You Can Snag These Nike Metcons for Under $100 Right Now—but Do It Quickly

Anthony Mastracci
·3 min read

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Nike is fresh off a sale that saw huge discounts on Air Max, Jordans, and Blazers, among other popular styles. But with many guys now heading back to the gym, it’s the brand’s running and training shoes that have come into focus. While running styles like the Free Run and Pegasus have earned their respective followings, the Metcon, a comparatively newer style, is being realized as the better Nike option for lifting, CrossFit, and other training exercises. Right now, two styles are on sale for less than $100.

Don’t misunderstand—Nike running shoes are still the right option for pure cardio workouts, but most people don’t stick to just cardio. The way the sole of a running shoe is designed doesn’t account for omnidirectional stability, which is required for safe and successful weightlifting, quick and jolty pivots, and interchanging types of workouts.

That’s where the Metcon comes in. This line of athletic shoes was originally designed with cross-training in mind because the needs for that type of activity weren’t being properly met. Metcons have a wider base and a strong inner core that helps to more evenly distribute weight when under pressure. Styles also include details like grippy rubber wraps or flexible sole cuts that help with things like climbing or advanced footwork, depending on the workout.

To get the absolute most out of the Nike Metcon, check out one of these styles that’s now on sale for under $100.

Nike Free Metcon 4 in Cargo Khaki/White/Sequoia/Safety Orange, $96 (was $120) at Nike

Get It at Nike
Get It at Nike

The Nike Free Metcon 4 combines the best parts of the Nike Free running shoes with the aspects cardio-forward cross-trainers need to perform, like a wider base and a reinforced heel. This training shoe has a very breathable mesh upper, in anticipation of hardcore drills that would warm the foot. For lifting, it offers a soft foam core that absorbs shock while a more rigid outer layer provides the stability needed to feel secure mid-rep.

What Shoppers Are Saying: “These are the best shoes for training. Period. I love these more than the Metcon 8. They fit well and perform incredibly when strength training, HIIT, and full-on cardio. I can even sprint in these and they grip well and move well with my foot.”

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Nike Metcon 8 Amp in Picante Red/Bright Cactus/Vivid Orange/Multi-Color, $98 (was $140) at Nike

Get It at Nike
Get It at Nike

The Nike Metcon 8 Amp is the better option for heavy lifting and works wonders for CrossFitting. Like the Free Metcon 4, it has a breathable mesh upper to regulate the temperature of your feet while putting them through rigorous activity. But unlike the other, its sole is less flexible. While the shoe is well-cushioned thanks to Nike React foam, the slight increase in rigidity and firmer inner plate means even more stability and better weight distribution when under pressure while lifting. The rigidity is also due to the Metcon’s rubber wrap, which Nike describes as the perfect tool for climbing ropes. Otherwise, it provides excellent grip on the ground when working on a cable machine.

What Shoppers Are Saying: “I bought these with the intent to use them as a good all-around training shoe. If I needed shoes that were exclusively for lifting at the gym, these would be it. They stick to the ground, they’re nice and flat, and they have a generous amount of structure around the ankle. If you’re doing squats and deadlifts, probably a great shoe for that!”

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