However, while many fitness enthusiasts spend plenty of time looking for the perfect pair of shoes, many don’t consider what goes inside the shoe, specifically the insole. Even the best running shoes typically come with basic shoe insoles, which may be enough for some, but upgrading your insole can make a good shoe even better. 

In this Fulton insoles review, I’ll explain everything you need to know about one of the best insoles we’ve tested so far. I’ll also explain how to use the insoles, how they feel, and whether or not they’re worth trying in your favorite pair of shoes.

Tested by a Footwear Guru

Every GGR review is based on extensive testing from our team of expert testers, who include certified personal trainers, strength coaches, running enthusiasts, and more. Over the years, we’ve tested nearly 100 pairs of shoes, and we understand how a good shoe should function and feel. 

For this insole review, we had our resident shoe expert try out these Fulton insoles for a few weeks. He knows everything there is to know about footwear, and there’s nobody better to provide an honest, insightful look at the insoles. 

After spending plenty of time with the insoles, he rated them using our equipment testing methodology, which looks at specific aspects of footwear, including:

• Durability
• Comfort
• Ergonomics
• Versatility

Fulton Athletic Insoles

Fulton Athletic Insole

GGR Score: 4.25

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Product Highlights

• Cork material
• Multiple sizes available
• Molds to the shape of your foot
• Only works with one pair of shoes at a time
• Great for all sorts of activity

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Cork material molds to your foot
• Long-lasting materials
• 90-day warranty to them out
• True to size with wide sizes available

Cons

• You need a set for each pair of shoes you have
• They're not cheap

Bottom Line

The Fulton Insoles are durable, supportive insoles designed to fit in nearly any shoe, providing cushion and support. They require a break-in period to mold to your feet, and once broken in, they're very comfortable.

A Quick Look at the Fulton Insoles

Fulton specializes in products that provide comfort and pain relief to tired feet, including insoles, socks, and an ergonomic mat for standing. For this review, we tested the Fulton Athletic Insoles, one of three insoles offered by the company. 

The Athletic Insoles are specially designed for high-impact activities and fit well in athletic shoes, while the Classic Insoles are meant for all-day wear during more leisurely activities. Fulton also offers the new Universal Insole, which has a unique design meant to fit shoes that don’t have the traditional long, narrow shape. 

These insoles are meant to prevent both pronation and supination, conditions where the ankle excessively rolls inward or outward. They’re also designed to provide proper arch support, shock absorption, and pain relief. As someone who suffers from overpronation, I can attest that proper support makes a huge difference, so I can immediately see the appeal of these insoles. 

While many popular insoles, like those from Dr. Scholl’s, are sold pre-molded for specific needs, the Fulton insoles mold to your foot and shoe over time. This means you’ll get a custom fit, but they aren’t meant to be used with multiple pairs of shoes. 

RELATED: The Best Shoes for Standing All Day

The company suggests leaving them in the same shoes so they can adapt to your feet, which means you’ll need a separate pair of insoles for all of the shoes you want to upgrade.

Whether you’re experiencing back pain or soreness from standing on flat feet, or you simply want to upgrade your favorite shoes with new inserts, the Fulton insoles are a great choice. If you care about sustainability, you’ll love Fulton, as all insoles are handcrafted in Portugal using sustainable materials that make Fulton insoles carbon-negative.

Before You Buy

• Fulton Athletic Insoles work best with running shoes, sneakers, and hiking shoes.
• The insoles mold to the unique shape of your shoes and feet, so you’ll need a separate set for each pair of shoes you wear.
• The material is meant to mold to your feet over a period of 10 hours of wear time, so they may not be as comfortable during the initial break-in period. 

Are the Fulton Insoles Worth It?

While these insoles are reasonably priced, the cost can quickly add up if you purchase a set of insoles for each pair of shoes you own. Before stocking up on insoles, you’ll want to make sure that you’re a good fit and will benefit from them in the first place.

Fulton Insoles Specs

Experience Using the Fulton Insoles

For this review, our tester wore the Fulton Athletic Insoles for several months, using them in both his running shoes and his regular training shoes. This allowed plenty of time for the soles to mold to his feet so he could give them a proper assessment. 

He noted that there’s definitely a break-in period as the cork molds to your footprint, but he was very impressed with the level of support the insoles provide for various activities. Once broken in, however, they’re very comfortable. 

RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

“The balance between rigidity and cushioning is perfect for athletic needs and a better resolve than insoles designed for traditional/lifestyle sneakers,” our tester said. “While the versatility is a little displeasing—you’ll need a pair of insoles for each pair of shoes you plan to use them in—I really like the feel of these Fulton Athletic Insoles. The cork (once broken in) provides great shock absorption, and I appreciate the somewhat deep heel cup that helps with stability during lifts.”

He also noted that the cork material provides traction and helps the sole stick to the bottom of your shoe. It doesn’t slide around during use, even if it’s not perfectly fitted to the dimensions of your shoe.

Appearance and Design

While we typically rate shoes based on their appearance, which is an important consideration for most of us, insoles go inside of the shoe, so you’ll never see them once they’re installed. 

That said, we do appreciate the minimalist design of the Fulton insoles. They come in neutral colors with clean branding, and the various insoles have slightly different shapes designed to fit different types of shoes. 

Durability and Construction

For the durability and construction, our tester rated the Fulton insoles a 4 out of 5 after several months of use. 

He noted that he began to notice some fraying between the top layer and the shock-absorbing cork base, but this is normal and expected after months of regular use. He also recommends airing out the insoles on a regular basis, especially if you sweat heavily or wear them on a rainy day. 

Interestingly, the cork itself has natural antimicrobial properties¹, but the moisture can cause the cork footbed to break down faster than it normally would.

Comfort and Ergonomics

For the ergonomics and feel of the insoles, our tester gave them a 5 out of 5. 

They’re stiff when brand new and require a break-in period, which is clearly stated on the Fulton sales page, but they are very comfortable once broken in. 

Our tester said, “Once they’ve molded to your footprint, the comfort is impeccable. There’s plenty of shock absorption where needed, and I never feel compromised in my stances given the cork’s resiliency.”

Adjustability

For adjustability and customizations, the Fulton Athletic Insoles earn a 5-out-of-5 rating. 

They’re made true to size, so unlike other insoles, there’s no need to cut them and try to trim them to the proper size. They come in both standard and wide shoe sizes, so most people will be able to find the perfect size for their shoes. 

In addition, the Classic Insole features a lower profile and slimmer toebox to fit in standard shoes, while the Universal Insoles are meant for shoes without removable insoles, like boots, loafers, and flats. Fulton has an insole that will meet the needs of nearly any type of shoe.

Regardless of your arch type or foot shape, Fulton insoles mold to your foot over time, so you don’t have to worry about custom fitting. They’ll fit your feet perfectly after around 10 hours of regular wear. 

Fulton Insoles vs KURU QUANTUM 2.0

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

GGR Score: 4.34

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Product Highlights

• 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Wide design
• Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
• Available in men’s and women’s colorways

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel cushion
• Wide design and toe box
• Available in both men's and women's colorways
• 8.5 mm heel to toe drop

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
• 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes

Bottom Line

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.

As we haven’t reviewed any other insoles so far, it’s hard to find a direct comparison. However, the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is a shoe designed to provide heel support and relieve foot pain, similar to the Fulton insoles. 

The cushioning is a bit thicker in the KURUs, as is expected from a full shoe, but the drawback is that they cost significantly more, and you’ll need to wear the KURU shoe anytime you need support. However, while all shoes require some break-in, the KURUs require far less than the 10 hours recommended by Fulton. They’re great if you want comfortable shoes in a hurry.

Overall, the Fulton insoles are great for upgrading an existing pair of shoes, but the KURUs are better for those who want an all-in-one shoe that doesn’t require a lengthy break-in period and is ready to go out of the box. 

To learn more, you can read our full KURU QUANTUM 2.0 review.

Customer Experience 

Fulton has excellent customer service and return policies, earning a 5 out of 5 for the customer experience. 

When you purchase from Fulton, you’re protected by the company’s 90-day comfort guarantee. If you’re not happy, you can return the item anytime within 90 days, even if it’s been worn every day. You can reach customer service by email, but there is no listed phone number or chat option.

Ordering the Fulton Insoles

All orders over $60 ship free. As of this writing, the Fulton Athletic Insoles are on sale for $48. If you’re only buying one pair, you’ll need to pay shipping, but two or more will get you free carbon-neutral shipping. 

Fulton also sells the insoles in a three-pack for $115.20, a 20% discount compared to buying three pairs individually. Plus, choosing the three-pack would unlock the free shipping. 

There are no financing options, but you can complete your purchase with a variety of payment processing options, including Shop Pay, Amazon Pay, Venmo, PayPal, and Google Pay. 

Customer Reviews

At the time of writing, Fulton insoles had an average customer review score of 4.8 out of 5 on the Fulton website, based on 728 reviews, and a 3.8 rating on Amazon with 141 reviews.

Most reviewers are happy with their purchase, though a few say they prefer cheaper options. 

Final Verdict of Our Fulton Insoles Review

While not cheap, the Fulton insoles are an excellent way to upgrade any pair of shoes you own. They offer support, cushioning, and resistance against pronation and supination. The initial break-in period can be uncomfortable, but over time, the cork insoles mold to your foot and become very comfy.

Whether you have flat feet, high arches, back pain, knee pain, or plantar fasciitis, Fulton Insoles are a great way to add extra support and cushion to your shoes.

• Each pair of insoles can only be used with one pair of shoes, so you’ll need separate insoles if you want to put them in multiple shoes. 
• The cork material is antimicrobial but should be aired out after excessive sweating to prevent early breakdown. 
• If you order from Fulton, you’ll have a full 90 days to try the insoles and return them if you’re not happy. 

Fulton Insoles Rating

Fulton Insoles

Should you upgrade your shoes with these athletic insoles? Find out in our Fulton Insoles review!

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.25

Fulton Insoles: FAQs

References

1. Gonçalves, F., Correia, P., Silva, S. P., & Almeida-Aguiar, C. (2016). Evaluation of antimicrobial properties of cork. FEMS microbiology letters, 363(3), fnv231. https://doi.org/10.1093/femsle/fnv231

Wearing cushioned insoles and supportive shoes during the day can certainly have an impact on your joints and comfort, as a study in 2023 showed¹, where participants with knee osteoarthritis were given sports shoes either with or without cushioning; after three months, the individuals with cushioned shoes felt less knee pain.

HOKA is a brand that’s well-known for providing cushioned and stable shoes. Their latest shoe, the HOKA Transport, is touted to be a great walking shoe for everyday wear, but does it stack up to our testing? In this HOKA Transport review, I’ll take a look under the hood—er, upper—of these shoes and what they’re best suited for. Read on to see if these HOKA shoes can transport your fitness—or comfort—to the next level.

Over 90 Shoes Tested and Reviewed

From the best weightlifting shoes to the best running shoes, we’ve tested dozens of top brands and gym shoes for any type of training. Our team of experts comes from different backgrounds, with certified personal trainers, CrossFit-L1 coaches, past and present gym owners, and competitive athletes.

Our diverse backgrounds make for decades of experience in the fitness industry, so you can trust our expertise in trying out the latest shoes. For the HOKA Transport, our product tester has been using them since their initial release in 2023. He’s given the shoes a score from 1 to 5 on several important features, including:

• Appearance and design
• Construction and durability
• Stability and performance
• Adjustments and comfort
• Price and overall value

HOKA Transport

Hoka Transport

GGR Score: 4.44

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Product Highlights

• Combination lifestyle and performance shoe designed for commuters
• Vegan and uses recycled materials
• Recommended for hiking, walking, and general lifestyle wear
• 13 colorways for women’s sizing and 10 for men’s sizing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Water-resistant
• Available in regular and wide
• No shoe tying—features quick-toggle laces (traditional laces also included)
• Weatherproof version (GTX) and Crossover version (X) for everyday life
• American Podiatry Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance

Cons

• Hoka account required for 60 day return period
• Heavy at 9.10 oz/11.20 oz
• Not a lot of variety in colorways – very neutral
• Customer reviews found the shoes noisy

Bottom Line

The Hoka Transport is a commuter shoe that combines a lifestyle and performance sneaker. Hoka recommended these shoes for hiking, walking, and lifestyle. Most customers shared that they purchased the shoes for extended periods of walking at work or for leisure. These shoes are heavier than a typical running shoe. The customers reviews were largely positive, however, some did find them extremely uncomfortable and noted that they exacerbated their existing leg pain.

A Quick Look at the HOKA Transport

HOKA is a popular brand amongst runners and other fitness enthusiasts, providing solidly cushioned, supportive running shoes in shoes like the Arahi 7, Bondi 8, and the HOKA Clifton 9.

Unlike their running shoes, the HOKA Transport is designed as more of a commuter shoe—a comfortable shoe for walking around the city and hitting light trails. With a lower heel-to-toe drop of 5 millimeters, the Transport still has the well-known thick cushioning and rocker midsole that HOKA is known for (although I couldn’t find exact specs for the stack height).

The midsole of the shoe is a molded EVA foam constructed with 30% sugarcane. For those with sustainability in mind, the shoe is vegan-friendly and uses recycled materials.

Before You Buy

• If you’re looking for more weather resistance, you can opt for the GTX model, which uses GORE-TEX fabric to repel water. The regular Transports are treated to repel water, but not to the extent of Gore-Tex.
• The shoes come in regular and wide sizes, although we wouldn’t say this shoe has a wide toe box.
• These sneakers are predominantly for lifestyle wear. The neutral stability and balanced cushioning may not be ideal for trail running, but long walks should feel nice and comfortable.

RELATED: Best Treadmills for a Home Gym

Are the HOKA Transports Worth It?

At $150, the HOKA Transports are a bit pricey, especially considering that they are designed more for leisure and lifestyle wear. The Saucony Cohesion comes in at $65 for the latest iteration, and the Brooks Hyperion Max—while its suggested retail price is $170, is often on sale for around $110. Many Asics shoes are under $100, and even adidas has some decent shoes priced competitively compared to the Transports.

According to our product tester, however, the shoes come at an impressive cost when you look at the materials. “The Cordura upper and the durable Vibram outsole alone are more intended for performance footwear, so getting these kicks for under $160 is great value,” he says. He rates the overall value a 4.5 out of 5.

Still, these shoes aren’t made for everything; they won’t be an ideal running shoe or for weight training. You can be active in these shoes, but should consider them more for everyday wear.

HOKA Transport Specs

Using the HOKA Transport 

Our expert product tester has had the HOKA Transports for about as long as they’ve been available—since 2023. As of this writing, he’s been wearing them for several months and has used them primarily as HOKA markets them (an everyday lifestyle shoe). 

He’s put them through their paces on all-day errands to the grocery store, as well as airport trips. These have also been his dedicated walking shoes for strolls through his neighborhood and nearby parks.

