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The Perfect Nobull Gym Shoe Rotation, Revealed

With so many footprints across Nobull’s paddock, it can be hard to tell which best fits into your training routine.

nobull gym shoe rotation Ben Emminger

By Ben Emminger

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Having the right footwear is key when stepping out for your favorite activities. You wouldn’t take on an aggressive, muddy hiking trail in a pair of marathon running shoes, right? Proper gym shoes are no different in that you want a pair of kicks that can support your strength training goals, keep your steps nimble in agility-minded sessions and (hopefully) add some breathability to your feet for the sake of keeping everything funk free.

Products in the Guide

Now, there are plenty of worthwhile silhouettes to choose from when it comes to pairing your workouts to your footwear, but one brand that’s been a go-to for many athletes over recent years has been Nobull. Each profile released via the “Just the Horns” brand has training and performance at its core, which is no surprise given the fact that Nobull is the official sponsor of one of fitness’s biggest spectacles, the CrossFit Games. The brand has expanded its roster heavily since its beginnings, now offering silhouettes designed for even the most specialized physical activities.

But with a roster so involved in athletics and similarities between silhouettes aplenty, it can be difficult to decipher which exact profile is right for your training needs. After all, an Olympic lifting enthusiast is going to have different demands underfoot than that of a dedicated runner.

Thankfully, Nobull’s lineup of training footwear is expansive enough that you can curate an entire workout-minded footwear rotation with one visit to the brand’s site. All that’s needed is a little understanding of your training goals, a slight understanding of the movements at play … and a lenient, open opinion on color palette (seriously, Nobull’s got a ton to choose from).

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How We Tested

nobull gym shoe rotationBen Emminger

I’ve been training in and out of Nobull footwear for a while now and have plenty of experience across the brand’s lineup. While some silhouettes showcase an apparent discipline — it’s not difficult to determine what Olympic weightlifting shoes are meant for — others were analyzed side-by-side to determine where each shined brightest. Naturally, I also took fit and comfort into consideration, as there’s no worse time in the throws of a workout than when your feet begin to ache more than your tired muscles.

Lastly, while I understand that Nobull makes sneakers for the court, the golf course and beyond, I kept this roundup focused on in-gym training scenarios. Not only is this the root of the brand itself, but it’s also where athletes are to find the most similarities across the stable.

Now, let’s get into the thick of it and outline where each Nobull training shoe fits best across the span of training. Follow along to determine where each profile is most practical and begin to build out your own shoe rotation full of performance, comfort and color.

Best for Static Lifts and General Training: Nobull Trainer

Pros

  • Durable upper that's ready for hard-nosed training

Cons

  • Flatter profile may be uncomfortable for athletes wanting more arch support

If you’re looking for just a damn fine shoe to wear to the gym, the classic Nobull Trainer is tough to beat. I appreciate the subtle 4mm heel-to-toe drop that creates a flat platform for static lifts, and the outsole is grippy enough for traction during machine exercises and other, less dynamic movements. Of course, you have a wide array of colorways and upper materials to choose from, but I’d recommend sticking to the brand’s SuperFabric material — it’s one of the most widely-available options across the stable, and the textile is tough enough for even the most grueling in-gym sessions.

nobull trainer
Nobull’s original Trainer is the workhorse of the bunch, providing excellent durability and support across most workout sessions.
Ben Emminger

You can get by with these foundational kicks in a number of training disciplines, but I think there is a limit to their performance. For one, the midfoot and toe box can be snug for athletes with wider feet, and the SuperFabric’s initial rigidity can do little to promote a comfortable right-out-of-the-box experience. Additionally, the flat outsole has some worthwhile traction, but if you’re taking part in an agility circuit or need some extra grip on turf, you could be left underpowered. Still, though, if you’re building out a Nobull-based training shoe rotation, this is a great foundation to start with.

Best for Agility-Focused Workouts: Nobull Trainer+

Pros

  • Herringbone outsole tread pattern provides improved traction for dynamic workouts

Cons

  • High-top models can limit ankle flexion

The Trainer+ lineup of Nobull footwear builds off the original Trainers in two key areas: traction and cushioning. Optimal cushioning underfoot is designed to help absorb impact during high-intensity workouts, and the updated herringbone outsole pattern can provide exceptional grip during sessions. In testing, I also found the Trainer+ silhouette to be a little wider in key areas, promoting a heightened sense of fit without giving your foot too much room to move about internally.

