Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe Review

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Get the brand-new, red-hot Nike Metcon 8 at Road Runner Sports.

Let’s take a look at the new Nike React Metcon Turbo from Nike.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (2)
Here’s the new Nike React Metcon Turbo – how has Nike made this React foam cross trainer better? Read on to find out…

It’s available now from Road Runner Sports, and others.

Our review pair has arrived – and we’ve done our initial testing.

Nike’s first version of a React Metcon shoe was an interesting experiment.

It featured a number of innovations such as a “Forged FlyKnit” upper, quick lace system, and a removable midsole based on React foam, rather than Nike’s normal dual-density foam.

Did it all work? No – not in my opinion. The Forged Flyknit was bulky and uncomfortable, the quick lace system was a flop, and to top it all off, it was adorned with ostentatious NIKE text.

Nike React Metcon Turbo
This new shoe fixes all the problems of the last React Metcon shoe.

I’m happy to say Nike has fixed all those issues with the new Nike React Metcon Turbo training shoe.

Here’s some of the styles that are available now:

Let’s take a look.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Review – Video Review on our YouTube Channel

Why read when you can watch? Check out this video from our YouTube channel:

Overall, I’m liking this shoe – in fact, I think it’s better than the Metcon 6.

Nike React Metcon Turbo – How Does It Perform?

Here’s the bottom line up front.

The Nike React Metcon Turbo is a big improvement over the last React Metcon.

It has regular laces, the upper is better, and it doesn’t have the garish N I K E text on it (although the Swoosh is pretty big).

It’s a no-brainer to me – this version is simply better.

But it’s less clear against the Metcon 6.

This shoe feels a lot like the Metcon 6. The React foam is a subtle, nuanced improvement over the midsole of the M6.

But, it’s not a night and day difference.

(This isn’t a running shoe just because it has React foam – it’s a minimally cushioned cross trainer.)

And this shoe doesn’t come with the Hyperlifts – even though it is $20 more.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (23)
I’m hesitant to recommend this shoe over the Metcon 6 because it doesn’t come with Hyperlifts. Otherwise, it’s a close call.

This shoe works great with the hyperlifts – because the collar is taller – when you prop your heel up an extra 8mm with the lift – you’re less likely to get any heel slippage.

(For me personally, the low collar on the Metcon 5 and Metcon 6 give me heel slippage any time I use the Hyperlifts.)

But the problem is, of course, that this shoe doesn’t come with Hyperlifts!

If you have a pair from your previous Metcon 5 or 6 – that’s great – but otherwise you are out of luck.

My only other complaint with this shoe is that the unique outsole/midsole with the plastic bridge piece means that arch support in this shoe is lacking.

Overall, I like these – and I’ll be using them a lot. But, if you want that heel to toe drop option of 12mm or 4mm – I guess you’ll have to go with the Nike Metcon 6.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Sizing

How about sizing?

Like most of the metcon shoes, these run narrow – at least in my experience.

Here’s a video explanation:

I feel like these run short and narrow – although the shortness is more so around the pinkie toe – rather than your big toe.

At any rate, going 1/2 size up from my normal shoe size was the right move for me.

Nike React Metcon Turbo- Overview

Let’s start right out of the gate with the main feature – this shoe has a React foam midsole.

Nike’s React foam provides crisp cushion and support – and is quite popular in their various running shoe lines.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (21)
Here’s the Nike React Metcon Turbo side by side with the removable midsole. It’s made from React foam with a firm plastic support in the center.

Having said that, this isn’t a running shoe – it’s a cross-trainer.

There’s some cushion – but there’s also a lot of firm support for heavy weight lifting – you know like in a CrossFit WOD.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (22)
Here’s a closeup of the midsole.

Lifting heavy barbells with this shoe isn’t an issue.

Yet the React foam provides a subtle improvement over the regular edition Metcon 6 for running and impact activities like box jumps.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (23)
Overall, that React foam gives a subtle improvement over the Metcon 6’s cushioning – but doesn’t jeopardize heavy barbell lifting.

Remember the Nike React Metcon?

It had a quick lacing system that just wasn’t that good.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Versus Nike React Metcon (6)
The original Nike React Metcon used a quick lacing system, but the new shoe is much better with it’s regular shoe laces.

You couldn’t properly tighten the shoe.

The good news is that the Turbo has good old regular shoelaces.

The tongue is quite thin, but it is robust and very wide.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (20)
This photo shoes that the tongue is thin, but wide.

Here’s another big improvement over the Nike React Metcon – the upper.

This new upper hugs your foot and seems to strike the correct balance between robustness and breathability.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (15)
The upper has two different kinds of materials. This shoe hugs your foot and feels good.

Nike has also applied a number of weight-saving improvements to this shoe.

The “Rope Wrap” is minimal – and that helps cut down on weight.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (17)
The Rope Wrap area is relatively small – compared to the Nike Metcon 6.

While we didn’t test it (I don’t have a rope) it looks as though it would be adequate to both give you good grip and to protect the upper of the shoe.

The shoe still has the slick TPU heel counter – to help minimize drag against the wall when you do HSPUs – Hand Stand Push Ups.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (19)
The heel counter is TPU and will help keep friction down with HSPUs.

The collar is taller on this new shoe – and that’s a good thing, at least for me.

You can see the difference here in this side by side shot.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Versus Nike Metcon 6 (7)
The Nike React Metcon Turbo fits me better because of the taller collar.

The shoe uses an all-rubber outsole, with sticky rubber up front for traction and firmer rubber in the heel for stability.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (5)
Outsole is very metcon-like – it’s made from two different rubber compounds with better traction up front, and more stability in the heel.

Overall, Nike has done a good job. They’ve delivered a React foam based shoe for us, with none of the downsides of the last shoe.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Versus Nike Metcon 6

Here’s some photos showing the Turbo side by side with the Metcon 6.

Overall, I’d have to say I like the Turbo better.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Versus Nike Metcon 6 (1)
The Nike Metcon 6 is a great cross-trainer, but the Nike React Metcon Turbo is better.

It’s only failing is that it doesn’t have the Hyperlift feature that the Metcon 6 does – so you always have 4mm of heel to toe drop.

The Turbo is also about .8 ounces lighter – 13.1 ounces versus 13.9 ounces (US Men’s Size 11.5)

Nike React Metcon Turbo Versus Nike Metcon 6 (2)
Comparing outsoles of the Nike React Metcon Turbo and the Metcon 6. I like the smaller rope wrap on the Turbo.
Nike React Metcon Turbo Versus Nike Metcon 6 (5)
Another view comparing rope wraps. These sections at the midfoot help protect the upper from the friction of rope climbing.
Nike React Metcon Turbo Versus Nike Metcon 6 (6)
The taller collar in the Turbo means a better fit for me, personally.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Review – In Summary

That’s our review of the Nike React Metcon Turbo from Nike.

They’ve fixed all the problems and delivered a proper cross-training shoe with a React foam based midsole.

And while they solved the problems of the last React metcon, they kept the shoe true to its roots – you can run, jump, lift, and do all sorts of CrossFit WOD activities with this shoe.

There’s also Women’s Nike React Metcon Turbo that you may be interested in.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (4)
The Nike React Metcon Turbo is a recommended cross training shoe for CrossFit.

Photo Credits

Some product photos on this page are property of Nike.

This website is not affiliated or associated with CrossFit, Inc. CrossFit is a registered trademark of CrossFit, Inc.

Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe Stacked
Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe

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Nike React Metcon Turbo Training Shoe (14)
Nike React Metcon Turbo – closeup of the upper.

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