Our tester rates the stability and performance of the HOKA Transport a 4.5 out of 5. The stability feels great in use, although it’s important to note that these shoes are made for walking. “The Transports have felt supportive during my walks, but I don’t think they’d be as comfortable or efficient going beyond a fast-paced walk, like rushing to catch a bus or flight.”

He felt that the shoes run true to size, although the Cordura fabric is pretty rigid. “Expect a bit of a break-in period,” our tester warns.

Appearance and Design

The HOKA Transports come in eight different colorways for both men and women, which are fairly neutral across the board. Even the brighter colors—blues, oranges, and pinks—are muted to give a more understated look.

Our product tester likes the colorways available, especially since these are geared more for lifestyle wear. He explains, “The HOKA Transports take a more minimalist approach with a lot of earth tones and neutral hues. I prefer this as it helps them stand out across your wardrobe without feeling too obnoxious.” He rates the appearance and design a solid 4 out of 5.

Construction and Durability

The HOKA Transports shine in their construction and durability, earning a 5 out of 5. Although the pair of shoes is marketed as lifestyle shoes, the Vibram outsole and Cordura fabric make it a durable and rugged exterior, capable of doubling as hiking shoes—so long as your hikes are on established trails.

“The outsole tread reminds me of a hiking shoe, albeit with less aggressive lugs,” our product tester says. He feels confident in taking them on packed trails or loose gravel, but doesn’t think they’d work as well as a solid pair of hiking boots for the great outdoors and unexplored woods.

RELATED: Best Trail-Running Shoes

As for durability, our product tester confirms their solid build by saying, “I’ve yet to notice any fraying or breakdown across these sneakers even after owning and wearing them for multiple months.” However, he warns that the Cordura fabric can make for a necessary break-in period.

Adjustments and Comfort

The HOKA Transports come with a quick-toggle lace that allows for quick tightening after you slip on the shoes. If you prefer classic laces over elastic laces, no worries: traditional laces are included. Sizes run from 7 to 15 for men’s sizing and 5 to 11 for women’s sizing.

Our product tester rates the adjustments and comfort of the Transports a 4.5 out of 5, saying, “I’ve been fairly comfortable in the HOKA Transports since getting them. 

“I do appreciate the fact that the shoes feel lighter than their listed 11.2-ounce weight,” he adds, “as this helps reduce any fatigue I’d feel from long days on my feet—like at the airport or hustling around the city for errands.”

HOKA Transport vs KURU QUANTUM 2.0

Kuru Quantum 2.0

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

GGR Score: 4.34

Check Price

Product Highlights

• 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Wide design
• Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
• Available in men’s and women’s colorways

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel cushion
• Wide design and toe box
• Available in both men's and women's colorways
• 8.5 mm heel to toe drop

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
• 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes

Bottom Line

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.

If you’re not entirely sold on the HOKA Transports, there are other walking shoes that might better suit your interests. Take the KURU QUANTUM 2.0, for example. KURU takes pride in designing shoes that help alleviate heel pain, and the QUANTUM 2.0 is no different.

RELATED: Best Shoes for Plantar Fasciitis

The patented KURUSOLE cups your heel in a cushion, providing heel support with each step. Someone dealing with heel pain may want to consider a bit more support from a shoe like the QUANTUM.

The HOKA Transport still has decent support through its EVA and sugarcane midsole, so if the extra cost of the QUANTUM 2.0 deters you, the Transports are still a solid option. Plus, the durable materials make it a long-lasting shoe, too.

You can get a more in-depth look at these supportive walking shoes in our KURU QUANTUM 2.0 review.

Customer Experience 

The HOKA Transports earns a 4 out of 5 for its customer experience, which is a combination of customer support and policies on returns and warranties. 

HOKA offers 30-day returns for you to try out and see how your shoes fit. (HOKA members, however, can enjoy a 60-day return window instead.) HOKA also covers manufacturing defects for one year after receiving your shoes.

Ordering the HOKA Transport

The HOKA Transports can be purchased directly from their website; since they’re a newer shoe, you won’t find them on Amazon. You can pay the full price upfront or make four interest-free payments through AfterPay.

While the Transports were delivered to our product tester through the HOKA marketing team, we’ve ordered and received quite a few pairs of HOKA shoes and rarely experience any delays or issues. These shoes came promptly without any damage to the shoes or shoebox, leading us to rate the purchasing and delivery a 5 out of 5.

Customer Reviews

As of this writing, the HOKA Transports have earned an average of 4 out of 5 stars from 611 customer reviews. Many positive reviews love the comfort of the shoes, as well as their versatility.

Negative reviews complain about using them as hiking shoes. While they can work for some established trails, these aren’t going to be ideal for loose ground or non-packed trailways.

Another common complaint is that the fit was narrow. HOKA does provide wide sizing, but it’s unclear if these customers purchased a wide size or a regular size. If you tend to find shoes a bit narrow, though, it’d be good to go with the wide sizing.

Final Verdict of Our HOKA Transport Review

The HOKA Transports are a new walking shoe that provides excellent comfort for everyday wear, as well as trail walking in or outside the city. While it’s made for neutral stability, the shoe can still provide good support to users who need it. It’s still a pricey shoe at $150, so here are a few things to consider before making your final purchase:

• The shoes are made with durable materials, such as a Vibram rubber outsole and a Cordura fabric upper.
• With a durable outsole and tread, they can be great on loose gravel or packed trailways, although we wouldn’t recommend them for unformed trails or lots of hiking.
• These are primarily a walking or lifestyle shoe—made for everyday wear, but not an ideal running shoe for most.

HOKA Transport Rating

HOKA Transport

In our HOKA Transport review, we look at the build and versatility of these walking shoes designed for everyday and lifestyle wear.

Product Brand: HOKA

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 150

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.44

HOKA Transport: FAQs

References

1. Schwartz, I., Ofran, Y., Bernovsky, S., Kandel, L., Rivkin, G., Karniel, N., Seyres, M., & Portnoy, S. (2023). Cushioned Footwear Effect on Pain and Gait Characteristics of Individuals with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blinded 3 Month Intervention Study. Sensors (Basel, Switzerland), 23(3), 1375. https://doi.org/10.3390/s23031375

While the Nanos can be used for running, I found they worked best for high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and cross-training. On the other hand, with many features we look for in the best running shoes, the Hyperion Max can serve as your daily trainers for tempo runs, speed work, or other types of running workouts. 

But, does this lightweight training shoe hold its own in a crowded field of competitors that includes the highly rated Hoka Clifton 9 or similarly designed Puma Deviate Nitro or Saucony Endorphin Speed 4? In our Brooks Hyperion Max review, I’ll give a thorough breakdown of everything from the appearance and design to the stability and performance so you can decide if this well-cushioned shoe is right for you.

We’ve Put Over 20 Pairs of Running Shoes Through the Paces

The Garage Gym Reviews team includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, certified nutrition coaches, and even an Olympian who competes in weightlifting. Although some of us enjoy resistance training more than cardiovascular exercise, we’re committed to finding the best home gym equipment and apparel. That means even casual “runners” like myself take great care in giving honest feedback about how a shoe looks, feels, and performs. 

Our product testers have tied the laces on more than 20 pairs of running shoes for shoe reviews, putting each of them through our rigorous evaluation process. We score them on a scale of 1 to 5 across the following categories: 

• Appearance and design 
• Construction and durability
• Stability and performance
• Adjustments and comfort
• Price and value 
• Customer experience 
• Ordering process
• Customer reviews

Brooks Hyperion Max

Brooks Hyperion Max

GGR Score: 4.36

Check Price

Product Highlights

• Brooks neutral road running shoe designed for speed and race training  
• Features DNA FLASH midsole foam to absorb impact and Rapid Roll technology for fast transitions
• 8 mostly neon colorways in men’s and women’s sizing

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight design
• Excellent cushioning
• Comfortable for walking or standing for prolonged periods
• Brooks Run Happy Guarantee: Try for 90 days and return for no cost if you are not satisfied
• Selected as one of the best running shoes of 2023 by Runner’s World

Cons

• More expensive than other running shoes
• Only available in one width
• Limited colorways compared to other Brooks shoes
• Some customers found them uncomfortably tight

Bottom Line

The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight, neutral running shoe designed for daily training. The cushioning and curvature give a comfortable feel and encourage smooth, fast transitions. Unlike most Brooks shoes, however, it only comes in one width, which may make it a poor choice if you have wide feet.

A Quick Look at the Brooks Hyperion Max

A daily trainer that can also double as a racing shoe, the Hyperion Max are just one model in a deep lineup that includes the Brooks Hyperion Tempo and Hyperion Elite (a carbon-plated shoe), the Brooks Ghost line, and the Brooks Glycerin collection. The standout feature on the Hyperion Max is undoubtedly the nitrogen-infused DNA FLASH foam cushioning used in the EVA midsole, which gives great support and makes easy runs seem even easier. 

In addition, these Brooks running shoes feature Rapid Roll technology—a unique curving of the heel and toe that helps make transitions ultra-smooth even at faster paces. The stack height for the men’s shoe measures 32 millimeters in the heel and 24 millimeters in the toe, resulting in a heel-to-toe drop of 8 millimeters. While the heel and midfoot should accommodate most runners, the forefoot doesn’t exactly cater to wide-footed runners, as I found the toe box to be a little cramped. 

Luckily, the Hyperion Max are incredibly lightweight, with the men’s shoe weighing just 7.8 ounces and the women’s shoe tipping the scales at a mere 6.7 ounces. With a breathable upper, DNA FLASH midsole, and solid heel stack height, these Brooks shoes offer a supportive, comfortable home for your feet.  

Before You Buy

• With the Hyperion Max 2 released in June 2024, the original is on sale.
• These lightweight running shoes also function well for walking or standing on your feet for long periods. However, I wouldn’t recommend them for weightlifting, as the stack height and lack of stability aren’t suited for squats, deadlifts, and similar strength training exercises. 
• In addition to free shipping, Brooks offers free returns within 90 days so customers can give their shoes a thorough test run.   

Are the Brooks Hyperion Max Shoes Worth It?

Although they’re listed for $170, the Hyperion Max are 35% off on Brooks’ website at the time of this writing, lowering the price to a far more palatable figure of $109.95. You can also purchase them for about $100 on Amazon. That discount makes these running shoes an attractive option if you’re looking for a lightweight daily trainer that you can use for everything from uptempo workouts to speed intervals to long-distance runs and races. 

As someone with wide, flat feet, these aren’t the ideal fit. Yet despite the slightly cramped toe box, I still enjoyed a positive training experience and would recommend these running shoes for athletes and fitness enthusiasts with narrow- to medium-width feet. 

Brooks Hyperion Max Specs

Workout Experience With the Brooks Hyperion Max

Make no mistake about it: I’m much more of a lifter than a runner. Yet as a certified personal trainer (CPT) who tries to lead by example, I entered the testing process with an open mind about hitting the open road. I usually work out in Nike Metcon 8’s, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, or more recently, the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes, so putting on a pair of cushioned running shoes definitely felt different. 

Luckily, though, it didn’t take long for my feet and I to appreciate Brooks’ clever design of the Hyperion Max. 

Appearance and Design

Seeking a pop of color, I contemplated several options before deciding on Black/Blazing Yellow/White. The bright yellow caught my attention on the screen and didn’t disappoint in person. 

Would I wear these for a night out? Unlike the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes, these aren’t exactly meant for that “casual athletic” look. But from a training shoe standpoint, I definitely appreciate how the boldness of Blazing Yellow contrasts with the various black design elements. 

Putting them on already made me feel faster simply because of the sleek look. And with seven other colorway options from which to choose—including the eye-popping red-white-and-blue combo of Cherry Tomato/Arctic Ice/Titan—there should be something for everyone. The only reason I give the Hyperion Max 4.5 out of 5 is because there aren’t as many colorway options as running shoes from other brands. 

Durability and Construction

Featuring a breathable, stretch-woven knit upper and the company’s signature DNA FLASH cushioning, the Hyperion Max are quite comfortable. Considering I spend most of my time in fairly unforgiving Metcons, these Brooks shoes provided a cloud-like experience. 

From a durability standpoint, it’s tough to gauge exactly how well these will hold up since I’ve only had them for less than two months. However, they seem to be made with high-quality materials that shouldn’t fray or fall apart with repeated use. How long running shoes last ranges between 300 to 500 miles—and I can guarantee it’ll take me quite a while to rack up that type of mileage.  

That said, I couldn’t give the Hyperion Max a perfect score for construction since this shoe doesn’t cater to individuals with wide feet. Although the cushioning is quite responsive, the toe box is a little too narrow for someone like me, which may mean you’ll need to order a half-size up. Overall, I give this shoe a 4-out-of-5 rating for durability and construction.

Stability and Performance

As a larger athlete with flat feet, I was admittedly nervous about how I’d feel and perform in a new pair of running shoes. While it took a few training sessions to get accommodated, I ultimately enjoyed a fairly stable experience. 

Most notably, the shock-absorbing midsole cushioning makes a huge difference. With other footwear, long runs would usually lead to some shin splints, some lower-back or knee discomfort. The Hyperion Max, however, has a springy response that reduces the impact on your knees and ankles, making an activity that I typically detest actually enjoyable. 

I also appreciate how the curvature of both the heel and toe regions helps you transition from a jog to a sprint so seamlessly. The rocker effect is quite noticeable, especially after recently putting the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes through a few runs and cardio workouts. While the Nanos have solid cushioning and were decent for running, the curvature of the Hyperion Max provided a smoother experience even as a neutral running shoe.

My one callout, however, is that my feet seemed to slide from side to side sometimes. This may not be a big deal if you’re using them strictly for training or walking, but that lack of stability made me think twice about using them for any type of weightlifting or strength training. 

Still, I’ll give the Hyperion Max a rock-solid 4-out-of-5 for stability and performance. 

Adjustments and Comfort

I seriously can’t get over how lightweight the Hyperion Max are. Even after lacing them up, I almost forgot I had anything on my feet. I even found myself wearing them in non-training situations, as they’re incredibly comfortable for walking or standing for prolonged periods. 

My main gripe is that Brooks only offers the Hyperion Max in medium width. With no wide size options, this shoe earns a 4-out-of-5 rating for adjustments and comfort. 

Price and Value

At first glance, an MSRP of $170 seems quite steep, even for a high-quality pair of running shoes. For example, two highly rated HOKA models, the Clifton 9 ($145) and Torrent 2 ($125) are more affordable. So too are the On Cloud X, which cost $140. 

Luckily, the Hyperion Max won’t take such a sizable bite out of your budget because as of publication, Brooks is running a sale for 35% off, lowering the price to about $110. Meanwhile, Amazon Prime members can purchase the Hyperion Max for 41% off (about $100). 

As a non-runner, I don’t have much interest in spending over $100 on running shoes. But in terms of value, I think dedicated runners get solid bang for their buck, leading to a score of 4-out-of-5 for price and value. 

