TechRadar Verdict
The Nike Free Metcon 5 is perhaps the best gym shoe we've tried yet, offering versatility, comfort and performance in a variety of disciplines, from sprints to squats. Some slight midsole instability during Olympic-style lifts is practically the only thing preventing this from being a five-star shoe.
Pros
- +
Out-the-box comfort
- +
Versatile gym shoe
- +
Stylish
Cons
- -
Some midsole compression under heavy weights
- -
Fit slightly small
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Nike Free Metcon 5: Two-Minute Review
In 2023, Nike released the Nike Metcon 9 – the latest iteration of its immensely popular training shoe line and one of the best gym shoes period. I expected to love it, but after wearing the shoe for a few weeks I found I couldn’t get along with its clunky upper and wide fit. Luckily, Nike had a ready-made alternative waiting in the wings: the Nike Free Metcon 5.
While the mainline Metcon is designed with CrossFitters in mind, this spin-off caters to the more general gym-goer, with decent stability for lifting weights complimented by more cushioning for cardio bouts. This makes it an incredibly versatile shoe that will see you through most workouts without a hitch.
Unlike the Metcon 9’s unaccommodating upper (partly down to thick rubber rope guards engulfing the midfoot) the Free Metcon 5 felt buttery soft from day dot, molding to my foot as soon as I slipped it on.
The fit was fairly snug, so it might be worth ordering half a size up if you’re unsure, and I felt the toe box could have been slightly wider to allow more toe splay for balance. But aside from these minor qualms, I had no complaints.
The midsole knocked spots off the Metcon 9, and most gym shoes, too. For the Metcon 9, Nike introduced a larger Hyperlift plate in the heel – a rigid plastic section designed to add stability – and it felt great for lifting weights. But as soon as I went to do anything more lively like burpees and box jumps, this (and the shoe’s not inconsiderable size) made my movements feel heavy and cumbersome.
The Free Metcon 5, on the other hand, has a concertina-esque design for flexibility and ample cushioning underfoot, which helped me feel nimble during circuit workouts and even the occasional treadmill session.
However, you can still lift weights in the shoe. Squats and deadlifts felt pretty good thanks to the wide, stable heel, and I didn’t notice any compression underfoot until I had worked up to fairly heavy loads (225lb and up).
If you’re a powerlifter constantly under heavy barbells, this is a reason to avoid this shoe. The same applies to CrossFitters wanting something that can handle Olympic lifting as part of their constantly varied exercise plans – you’ll want more stability, so look instead to the likes of the Reebok Nano X4.
The final point to make about this shoe is that, to my eyes anyway, it looks good. Social media seems to agree, with gym-loving Tiktok-users the world over choosing it as their go-to workout footwear. This is a superficial factor, but one we all take into account when buying new gym sneakers.
Overall, I think this is an excellent gym shoe. It’s stylish, comfortable and performs well across a range of gym-based activities, from squatting to circuits to treadmill sprints. If your training is more specialized (such as powerlifting, CrossFit or distance running) then you’re going to want a purpose-built shoe to suit your activity of choice, but gym-goers seeking a do-all sneaker will struggle to beat it.
Nike Free Metcon 5: Specifications
| Weight (per shoe): | 422g (US11) |
| Heel-to-toe drop: | 4mm |
| Colors: | Black/anthracite/white, dusty cactus/glacier blue/laser orange/fierce pink, court blue/thunder blue/platinum tint/green strike |
| RRP: | $120 / £120 |
Nike Free Metcon 5: Scorecard
| Category: | Comment: | Score: |
|---|---|---|
| Price | While $120 is by no means cheap, it is less than most of the best gym shoes on the market at the moment. | 4/5 |
| Design | They look good and feel great, only lacking top-end stability for lifting the heaviest of weights. | 4.5/5 |
| Performance | Comfortable and impressively versatile across pretty much all gym-based activities. | 4.5/5 |
| Total | This is a stylish, well-rounded shoe built to suit varied gym routines. | 4.5/5 |
Nike Free Metcon 5: Should I buy?
Buy if it...
Don't buy it if...
Also consider
| Row 0 - Cell 0 | Nike Free Metcon 5 | Inov8 F-Lite G300 |
| Weight (per shoe): | 422g (US11) | 379g (US11) |
| Heel-to-toe drop | 4mm | 6mm |
| Color: | Black/anthracite/white, dusty cactus/glacier blue/laser orange/fierce pink, court blue/thunder blue/platinum tint/green strike | White/blue/gray, black/gray |
| RRP: | $120 / £120 | $155 / £145 |
How I tested
I wore the Nike Free Metcon 5 for two weeks while training five times per week, using the shoe for bodybuilding workouts and CrossFit sessions. The latter contained a variety of gymnastics movements, strength training, high-intensity training and Olympic weightlifting.
First reviewed: July 2024
