Major athletic apparel companies have been producing training shoes for many years. However, these shoes often take a backseat to the more popular signature sneakers and limited edition releases. It is common for individuals to end up exercising in the wrong footwear simply because they prioritize brand recognition over thoughtful design.
Established in 2015 by Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer, NOBULL is a startup that offers athletes of all skill levels the necessary tools for effective workouts. The name NOBULL reflects the brand’s straightforward and no-nonsense approach to its products and operations.
According to Wilson, the brand’s philosophy is centered around providing everything essential and eliminating unnecessary elements in product design, marketing, and content creation. NOBULL is dedicated to delivering genuine and straightforward simplicity.
Not surprisingly, the brand originated within the CrossFit community. Wilson recognized the need for customers to be able to perform a variety of exercises, such as running, weightlifting, rope climbing, burpees, and box jumps. When developing the Trainer shoe, he prioritized versatility to ensure it could withstand the demands of intense workouts.
You do not need to be a CrossFit athlete in order to wear NOBULL’s shoes. The brand’s focus on performance without unnecessary distractions is what makes them attractive to individuals who are looking for the right equipment to train and perform their best in the gym.
We enlisted two individuals at varying stages of their fitness journeys to try out NOBULL’s original crosstraining shoes, as well as two different styles of running shoes, to determine if they met the high expectations.
The short answer: they did.
NOBULL Outwork Review
I frequently spot these trainers throughout my gym, and upon testing them out, I now comprehend why. They serve as an excellent cross-training shoe, particularly ideal for weightlifting enthusiasts. In the past, I engaged in competitive weightlifting for four years, and the trend back then was to wear Converse or Vans due to their flat soles. However, the NOBULL Outworks surpass those options by a significant margin.
The shoe’s sole is incredibly flat with a slight curve under the toe, providing a stable base for lifting heavier weights (unlike the Trainer+ style Amir experimented with, which I find more suitable for lifting due to its increased cushioning). Additionally, they offer a subtle amount of arch support, preventing any discomfort from the insole pressing against my arches during lifts. I appreciate the foam-like texture on the inside of the tongue, ensuring a secure grip with my socks and preventing any slippage during intense leg presses.
While the shoes are available in a variety of vibrant colors, I have a soft spot for the white camo design. It adds a playful twist to the traditional white leather trainer and complements all my gym attire.
Although these trainers lack the necessary support for running, they excel in other activities. From circuit classes to resistance training, isometrics, and various forms of weightlifting, these shoes are my top choice.
Sizing
These fit true to my usual size, which is a true 8. I don’t recommend sizing up or down in the Trainers — go with your usual size. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews
NOBULL Impact Review
I am not a competitive weightlifter, but using specialized training shoes in the gym has significantly improved my workouts. Previously, I would wear any comfortable shoes, usually running sneakers, but I found them to be too soft or unbalanced for weightlifting exercises.
The NOBULL Impact shoes, with their sturdy midsoles, grippy outsoles, and durable upper, have made a huge difference. They provide me with more confidence and safety while performing deadlifts, using a squat rack, or other weightlifting exercises.
These shoes offer more support and cushion in the sole, along with extra traction, compared to the original trainers.
NOBULL Aspire Review
As the sneaker specialist and collector for Insider Reviews, I have had the opportunity to try out various knit running shoes from top sportswear companies and emerging startups. While the core features of being lightweight, breathable, and flexible are consistent across different brands, the NOBULL Aspire (previously known as the Knit Runner) truly stood out to me. The upper material is more elastic than any other knit fabric I have experienced, yet the shoes still provide a secure fit with the sock-like design around the ankles and heel support.
The NOBULL Aspire excelled in absorbing energy during short-distance runs. The midsoles are constructed from a resilient phylon foam material, which is commonly found in running shoes within this price range. While there are more comfortable options available for long-distance running from other brands, they often come with a higher price tag due to advanced cushioning technology.
In addition to performance and comfort, I appreciate the aesthetic appeal of these sneakers. If you appreciate running shoes as a fashion statement but prefer a minimalist design without excessive branding, the NOBULL Aspire is an excellent choice.
NOBULL Journey Review
I chose the Journey (formerly known as the Runner+) over the regular Runner pair because I appreciate the additional cushioning they provide while walking and running. These shoes are highly cushioned and offer a great bounce, similar to a pair of Hokas. When I first wore them on the treadmill, it felt like I was springing off with each step. While I wouldn’t recommend them for weight training, I find them perfect for brisk walking and short runs.
The breathable mesh upper keeps my feet dry, and the insole offers just the right amount of arch support. Despite their bounciness, I feel stable in them due to the excellent traction they provide. I was concerned that the foam’s thickness might lead to compression or deformation over time, but they have remained as supportive and bouncy as when I first got them.
The only issue I have noticed with this pair is a slight visibility of glue where the foam sole meets the fabric, which was unexpected right out of the box. So far, it hasn’t caused any problems in terms of durability or quality, but it did give me pause initially. I will provide an update if any issues arise, but after several months of running and walking in them, they have proven to be quite durable.
The bottom line
NOBULL‘s name may be appealing, but it’s evident that the products deliver on their commitment. If you’re already dedicated to your workouts at the gym, you can depend on NOBULL sneakers to provide the support, comfort, and traction necessary to finish your exercises. Although their shoes may not be suitable for every sport or workout, they are ideal for the typical gym attendee, weightlifter, or CrossFit fan.