Brooks Hyperion Max vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26

Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26

Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26

GGR Score: 4.15

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Product Highlights

• Maximum cushioning through the midsole
• Additional shock-absorbing heel support
• Plenty of traction from the rubber outsole
• Available in wide and extra wide size options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Maximum cushioning and heel support
• Specifically designed for shock-absorption
• 18 colorways
• Available in wide and extra wide sizes

Cons

• Expensive
• Foam compresses on long runs

Bottom Line

The Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 is designed for maximum comfort, with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam cushioning in the midsole, and additional heel support for shock absorptions. These running shoes are great for shorter runs or recovery runs.

While they’re not exactly the same, the Brooks Hyperion Max and ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 share many similarities. Both shoes are meant for neutral road running, with the latter featuring a hybrid outsole using proprietary materials. In addition, they’re priced almost exactly the same, with the Brooks shoes costing $10 more than the ASICS. 

From a design standpoint, both running shoes have an 8-millimeter heel drop. However, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is 3 ounces heavier than the Hyperion Max, which can be attributed to a substantially higher stack height of 42 millimeters in the heel and 34 millimeters in the toe compared to 32/24, respectively, for the Hyperion Max. 

That said, ASICS gives you far more flexibility when it comes to aesthetics. While the Hyperion Max only comes in eight colorways for both men and women, the GEL-NIMBUS 26 is available in 18 colors for men and 19 for women. Plus, ASICS offers wide and extra-wide size options. 

If you have wide feet, a wider color palette, and can live with a 3-ounce weight difference, you may want to consider the GEL-NIMBUS 26. 

Customer Experience 

Brooks earns a perfect score of 5 out of 5 thanks to a 90–day return policy that gives you ample time to test the Hyperion Max. If you aren’t satisfied, you can return the shoes for free and get your money back—an excellent perk that should encourage potential buyers to at least give the Hyperion Max a try. 

According to their website, Brooks will also replace any product that does not perform to expectations under normal use and within the functional life of the product.    

Ordering the Brooks Hyperion Max

You can purchase the Hyperion Max on Brooks’ website or Amazon. In addition to a lower price (about $10 less), Amazon Prime members receive free shipping and free returns. Running Warehouse also sells this model, but the size and colorway options are much more limited. 

The ordering process on Brooks’ website was simple and straightforward. With no problems to report, the Hyperion Max earns a perfect 5 out of 5 in this category. 

Customer Reviews

On the Brooks website, the Hyperion Max has an average rating of 4.5 stars based on 259 reviews at the time of publication. Customers consistently praise this running shoe for its lightweight design and exceptional cushioning. 

“Huge fan of this shoe. It is replacing my Rincon 2s and 3s for my go to lightweight shoe. The response and low weight AND the comfort make this a new fave. Hoping Brooks keeps this particular model (the Hyperion Max as opposed to the other Hyperion models) around. Solid shoe,” wrote a verified purchaser named Joel W. 

Another reviewer shared a similar sentiment, noting that the Hyperion Max fit true to size and with just the right amount of width. 

“First time purchasing any Brooks running shoes and decided on the Hyperion Max. Best choice as I ran my PB 10k. Shoe is very light and feels great. First time running, felt very fast and I had to slow down. So far very happy,” wrote verified purchaser Rolando S. 

However, not everyone enjoyed training in the Hyperion Max. A verified purchaser named Erik R. expressed major disappointment in his 1-star review.

“I did not like these at all. I recently bought the Hyperion Elite 4, which I believe are actually magical shoes. At $250/pair they are a “race day only” shoe for me though, so I thought the Hyperion Max seemed like a logical choice for trainers. They are completely different. They felt totally dead to run in, and I could feel it immediately. I sent them back after 30 miles or so. I’ve gone through at least 10 pairs of Adrenaline GTS, and will stick with those unless I find a better trainer to match with the HE4.” 

Final Verdict of Our Brooks Hyperion Max Review

My first run with the Brooks Hyperion Max immediately opened my eyes to how enjoyable running can be—if you have the right footwear. Are these necessarily the best running shoes on the market? Based on the GGR staff’s collective experience, that title still belongs to another Brooks shoe: the Glycerin 20. 

But at a sale price of $110, the Hyperion Max represents solid value. If you have a neutral gait and narrow- or average-width feet, you should enjoy slipping these on, lacing them up, and going for a walk, jog, run, or set of sprints. 

Full Rating

Brooks Hyperion Max

The Brooks Hyperion Max is a lightweight, neutral running shoe designed for daily training. The cushioning and curvature give a comfortable feel and encourage smooth, fast transitions. Unlike most Brooks shoes, however, it only comes in one width, which may make it a poor choice if you have wide feet.

Product Brand: Brooks

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 170

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.36

Brooks Hyperion Max Review: FAQs

The eclectic world of cross-training and CrossFit shoes features familiar names like the Reebok NanoX, Nike Metcon, and adidas Dropset. However, the Nano line now boasts a new addition that holds plenty of promise for fitness enthusiasts looking for a less expensive, more versatile version of their favorite training shoe. 

But did Reebok deliver on its promise to create something that’s suited for running, weight training, and fitness classes? In our Reebok Nano Gym Shoes review, I’ll dive deep into everything from their design and appearance to their stability and performance so you can figure out whether they’re the right fit for your feet. 

We Walk the Walk With Our Thorough Testing Process

At Garage Gym Reviews, we don’t just talk the talk when it comes to product testing. Whether it’s the best home gym equipment or the best supplements for muscle growth, our team of experts, including certified personal trainers, gym owners, CrossFit enthusiasts, and an Olympian weightlifter, delivers honest feedback so you can make informed purchasing decisions. 

As a longtime rugby player and weightlifter, I’ve used everything from Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars to different iterations of Nike Metcons over the last decade-plus. While Metcons have been my preferred workout shoe for years, I maintained an open mind about making the switch to #TeamReebok. To give a fair assessment of the Nano Gym Shoes, I carefully scored them based on our equipment testing methodology, which examines key criteria such as: 

• Appearance and design: As much as we care about comfort and performance, we also appreciate shoes that have a stylish appearance and attractive design. 
• Durability: Nobody wants to invest $100 on a pair of workout shoes that only last a few months. 
• Versatility: Are you limited to just lifting or running? The best cross-training shoes give you the versatility to do everything from CrossFit to cardio exercises like HIIT treadmill workouts. 
• Stability and performance: Your training shoes should allow you to move freely without worrying about staying balanced or feeling supported. Shoes that look good but don’t deliver from a performance standpoint don’t earn high marks from the GGR team. 

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

GGR Score: 4.36

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Product Highlights

• Cross-training shoe
• Meant for running, weight training, and fitness classes
• Mesh upper and cushioned EVA midsole
• TPU cradle for lateral support
• 8 mm drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile shoe
• Good value
• Comfortable
• Multiple colorways available

Cons

• Reviewers say they run a bit snug
• Not great for heavy lifting

Bottom Line

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes are meant to be the jack-of-all trades for your gym workouts. They provide enough support for short bouts of running, but enough stability for weight training. Reviewers say sizing one half of a size up is the way to go.

A Quick Look at the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

The Reebok Nano line launched in 2011 as the official provider of licensed CrossFit footwear and apparel. Designed with a spacious toe box for high-impact movements, weightlifting, and short-distance running, the Nanos quickly became one of the most popular training shoes not only in the CrossFit community but the fitness community as a whole. 

The company took things in a different direction in 2021 by releasing the Nano X1 to accommodate multiple training styles. Made with Reebok’s Flexweave knit upper and Floatride Energy Foam in the midsole, this model set the stage for future iterations like the Nano X2, which added a low-profile TPU heel clip for added support. The Reebok Nano X3 came out in 2023, adding a lift and run chassis system to increase the shoe’s functionality and running capabilities. Earlier this year, the company released the Nano X4, which earned high marks from our testing team. 

RELATED: Reebok Nano X4 Review

Interestingly, Reebok also decided to expand the Nano line with their Nano Gym Shoe, which they describe on their website as a “versatile cross-training shoe made for movement.” 

Before You Buy

• The Nano Gym Shoes are available in five colorways for men and four for women.
• Reebok describes them as having the “look and feel of a running shoe” but “built with the DNA of a training shoe.” 
• These cross-trainers have an 8-millimeter midsole drop, which is 1 millimeter more than the Nano X4. 
• Reebok sells the Nano Gym Shoes for $100 and offers a pay-over-time option with interest-free installments via Klarna on their website. 

Is the Reebok Nano Gym Shoe Worth It?

At a price point of $100, the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes are less expensive than household names like the Reebok Nano X4, Nike Metcon 9, or NOBULL Outwork. If you’re looking for a versatile training shoe that you can use for everything from HIIT workouts to bodyweight exercises to running, this is an excellent option. However, advanced lifters who like to go heavy may need to look elsewhere, as the Nano Gym Shoes don’t provide the same level of stability as dedicated weightlifting shoes, or even cross-trainers like the Nano X4 or Metcon.

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes Specs

Workout Experience With the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

After receiving my new shoes within three days of ordering, I eagerly laced them up and got right to work. Over the course of three weeks, I tested them extensively in home and commercial gym settings, using them for everything from classic movements like squats and deadlifts to burpees and box jumps. I also wore them for a few neighborhood runs and StairMaster workouts to see how they responded to cardiovascular activities.

While I may not be ready to completely ditch my favorite workout shoe (Nike Metcons), I was highly impressed with how the Nano Gym Shoes performed. Let’s take a closer look at how they scored across each category. 

Appearance and Design

While I wouldn’t call myself a #sneakerhead, I do have an appreciation for stylish footwear. Available in five different colorways for men and four for women, the Nano Gym Shoes definitely pass with flying colors from a design and appearance standpoint. I selected the black-and-white version. 

Boasting a sleek, sporty design that isn’t overly audacious, I like that these shoes can work well in the gym or for everyday use. They certainly don’t look like a typical running shoe, which you might not wear in non-training situations. However, the Nano Gym Shoes fall in line with the casual athletic style I tend to go for. 

Although the chunkier heel is a tad thicker than I would prefer from an aesthetic standpoint, overall I have zero qualms about how Reebok designed this new shoe. I can’t speak for the other colorways, but the black-and-white version earns a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating.

Durability and Construction

Determining a durability score after just three weeks of use can be a bit of a challenge. However, based on their design and construction, I’m confident the Nano Gym Shoes will hold up well over time. 

Reebok uses high-quality build materials, including a plush foam collar and a TPU cradle that provides lateral support for lifting. I also appreciate the high-traction outsole that gives a secure grip when pushing off a treadmill or climbing the StairMaster. 

Best of all: The Nano Gym Shoes are lightweight, with the unisex size 9 weighing just 12 ounces. This is particularly valuable when running, as you can move freely and comfortably. 

Overall, I give the Nanos a 4.5-out-5 rating for durability and construction. 

Stability and Performance

Some people prefer dedicated shoes for weightlifting and running. Others prefer a shoe that’s capable of performing well for multiple training styles. I fall in the latter category simply because it’s easier and more cost-effective to have a single shoe that can work well for lifting, HIIT, or basic bodyweight exercises.

Reebok specifically designed this shoe to be a jack of all trades, with more of an emphasis on dynamic workouts like bootcamp classes and circuit training. After using them for three weeks, 

I can vouch for their functionality.

Starting out with deadlifts and squats in my garage gym, I quickly realized the Nanos are good, but not great for these two powerhouse exercises. The cushioned heel helps absorb impact and provides excellent support, which pays off when you’re jumping or running. However, I found that the shoes weren’t quite so stable when I went heavier on squats and deadlifts. Still, I would say most people would be just fine using these for lifting.

The Nano Gym Shoes really shined once I stepped away from the squat rack and performed a full-body workout in my local commercial gym. I had no trouble using the leg press or hack squat, and I also found them to be quite comfortable during my StairMaster session and walking from machine to machine. 

Furthermore, the Nanos proved quite comfortable and supportive for running. While that’s not exactly my favorite activity—I’m a lifter at heart—I was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable I felt going for a jog in my neighborhood with my new shoes.

Despite lacking some stability when training with heavier loads, these shoes impressed me with their ability to perform well for such a wide variety of training styles. As a result, they earn a 4-out-5 rating for performance. 

Versatility, Adjustments, and Comfort

Are the Nanos the best weightlifting shoe? No. 

Are they the best running shoe? No. 

Are they a shoe that’s capable of doing everything well? I’d say yes.

After testing them for lifting, running, and a mix of other activities—including walking around for everyday use—I can vouch for their versatility. I actually find myself wearing them for non-training situations quite a bit, which speaks volumes about how comfortable they are.

Based on my experience testing them out for several weeks in many different settings and situations, I’ll give them 4.5 out of 5 for versatility. 

Price and Value

As a lifelong Metcon user, I’m used to paying well over $100 for workout shoes. In fact, that figure usually falls around $150 before taxes. Reebok wisely priced the new Nanos at a more affordable price point than the Nano X4 or the highly popular Metcon 9, both of which cost $150.

Given their versatility, solid construction, and reliable performance, that $100 price tag seems like rock-solid value. Plus, unlike other types of workout shoes, these also work well in more casual situations, giving you flexibility to use the Nano Gym Shoes in multiple settings.

Overall, I can’t complain about paying $100 for a high-quality pair of workout shoes that look and perform well. As a result, I gave the Nanos a 4.5-out-of-5 rating in the all-important price and value category.

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes vs Nike Metcon 9

Nike Metcon 9

Nike Metcon 9

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Released August 2023
• Versatile, durable training shoe
• Meant for CrossFit workouts and training
• Enhanced rope guard
• Larger Hyperlift crash pad
• 11 colorways available at launch

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile training shoe
• Rope guard wrap-around
• Rigid heel great for stability
• Multiple colorways to choose from
• Lace locking system
• High-traction outsole
• Durable upper
• Breathable woven textile upper
• Wide toe box

Cons

• Not great for running or WODs with longer run intervals
• Some people may find them too rigid
• Expensive at $150 a pair

Bottom Line

The Nike Metcon 9 training shoes were released in August 2023 and build upon the Nike Metcon 8s with an enhanced rope guar wrap-around, plus a larger and more rigid crash pad. They feature a tightly woven and durable, but breathable, upper. The patterned, grooved outsole provides great traction during most weather conditions.

Pitting the Nano Gym Shoes against the highly rated Metcon 9 gives you a chance to see some of the similarities and differences between two excellent training shoes. First, the Reeboks are more affordable, coming in at $50 less than the Nikes. They also have a much bigger heel-to-toe drop (8 mm) compared to just 4 mm for the Metcon 9. 

In my experience, this makes the Nikes better for squats, deadlifts, and other exercises like power cleans and bent-over rows. However, Metcons are less forgiving when it comes to sprints, burpees, box jumps, and high-impact movements. 

