I’ve been a fan of the Nike metcons since they first came out. They’re an awesome hybrid shoe that function well for lifting as well as calisthenic and plyometric movements. Plus, Nike always brings the style factor. I have several pairs of previous generations of the metcons, but Nike recently came out with a totally revamped third generation that of course I had to test drive.
I’ve been wearing the metcon 3 for my workouts for the last month or so to get a feel for the new design. Here’s my review.
Metcon 3 fit, feel, and performance
I purchased my 3’s in a size 6.5, which is the same size I wear in both street and fitness shoes, including my other metcons. Like the previous versions, these fit dead on. In terms of fit, there aren’t any significant differences between the metcon 2 and 3. I recommend going with your usual shoe size.
The shoe’s sole is firm and supportive. Don’t expect any cushiness or spring. Although the shoe doesn’t feel bouncy, it still responds well and is supportive enough for lots of jumping movements. I have high arches and the shoe provides moderate arch support.
My pair was comfortable right out of the box with no break-in period. The firm sole does start to flex more after a few wears. The upper is made of a flyknit material, which offers tons of flexibility through the upper.
Like previous generations of the metcon, I do NOT recommend these for running. Very short distances are ok, but anything more than a mile or so will likely be uncomfortable.
Metcon 3 changes versus metcon 2
Nike completely overhauled the materials used in the new metcon 3. The upper of the 3’s are now made entirely of flyweight material. I wondered if this might make the shoe lighter, so I weighed my old 2’s and my new 3’s. It turns out that the weight difference is tiny: they’re only around 5% lighter, which isn’t noticeable when worn.
The fully knit toe box offers just slightly more flexibility versus the “seams” on the metcon 2’s toe box, but it’s extremely subtle.
I had read some complaints that the previous metcons were not durable and that some areas would peel. I’m guessing some of the changes to the materials were intended to address that. That said, I haven’t had any issues with my previous metcons (which I’ve worn a lot), nor have I had any issues with these so far.
Fortunately, one thing that didn’t change with the new generation is the price. The metcon 3’s will run you $130, the same retail price as the metcon 2.
Nike changed the pattern of the sole, which shows on the arch and outer edge of the shoe. I didn’t notice a significant change in the traction of the sole.
From the back view, Nike updated the reflective bars with “metcon” text. I think this makes the shoe look more masculine, which I think is a negative. Many athletic shoes, especially CrossFit-oriented shoes, have the downfall of being designed for men with a women’s version just thrown in as an afterthought. Previously, I liked that the metcon was nicely gender neutral, so I hope future version of the metcon don’t continue to be more masculinized.
In fact, pretty much the whole heel area has been updated. There’s now an additional swath of plastic that flanks either side of the heel, which adds structure and stability. The heel cup on the shoe is very secure and does not slip at all. The heel clip is also more subtle now, and feels less a little less sharp to the touch–I’ve kicked myself with the heel clip on my old ones too many times to count.
And if you like to wear your Nikes loud and proud, now you’ve got full-sized swooshes on both sides of the shoe.
The verdict
So, do you need to run out and get the metcon 3 right now?
In my opinion, if you already have the metcon 2 and you like it, you don’t absolutely need the 3. Despite the significant changes to the materials, the functional differences between the metcon 2 and 3 are minimal. I like both pretty much equally.
With that in mind, if you like the metcon 2, you’ll more than likely be happy with the 3 when it comes time to replace your shoes. Not to mention, metcon 2’s are on sale everywhere right now, so you can save a few bucks by going with the older model and still get a fantastic shoe.
I’m also interested in trying Nike’s flyknit version of the metcon, but there isn’t currently a color scheme I like, so I’m not in a big hurry.
Where to find the metcon 3
Currently, Nike has the metcon 3’s available in a few stock colors on their website. If you don’t like any of those colors, you can create your own via their custom NikeID option.
Quite a few other retailers also stock the metcon 3, including Road Runner Sports, Eastbay, Amazon, and Bandier.
These are cute! I like them the best so far in terms of appearance.
Totally off topic… I just entered the half dome lottery!! Wanted to share with someone who cares :)
AHHHH that’s so exciting!!! I’m hoping to go next May (2018) and enter the lottery next year for it. I still need to do that one and Cloud’s Rest! I hope you get to go. :)
Oh exciting! I will report back mid-April when I find out.
This is a weird year cause of our obscene amount of snow. Apparently the sierras are expecting snow pack and good skiing well into July, and the half dome cables to be closed until mid-summer. Good thing I wanted September!
Oh wow that’s nuts! I was thinking about booking a hotel next year in mid-May, but now I’m wondering if I’m better off booking early June to try to be safe… I doubt there would be 2 intense winters back to back, but I would hate to go to the trouble of getting a hotel only to not be able to get half dome permits! Hopefully the weather this year doesn’t make it harder to get fall permits. D:
Have you noticed that the soles get squeaky? I have the original Metcons and a pair of the 2’s and the soles on both make a squeaky, crinkly noise when you walk. Not noticeable in a loud gym, but very awkward anywhere else. Just wondered if you had this problem or noticed anything with the 3’s. Thanks!!
Yes actually, some of mine (though not all of them) were squeaky at first, but it went away relatively quickly. None have stayed squeaky long-term.
Hi!
Been wanting to buy a Metcon but couldn’t figure out the right size to get. I’m usually in between a 6.5 and a 7. I tried the Metcon in size 7, and my toes were hitting the edge a bit. The 7.5s were large though, even with thin socks. Do yours fit just right? No wiggle room? Or is an 1/2 inch allowance okay? Hope to hear from you!
Hmm that’s strange. I wear the same size in metcons as I do in my casual shoes and they fit with no sliding and no toe cramping (so I’d call that just right). Perhaps the shape of your foot means the sizing is a bit off for you. :\ I’m not sure which generation of metcon you tried (i.e., metcon 1, 2, 3, or 4), but perhaps you could try a newer or older version to try to get a better fit. I hope you find your perfect pair!
Thanks so much for the help! I tried the Metcon 3. Will try them again and also the 4 to see if the fit varies. Thanks also for writing this review! Really helpful :)