For these reasons, I recommend the Trainer+s for any athlete taking part in HIIT workouts or regimens leaning more toward agility. The boosted traction underfoot allows you to stay nimble and quick through exercises without any fearing of slipping and sliding, and the amplified cushioning is great for keeping things comfortable from start to finish. Plus, the upgraded features are only $10 more than the base model, so it’s not like you’re sacrificing a ton of coin for the sake of better performance.

nobull trainer plus
The herringbone outsole pattern of the Trainer+ profile makes it an excellent pick for agility exercises.
Ben Emminger

As is the case with the original Trainers, though, Nobull offers these agile sneakers in varying heights. While I admire the look and feel of the high-top cut, I do recommend sticking with the traditional low profile, especially if you’re purchasing these sneakers for agility workouts. The added coverage can be excellent for ankle support, but if you’re cutting and twisting through ladder drills, you want as much flexibility as possible. Plus, in my experience, getting into and out of the high-top Trainer+ can be a bit of a chore, so athletes wanting an efficient transition from mid- to post-workout should look elsewhere.

Best for Olympic Lifts and Squats: Nobull Lifter

Pros

  • Superfabric and leather construction promote premium durability

Cons

  • Lower heel-to-toe drop is less conducive to improved range of motion

Dedicated weightlifting shoes can be prime options for those invested in Olympic weightlifting and squatting. The elevated heel and rigid midsole help create an optimal stance, allowing you to achieve a better range of motion and overall higher totals in these lifts. It’s no shocker, then, that Nobull has an option for some of the most dedicated athletes in the gym.

nobull lifter
While not the best weightlifting shoe on the market, this sleek Nobull Lifter profile is tough to beat in the looks department.
Ben Emminger

While the Nobull Lifters aren’t the greatest weightlifting shoes due to a slightly lower heel-to-toe drop and narrow fit, I still think they’re a worthwhile option thanks to a durable and aesthetically-pleasing upper. The leather and SuperFabric pair nicely to one another, and the single strap is efficient enough for a worthwhile lockdown sensation. I do have some concerns over how long the stacked leather heel will hold up, but since you’re only using these sneakers for very specific exercises, I doubt you’ll need to worry about replacements for a while. That is a nice touch, too, as these are the most expensive shoes that Nobull has to offer.

Editor’s Note: The brand recently unveiled a new Canvas Lifter silhouette that boasts a wider toe box and more anatomical design. Plus, these weightlifting shoes are nearly $100 cheaper than the leather options discussed above, so taking the chance on an elevated heel is a more approachable endeavor for novice athletes.

Best for Cardio and Treadmill Running: Nobull Ripstop Runner

Pros

  • Ripstop upper is breathable and sturdy for a locked in feel

Cons

  • Phylon midsole has good responsiveness but takes a while to break in

For athletes who like enjoy having a dedicated running shoe for their cardio sessions, the Ripstop Runner is my recommended profile. This sneaker silhouette is my favorite of the bunch thanks to its Ripstop upper that breathes well, resists wear and tear and keeps your foot locked in across the top. In other Nobull running shoes like the Mesh and Knit profiles, I feel like the material is too flexible and allows my feet to spill easily over the midsole shelf.

Additionally, the midsole is constructed from lightweight phylon to give your gait a nice blend of bounciness and cushioning. Admittedly, it’s not up to par with other well-known running sneakers, but for fans of Nobull or athletes that keep their cardio solely to the treadmill, I don’t foresee any issues.

nobull ripstop runner
Yes, Nobull has you covered for those intense days on the treadmill, too.
Ben Emminger

With this in mind, though, athletes lacing up in these Ripstop Runners may want to take things slow at first. The midsole, while comfortable, can be rigid out of the box, so expect a break-in period during those first few runs. I’ll also call attention to the outsole. While there’s plenty of traction for indoor tracks and treadmills, I don’t see this as a worthy contender for trail runs. Still, however, it’s a stylish sneaker that can get the job done, provided you’re not asking more from it than what it’s capable of.

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