Read more about one of our favorite footwear options in our Nike Metcon 9 shoe review.

Customer Service 

Reebok earns a 4.5-out-of-5 rating for customer service by offering a number of valuable perks. First, the company provides free shipping on orders over $75 and offers a 30-day return policy. Reebok members also receive free shipping, returns, and exchanges. 

In addition, you can get in touch with Reebok via live chat, phone, or Facebook. The live chat feature is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST. You can call customer service between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST Monday through Friday or 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST on weekends.

Ordering the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

Eager to try out their latest release, I signed up for an email notification from Reebok when the Nano Gym Shoes became available. Once that day arrived, I got the email, immediately went to the site, selected my size (12) and color (white/black), and added them to my cart.

Luckily, I qualified for free shipping since Reebok offers this perk for orders over $75. Overall, the ordering process was straightforward and stress-free. Even better: It only took a couple days before I had a fresh pair of Reeboks waiting at my front door. 

With zero complaints or hiccups, the ordering experience receives a 5-out-of-5 rating. 

Customer Reviews

As a recently released product, the Reebok Nano Gym Shoes have yet to garner a ton of reviews. However, customers who’ve gotten their hands on them (more like feet in them, in this case) have provided plenty of positive feedback on the company’s website. 

With a 4.9-star rating based on seven reviews, here’s what customers had to say about this new design: 

“The Reebok Nano series is a solid pick for men who want a versatile gym shoe. It’s great for running, offering decent cushioning and support, while also performing well in various workouts like lifting and HIIT. A durable and stylish choice for all-around fitness. #sweepstakes,” a customer named John L. wrote in his 5-star review. 

Meanwhile, a customer named Ken H. was pleased with how the Nanos fit and performed during his workouts: 

“I felt like this shoe was very comfortable right out of the box. I went with a 1/2 size larger than I normally wear, and they fit very comfortably with a little extra room in the toe box. I wore these to do box jumps and power cleans in my first workout with them. They were very bouncy on the box jumps, yet had some stability for my weightlifting. As I got a little heavier in weight, I did rock forward in my toes. So, I will probably reserve these for HIIT style workouts and days where I am looking for something more lightweight, and keep my heavy days to wearing my Nano X4’s for more stability!” 

Also available on Amazon, the women’s version has compiled a 4.2-star rating based on 22 reviews. 

“These shoes are incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and stylish. They’re made of breathable material and fit perfectly true to size. The rubber outsole offers excellent support and grip, making them ideal for gym activities. There’s really nothing to dislike about them. I absolutely love these shoes and highly recommend them to anyone in need of gym footwear. I love the color on the sole too,” a user named Sofie Birkin wrote in her 5-star review.

Final Verdict of Our Reebok Nano Gym Shoes Review

While skeptical would be too strong of a word, I had some initial hesitations about making the switch from Metcons to Nanos. However, once I put them through a few WODs, runs, and strength training sessions, I bought into the hype. They may not be the best option for long-distance runners, and they certainly aren’t the best lifting shoe, but they are versatile enough to cater to a number of training styles. 

Full Rating

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes are meant to be the jack-of-all trades for your gym workouts. They provide enough support for short bouts of running, but enough stability for weight training. Reviewers say sizing one half of a size up is the way to go.

Product Brand: Reebok

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 100

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.36

Reebok Nano Gym Shoes: FAQs

The Clifton 9, a daily trainer from HOKA (formerly HOKA One One), is one of the most popular neutral running shoes. Runners, people who are on their feet all day, and even podiatrists love its cushioning and support. But is it worth the hype? In this HOKA Clifton 9 review, we’ll help you decide whether or not you should pick up this shoe to train for your next race.

We’ve Tested More Than 20 Running Shoes

The GGR staff includes certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, certified nutrition coaches, and Olympic-level athletes. Many of us incorporate running workouts into our training programs, whether we’re preparing for a half-marathon or just enjoy the feeling of our feet hitting the pavement.

Our product testers have tried over 20 running shoes and accumulated dozens of miles in them. Using our fitness equipment testing methodology, we score them on a scale of 1 to 5 in categories such as:

• Appearance and design
• Construction and durability
• Stability and performance
• Adjustments and comfort
• Price and value
• Customer experience
• Ordering process
• Customer reviews

HOKA Clifton 9

Hoka Clifton 9

GGR Score: 4.43

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Product Highlights

• Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and everyday running
• 4 grams lighter than the Clifton 8
• Increased stack height 3 mm
• Made with vegan and recycled materials

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Available in both regular and wide
• American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA) Seal of Acceptance
• Available with GORE-TEX for weather resistance in GTX and GTX TS models
• Love it or return it: 30-day guarantee
• Generally positive reviews

Cons

• Less colorways available in women’s sizes
• Limited colorways in wide
• Some longtime Clifton users dislike the updates

Bottom Line

The Hoka Clifton 9 is the newest model of Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and running. This model is 4 grams lighter and has added 3 millimeters of stack height. The shoe is vegan and utilizes a variety of recycled materials. Most of the reviews were positive and found the shoe comfortable, however, some longtime Clifton users disliked the changes and preferred previous models.

A Quick Look at the HOKA Clifton 9

One of HOKA’s latest shoe iterations, the Clifton 9 is designed for runners with a neutral gait. It boasts a bouncy, compression-molded EVA (CMEVA) foam midsole and an early-stage meta rocker. Together, these features provide excellent responsiveness as you transition from heel to toe. The Clifton 9 also has a breathable, engineered mesh upper and a durabrasion rubber outsole for traction in any type of road condition.

RELATED: Treadmill vs Outdoor Running

The stack height (the amount of material between your foot and the ground) is 29/24 millimeters in the women’s shoes and 32/27 millimeters in the men’s. The 5-millimeter heel-to-toe-drop is lower than many other road running shoes. The men’s shoe weighs 8.7 ounces and the women’s shoe weighs 7.3 ounces, which is impressively lightweight for the amount of cushioning it has.

The Clifton 9 improves upon the previous model, the Clifton 8, in several ways. For one, there are 3 more millimeters of stack height, resulting in a more cushioned ride. The Clifton 9 also has a roomier midfoot, though the toebox is narrow. While it’s available in wide widths, some runners with wide feet still struggle with the fit.

Before You Buy

• The HOKA Clifton 9 is a neutral shoe, meaning it’s ideal for runners with normal arches whose feet and ankles don’t roll excessively inward or outward.
• These shoes are best for recovery runs or other runs at easy paces. They’re also great for walking or standing on your feet all day.
• As this is strictly a running shoe, it’s not the best choice for weightlifting. It won’t provide the stability you need for heavy lifting.

Is the HOKA Clifton 9 Worth It?

The HOKA Clifton 9 costs about $145. The price may be steep, but it’s in line with the cost of running shoes from other brands like Brooks, New Balance, and Saucony. Plus, in my experience, cheap running shoes don’t last as long or offer an adequate amount of cushioning and support when you’re racking up the miles. Spending more on the best shoes for long-distance running can help ensure your feet and joints remain pain-free.

That said, because everyone’s feet are different, not every shoe will work for every runner. If possible, I recommend visiting a running store for a gait analysis to help you choose the right running shoe for you. Then you can determine whether or not the HOKA Clifton 9 will suit your needs.

HOKA Clifton 9 Specs

Wearing the HOKA Clifton 9

For our HOKA Clifton 9 review, we tasked Erin Chancer, NASM-CNC, ISSA-CPT, a senior editor at GGR, with testing these well-loved road running shoes. She wore them for several workouts over a couple of weeks, paying close attention to how supported her feet felt, how comfortable the shoes were, and how versatile they were for various activities.

Overall, Erin enjoyed wearing the HOKA Clifton 9 and felt like they helped with her running form. She was even happy to report that she didn’t get any blisters when wearing them—though finding a good pair of running socks can also help with that.

Appearance and Design

Erin gave the HOKA Clifton 9 a 4.5-out-of-5-star rating for their design. They do look bulky, especially if you’re on the shorter side. “I’m petite, and they look like they’re wearing me!” Erin quipped.

Still, she liked that she had 23 colorways to choose from. She opted for the Black/Rose Gold colorway for a more classic look, but the shoes also come in flashier colors for those who like to add extra flare to their workout apparel. For instance, the women’s sizes come in bright colors like Lettuce/Solar Flare or Amber Haze/Sherbert.

RELATED: Best Workout Shorts for Women

Construction and Durability

According to Erin, the HOKA Clifton 9 looks and feels like a high-quality shoe. “These are my first pair of HOKAs, and after testing them, I can see why they’re so popular,” she said.

It has a breathable, engineered knit upper and features the brand’s signature durabrasion rubber outsole for durability. However, some customers have noted that the outsoles start losing traction and the foam midsoles start feeling flat after about 100 miles. Erin hasn’t had the shoes long enough to accumulate that amount of mileage, but we’ll report back once she’s tested them for several more months to see how they hold up.

HOKA also added reflective details along the heel for added visibility when running in the dark. In an effort to promote sustainability, the company used 70% recycled nylon and 30% recycled polyester in the laces. The EVA foam feels responsive and springy underfoot.

That said, Erin offered a word of caution about wearing these shoes: “Be prepared for some loud squishing noises!”

Ultimately, she rated the HOKA Clifton 9 a 4.6 out of 5 for construction and durability.

RELATED: Anatomy of a Running Shoe

Stability and Performance

For stability and performance, Erin scored the HOKA Clifton 9 a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars. “I have very narrow feet and thought I would be swimming in them, but they kind of molded to my feet,” she noted.

“I feel like I sometimes struggle with my running form, but the structure of the HOKA Clifton 9 is a game-changer. It really does feel like it helped me maintain good form,” she added.

However, while Erin said her feet felt supported in the HOKA Clifton 9, it’s important to note that this isn’t a true stability running shoe. If you’re an overpronator—meaning your feet and ankles roll inward as you land—you may need a shoe that offers more motion control. The Nike Air Zoom Structure or Brooks Adrenaline GTS may be a good choice.

Adjustments and Comfort

The HOKA Clifton 9 is available in regular and wide widths and comes in half sizes, so you should be able to find an ideal fit. Erin noted that the laces were easy to tighten or loosen as needed and rated the shoes 4.5 out of 5 stars in this category.

“I’ve taken my hyperactive Goldendoodle for several walks in these, and I haven’t gotten any blisters or hotspots,” she added.

RELATED: Best Running Shoes for High Arches

Price and Value

At around $145, the HOKA Clifton 9 is priced competitively. It costs about the same as other neutral road running shoes, like the ASICS Novablast 4, Nike Pegasus 41, and New Balance Fresh Foam X 880v14.

Erin rated the price and value 4 out of 5 stars since the shoe is well-made and many runners seem to love it. However, we’ve seen some customer complaints about the outsole losing traction and the EVA foam breaking down after about 100 miles. How long running shoes last varies, but 300 to 500 miles is the general rule of thumb. The HOKA Clifton 9 may not make it anywhere near that mark. Whether you think the price is worth it depends on how comfortable you are with possibly replacing the shoes after a short time. 

HOKA Clifton 9 vs ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26

ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26

Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Maximum cushioning through the midsole
• Additional shock-absorbing heel support
• Plenty of traction from the rubber outsole
• Available in wide and extra wide size options

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Maximum cushioning and heel support
• Specifically designed for shock-absorption
• 18 colorways
• Available in wide and extra wide sizes

Cons

• Expensive
• Foam compresses on long runs

Bottom Line

The Asics GEL-NIMBUS 26 is designed for maximum comfort, with FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam cushioning in the midsole, and additional heel support for shock absorptions. These running shoes are great for shorter runs or recovery runs.

The ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is another neutral road running shoe. Its PureGEL™ technology and FF BLAST™ PLUS ECO foam allow for softer landings and smoother transitions. The outsole is a hybrid of ASICS®GRIP™ and AHAR®PLUS™ rubber, designed to provide a good grip in various weather conditions. 

Both shoes feature an engineered knit upper for comfort and breathability and have reflective details for safety when running in the dark. The HOKA Clifton 9 has a 5-millimeter heel drop compared to the GEL-Nimbus 26’s 8-millimeter heel drop. It’s nearly 2 ounces lighter and available in more colors, but has more limited sizing. However, it’s also cheaper.

Ultimately, if you want a lighter shoe with a lower heel-to-toe drop, go for the HOKA Clifton 9. If weight doesn’t matter to you as much and you have some extra cash, the ASICS GEL-NIMBUS 26 is a fine choice.

Customer Experience 

Erin rated the customer experience a 4 out of 5. HOKA’s FLY for 30 Guarantee allows you to try shoes and apparel for 30 days. If you’re unsatisfied, you can return the product for a full refund or exchange. The guarantee is a bit misleading, though. You must return the product within 30 days of the original purchase date. If it takes a week for your item to arrive, you really only have three weeks to test it.

However, HOKA members get up to 60 days to try new products. Becoming a member is free, so we recommend signing up to take advantage of the longer trial period.

HOKA also offers a 1-year warranty against material defects, workmanship defects, and damage caused before the item was purchased.

Ordering the HOKA Clifton 9

You can buy the HOKA Clifton 9 on HOKA’s website, Amazon, or Zappos. You’ll also find them in specialty running stores like Road Runner Sports and Fleet Feet. If you buy the shoes directly from HOKA and are a HOKA member, you’ll get free shipping. Otherwise, you’ll pay $8 for standard shipping.

Erin had no issues ordering the HOKA Clifton 9 on the company’s website and gave the ordering process a perfect 5 out of 5.

Customer Reviews

On the HOKA website, the Clifton 9 has an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2,595 reviews. Most customers find the shoes comfortable. Satisfied buyers also appreciate the shoes’ lightweight construction and the wide range of colorways available. However, some unhappy customers report durability issues and have experienced calf or foot pain when wearing the shoes for walks.

The HOKA Clifton 9 running shoe also has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Running Warehouse’s website. There, most reviewers say the shoes are cushiony while still being supportive. However, reviews are mixed on sizing. Some buyers say the shoes fit true to size, while others recommend ordering a half size up.

Final Verdict of Our HOKA Clifton 9 Review

The HOKA Clifton 9 is a cushioned road running shoe that feels bouncy and responsive with each step. Our tester was pleased with their performance, but some customers have reported durability issues. They’re ideal for runners with a neutral gait, so if you under or overpronate, you may need a different type of shoe.

Before you decide to pick up the HOKA Clifton 9, here are a few more things to remember:

• You don’t have to be a runner to wear the HOKA Clifton 9. It’s also a good shoe for people who walk lots of miles or have jobs that require a lot of standing.
• With over 20 colorways available, the HOKA Clifton 9 fits a wide range of personal styles.
• If you’re an overpronator or need a shoe for cross-training purposes, you’ll want to consider a shoe that better suits your needs.

