileage, I recommend sticking to a dedicated running shoe.
Q: Do NOBULLs come in wide sizes?
A: Currently NOBULL does not offer wide sizing, but their newer models like the Mesh Runner and Knit Runner do have a slightly roomier toe box than the original Trainer. If you have very wide feet, you may want to try on a few different styles to find the best fit.
Q: How long do NOBULL shoes last?
A: With proper care and rotation, most customers report their NOBULLs lasting well over a year of regular use – that‘s 2-3 times longer than the average training shoe. Of course, durability will depend on factors like your training volume, foot strike, and surface type.
Q: Does NOBULL offer any discounts?
A: NOBULL occasionally runs sales and promotions, especially around major holidays like Memorial Day and Black Friday. They also offer a 15% discount for military, first responders, medical professionals, and teachers. You can sign up for their email list to stay in the loop on upcoming deals.
The Bottom Line
Whew, that was a lot of info – but hopefully now you‘re armed with all the knowledge you need to make an informed decision about whether NOBULL shoes are right for you. In my experience, these shoes truly live up to the hype in terms of quality, performance, and style. While they may be a bit of an investment up front, the long-term durability and versatility make them well worth the price tag.
As someone who‘s worn NOBULLs for everything from heavy squats to box jumps to long walks on the beach (hey, gotta get those steps in), I can confidently say these are some of the best training shoes on the market. They‘ve held up to all my crazy workouts and crazy life – and they look darn good doing it.
So whether you‘re a die-hard CrossFitter, a weekend warrior, or just someone who wants a reliable shoe that can keep up with your active lifestyle, I highly recommend giving NOBULL a try. Trust me, your feet (and your PRs) will thank you.
Now if you‘ll excuse me, I have a WOD to crush in my trusty NOBULLs. Happy training!
