Nike releases new Metcon 10 training shoe after decade of development

The all-new Nike Metcon 10 aims to be the ultimate functional training shoe. Released this summer, the Metcon aims to strike a balance between stability and grip, offering a versatile cross-training shoe.

Inspired by the design of Nike's original Metcon training shoe, the brand says the Metcon 10 is its "best yet" iteration, now 10 years down the line. It's been two years since the Metcon was updated, with the main remit of the newest version being to provide a ligtweight and flexible functional shoe optimised for short runs, plyometrics, and lifts in equal measures.

The perfect gym and run shoe combined

To allow for limitless speed and agility, run shoes are designed to be lightweight, flexible, and fast. They're breathable during hot runs, offer secure traction over unstable surfaces, and provide comfort for long miles.

Weightlifting shoes are the polar opposite. Flat-footed stability, a snug heel, and a wide toe-box combine to help control movements and keep the foot locked-in during lifts. Structural support reigns supreme on the gym floor, but how does this translate to a functional gym and run shoe?

Since its inception in 2015, the Metcon has sought to bridge this gap. Over the past decade, the expert design team at Nike has been perfecting a shoe that can excel equally on the gym floor and the track, without compromise.

The design process

Nike senior product manager, Eric Gleason, shares the huge amount of thought and athlete collaboration that went into building Nike's best-performing Metcon: "Heavy lifting is a huge part of the programming in this space, but we also understand that you might go from doing barbell cleans or snatches into a one-block run."

To improve the mobility of the shoe without sacrificing stability, Gleason and her team widened the forefoot to allow for toe splay. A shoe geometry popular among trail runners tackling unstable terrain, a wide to-box allows for the toes to gain better purchase and balance on the ground, while facilitating higher power during lifts.

It was also key that stability didn't take a hit. Nike has reduced the Metcon's Hyperlift plate - a feature that was introduced in the model from v7 - in order to create space for a firmer wedge of foam at the heel.

There's some arch support here too, with a reasonable 4mm drop allowing for structural support without being overly prescriptive. These improvements have the added benefit of cutting down on weight and allowing for more flex along the sole.

Just to be sure though, new flex grooves were also added to create a more pilable shoe for better comfort during run reps.

New and improved features:

Shop the Nike Metcon 10 here.