GORUCK Challenge Pants
Rucking

Challenge Pants from GORUCK Review

Let’s look at Challenge Pants from GORUCK. What are Challenge Pants? These are a super-tough cargo-style pants made by GORUCK. GORUCK specializes in “rucking” gear – also known as a “ruck march”. What’s rucking? It’s simply walking for distance with a heavily loaded backpack (aka rucksack – hence the name.) Do you need GORUCK pants to go on a ruck march? No, you don’t. But GORUCK has created something super-functional and useful to make what are now my favorite pair of pants- For just about anything. So, ruck if you want to – but these pants can do so much more. As I write this, I’m sitting in a hotel room at 3:52am, about to head to SEATAC to fly back home. And, of course, I’m wearing my Challenge Pants. Why? Because they are the best pants for travel. So, no matter if you are looking for workout pants, rucking pants, or just plain good athletic pants these will work. Let’s take a closer look. We’re going to use a lot of GORUCK supplied photos here – because it is [Read more …]

GORUCK Simple Pants for Women
Rucking

GORUCK Simple Pants for Women Review

We’re going to take an in depth look at the GORUCK Simple Pants for women. What are Simple Pants? In short, they are GORUCK’s all-around tough and comfortable workout pants for women (there’s a version for men too.) These pants were purpose built for rucking (walking long distances with a heavily loaded backpack), travel, and more. They are expensive (relatively speaking) but they are pretty good – they may quickly become your favorite active wear. Let’s dive right in. This is a review of the following products: What is Rucking? Before we start, let’s talk about Rucking. Rucking is walking (hiking – but not just in the countryside) with a loaded backpack. The so-called “ruck march” is a key element of military and special forces training. it is simple, relatively low-impact and easy to get started. The extra weight in the backpack (we’d recommend 10 to 20 lbs for most females) provide additional resistance for your legs – but also for your upper back and upper body in general. Walking 3-5 miles with a 20 lb “rucksack” (aka a backpack) [Read more …]

Nike Metcon 5 for Women
CrossFit Shoes

Nike Metcon 5 – CrossFit Training Shoe for Women – Black/White/University Red/Metallic Gold

Now that the Nike Metcon 6 is out – the Metcon 5 is getting hard to find – but Rogue Fitness still has the Metcon 5 for sale. Here’s a close-up look at Nike’s most stable and durable Metcon shoe yet – The Nike Metcon 5 for Women. This is Black/White/University Red/Metallic Gold (Style: AO2982-076), and it looks sweet. Not only is it stable and durable, it is also the most tuned Metcon training shoe yet. What do you get with the Nike Metcon 5 for women? It has specific stability for heavy lifting (squats, deadlifts, and Oly lifting). But it also has traction made for speed, and durability where you need it – thanks to it’s “zoned” durability. There’s also a small drop-in wedge called a “Hyperlift”. This insert (which is also compatible with all prior versions of the Metcon) will give you an additional 6mm of heel to toe drop (for a total of 10mm in the women’s shoe.) What are these good for? Think heel raise for easier squats, wall balls, and pistols. This is your secret [Read more …]

Reebok Nano 9 Men's Cross Training Shoe for CrossFit in White / Matte Gold / Pure Grey 2
CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Nano 9 – New Style for March 2020 – White / Matte Gold / Pure Grey 2

It’s that time again – Reebok is launching new colorways of the Reebok Nano 9 for March 1st, 2020. Here’s White / Matte Gold / Pure Grey 2 for Women (Product code FV6073) And here’s White / Matte Gold / Pure Grey 2 for Men (Product code: FV6074) Here’s where you can get these shoes (They go on sale March 1st, 2020): What’s so great about the Reebok Nano 9? It’s the shoe that combines performance in the WOD with all-day wearability. It was also built for the CrossFit community, by the CrossFit community – and you can see that it proudly bears the CrossFit name. The Nano 9 was re-engineered to take your training outdoors and in the real world – and not just in the box. This version of the shoe has a Flexweave upper – that’s the part that covers your foot. It is a light-weight synthetic material that uses a figure-8 weave to provide both toughness and breathability. This version of the shoe (as compared to the Reebok Nano 8) has a midsole that offers additional [Read more …]

Dwayne Johnson Leads The Charge with His Latest Project Rock Collection
Workout Apparel

New Performance Apparel from Under Armour: Dwayne Johnson Leads The Charge with His Latest Project Rock Collection

Under Armour and Dwayne Johnson have teamed up again to bring you the Project Rock Collection. What’s Dwayne Johnson’s philosophy for success? It’s simple: put in the work. The newest updates and additions to the UA Project Rock collection reflect that attitude and goal. This is training gear and apparel that has been engineered to help you push past boundaries, to set PRs, and to put in the work – the sweat equity that brings great things. This is all part of UA’s overarching 2020 mantra: “The Only Way is Through”. How do you find momentum and push yourself to be better than what you ever thought possible? Laser focus on the work. Here’s words of wisdom from the man himself: “My new collection is built for the hardest workers in the room. I don’t care how old you are, what you do for a living, or what your bank account says. This collection is designed for the ones who know that success comes one way—through the work.” So what’s int he line? It’s Under Armour gear – so you [Read more …]