Full Rating

HOKA Clifton 9

The Hoka Clifton 9 is the newest model of Hoka’s neutral shoe for walking and running. This model is 4 grams lighter and has added 3 millimeters of stack height. The shoe is vegan and utilizes a variety of recycled materials. Most of the reviews were positive and found the shoe comfortable, however, some longtime Clifton users disliked the changes and preferred previous models.

Product Brand: HOKA

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 145

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.43

HOKA Clifton 9: FAQs

Take, for example, a favorite lifting shoe among Olympic weightlifters—the Nike Romaleos 4, which is $200. Other top brands cost even more. It’s hard for beginners to spend so much on a shoe before figuring out if they like a training method first.

Fortunately, there are budget-friendly options available, although they’re rarely under $100. However, a shoe recently came out on the market that looks eerily similar to the Romaleos—but at about a third of the price. In this kcross Weightlifting Shoes review, we’ll take a deeper look into this shoe, and see how it stacks up to high-end weightlifting shoes. Ultimately, we’ll determine if this shoe is the real deal, or not worth its budget price.

Dozens of Gym Shoes Tested

In addition to the kcross lifting shoes, we’ve tested dozens of training shoes—over 80, to be more specific. From the best running shoes, minimalist shoes, cross-training shoes, and weightlifting shoes, we’ve had our hands on all top brands in the market to determine which ones deserve your hard-earned cash.

Our team doesn’t shy away from honest feedback. Composed of certified personal trainers, competitive athletes, CrossFit Level 1 trainers, and weightlifting coaches, we know the ins and outs of the fitness industry, and what makes good weightlifting shoes…or dumbbells, squat racks, and more.

I was going to test out the kcross lifters myself, but due to limited shoe sizes (more on that later), I had my wife, Emelie Wilkes, USAW-L1, test them. Having competed in Olympic weightlifting for the last 12 years and nabbing multiple national-level medals, she’s no stranger to the sport. She’s even competed internationally. Emelie tried the lifting shoes over the past few weeks, noting aspects and features of the shoes, such as:

• Appearance and design
• Construction and durability
• Stability
• Versatility
• Adjustments and comfort
• Overall value

She rated each of these categories a score between 1 and 5 to determine the final rating of the kcross Weighlifting Shoes.

kcross Weightlifting Shoes

kcross Weightlifting Shoes

GGR Score: 4.33

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Product Highlights

• Budget-friendly weightlifting shoe
• Sturdy outsole
• Nylon upper
• 20-mm heel-toe drop
• Dual Velcro straps

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Inexpensive
• Quality heel and outsole
• 20-mm heel-toe drop
• Stable performance

Cons

• Limited sizes
• No warranty
• Customers report a narrow toe box

Bottom Line

The kcross Weightlifting Shoes are a durable pair of lifting shoes with a very low price point for lifting shoes. For $70, the heel is extremely similar to higher end shoes like the Nike Romaleos. Although sizes are limited and the toe box is reported as being narrow, these are a solid pair of lifting shoes.

A Quick Look at the kcross Weightlifting Shoes

There’s not a lot of information on the internet on kcross as a company, mostly since it seems to operate entirely from an Amazon storefront. From what I can gather, the company imports products from China and specializes in athletic gear like wrist wraps, lifting belts, and outdoor hiking gear.

Made for squats or Olympic lifting, the kcross shoes have a stable base with a raised heel to help better position athletes into a more upright squat position. They’re also marketed as a deadlift shoe, but the heel-to-toe drop of 20 millimeters might be a bit higher than people may want for deadlift shoes or cross-trainers. Still, they’ll work great as squat shoes or lifters.

The kcross Weightlifting Shoes are reminiscent of the Nike Romaleos…actually, they look surprisingly similar. I own the Nike Romaleos 4 weightlifting shoes, and I can hardly tell a difference between the outsoles on the shoes. The upper material is less breathable, but it still reminds me of the material used in older models of the Romaleos. I don’t want to accuse these shoes of being knock-offs that are made cheaper and therefore sold at a discounted rate, but they have a striking resemblance to the Nike shoes.

Regardless of how these shoes are made, though, they have the same solid stability as the Romaleos, but at a fraction of the price. The kcross weightlifting shoes cost $70 on Amazon, while the Romaleos cost $200.

Before You Buy

• Although the shoe has great value, sizes are much more limited than other brands. Sizes only range from 6.5 to 12 in men’s sizing, or women’s 8 to 13.5.
• Branding is a little odd on these shoes as well. Although manufactured by kcross, the shoes are labeled across the top strap “1 Energy,” which is also marketed on the Amazon product page. However, the bottom sole is also marked “Lara Star,” which is another Chinese brand on Amazon.

Are the kcross Weightlifting Shoes Worth It?

The kcross Weightlifting Shoes are made with quality materials and have stability that rivals top weightlifting shoes—for the low price of $70. This isn’t only well under the $200 or more of top shoes like the Nike Romaleos, adidas Adipower III, or the Reebok Legacy Lifter 3s; the price point also undercuts most budget brands of lifting shoes.

The Reebok Lifter PR 3 shoes, for example, are $110. The Nike Savaleos are also considered budget-priced, but are still $125. Turns out that $70 is the lowest price for a lifting shoe we’ve tested—aside from the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars (a better choice for deadlifts).

If you’re looking for a high-quality lifting shoe for heavy squats, clean and jerks, and snatches, these lifting shoes have killer value for their price, leading Emelie to rate the overall value of the kcross shoes a 5 out of 5. They won’t be ideal for everyone, since they won’t have the versatility of other lifting shoes, and they won’t be great if you only want to deadlift. However, if you’re looking for a weightlifting shoe with a higher heel, this is a fantastic option.

kcross Weightlifting Shoes Specs

Using the kcross Weightlifting Shoes 

My wife and competitive weightlifter Emelie Wilkes, USAW-L1, used the kcross Weightlifting Shoes for close to a month, in over a dozen training sessions. Being an Olympic weightlifter herself, she used the shoes for the classic lifts—the snatch and the clean and jerk—as well as pulls, barbell squats, and presses.

Her immediate thought on the shoes is that they’re incredibly stable, leading her to rate them a 5 out of 5 for stability and performance. “The hard sole is pretty close to high-end lifting shoes, so these are very solid shoes,” she explains. There are also Velcro straps across the midfoot and forefoot to help secure your shoe beyond the typical laces.

The heel height of 20 millimeters is a touch lower than what she is used to. She normally wears the Reebok Legacy Lifters, which have an elevated heel of 22 millimeters. It took her a few sessions to feel comfortable in them during more technical lifts like snatches and overhead squats. (I had the same issue when I tested out the Nike Savaleos Weightlifting Shoes.) 

This is a pretty common heel height for Olympic lifting, though, so most lifters should feel comfortable in them. Just know if you’re changing to shoes that have a different heel height, there will be a learning curve at first.

Construction and Durability

These shoes are built solidly, leading Emelie to rate their construction and durability a 4.5 out of 5. Because she’s only had and used the shoes for a few weeks at this point, their longevity hasn’t been put to the test yet. But with materials similar to top lifting shoes, Emelie feels they’ll last pretty well—especially since the sole consists of TPU, a solid plastic-rubber hybrid material that gives the shoe such a solid foundation.

“The upper is a nylon, which seems fairly durable, but this is also the kind of material that will show some wear and tear over time,” Emelie explains. “The sole is solid though; those’ll last through a war.”

The upper isn’t as breathable as the mesh used on the latest Romaleos, but the breathability is still there. The rubber outsole provides enough tread to keep you from sliding around the floor with heavy weights, no matter the type of home gym flooring.

Appearance and Design

The shoes come in four different colorways, and Emelie gives the appearance and design a 4 out of 5. Most of the color options are bright, common gym shoe options. For those who prefer a more reserved shoe, the kcross shoes come in Obsidian Black, which is black and gray (and also the shoes that Emelie went with).

One thing that bothered Emelie about the design was the multiple branding logos on the shoes. It was a little off-putting, since it made her feel like these shoes weren’t legitimate. After using them, they feel like the real deal, but I think the branding might throw some people off initially.

Versatility

These aren’t made to be cross-training shoes, so for those looking for some shoes for cardio workouts and metcons, you might want to try other options. There is the bare minimum amount of cushioning inside the shoe, which means there’s far less responsiveness than top running shoes and most cross-trainers, too. The shoe does have an insole that can help with that, but it’s still minimal.

Emelie still rates the versatility of the shoes a 4 out of 5, though, because you’ll still be able to do most of your strength training in these shoes. “They provide a solid base even for heavy lifting you forget you need a base for, like the bench press,” she says. These shoes can work for deadlifts, although powerlifters may not want the raised heel. Just don’t run or jump in them.

Adjustments and Comfort

In addition to the midfoot and forefoot straps, the kcross Weightlifting Shoes have laces that can secure the shoes. “They’re not walking shoes,” Emelie says, “but for lifting shoes, these are pretty comfortable.” She rates the adjustability and comfort a 4 out of 5.

The main thing that doesn’t make this a perfect score is that the shoes have limited sizes, only going up to a men’s size 12 (13.5 in women’s sizing). Additionally, for people with wide feet, the toe box may be too narrow. Because of that, kcross suggests going up a half-size or whole-size to fit your feet properly. The limited sizes really puts a damper on what is a strong and solid shoe for lifting.

RELATED: TYR L-1 Lifters Review

kcross Weightlifting Shoes vs Nike Romaleos 4

Nike Romaleos 4

Nike Romaleos 4

GGR Score: 4.2

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Product Highlights

• Latest iteration in this line of weightlifting shoes
• Blends the breathability of the Romaleos 3 with the sturdy outsole of the Romaleos 2
• 20mm heel drop as well as dual velcro straps

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Incredibly stable platform and midfoot
• Wider toe box than the previous Romaleos
• Heavy and sturdy–I feel like I’m rooted into the ground

Cons

• The laces and straps feel a bit flimsy, but laces can be replaced, and the straps don’t need to do much work if the laces are tied.
• The different materials that are used to make the shoes more breathable also make me wonder how long they will actually last.
• The $200 price will likely limit these shoes to serious athletes.

Bottom Line

The Romaleos 4 were designed to represent the favorable parts of all versions, and I do believe Nike has executed that well. While the price tag of $200 may deter some, this shoe is a great option for those seeking a sturdy, aesthetically pleasing weightlifting shoe.

Since I’ve discussed the similarities between the two shoes, we have to put the Nike Romaleos 4 head-to-head with the kcross Weightlifting Shoes. At first glance, there are some obvious similarities, primarily in the heel. Both shoes have a 20-millimeter heel-toe drop, and have the same material in the heel and outsole—thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and rubber tread, respectively.

The upper varies, as the Romaleos have a more breathable mesh, while the kcross lifters have a nylon upper. The major difference, however, is the price. The kcross Weightlifting Shoes are only $70, nearly a third of the price of the Romaleos. It’s wild to have a similar, stable lifting shoe with such a price decrease compared to the popular Romaleos 4s.

The sizing is much more limited than the Romaleos, but if your shoe size fits in the range of the kcross shoes, these are a very good deal. You can read more about the high-end shoes in our Nike Romaleos 4 Weightlifting Shoes review.

Customer Experience 

Since the kcross store works entirely from Amazon, you’ll be dealing with Amazon for customer service. Fortunately, Amazon has pretty good policies, earning customer service a 4 out of 5. The shoes have a 30-day return policy with free shipping—on new or unused items—and there are many ways to contact Amazon for questions and help.

For select sizes and color options, you can also try the shoes for 7 days. If you don’t like them, you can return them; if you do like them, then your payment will be processed at the end of the week-long trial.

A word of warning, though: The kcross Weightlifting Shoes do not have a warranty, probably one way that the shoes can sell at such a low price point. If you like the protection of a warranty, you may want to spend a bit more on another shoe.

Ordering the kcross Weightlifting Shoes

You can purchase the kcross Weightlifting Shoes from Amazon, and if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you get free 2-day shipping. If not, shipping costs are calculated at checkout. Financing is also available through Affirm.

Customer Reviews

As of this writing, there are 111 customer reviews for the kcross Weightlifting Shoes on Amazon, with an average score of 4.1 stars out of 5. Many positive reviews are impressed by the stability of the shoes, using them for heavy squats and similar lifts. Others liked the appearance of the shoes, coming in a couple sharp-looking and bright colorways; one review even compared them to older designs of the Nike Romaleos.

The largest complaint of the shoes is their fit. Many people ordered a half-size or size up (including positive reviews), but some customers still complained of a tight fit. If you have wide feet, definitely order up a size, but be ready to exchange the shoes for a larger size to get the right feel of the shoe.

Final Verdict of Our kcross Weightlifting Shoes Review

For less than $70, the kcross Weightlifting Shoes are solid lifting shoes with crazy value. I don’t know if I can emphasize this enough: $70 for a pair of Olympic weightlifting shoes is a very, very good deal. With a wide, stable base and durable materials, this is a solid shoe for most lifters.

That said, sizing is limited, and people with wider feet may struggle at first to find a proper fit. However, these shoes are comparable to some top brands and at a surprisingly low price point. So, if your sizing matches what kcross offers, these shoes are a steal.

Full Rating

kcross Weightlifting Shoes

The kcross Weightlifting Shoes are a durable pair of lifting shoes with a very low price point for lifting shoes. For $70, the heel is extremely similar to higher end shoes like the Nike Romaleos. Although sizes are limited and the toe box is reported as being narrow, these are a solid pair of lifting shoes.

Product Brand: kcross

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 69.99

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.33

kcross Weightlifting Shoes: FAQs

However, one of the most overlooked activities that requires proper footwear is something most of us do every single day–walking. Many people will grab whatever shoes they have lying around to go for a walk, but there are plenty of shoes specifically designed to maximize your comfort while increasing your steps. 

In this KURU QUANTUM 2.0 review, I’ll explain all of the details you need to know about this walking shoe that’s specifically designed to minimize foot pain and discomfort. Whether you spend your days walking around a city, or you’re looking for a great shoe for your evening neighborhood stroll, keep reading to see our honest thoughts.

Shoe Experts That You Can Trust

Here at Garage Gym Reviews, all of our reviews are based on hands-on testing from our team of experts. We’re a diverse group of fitness (and shoe) enthusiasts, made up of gym owners, certified personal trainers, runners, CrossFit enthusiasts, and more. 

Many of us have spent years trying all kinds of shoes for our various hobbies, and our reviews are always based on our honest testing experience. When we test a new shoe, we use our equipment testing methodology to assign a score of 1 to 5 and rate the shoe on the most important features, like:

• Comfort
• Durability
• Appearance and Design
• Stability

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

GGR Score: 4.34

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Product Highlights

• 8.5 mm heel-to-toe drop
• Wide design
• Plenty of cushioning in the midfoot
• Available in men’s and women’s colorways

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel cushion
• Wide design and toe box
• Available in both men's and women's colorways
• 8.5 mm heel to toe drop

Cons

• Expensive
• Bulkier and heavier than many other shoes
• 8.5 mm may feel unusual to those used to minimalist shoes

Bottom Line

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.

