Nike’s Legendary Pace-Setting Training Shoe Just Got Its Most Versatile Edition Ever

Go into virtually any gym around the country (or even the world), and there’s an almost guaranteed chance you’re going to see someone wearing a pair of Nike Metcons. For years, these shoes have been a staple of the fitness industry, and it could even be said that they, at times, have set the standard.

But Nike hasn’t rested on its laurels. The Swoosh has continued to innovate, both with its more traditional, lifting-focused standard Metcon and its cross-trainer, the Free Metcon.

The latest silhouette to join their ranks is another major leap forward. According to the brand, the Nike Free Metcon 7 is Nike’s “most versatile training shoe” ever. And it might have the chops to be the best all-around gym shoe on the market.

Nike

Seventh time’s a charm

Excuse my cheeky titling, as the Nike Free Metcons have been groundbreaking through every generation. This, of course, stems from the brand’s Free technology.

Inspired by the natural shape and flexibility of the human foot, Free outsoles are designed to offer support and protection to the wearer without hindering the wearer’s natural motion. This allows for dynamic movements, as is common in HIIT-style workouts.

Nike

But on a Metcon, there’s a secondary element: the heel. While the forefoot is flexible and dynamic, the heel is flat and stable, making it perfect for weightlifting, where the wearer requires a more steady base.

But all of that is typical of a Nike Free Metcon. So, what’s different about the 7s? The Swoosh has focused on updating it “to enhance midfoot containment.” This is a benefit to both aspects of the shoe, as it increases the stability offered by the heel but also keeps the wearer secure with more dynamic movements, as made possible by the forefoot.

Nike

I want to break free

There have also been some other stylistic and performance-driven changes to this new model. For instance, it gets a dual-midsole for increased durability and flexibility.

It also has an updated webbing lace structure to better secure the midfoot and it gets some material tweaks. The styling is a bit more aggressive and textured, making it less minimalist than the outgoing model, but not too overdone, either.

Nike

The standard version of the Free Metcon 7 is available in four distinct colorways, but it can also be customized through Nike’s By You program. Of course, you should expect to spend a bit more if you want to go the custom route.

Although not a complete ground-up reimagining of the shoe, this new model still offers a sizable leap forward in Nike’s dominance in fitness footwear, and it could help the brand inch ahead of its chief competition. That will, however, only become clear over time.

Nike

Availability and pricing

The Nike Free Metcon 7 sneakers are now available on the brand’s site for $125. You can also customize them, but that bumps up the starting price to $140.

Nike

Nike Free Metcon 7

• $125 at Nike

Want to stay up to date on the latest product news and releases? Add Gear Patrol as a preferred source to ensure our independent journalism makes it to the top of your Google search results.

Related Topics