Nike Women's WMNS Metcon 6 Gymnastics Shoe

Product Information

Sizing advice is the same for both shoes. Because of the cramped toe box, I go 1/2 size up to get adequate width in the toe area. This was my same sizing for the Metcon 5. Let’s face the facts: the Nike Metcon 6 is a light update over the Metcon 5, at best. It is more breathable and has an updated topcoat that is supposed to be even more resilient than the one found in the Metcon 5. In my humble opinion, the Nike Metcon 6 should be called ‘Metcon 5 Mat Frazer Edition’, as this update is more to do with Nike collaborating with the ‘fittest man on earth’ as opposed to updating the product itself. FlyEase works exactly as described by Nike, just consider whether you really need this capability – because you are going to sacrifice a little bit of secure fit for it.

The Reebok Nano X uses the same split-outsole that was on the Reebok Nano 9. Flat, all-rubber, and tons of grip. The Nike Metcon 6 also carries forward the outsole from the 5. Both are good, but the Metcon 6 has more rope climbing potential – I think. When lifting weights a training shoe like this feels a world away from a running shoe, and is much more comfortable and safer on the joints.

Nike Metcon 6 Price Comparison

You might feel the narrowness of the Nike Metcon shoes after a long day – that’s where it bothered me the most (a long day walking or on your feet can leave your feet slightly swelled. The hyperlift goes under the midsole – and when it’s in place it gives you more heel raise. Great for squats, thrusters, and pistols. The big Metcon M on the heel looks good. The heel clip at the bottom (shiny) is tough TPU plastic with a minimal edge – for low drag on HSPUs. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy running in the Metcon 6… but I actually didn’t mind it. For short bursts (less than 5 minutes or so at a time, the Metcon 6 is more than fit for purpose. The biggest change has come in the form of a much superior and breathable upper, made with large ventilation holes to increase airflow and also give a much lighter feel on the foot.

The Inov-8 BARE-XF 210 V3 does everything you would expect from a minimalist cross-training shoe: it's flexible, comfortable and provides excellent grip during workouts. Perfect for lifting sessions, although it might need some getting used to if you never tried barefoot shoes before.To draw a comparison I just prefer the feel on the foot from the higher heel cup and tongue of the Nano X, and prefer Reebok’s classic design and more subtle sole rope wrap. One more shot of the width difference – because that’s a big deal – if you need it. The Reebok is a Men’s Size 11, the Nike is an 11.5

But to be honest, Nike put so many great performance features into the Nike Metcon 5 I’m glad they didn’t mess with success.What’s different in the Nike Metcon 6 as compared to the Metcon 5? Not much. The upper is the real difference. In fact, the heel is so firm and dense, these shoes make a “clip-clop” sound when you walk – Just like Oly lifters! (But not nearly as loud). Changes in the heel are cosmetic only. The 6 has the big Metcon M and a different texture, but the TPU heel clip and relatively low collar are still present. THe NIke Metcon 6 looks good and carries forward all my favorite parts of the Nike Metcon 5. The breathable upper is a nice change too – I workout in Florida – in a garage with no A/C. Having said that, if you have the Nike Metcon 5 and you are OK with the fit and feel – get the same size.

I like these without the hyperlifts for deadlifting – there’s no benefit to a heel raise with the deadlift. Can You Run In The Nike Metcon 6?Overall both are great shoes for lifting weights. Neither is really great for running, but the Nike (like the 5 before it) feels to have a bit more cushion in the forefoot, thanks to that dual-density midsole. After testing the Metcon 5, the Reebok Nano X launched so I had been wearing that and these felt quite different. More on the comparison of the Nano X and the Metcon 6 here… For the first time ever, Nike brings FlyEase tech to the Metcon line. These have laces, but you really only have to tie them once. Both shoes have the same rope wrap (the part where that tough rubber outsole wraps up around the midfoot of the shoe). Shape, sizing, are unchanged. The open ventilation holes are so large in fact that light travels through to create a shadow in on the insole. Compared to the Metcon 5, for me this felt much lighter and overall a more comfortable shoe.