On Running Cloud X - Upper
CrossFit Shoes

On Cloud X Training Shoe Review

Let’s look at the new generation Cloud X training shoe from On Running. On Running is known for their feather-light and highly cushioned running shoes. Does their design fit into the cross training shoe market? That’s what we’ll review here. Here’s some of the styles available now: Cloud X Training Shoe – Video Review on our YouTube Channel Why read when you can watch? Check out this video from our YouTube channel: Cloud X Training Shoe – Overview All right, let’s talk about the tech. First of all, let me say this is a very light-weight training shoe. A Men’s Size 11 (US) weighs in at only 9.2 ounces. That, in and of itself, doesn’t tell you much – but consider that a Reebok Nano X in the same size is in the 14 ounce range, as is the Nike Metcon 6. When you put these shoes on the lightweight feeling is immediately apparent. How do they do this? First of all the upper is thin and breathable. It’s got perforations up front – you can see some ( a [Read more …]

UA HOVR Apex 2 Training Shoes - Women's
CrossFit Shoes

UA HOVR Apex 2 Training Shoe Review

Let’s take a look at UA’s newest trainer, the UA HOVR Apex 2 Training Shoe. I’m a big fan of the Under Armour’s CrossFit shoe – the UA TriBase Reign 2. When I heard that UA was releasing a shoe that combined the stable “TriBase” with their HOVR foam – I just had to check it out. Here’s some of the styles that are available now (Note: We are an Under Armour affiliate) Let’s check it out. UA HOVR Apex 2 Training Shoe – Overview What’s special about this shoe? First, it uses UA’s HOVR technology to provide what they describe as a “zero gravity feel”. HOVR is soft foam that gives energy return – when you compress it, it returns to form in a crisp fashion. (It’s quite similar to Nike’s React foam, by the way). So, it gives some energy back, but it also helps eliminate impact – because it is cushioning after all. For a cross training shoe you need some cushion – but not too much. How does UA find the right balance of cushion and [Read more …]

Reebok Nano X Froning - Special Edition Training Shoe for CrossFit
CrossFit Shoes

Nano X Froning Training Shoes Review

The new special edition of Reebok’s CrossFit shoe – the Nano X Froning men’s training shoe is now available. This shoe joins the Nike Metcon 5 Mat Fraser edition as being a shoe specifically associated with a high-performing CrossFit athlete. This shoe has all the great features of the Nano X but it definitely has a crisp look to it. Here’s some of the places you can get the shoe (Note: We are an affiliate of these sellers) Nano X Froning – Video Review on YouTube Why read when you can watch? Here’s a hands-on look at the Reebok Nano X Froning – and a side-by-side comparison to a regular Nano X! The Nano X is an excellent cross training shoe – it was the runner-up in our Best CrossFit Shoes for 2021 review. Nano X Froning Training Shoe – Overview Who is Rich Froning Jr.? He is known as The Fittest Man in History – thanks to his many CrossFit games wins (and when he finished with individual competition his team Mayhem continues to crush competitions). These shoes were [Read more …]

Darn Tough Vertex Micro Crew Ultra-Light Cushion - Running Sock with Nano X Cross Trainer
CrossFit Shoes

Athletic Socks for CrossFit Review

Let’s review the best athletic sock for CrossFit. This is going to be a review of athletic and running socks. But, before you hit the back button – give it a chance. I’m the person that always bought cheap socks. Whatever was cheap and available in a 12 pack – and usually $20 or less. But after I started testing real athletic socks intensively – I found out all the benefits of a comfortable, performance sock that fits right. So ditch those Costco socks and look at these options for the CrossFit WOD (or any other workout, really): Let’s review these socks! Athletic Sock vs Running Sock – Is there a Difference? First of all, let’s define what an athletic sock is? And, is this the same thing as a running sock? There is some overlap, and the line between the two is blurry, for sure. Here are the key differences. Athletic socks are for general workout and physical activity (like exercise). Athletic socks are light-weight, breathable, and usually have a mild compression effect. They have a stretchy, comfortable fit. [Read more …]

Reebok Legacy Lifter II - Olympic Weightlifting Shoe Heel View
CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Legacy Lifter II Weightlifting Shoe Review