Inov-8 F-LITE G 300 Cross Training Shoe - Black/Gum
CrossFit Shoes

Inov-8 F-LITE G 300 CrossFit Training Shoe – Now in New Colors

Have you seen the Inov-8 F-LITE G 300? This is the latest addition to Inov-8’s versatility collection. The new F-LITE G 300 is one of the most responsive and protective training shoes ever to hit the market. It has brand new, exclusive technologies (like “Graphene”). Why? For maximum lifting support and stability and at the same time without compromising on cushioning or flexibility. Let’s check some of the stats: A knit upper is used – this has special zones for max flexibility (and breathability) – but also support. Like a locked-in fit and feel? There’s a TPU cage that engages with the laces – for the most secure fit possible. But, there is also a ETPU footbed that is paired with a highly responsive midsole. This means even more cushioning when compared to the average CrossFit shoe. Inside, there is an lifting stabilizer. It’s built into the midsole – so you can’t see it. But what it does is provide a secure and stable foundation through the core of the shoe. There’s also a Graphene-enhanced rubber outsole. Graphene, which is [Read more …]

left and right of the Reebok Nano 9 Beast Men's CrossFit Training Shoe with Jacquard Upper - Cold Grey 4 / Cold Grey 7 / Toxic Yellow
CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Nano 9 Beast – New Jacquard Upper for CrossFit Men’s Training Shoe in 2020

Reebok surprised us all by dropping a new flavor of the Reebok Nano 9 – it has a brand-new woven jacquard upper. … and it looks great! This is “Cold Grey 4 / Cold Grey 7 / Toxic Yellow” (Product code: FU9372). Some stores are calling this the Reebok Nano 9 Beast – and you can probably guess why – these are two dark and foreboding color patterns. But, the official names are “BLACK / TRUE GREY 8 / TOXIC YELLOW” and the slightly lighter “COLD GREY 4 / COLD GREY 7 / TOXIC YELLOW”. Here’s the other option. Where can you get these? Your best bet is right from the source, Reebok.com: What’s a “Jacquard” upper? That refers to a special weaving process by which the pattern is woven into the material. Here’s an up-close look. As you can see, this is a much more refined and sophisticated look as compared to the normal FlexWeave upper on the Reebok Nano 9. Will this new upper be as durable? We don’t know for sure yet, but I can tell you [Read more …]

Quarter view of the Reebok Nano 9 Men's CrossFit Training Shoe in Black/White/Vivid Orange
CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Nano 9 CrossFit Training Shoe – New Colorways for February

Reebok has launched two new colorways of their potent training shoe – the Reebok Nano 9. The new colorways are BLACK / FLUID BLUE / LEMON GLOW for women … and BLACK / WHITE / VIVID ORANGE for men. What’s special about the Reebok Nano 9? For starters, it’s the only shoe that can wear the CrossFit name. You can see it’s right on the heel. This is the 9th iteration of the Nano – and that means they have come pretty close to perfecting this design. It has a relatively low-profile 4mm heel to toe drop. That means your heel is about 4 mm higher than your toes. This means it is a very versatile shoe- and you can use it for running, jumping, lifting, climbing, and more. (In other words, it’s perfect for the CrossFit WOD.) The upper is made from Reebok’s FlexWeave material – it’s tough but breathable because it is woven into a figure 8 pattern (there’s a breathable mesh underneath.) CrossFit athletes need to be able to climb ropes – and the Reebok Nano 9 [Read more …]

Top view of Nike React Metcon Men's CrossFit Training Shoe in Seaweed/Green Spark/Vintage Green
CrossFit Shoes

Nike React Metcon Cross Trainer for Men – Seaweed/Green Spark/Vintage Green

Nike has released a new colorway of the Nike React Metcon Cross Trainer for Men : Seaweed/Green Spark/Vintage Green. Ok, it’s technically style: BQ6044-323. But, no matter what you call it, we think it looks pretty slick. What’s the big benefit of the Nike React Metcon shoe? It’s right in the name – REACT. As in React foam cushioning – you know – Nike’s groundbreaking energy return foam cushioning system. That’s right – every footstep gives you energy back with React foam. But you’ll notice this is a Cross Trainer shoe. Unlike the Nike React running shoes there’s a lot less React foam. That’s because React foam is springy and bouncing – but it is not very tough. And Cross Trainers for the CrossFit WOD, Functional Fitness, and HIIT training need to be built like a tank. So in this shoe the React foam is in the drop-in midsole – which you can’t see – because it is inside the shoe. The outsole (the part that touches the ground, basically) is made from tough rubber – for maximum traction and [Read more …]

Casual wear of the Hylete Workout Pants for CrossFit - Flexion Pant in Black
Workout Apparel

Best Men’s Workout Pants for CrossFit

Want workout pants for CrossFit? We’re going to review the best men’s workout pants for CrossFit in this article. Why pants? Well – sometimes it is cold – or your tan isn’t up to par. Or maybe you have a case of chicken legs. No matter the case – who are we to judge? – just get some workout pants and move on. Here’s the workout pants for men that we’ll be reviewing: Men’s Flexion Workout Pants from Hylete The Flexion jogger-style workout pants from Hylete are made with a 94% Polyester and 6% Spandex blended fabric. Polyester is a great synthetic material – it’s durable, it’s comfortable – and it is very lightweight. The spandex content of this fabric gives this workout pant just the right amount of stretch – for both a comfortable fit, and no restriction on your range of motion. Let’s talk about what makes these jogger style workout pants so great. First of all, what do we mean by “jogger style”? Well – that’s the trendy look now-a-days and the keep features are a tapered, [Read more …]