Let’s compare the Nike Metcon 7 to the Nike Metcon 6.
Now that the Nike Metcon 7 Mat Fraser has dropped we finally have something to compare against the Nike Metcon 6.
At long last we have the Nike Metcon 7. It looks good (just remember this is the Mat Fraser Personal Edition – so it always looks a bit “dramatic”).
Has Nike revolutionized the CrossFit shoe that millions know and love?
We’ll compare this shoe to its very popular predecessor.
This is Nike Metcon 7 vs Nike Metcon 6. And here’s where you can get these shoes:
Let’s get right into the comparison.
Nike Metcon 7 – Overview
Let’s start from the bottom up. The outsole on both shoes is all rubber, has flex grooves, and a very firm heel.
There’s deep pre-formed flex grooves in the forefoot of both shoes.
The M6 had a diamond-shaped heel, and with the M7 the heel is noticeably wider.
This is good – because the main mission of the Nike Metcon shoes is heavy weight lifting.
A wide heel makes for a stable heel.
How about the rope wrap? That’s the part of the outsole that wraps up around the side at the midfoot. Both shoes have a big rope wrap. Aesthetically I like what they’ve done in the new M7. It’s less obvious – but still very sizable.
Let’s talk about the heel a bit more.
The heel in the Nike Metcon 7 is wider than the M6, but it’s also firmer.
The exterior is very firm and inside is React foam – supplemented with an inner plate.
Subjectively, the M7 feels less-cushioned and firmer than the M6.
Isn’t React foam supposed to be super springy and bouncy feeling? Yes, but only if there is a lot of it. There’s just not very much React foam in these. It’s not at all like the running shoe.
Here’s a similarity between the two – both shoes are very, very noisy – thanks to that super-firm heel.
You’ll make a clip-clop noise on any hard surface like the gym floor, wood floors, etc. The M7 is slightly less noisy than the M6.
But, it’s still MUCH noisier than the Reebok Nano X1 or the Nano X.
The Nike Metcon 7 is 1 full ounce LIGHTER than the Nike Metcon 6.
For the upper, Nike has ditched the ultra-perforated upper that they used in the Metcon 6.
That’s a disappointment for me – I work out in Florida – and it’s hot all year round.
The upper of the Nike Metcon 7 is more like that of your typical shoe.
There’s FlyWire wrapped around the base of the laces on one side of the shoe. This provides for a more snug fit. The M6 had FlyWire on both sides of the shoe. I doubt you’ll feel any significant difference.
Here’s something interesting about the tongue. The M7 has a tab to lock your laces in. It’s a simple hook and loop strap that you can use to cover up the laces. Neat, but not essential.
Nike Metcon 7 Where’s the Hyperlifts?
There are no Hyperlifts included with the Nike Metcon 7.
The shoe says “Hyperlift” on the inside, but that’s just marketing jargon.
The Nike Metcon 6 came with drop-in wedges that you could use to change the heel-to-toe drop (or heel raise) of the shoe from 4mm to 12mm in the men’s shoe.
They weren’t essential, but lots of people used them for all types of moves that benefit from reduced ankle range of motion – think picking the bar up off the floor, squats, pistols, wall balls, etc.
I feel like the absence of the Hyperlifts is a net loss.
But, I guess they aren’t compatible with the React foam? Nike has never included Hyperlifts with any version of the shoe that used React foam (Such as the Nike React Metcon Turbo.)
There’s only a thin insole – no removable midsole.
With the Nike Metcon 7 you get 4 mm of heel to toe drop.
Nike Metcon 7 Vs Nike Metcon 6 – Fit and Sizing.
How about fit and sizing?
The Nike Metcon line has always felt narrow to me. The length is fine, but the width is just too cramped in my normal shoe size.
So far, it feels like the Nike Metcon 7 continues the trend. The pair shown in this article are US Men’s Size 11 – which is the size I wear in just about every shoe.
The Nike Metcon 6 are 11.5. They feel like a better fit. The M7 are not unwearable, but my toes/foot are too cramped.
I’ll be grabbing a pair of 11.5 Nike Metcon 7 to further confirm.
Here’s another good thing about the Nike Metcon 7 – they brought the collar height up just a bit.
The Nike Metcon 6 gave me the sensation of heel slippage, because the collar was too low for my heel – especially when the Hyperlifts were in.
The Nike Metcon 7 give me a better fit in the heel.
I’m looking forward to testing another pair of M7 that is 1/2 size up… stay tuned for results.
Nike Metcon 7 Versus Nike Metcon 6 – In Summary
That’s our comparison of the Nike Metcon 7 to the Nike Metcon 6.
Overall, I feel like this shoe is more solid, more stable, and less cushioned than the Nike Metcon 6.
That should make it a better match for lifting heavy weights.
But remember, it’s 4mm drop – and that’s it. There are no removable Hyperlifts included.
Lastly, despite the use of React foam (there’s not much of it) it actually feels LESS cushioned than the Nike Metcon 6.
I would not recommend running in these shoes, and they may not have enough cushion for activities with lots of impact (jump rope, box jumps, running on asphalt,etc.)
But, they’re great for squats, deadlifts, cleans, jerks – etc.
Find out more about the Nike Metcon 7 Mat Fraser or the Nike Metcon 7 X.
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Personally, I wouldn’t use these for deadlifts either. The heel drop is a no-no. I’d rather be barefoot than have an degree of elevation to my heel increasing the ROM of my pulls. If I want to do deficit pulls, I’ll do deficit pulls. I’d rather not turn every lift into one.
Squats, c&j, etc they’d work well enough for though I suppose. Shame about the no hyperlift inserts though, it seems they’re built into the heel of the 7 and not removable. So they become some weird lifter/non-lifter frankensteins monster that excels at nothing.