A Quick Look at the KURU QUANTUM 2.0

KURU is a unique company, as its shoes are specifically designed to maximize heel support and reduce heel pain. With a company tagline of “Heel Better,” KURU’s homepage claims that 81% of people will experience foot pain, and the company is on a mission to change this. 

There are quite a few KURU shoes to choose from, including running shoes, walking shoes, slip-ons, hiking shoes, and more. The designs vary, but all KURU shoes are designed to maximize comfort and provide pain relief. 

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is one of the company’s best-selling shoes, second only to the ATOM, which we covered in detail in our KURU ATOM review. The QUANTUM 2.0 is designed for walking, although you can wear it for other types of workouts as well.

RELATED: Best Shoes for Plantar Fascitis

The heel uses the patented KURUSOLE, which cups your heel in a soft cushion, providing maximum heel support with each step. The QUANTUM 2.0 also features a wide toe box and breathable mesh upper—two more features KURU chose to make this shoe as comfortable as possible. 

Before You Buy

• These shoes are meant for walking and have plenty of cushioning, but they may not work well for long-distance running or weightlifting.
• The shoe features a wide design to give your foot plenty of room and significant cushioning, so they’re bigger and heavier than many running shoes.
• At $165, these shoes aren’t cheap, but in our opinion, the quality and comfort justify the price.

Is the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 Worth It?

Let’s face it, $165 is a lot to pay for a pair of shoes, even ones that claim to relieve the foot pain that occurs from standing or walking for long periods. That doesn’t mean you should avoid them, but you should make sure that the shoes will meet your needs before purchasing them. 

KURU QUANTUM 2.0 Specs

Wearing the KURU QUANTUM 2.0

For this KURU shoes review, our tester was Erin Chancer, a certified personal trainer and senior editor at GGR. She wore them around town running errands and walking her dog to see if these shoes provided the comfortable footbed they claimed.

The best walking shoes should feel comfortable to wear for hours at a time, which is exactly what Erin did. Overall, she was very impressed. Even though she has narrow feet and had to tighten the laces quite a bit, she found them to be very comfortable while walking around, with plenty of support in the insoles. 

The one callout is that they are wider than traditional running shoes, so they’re slightly larger, and with the 8.5 mm heel drop and significant cushioning, they’re a bit heavy. Erin said she’s used to wearing Toms shoes, which feature a more minimal, lightweight design, and the heavier weight was noticeable but still comfortable. 

Erin still loved these shoes, but if you’re used to lighter, smaller shoes, just know that there may be an adjustment period. 

Appearance and Design

Appearance is important, as nobody wants to wear shoes that look awful on your feet. Luckily, Erin loved the design, giving these shoes a 5-out-of-5 rating. 

She bought the “Pewter/Night Sky” colorway, which is gray with hints of purple, and she really likes the look. The women’s sizes are also available in four additional colorways: Electric Grape/Midnight Blue, Pewter/Night Sky, Jet Black/Slate Gray, and Dove Gray/Pale Lime.

The men’s sizes are available in three colorways, which are Jet Black/Slate Gray, Storm Gray, and Indigo Blue/Slate Gray. 

We wish there were more color options for men, but since the colors are neutral, they’ll fit seamlessly into your wardrobe. 

Construction and Durability

For construction and durability, Erin gave these shoes a 4.5-out-of-5 star rating. She noted that the mesh exterior and synthetic rubber outsole feel bulky but durable.

With any shoe review, it’s hard to promise how long a given pair will last unless we use them until they fall apart, but these seem very durable. Not to mention, KURU offers a 6-month guarantee on its shoes, so if something goes wrong (aside from normal wear and tear), KURU will replace them. 

Stability and Performance

When a shoe promises to keep your foot secure and cushioned, with patented technology to offer maximum support, we have high expectations–and KURU delivered.

Erin has narrow feet and didn’t expect these shoes to keep her foot in place, but she was pleasantly surprised. She said, “My ankles felt very secure and I had plenty of toe room. I have very narrow feet, so at first glance, I thought my feet would be swimming in these, but I didn’t have an issue.”

For stability and performance, the KURU QUANTUM 2.0s earn a 5 out of 5. 

Versatility

When talking about versatility, we look at how many activities you can perform in any given shoe. While the QUANTUM 2.0 is designed for walking, it can still be used for certain types of strength training and cardio. 

The shoe is cushioned, so if you’re going to be squatting or deadlifting, we recommend a pair of the best weightlifting shoes instead. When driving your feet into the ground, you want maximum stability so you can direct the force straight into the ground, and a cushioned shoe may allow your heel to wiggle side to side, providing too much cushioning and instability. However, if you just need something to wear to the gym, especially on upper body days, these will do a fine job. 

RELATED: Best Shoes for Deadlifting

We also wouldn’t recommend the shoes for long-distance runners. You may be able to do short runs in these shoes, but they’re not designed for running more than a mile or two, as they’re a bit heavy compared to running shoes.

Overall, the shoes earn a 3 out of 5 for versatility.

Adjustments and Comfort

For adjustments and comfort, Erin awarded these walking shoes a 4.2-out-of-5 rating.

She said, “More or less easy to adjust, I had to really manipulate the lacing to get them more secure to my foot. (Once again, I have very narrow feet.) I also need a lot of arch support and found that the shoes were right in the sweet spot and kept me comfortable while I ran errands downtown and took my dog for a walk in the park.”

The shoes are designed to fit wide feet and are wider than the popular KURU ATOM shoe, but even if you have narrow feet, you should still be able to customize the fit to your needs. KURU shoes also work well with orthotics, so you can remove the default inserts if you prefer your own.

RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Price and Value

For overall value, the QUANTUM 2.0 shoes earn a 4 out of 5. Yes, $165 is a hefty price to pay for walking shoes, but these aren’t your normal shoes. 

KURU uses patented technology to provide additional heel support, as well as a comfortable midsole and arch. You get a lot of cushioning and breathability for a shoe that feels durable based on our initial testing, along with a 6-month warranty.

The shoes are an investment, but one we feel is well worth the cost.

KURU QUANTUM 2.0 vs HOKA Bondi 8

HOKA Bondi 8

Hoka Bondi 8

GGR Score: 4.5

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Product Highlights

• The everyday Bondi 8 men’s running shoe by Hoka
• Fifteen vibrant colors to choose from
• Available in men’s sizes 7 to 16
• Rated 4.6 stars out of 5 on their website
• Multiple width options for wider feet
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• Approved by the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA)

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Fun and unique color options
• Comes in three different widths
• Inclusive sizing
• 30-day return policy
• Rated plush for cushion
• Recycled and vegan materials

Cons

• Expensive
• Some reviewers find the new version less appealing

Bottom Line

HOKA’s Bondi 8 men’s everyday running shoe is high-quality, stylish, supportive, and functional. The shoe is expensive, but with the 30-day return policy, it’s a fantastic shoe to try whether you want a stylish pair of kicks for casual walking or your new favorite running shoe. Reviewers rave about the Bondi 8 everyday running shoe.

If you’re looking for a very similar shoe that provides plenty of cushioning and support, but don’t like the look or design of the KURU QUANTUM 2.0s, another great choice is the HOKA Bondi 8. The HOKA Bondi 8 won “Best Cushioned Walking Shoe” in our guide to the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis. 

Both shoes are available in multiple widths, but the Bondi 8 comes in 19 colorways for men, and 17 for women, so there are more options to choose from. The Bondi 8 also has a lower heel drop and lighter weight, which may feel better for certain users.

With an identical price point, this really boils down to comfort. If you want to try KURU’s patented heel support, I’d go with the QUANTUM 2.0s, but if you prefer a lighter shoe or don’t like the KURU style, the HOKA Bondi 8 is a great choice.

Customer Experience 

The customer experience rates the return policy and customer support options and earned a 5-out-of-5 rating from Erin. 

Customers have 45 days to make a return, and the shoes are backed by a 6-month warranty. If you need to reach KURU, you can do so via phone, contact form, live chat, or email at gurus@kurufootwear.com.

Ordering the KURU QUANTUM 2.0

Ordering from KURU is an easy process. You can split your order into multiple payments with Shop Pay, and shipping is free for most orders to the U.S. and Canada. KURU also offers free returns on all orders if you’re not happy with the fit or style.

Customer Reviews

KURU doesn’t sell its shoes on Amazon, or any other retailers, so the only reviews for the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 are on the company website. There, the shoes have an average rating of 4 stars based on 663 reviews. 

Most users love the comfort and feel, though a few noted that the sizing feels different in this latest QUANTUM 2.0 model. 

Final Verdict of Our KURU QUANTUM 2.0 Review

Overall, Erin was very impressed with these shoes and said she can’t wait to wear them on her next trip where she’ll be walking a lot.

The durability, comfort, and warranty make the price well worth it. If you’re looking for a pair of comfortable, supportive shoes to support long days of walking, these are an excellent choice.

We recommend buying the KURU QUANTUM 2.0 if you:

• Spend a lot of time walking
• Want a versatile, comfortable shoe to wear all day long
• Don’t mind a shoe that may be heavier than you’re used to

Full Rating

KURU QUANTUM 2.0

The KURU QUANTUM 2.0 is specifically designed for walking, providing exceptional cushioning and support. It's not a great choice for runners or weightlifters, but versatile enough for most casual daily activities.

Product Brand: Kuru

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 165

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.34

KURU QUANTUM 2.0: FAQs

In this KURU MOMENT review, we tested these recovery slides to see if these sandals actually offer pain relief or are they just hokey house shoes? Let’s dive in. 

We’ve Tested 80 Different Shoes for Athletes 

Our expert testers at Garage Gym Reviews are well versed in athletic apparel and shoes designed for performance. We’ve tested the best running shoes, walking shoes, and shoes for deadlifting and cross-training. 

Our team is also staffed with a wide range of fitness industry experts including Olympic-level athletes, certified personal trainers, CrossFit Level 1 Trainers, and avid runners. 

For this KURU MOMENT review, Nicole Davis, GGR head of content, recruited her husband to test the KURU Footwear shoes. Nicole’s husband Rob is an avid runner, cyclist, and swimmer. He’s completed an Ironman and is currently training for his next. He’s no stranger to foot pain and was happy to review and score the MOMENT slides on a scale of 1 to 5 in several categories including appearance, construction, stability, and comfort. 

KURU MOMENT

KURU MOMENT Slides

GGR Score: 4.1

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Product Highlights

• Recovery slides with built-in orthotics
• Pain relief for plantar fasciitis
• Medium width sandals
• Comfortable for all-day wear
• Patented design for heel support

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel
• Uses orthotics, not memory foam
• Easy adjustability

Cons

• Only two colors
• No half sizes available

Bottom Line

KURU MOMENT Slides offer recovery for folks with foot pain or spend a lot of time on their feet. These shoes are designed to wear around the house or around town with an ultra-supportive heel and built-in orthotics. These don’t feature squishy memory foam that sinks, the KURU slides hold it’s supportive shape.

A Quick Look at the KURU MOMENT Slides

When you visit the KURU Footwear website, you may notice the brand’s tagline: Heel Better. The entire lineup of shoes—from sandals to sneakers—is designed with heel support and comfort in mind. All KURU shoes feature the KURUSOLE, a patented heel-hugging design that flexes with your movement to keep your heel supported no matter what you’re doing. 

The KURU MOMENT slides are no different. These are not just a pair of comfortable shoes; they’re slides with heel support and built-in orthotics. You’ll also get arch support and an adjustable strap to accommodate high arches or wider feet. 

Plus, you may like knowing the KURU website lets you shop by category including foot pain conditions like plantar fasciitis, flat feet, heel pain, heel spurs, and bunions. If you’re someone who works on your feet, you can filter shoes with your career in mind from healthcare to retail.

RELATED: Best Walking Shoes for Flat Feet

Before You Buy

• The Moment slides have a 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop, so you will have quite the platform on these sandals. 
• While you may experience foot pain relief, be prepared for a firm footbead on these slip-on shoes. 
• We appreciate the 45-day return policy, but keep in mind shoes need to be in new condition for returns. 

Are the KURU MOMENT Slides Worth It?

After our experience with the KURU MOMENT slides, we think the slip-on recovery shoes are worth it for the right person. If you’re someone who doesn’t have foot pain, plantar fasciitis, or require orthotics, the KURU MOMENT likely won’t be worth the $100 price tag. 

However, if you have foot pain from plantar fasciitis or heel spurs, the KURU MOMENT slides offer heavy-duty recovery shoes to wear around the house, run errands, or put on after workouts. 

Our tester, Rob, says the $100 price tag seems steep for slides, but says the shoes are super stable and firm, not like some of the inexpensive memory foam slides he’s ordered from Amazon in the past. Overall, the KURU earns a 3.5 out of 5 stars for value.

RELATED: Best Walking Shoes

KURU MOMENT Slide Specs

Wearing the KURU MOMENT Slides

Our tester, Rob, wore the KURU MOMENT slides consistently after work and on the weekends for two weeks before giving his full review. He tested the slides outdoors in the grass and on pavement. He also wore them extensively around his house on different surfaces like hardwood floors, carpeting, and epoxy-covered concrete. 

While the slip-on sandals are advertised for pain relief and workout recovery, they are also suited for everyday wear.  

Appearance and Design 

When it comes to appearance, we know it’s a rather subjective category for our testers to score. During the scoring process, we ask our testers to consider the design and overall aesthetics, potential occasions to wear the shoes, and colorways. The highest scores are reserved for shoes that our testers would consider wearing as an everyday shoe. 

Rob scored the KURU MOMENT slides at 4 out of 5 stars. While he’s designated the MOMENT shoes for around the house, he says, “The Jet Black sandals I ordered are pretty nondescript and would go with plenty of outfits if necessary.”

Rob notes the thick platform—plus the 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop—was a surprising design element he didn’t expect or particularly care for at first. “The thick platform isn’t my style, but the shoes are super comfortable so I’ve come to not mind it as much,” says Rob. 

The MOMENT slides come in two color options for men’s and women’s sizing. Both men’s and women’s sizing have a Jet Black option. Men’s sizing features a Midnight Blue color while the women’s sizing offers a lighter, Blue Fog color. 

RELATED: Best Cross-Training Shoes

Construction and Durability 

The KURU MOMENT slides are constructed from synthetic materials and EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate), which is a common lightweight material used on the soles of sneakers and shoes. The MOMENT sandals only weigh 9 ounces for men’s and 7.4 ounces for women’s. 

On Rob’s first test with the new shoes from KURU Footwear, he appreciated the firm footbed and solid construction. He compares the KURU shoes to a pair of Yeezy-style slides he ordered from Amazon and notes the footbeds on the Amazon shoes compressed over time. Rob senses the orthotic footbed on the MOMENT slides—called KURUSOLE—will not compress quite as much, however there’s already some wear showing, particularly on the heel area.

