After the success of the Metcon 8, it was hard to imagine how Nike was going to surprise us with the ninth generation of its iconic shoe, the Nike Metcon 9: how do you improve something that already meets all the requirements? Should you keep changing something that already works perfectly?
Nike answers these questions with the slogan that accompanies the new Metcon 9: “Progress over perfection”. And if there’s one thing Nike knows about, it’s progress and evolution.
Since its origins in 2015, the Nike Metcon franchise has evolved year after year,
adjusting to the growing needs of our sport. Today, Nike presents the Metcon 9 not as a revolution nor as perfection, but as a new and necessary step in its constant evolution.
THE KEYS TO THE NIKE METCON 9
Evolving means improving what fails or is missing and maintaining what works. That’s why the designers of the new Nike Metcon 9 talk about a logical evolution and not a radical revolution.
In the Metcon 9, Nike has maintained Metcon’s signature stability, improved durability, increased room for natural foot motion and introduced Level 2 sustainability.
These are the 4 keys to the design of the new Nike Metcon 9.
- Sustainability:
The Metcon 9 is the first Metcon to reach Nike Sustainability Level 2, meaning at least 20% of the shoe is made from recycled materials.
- Stability:
The Metcon 9 retains the legendary Hyperlift (the rigid plastic heel plate) and makes it slightly larger for better weight distribution during lifts and a larger base to keep us connected to the ground.
In addition, the rubber outsole has been completely redesigned and features a
herringbone pattern for increased traction.
- More mobility for the feet:
Athletes talk and Nike listens. It has always been said that the Metcon was a rather narrow shoe, something our feet don’t seem to like very much. The Metcon 9 has a wider toe box with more room for the natural movement of the toes, which can now expand without restriction and better fulfill their stabilizing function.
Moreover, the outsole grooves at strategic points offer improved multidirectional
flexibility.
- Durability:
Combating wear and tear on CrossFit shoes is always a challenge for brands. Nike certainly has some of the technologies and innovations that make the Metcon one of the toughest shoes on the market, but the new Nike Metcon 9 looks to arrive stronger than ever.
WHY IS THE METCON 9 MORE RESISTANT?
- Enlarged Rope Wrap (the rubber sidewalls that protect against rope abrasion): now, higher on both sides.
- The upper fabric has been changed and reinforced with a rubber sphere pattern that protects high-wear areas without sacrificing the shoe’s flexibility and breathability.
- The internal Nike React foam has been replaced with a dual-density foam that offers more durability to the stability of the sole.
OTHER CROSSFIT-SPECIFIC FEATURES OF THE METCON 9
- Rubber sidewalls, in addition to maximizing the shoe’s durability, they add lockdown and support, ideal for multi-directional exercises such as shuttle sprints or burpees box jump overs.
- It retains the same lace locking system as its predecessor, with a hook-and-loop closure that secures the laces and prevents them from unraveling during double unders, running or rope descents.
- The rear plastic clip for the HSPUs has been absorbed by the Hyperlift: this hard plastic heel piece, previously integrated inside the sole, now reaches all the way to the outside rear to promote fluid Hand Stand Push ups.
The new Nike Metcon 9 cross training shoes are now available at Fittest Freakest for men and women.