Reebok launched the 2nd version of the Reebok Legacy Lifter weightlifting shoe on July 1st, 2020. It’s called the Reebok Legacy Lifter II Men’s Weightlifting Shoe. Let’s check it out – and find out what this shoe is all about. We’ll have a full hands-on review here shortly thereafter. How will this shoe compare to the previous Legacy Lifter, or the Nike Romaleos 4? We’ll have a side by side comparison too. Meanwhile, here are some of the styles that are coming: Let’s take a look. Reebok Legacy Lifter II Review – From our YouTube Channel Why read when you can watch? Here’s our hands-on review from our YouTube channel: As you can see, this is a great Oly lifter for the year 2021 and beyond. Reebok Legacy Lifter II Weightlifting Shoe – Overview This is an Olympic weightlifting shoe. It’s got a tall heel raise. You could also describe this as having a lot of Heel to Toe Drop. How much? We don’t know yet – because Reebok hasn’t published the number. The original Legacy Lifter had a 22 [Read more …]

UA HOVR Velociti 2 Running Shoe by Under Armour - Stacked 1
Running Shoes

UA Velociti 2 Running Shoe Review

Let’s get hands-on with the UA Velociti 2 running shoe from Under Armour. This is a neutral running shoe that uses UA’s HOVR foam – for a cushioned and energetic feel. UA likes to call it the “zero gravity feel.” Is this the right running shoe for you? We’ll try to give you some insights in this review. Here’s some of the styles that are available now (we are an Under Armour affiliate): Let’s take a look. UA HOVR Velociti 2 Running Shoe – Fit & Sizing This shoe runs true to size. I bought a Men’s Size 11 and the fit is good. I wear an 11 in most Reebok and Nike running shoes – so hopefully that gives you some grounds for comparison. The length and width are right where I’d expect them to be. It’s not a super-wide shoe – but I don’t have wide feet. I’d recommend you order in your regular shoe size. UA HOVR Foam – “Zero Gravity” Cushioning System This shoe uses UA’s HOVR™ technology. It’s a light-weight and crisp foam cushioning system [Read more …]

Reebok Nano X CrossFit Training Shoe Now Available
CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Nano X Cross Training Shoe Now Available

Reebok has launched the Reebok Nano X (Get it now!) – the 10th iteration of their excellent CrossFit training shoe. It is available now to Reebok Unlocked members – but will be available globally on May 5th. (Please note we are a Reebok affiliate). We’ve ordered two pairs (both mens and womens) with express shipping. Check back here for a full hands-on review, and on our YouTube channel soon. In the meantime, here’s take a close look at what’s new with this CrossFit shoe. Here’s some of the launch styles that are available now: While we wait, let’s take a look. Let’s start with the side profile – the Nano x is taller – specifically in the heel and tongue/collar. The upper is “upgraded Flexweave” – it looks different than the original Flexweave. It’s described as being a soft woven textile upper. Reebok is claiming a “minimal drop outsole.” At the moment, I’m assuming that means it is unchanged from the Nano 9 at 4 millimeters. (The “heel to toe drop”, “offset”, or “profile” all refer to the height difference [Read more …]

GORUCK MACV-1 Black Leather Generation 2 Boot
Rucking

GORUCK MACV-1 Generation 2 Rucking Boot (Black Leather) Review

GORUCK has released the Generation 2 version of their lightweight jungle rucking boot – the MACV-1. Here’s this brand new boot – 6″ high in black leather. This is a great boot – it is not a hard-core all-terrain boot, but rather a more well rounded, comfortable boot. And it is meant to go the distance. We’ll review all the special features of this boot in this review. Let’s take an up-close look. GORUCK MACV-1 Video Review from our YouTube Channel Here’s the Black Leather version: Want to see these bad-boys in action? Check out this video of the Coyote Brown: This video focuses more on the GORUCK Rucker, but it’ll give you an idea of how we test this gear: MACV-1 Generation 2 – What’s New? We mentioned this is the 2nd generation of the MACV-1 boot, so let’s talk about what is new and improved first. Perhaps the biggest improvement is the new all-terrain outsole. GORUCK took feedback from the wearers of the original boot and made a more aggressive lug pattern on this version. Here’s one thing [Read more …]

Reebok Nano 9 - Black/White/Porcelain
CrossFit Shoes

Reebok Nano 9 – New Styles for 2020

The Reebok Nano 9 is the OFFICIAL CrossFit Training Shoe for the year 2019 and 2020. It’s the only shoe that has the CrossFit stamp of approval on it. And that’s not just because there is a contract between Reebok and CrossFit – this is a very good shoe for cross training, functional fitness, and the CrossFit WOD. We’ll tell you a bit about it, while we showcase some of the newest styles.