“Although I can’t feel it when I walk, there seems to be a bit of compression already happening,” says Rob after two weeks of wear. “I’m a bigger guy, so I guess it’s to be expected.” 

For this reason, he scored the durability of the KURU MOMENT slides at 3 out of 5 stars. Nicole Davis, GGR head of content and Rob’s wife says, “Rob tends to be hard on his gear and his apparel shows wear rather quickly. So, I’m not shocked there is a bit of wear already, but for the price, I’d expect a bit more.”  

RELATED: Anatomy of a Running Shoe

Stability and Performance 

When our testers consider stability and overall performance, we’re looking for features that support the arch, prevent pronation, or stabilize the heel. Because the KURU MOMENT shoes are sandals, we didn’t expect much stability. However, Rob says the KURU shoes are really stable for a slide and even scored them a 5 out of 5 in this category.

The built-in orthotics offer foot-shaped support through the arch and heel. The cupped heel is the main feature to this shoe with the patented KURUSOLE design. The KURUSOLE features a higher-than-average TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane) cup around the heel, which is a dynamic material that can flex with movement and provide stability at the same time. 

“The footbed is supportive in a firm way but still feels cushioned,” says Rob. “Plus, I have flat arches, so the arch support is really nice for me.” 

The KURU MOMENT shoes also offer a firm tread pattern with thick lines and a crosshatch pattern under the heel and big toe for added stability. 

RELATED: Best Stability Running Shoes

Adjustability and Ergonomics

The KURU MOMENT slides earn a 5-out-of-5-star rating for comfort and adjustments. While the slides are pretty simple, our tester Rob was impressed that the MOMENT shoes were true to size, even though they only come in whole sizes. “I wear a size 12.5 but ordered a 13 and they fit great,” says Rob. 

“The firm footbed is comfy but doesn’t give way to any squishing or bouncing, which I like,” says Rob. He not only thinks the MOMENT slides are comfortable, he also appreciates the adjustable strap with a hook-and-loop closure for a custom fit depending on your arch height or foot width.

KURU MOMENT vs KURU ATOM

KURU ATOM Shoes

KURU ATOM Shoes

GGR Score: 3.55

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Product Highlights

• Supportive heel cushion
• Versatile design
• Available in both men’s and women’s colorways
• 8mm heel to toe drop

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supportive heel cushion
• Versatile design
• Designed to minimize foot pain

Cons

• 8mm heel lift may be uncomfortable for those used to minimalist shoes
• Expensive
• Not enough cushion for runners

Bottom Line

The KURU ATOM is designed to provided cushion and support to minimize foot pain and provide support for daily activities. It's versatile enough to wear in and out of the gym, though the shoes aren't cushioned enough for runners.

To be perfectly honest, recovery shoes—especially sandals and slides—are a new category our fitness experts are exploring. While we’ve tested the best shoes for plantar fasciitis and flat feet, we don’t have a ton of equivalent shoes for a side-by-side comparison of KURU MOMENT. 

That said, we have tested another pair of KURU Footwear shoes for our in-depth KURU ATOM shoe review. Both KURU shoes are designed with the patented KURUSOLE heel-hugging technology, which means you can expect the KURU ATOM to have the same firm-but-cushioned feel through the footbed. 

The KURU ATOM offers more versatility due to the fact it’s a sneaker with laces and can be worn securely for walking, workouts, or at work. The ATOM has more colorways, sizes (including half sizes), and both medium and wide toe box options. The ATOM could make a nice second pair of recovery shoes to add to your collection. 

It’s worth noting KURU manufactures an ATOM Trail hiking shoe, but we tested the ATOM cross-training shoe. 

Customer Experience 

KURU earns a 5-out-of-5-star rating for overall customer experience. You’ll have a 45-day window to make easy, free returns, without the need for a shipping label (in most cases) if you don’t like your shoes. KURU’s policy states you have to return items in new condition and in the original packaging. In other words, don’t take these for a test run outside. 

KURU Footwear is also backed with a 6-month warranty, which covers defects of workmanship. It does not cover normal wear and tear or color fading. 

If you need to contact the company you can call or text the phone number listed on the website or email gurus@kurufootwear.com. The website also lists company hours so you know what to expect if you’re contacting outside of company hours, which are weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST. 

Lastly, we found ordering shoes from KURU easy and we appreciated the fact KURU offers free shipping and financing options through Shop Pay.  

Customer Reviews

At the time of writing this review, the KURU MOMENT slides have 97 verified customer reviews on the KURU website and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars. Most folks enjoy the support and note the shoes helped with foot pain. While there are few negative reviews, there are some customers that weren’t happy with the comfort or thought the 12-millimeter heel-to-toe drop was a bit much. 

Final Verdict of Our KURU MOMENT Review

The KURU MOMENT slides offer a unique firm footbed with just enough cushion for extended  wear. From our testing experience, we thought the slides offered more heel and arch support than the average slides. But with a $100 price tag for a pair of sandals, it may be hard to justify the cost. We recommend buying the KURU MOMENT shoes if you: 

• Need more arch support for flat feet
• Want easy slip-on shoes with heel and arch support 
• Experience heel pain
• Have pain from plantar fasciitis

Full Rating

KURU MOMENT

KURU MOMENT Slides offer recovery for folks with foot pain or spend a lot of time on their feet. These shoes are designed to wear around the house or around town with an ultra-supportive heel and built-in orthotics. These don’t feature squishy memory foam that sinks, the KURU slides hold it’s supportive shape.

Product Brand: Kuru

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 100

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.25

KURU MOMENT: FAQs

This is a double-edged sword, as choosing the right shoes can quickly become overwhelming. While we love testing all of the latest shoes on the market, sometimes the old-school classics are all you need to get the job done. 

In this Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Review, I’ll be reviewing these legendary shoes that have been a fashion icon since 1922. Even though the design of the shoes has remained mostly unchanged for over 100 years, they’re still commonly worn in gyms all over the world, and in this review, I’ll tell you exactly why. 

Hands-On Testing From a Team of Experts

Here at Garage Gym Reviews, we don’t write a single review without plenty of hands-on testing. Our team of expert testers, which includes CrossFit athletes, Olympic weightlifters, certified personal trainers, runners, and more have tried all sorts of footwear over the years. 

Any time we test a pair of shoes, we always score them using our equipment testing methodology, which looks at specific aspects of a given shoe, including:

• Adjustability and Comfort
• Versatility
• Construction Durability
• Appearance and Design

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars

GGR Score: 4.46

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Product Highlights

• Sturdy rubber outsole
• Minimal heel-to-toe drop
• Minimalist design
• Budget-friendly
• Lace closure mechanism

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flat heel is perfect for deadlifts
• Can get them in low-tops and high-tops
• Minimal midfoot cushioning won’t flex under heavy lifts

Cons

• Minimal heel-to-toe drop won’t help with back squats
• Narrow through the midfoot
• Canvas construction isn’t highly durable

Bottom Line

A classic shoe that performs well on the powerlifting platform and the streets.

A Quick Look at the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

Converse, a brand now owned by Nike, first introduced the Chuck Taylor All-Stars in 1922, featuring the same iconic design most of us are familiar with. Converse named these shoes after Charles Hollis “Chuck” Taylor, as they were initially released as basketball shoes. Just like Nike’s line of Air Jordans, many people simply refer to these as Chucks or Chuck Taylors, even if they aren’t aware of the inspiration behind the name.

These days, you’ll often see a pair of Converse Chucks worn as fashion shoes, skate shoes, or, as we’ll see in this review, lifting shoes. 

Not only do the shoes have an iconic design that comes in 19 colors (and custom designs), but they’re quite affordable at $65, which helped them win the title of best budget shoe in our guide to the best gym shoes for men. Converse All-Stars have a flat, durable sole, which helps keep your foot firmly anchored to the ground while lifting weights. 

While Chucks may not be designed specifically for the gym, they’ve become a cult favorite among strength athletes, and they’re versatile enough to wear all day long. For the price and versatility, it’s hard to find a better option if you’re looking for a shoe that can handle (nearly) anything. 

Before You Buy

• The flat sole makes the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star an ideal shoe for most kinds of strength training, but there’s no heel lift, which many weightlifters prefer.
• While they aren’t quite cushioned enough for long-distance running, many users find them very comfortable to wear throughout the day. 
• The canvas upper isn’t as durable as thicker materials, but they’ll still last quite a while, and at $65, it’s not the most expensive shoe to replace every couple of years.

Is the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Worth It?

While these shoes are extremely affordable, versatile, and useful for those who enjoy strength training, the low cost of $65 doesn’t make them an automatic purchase for all types of users. Depending on your training goals and preferences, you may need to choose something else, but these are a good fit for most people.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Specs

Workout Experience With the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star 

For this review, I’m using my own personal experience as a strength coach and personal trainer who exclusively wore Chucks for my training for about 4 to 5 years when I was focused on powerlifting and loved wearing these for all sorts of deadlifts. 

To be fully transparent, it’s been a few years since I’ve worn a pair and we always want to use recent notes. To help me out, I spoke to several other colleagues and veteran product testers who’ve been wearing Chuck Taylor All-Stars both in and out of the gym for many years, to add their recent feedback and thoughts to this sneaker review.

This review is focused on the classic, canvas Chuck Taylor All-Star, which is available in both high and low-top options. Converse also makes the Chucks in several different materials and styles, including suede and leather, but this review will focus on the canvas shoes. 

When it comes to working out in Chucks, the first thing to note is that while there is some cushioning and the sole is thick, it’s still very flat and there’s no heel lift, which you would find on something like the adidas Powerlift 5.

Even without the heel lift, many powerlifters love wearing these shoes, as they provide a sturdy, flat surface for deadlifts, squats, and other exercises. 

RELATED: Training Shoes Guide

If you’re a lifter who prefers a raised heel, you may need a pair of dedicated lifting shoes, and runners will need running shoes. However, many find that Chucks are perfectly fine to squat in, especially if you prefer squatting with flat heels, and these are significantly cheaper than nearly every other lifting shoe on the market. 

Appearance and Design

Considering this is one of the most iconic shoe profiles of all time, it wouldn’t be fair to give the Converse Chuck Taylors anything less than a 5-out-of-5-star rating. This retro, timeless design is still popular, and there are plenty of ways to style Converse Chuck Taylors with all sorts of outfits. 

They’re available in high-top and low-top options, a variety of materials, and 19 colorways for the classic All-Star, with the option to customize your own pair by selecting the canvas, sole, and lace colors. 

Chuck Taylors are versatile enough to be worn nearly anywhere, not only in the gym, and some even prefer them for long-distance walking over regular lifting shoes. Jill Zwarensteyn said she can comfortably walk for 3 to 5 miles in them and prefers them for city walking as they’re comfortable and more stylish than her regular gym shoes.

Durability and Construction

For durability and construction, the Chuck Taylor All-Stars earn a 4-out-of-5 rating. 

The sole is very firm, with enough cushioning to keep your foot comfortable, but not quite as much as running shoes. The rubber outsole provides traction on most surfaces, though not much arch support. 

The upper is made of a durable canvas material, making for a lightweight shoe, but that canvas is where you’ll probably see the first signs of wear and tear. 

I’m giving this a 4-star rating because I owned the same pair of Chuck Taylors for 5 years and never had to pick up a new pair, but I primarily wore them in the gym, so your mileage may vary if you’re wearing them for more activities. 

Stability and Performance

When it comes to stability and performance, the Chuck Taylors earn a final score of 4 out of 5. They’re quite stable, with a durable sole that keeps you anchored securely to the ground, even though the midsole has a bit of cushioning.

Many lifters use these shoes specifically during squats and deadlifts for stability, like Nichole Mondshein.

“I’ve been weightlifting for over 7 years now and wear my Chuck Taylors for the majority of my workouts except for HITT, pilates, or more cardio-intense days,” Nichole said. “They are a staple in my gym bag, and I will not work out in anything else for lower-body days. I love how flat they feel when I’m deadlifting or doing RDLs, as they just feel more stable and I can ensure all my weight is properly aligned and weight isn’t unevenly distributed, which sometimes happens in running shoes or other forms of shoes.”

RELATED: Best Shoes for Deadlifting

Versatility, Adjustments, and Comfort

Versatility and comfort matter, as spending hundreds of dollars on a shoe that can only be used for one specific activity is a tough pill to swallow. Thankfully, the Chuck Taylor All-Stars earn a 4-out-of-5 for versatility and comfort. 

They can be worn for a training session, running errands, or when you’re going on a weekend adventure, and while everyone has different preferences, many users find them to be quite comfortable.

Livvi DiCicco said, “They’re currently my go-to shoe if I have to do a lot of walking, which is also my preferred exercise. I’d say they’re comfy but also stylish. My favorite thing about Converse, though, is that there’s no break-in period (in my experience). I tend to blister easily and I’ve rarely had problems unless I’ve been walking for 5+ hours, but then that’s true for all shoes, for me.”

RELATED: Best Walking Shoes

One issue worth calling out is the narrow design, as some with wide feet may find these shoes a bit narrow. I have wide feet myself and never had any issues, even when ordering a half size down as Converse recommended, but they’re certainly more narrow than something like a pair of Vans.

Also, the original All-Star design features a cushioned sole, but if you want even more cushioning, the Converse Chuck 70 has a nearly identical design, with a bit more cushioning. 

Price and Value

For the price and value, Chucks earn a 5-out-of-5 rating. The shoes cost $65 for the high-top option, and $60 for the low-top, which is one of the most affordable options out there for shoes. 

Sure, you may need to replace them every few years if the canvas rips, but compared to pure lifting or running shoes, which can easily cost $150 to $200, Chucks are a great deal.

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star vs Feiyue FE LO 1920

Feiyue FE LO 1920

Feiyue FE LO 1920

GGR Score: 4.31

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Product Highlights

• Super affordable
• Very flexible
• Great traction
• Great for strength training
• Order a half-size up from what you usually wear

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Lightweight and flexible
• Rubber sole for extra traction
• Great for recreational athletes

Cons

• Not the most durable shoe
• If you’re a serious CrossFitter or powerlifter, look elsewhere
• If you wear a half size, round up to the nearest full one (so if you’re a 7.5, go for an 8)

Bottom Line

The Feiyue FE LO 1920 is a lightweight, minimalist shoe that was originally designed for martial artists, but can work for nearly any type of training. This is a very durable shoe for most kinds of lifting, and is priced to fit any budget.

If there’s one shoe that may be a better deal than the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star, it’s the Feiyue FE LO 1920. 

Both share a similar, minimalist design that features a canvas upper and rubber sole and don’t have a ton of excess padding that you may expect to see in a running shoe.

RELATED: Best Running Shoes for Beginners

If you’re looking for an all-purpose, minimalist shoe without a heel lift to wear both in and out of the gym, both are great options, though the Feiyue FE LO 1920 is just over half the price at $35. It’s only available in a low-top or mid-top option, however, while Converse offers a full high-top option. 

Overall, the All-Stars are a better choice if you want the high-top design, or prefer the style, while the Feiyues are a better choice for those who want to spend as little as possible on a great shoe, and don’t mind the low-top design. 

For more, check out our Feiyue FE LO 1920 review.

Customer Experience 

Chucks are available at all kinds of shoe retailers, so for this section, I’m only going to rate the experience of ordering directly from Converse, which earns a 4-out-of-5 rating. 

Converse offers a 30-day return policy, or a 45-day return policy if you return the shoes to a Converse retail store. You’ll need to reach out to customer support to get your free return shipping label, and you can do this via chat or phone.

Ordering the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

Ordering from Converse is very easy, and you can split your order into four payments with Klarna at checkout. You can also sign up for emails from Converse to receive 15% off your next purchase and 20% off a purchase during your birthday month. 

Shipping is free if you spend $75, otherwise, your shipping rates will vary depending on your location. 

Customer Reviews

Overall, the Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star has very strong reviews, with a 4.8-out-of-5 score on the Converse website based on 4,772 reviews, and a 4.6-out-of-5 score on Amazon with over 22,000 reviews—I told you they were popular. 

Most reviews say they’re very comfortable and enjoyable to wear, although a few users mention the sizing challenges, which can be confusing. Chucks feature a narrow design, and Converse recommends ordering half a size down, but some find they need to order a whole size down.

Final Verdict of Our Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Review

Overall, Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars are a great option for those who regularly lift weights, and want a shoe that’s versatile and stylish both in and out of the gym. 

They may not have enough cushioning for runners, and there’s no heel lift, but for all other purposes, they’ll get the job done at a price that fits nearly every budget. 

Full Rating

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star

A classic shoe that performs well on the powerlifting platform and the streets.

Product Brand: Converse

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 60

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.46

Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star: FAQs

Specialized lifting shoes come in a few different varieties, including flat-soled deadlift shoes, high-heeled weightlifting shoes, and powerlifting shoes, which fall somewhere in the middle. As a fitness coach with over 12 years of experience, I’ve spent countless hours on gym floors, performing different types of exercises in all sorts of footwear, so I understand the pros and cons of different types of shoes. 

In this adidas Powerlift 5 review, I’m going to share my honest thoughts after one month of regularly wearing these powerlifting shoes in both a commercial gym and my garage gym. I’ve taken these shoes through all sorts of workouts, and I’m ready to help you decide if these are the next shoes you should order.

Honest Testing From a Team of Experts

Every review we write here at Garage Gym Reviews is based on hands-on testing from our team of expert product testers, including certified personal trainers, gym owners, CrossFit enthusiasts, and even an Olympian. 

Not only have I worn the adidas Powerlift 5 shoes for a month, but I’ve owned the adidas Powerlift 2 shoes for six years, and still own them. As with any weightlifting shoe review, I made sure to carefully score the shoes based on our equipment testing methodology, which looks at the most important features of the shoe, including:

• Appearance and Design: Nobody likes wearing ugly shoes, so we award a higher score to shoes that function well AND look good.
• Durability: How long will these shoes last? Are these a long-term investment, or will you be replacing them in a few months?
• Stability and Performance: Stability matters, especially in a performance shoe. I’ll let you know exactly how these shoes feel when you’re wearing them.

adidas Powerlift 5

Adidas Powerlift 5

GGR Score: 4.08

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Product Highlights

• 16mm heel lift
• Durable construction that provides stability and grip
• Excellent choice for beginners who want to try weightlifting shoes
• Narrow toe box may require some to go up half a size

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good entry-level lifting shoe at only $130
• 16mm effective heel height
• Sturdy construction with a minimalist design

Cons

• Toe box may be too narrow for some
• Canvas upper isn't very breathable
• Not meant for cross-training or running

Bottom Line

The Adidas Powerlift 5 is a great choice for those who want to try a weightlifting shoe without breaking the bank, and is very reasonably priced compared to many Olympic lifting shoes.

A Quick Look at the adidas Powerlift 5

In the world of fitness apparel, adidas has become a household name, and when it comes to adidas shoes, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Along with general athletic shoes, or specific shoes for various sports, adidas has joined the likes of Nike and Reebok, and now offers gym-specific shoes, including the adidas Adipower weightlifting shoes, a variety of cross-training shoes, the adidas Powerlift 5.

Powerlifting shoes generally feature a very hard, flat sole designed to anchor your foot to the ground, a mid-foot strap, and a raised heel, though not as high as the heel raise you’d find on shoes designed for Olympic weightlifting. Similar to the last model, the Powerlift 4, this is a great entry-level option for those who want to try lifting shoes.

For those who have never trained in shoes with a heel lift, the raised heel typically allows users to squat lower, even if they have reduced ankle mobility.

I asked Caine Wilkes, OLY, USAW-L1, a weightlifter who has competed in the Olympics, to explain the benefits of weightlifting shoes, and the differences between weightlifting shoes with a higher heel, and powerlifting shoes with a lower heel, like the adidas Powerlift 5.

Caine said, “A raised heel in strength training is great for squats and Olympic lifts, where you’ll want a more upright torso while in a squatting position. The raised heel will help shift your hips forward a bit, allowing for a more upright and balanced torso, although it can put more stress on the knees while in a deep squat.

Flat shoes or lower heels might be used more by powerlifters who prefer less stress on the knees, or for deadlifts. A flatter, shorter shoe will keep you lower to the ground, requiring less distance to travel with the barbell while also keeping you grounded to the floor.”

If you’re unsure of how training with a heel lift feels, try doing a few bodyweight squats in your bare feet, and then try a few with your heels raised on a book, small weight plate, or some other object that’s around half an inch tall—you’ll feel the difference.

The Powerlift 5 is the latest powerlifting shoe from adidas, featuring a flexible canvas upper, 16mm effective heel height, a strap and lace system, and more. Let’s take a closer look at how the shoe looks and feels when you’re using it. 

Before You Buy

• With a 16mm effective heel height, this provides a bit of heel elevation, though not quite as much as weightlifting shoes.
• This shoe is very durable and solid on the bottom, anchoring your foot to the ground for stationary lifting.
• Because of the stiff, supporting nature of this shoe, it’s best for any kind of strength training, not running, jumping, or any movement that requires more agility. 

Is the adidas Powerlift 5 Worth It?

With a price tag of $130, this shoe isn’t exactly cheap, but with proper care, you should get years of use out of this shoe. That doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone, so you’ll want to make sure this shoe matches your training style before ordering a pair.

adidas Powerlift 5 Specs

Workout Experience With the adidas Powerlift 5

I’ve been wearing these shoes for about a month, training in them three to four days per week. I’ve mostly focused on bodybuilding-style strength training, using them for things like squats, leg pressing, barbell and dumbbell work, various machines, and dumbbell workouts in my garage gym.

Walking around in them is enough to let me know they wouldn’t be comfortable to run in. They feel fine with just walking, but the bottom is quite stiff, and when you’re standing still, the grip and support truly make it feel like your foot is attached to the ground, so these are best for any sort of stationary lift. 

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The forefoot is 18mm and the heel is 34mm, so the total heel-to-toe drop is 16mm. The insole is comfortable, with a bit of cushioning for comfort, but not so much that the shoe feels unstable.

As for the actual training, these shoes make a huge difference, especially on any sort of leg workout for me. I can squat deeper without my heels lifting from the ground, and this carries over perfectly to the hack squat and leg press. The heel lift is enough to help me get quite low while feeling stable, but not so much that it makes me feel like I’m falling forward, the way weightlifting shoes do.

Overall, I think these shoes are great for general lifters who want to try a shoe with a heel lift without breaking the bank. Olympic weightlifters may prefer something a bit more high-end with a steeper heel lift, but for the price and overall workout experience, these shoes are a great purchase for anyone who wants to get more out of their leg workouts.

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Appearance and Design

When it comes to the overall look and design of the Powerlift 5s, I’m going to give them a solid 5-out-of-5 rating. I ordered the core black colorway, and I love the clean design. The white stripes and font on the side are easy to see and really pop against the black canvas, and I like the printed text on the side detailing the heel height of the shoe—as a sneakerhead, that small detail reminds me a bit of text you see on Off-White shoes. 

Durability and Construction

For durability and construction, I’ll award these shoes a 4-out-of-5 rating. Everything feels extremely durable and stable, and your foot is really locked into the ground. 

I’ve only had these shoes for a month, so I can’t speak to the longevity. However, I do have the adidas Powerlift 2s, and they’ve held up perfectly after six years of regular use. 

The upper material on the Powerflit 5 is made of a canvas that does seem like it may eventually wear, but as most people will be pretty stationary while wearing these shoes, I can’t imagine much side-to-side movement that would strain the sides of the shoe. Still, if any part of the shoe is going to fail, it’s probably the canvas upper, but I still think they’re very durable. 

Stability and Performance

For stability, these shoes get another 5-out-of-5 rating. The sole is very firm, and with the built-in strap, you can make these as tight as you want. I normally leave the strap relatively loose between sets, or when wearing them for upper-body training, and then I’ll tighten the strap for extra support when squatting.

The rubber outsole is also quite grippy on a variety of surfaces, including gym flooring, the platform on a leg press, and even the sidewalk when walking around. Your foot truly feels anchored to the ground when you’re wearing these. 

It’s worth calling out that for deadlifting, many prefer a very flat shoe with no heel lift at all, so you may not want to use these for deadlifts. However, I enjoy them for Romanian Deadlifts, and they work well for every other lower-body exercise. 

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Versatility, Adjustments, and Comfort

Versatility is the first category where these shoes receive a low rating, earning a 2 out of 5. They’re great for strength training, but that’s about it. While it’s great that you can use them for multiple lifts and styles of training, you really don’t want to be running or jumping in these, and I wouldn’t wear them throughout the day, so they’re really only meant for the gym.

If you’re going to be doing something else in the gym after your strength training, you’ll probably need to bring a different pair of running shoes to change into after you finish lifting. 

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As for adjustments and comfort, these shoes receive a 4-out-of-5 score. The built-in velcro strap is always a nice touch, as you can quickly adjust the support without having to untie your shoes, so you can really tinker with both the laces and strap to get the fit you want. 

They’re not the most comfortable to walk around in, as the heel lift and firm sole make walking feel a little strange, but that’s just part of the territory. The upper canvas isn’t very breathable, despite using mesh inserts designed for ventilation. This didn’t really bother me, but it’s worth calling out.

Some customers also report a narrow toe box, but I have wide feet and didn’t notice any issues or discomfort. If you’re concerned about the width, you can always order a half-size up, and exchange them if they don’t fit. 

Price and Value

For price and value, the adidas Powerlift 5 receives a 4-out-of-5 rating. At $130, they aren’t cheap, but I’ve seen them periodically go on sale on the adidas website or other retailers like Rogue Fitness. 

They’re more affordable than many other weightlifting shoes, and very durable, so I still think the value is high and the price is very reasonable for what you’re getting. If you’re looking to try out lifting shoes, these are budget-friendly squat shoes that are significantly cheaper than many of the best weightlifting shoes, many of which are $200 or more.

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adidas Powerlift 5 vs Nike Metcon 9

Nike Metcon 9

Nike Metcon 9

GGR Score: 4

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Product Highlights

• Released August 2023
• Versatile, durable training shoe
• Meant for CrossFit workouts and training
• Enhanced rope guard
• Larger Hyperlift crash pad
• 11 colorways available at launch

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Versatile training shoe
• Rope guard wrap-around
• Rigid heel great for stability
• Multiple colorways to choose from
• Lace locking system
• High-traction outsole
• Durable upper
• Breathable woven textile upper
• Wide toe box

Cons

• Not great for running or WODs with longer run intervals
• Some people may find them too rigid
• Expensive at $150 a pair

Bottom Line

The Nike Metcon 9 training shoes were released in August 2023 and build upon the Nike Metcon 8s with an enhanced rope guar wrap-around, plus a larger and more rigid crash pad. They feature a tightly woven and durable, but breathable, upper. The patterned, grooved outsole provides great traction during most weather conditions.

While I think these shoes are great for someone who’s never used lifting shoes and wants to give them a try, another good option would be the Nike Metcon 9, another shoe that I’ve owned and regularly used for months.

While the Powerlift 5s are only meant for strength training, the Metcon 9 is a bit more versatile. Both have a heel lift, but if the Powerlift 5 heel height is a bit too much for you, the Metcon 9 offers a lower heel. 

Not to mention, the Metcon 9 is designed for cross-training, so it’s much more versatile, and can be used for cross-training as well as lifting. 

Overall, the Powerlift 5 is best for those who want a pure lifting shoe, while the Metcon 9 is better for those who want one shoe that can do nearly anything. 

To read more, you can check out our full Nike Metcon 9 review.

Customer Service 

If you buy from adidas, there is a 30-day return policy for members, and creating an account is free. For footwear, your shoes must be in their original condition and in the original shoebox, so while you can try these on and return them if they don’t fit, you probably can’t wear them for multiple workouts and then return them. 

If you need to reach customer service, you can go to the adidas website to use the 24/7 chatbot, chat with an agent from 5 am to 8 pm PT, or call adidas. 

For the overall customer experience, adidas receives a 4-out-of-5 rating.

Ordering the adidas Powerlift 5

The ordering experience receives a 5-out-of-5 rating. Shipping is free, and you can finance your order with Klarna at checkout. My shoes shipped within 24 hours, so adidas ships orders quickly. 

If you join adiClub, adidas’ free rewards programming, you’ll receive unlimited free shipping and returns. 

Customer Reviews

The Powerlift 5s currently have a rating of 4.6 out of 5 on the adidas website, based on 300 reviews at the time of writing, and a 4.7 on Amazon with 196 reviews. 

Most users find these shoes very comfortable and supportive, though a few mention they’re a bit narrow in the toe box. 

Final Verdict of Our adidas Powerlift 5 Review

Overall, the adidas Powerlift 5 is a durable weightlifting shoe that would be a great fit for anyone who loves strength training and wants to try an entry-level lifting shoe. It’s significantly cheaper than many Olympic weightlifting shoes, durable enough to last for a long time, and offers significant support and stability during your training. 

These shoes may not be versatile enough for cross-training, but if your main training style focuses on strength training with barbells, dumbbells, and machines, these are a great pair of shoes to add to your collection.

Full Rating

adidas Powerlift 5

The Adidas Powerlift 5 is a great choice for those who want to try a weightlifting shoe without breaking the bank, and is very reasonably priced compared to many Olympic lifting shoes.

Product Brand: adidas

Product Currency: $

Product Price: 130

Product In-Stock: InStock

Editor's Rating:
4.08

adidas Powerlift 5: FAQs