Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
6mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Cross training shoe• 6mm drop height• NEW one-piece upper with attached tongue• NEW more supportive upper design• NEW heel counter for better support and heel lockdown• NEW slight drop height increase• NEW more heel cushioning for comfort and improved heel fit• NEW overall enhanced stability• NEW better ankle hold• NEW styles and colorways• Breathable Flyknit upper construction• Flywire cables add a supportive element to the upper• Rubber outsole• Rubber wrap for lateral grip
Upper
The Metcon DSX’s upper received the most prominent makeover. A separate tongue has now been fused to the rest of the upper for a sock-like one-piece design. The slip-on construction features material that’s a little stiffer adding more support than was present in the older model. Taking away flexibility from the upper results in a more supportive fit overall. The shoe also delivers better support around the ankle thanks to the new design and upper material. The DSX 2’s Flyknit upper also includes Flywire cables for added support and stability.;Reviewers agreed that the new upper delivered both in terms of style and support. Many were surprised by the significant improvement made to the upper. Users explained that the Flyknit 2 provided a firm hold without feeling hard and stiff.;The most common complaint from wearers? The poorly thought out lacing system. It seems as if Nike forgot to update the laces while redesigning the upper. The result is a pair of laces that don’t really work as intended.
Midsole
The changes begin in the midsole. Let’s list them out. The Flyknit 2 features a new heel counter, a component that adds support in an effort to help eliminate heel slippage that occurred with the first version of the shoe. The DSX also includes more heel cushioning, another move to improve heel fit and security but it also makes the rear of the shoe more comfortable. The added cushioning was well-liked by reviewers who noted that the slightly beefed up midsole made the shoe better for occasional run-based workouts, albeit for short distances only. Wearers also pointed out that the midsole felt more responsive.
Outsole
Let’s start with the Flyknit’s outsole. No changes here. It’s the same grippy rubber outsole from before. The shoe also includes an identical rubber wrap around the shoe to help with traction when performing certain exercises like handstand push-ups. A little extra lateral grip goes a long way in helping to improve form and stamina. Reviewers agreed that the new DSX delivered similarly outstanding traction compared to the original design and that’s no surprise. Nike’s decision to keep the outsole the same points to the fact that it was incredibly well designed in the first place.
Breathability
The Flyknit upper construction of the Metcon DSX is nice and light. While it’s a little firmer than the previous version’s upper, the material is still very breathable. The improved fit helps with ventilation, too. Users get a firm and secure hold that’s true to size and conducive to proper air circulation.
Comfort
Reviewers eagerly agreed that the Flyknit 2 was incredibly comfortable. The new one-piece upper fits better than before, and the entire design delivers in terms of support. Slippage, which was common with the previous Metcon DSX, has been dramatically reduced. The added heel counter offers firm support at the back of the shoe and keeps the back of the foot locked down. The shoe also introduces added cushioning mainly concentrated in the heel area. It offers better impact protection without compromising firmness underfoot. Users also noted the fit around the ankle was much improved, as well, leading to better lateral stability. Reviewers felt the second DSX was a better choice for short sprints thanks to its bonus midsole material and its secure fit.
Style
The Nike cross training shoe is available in a variety of colorways. It’s hard to name them all! A few examples include silver & light silver, silver & sail, black, and black & chile red. The shoe’s style is sleek and modern.
Durability
The Metcon DSX features a fair bit of rubber. The outsole, unchanged since the original, is made of the stuff. The Flyknit’s midsole is also wrapped with a band of rubber. It’s a feature that helps with traction when doing exercises like rope climbs but it also makes the shoe more resistant to wear.;The upper, while not made of rubber, is also sturdily constructed. The Flyknit material is far from weak thanks to a firmer composition. Reviewers reported that overall, the DSX 2 had better structural integrity making it more durable and more stable.
Protection
Cross training in the Flyknit 2 will keep you safe and comfortable thanks to a few good quality design features. The outsole’s rubber design – identical to the prior version of the sole – provides superior stability. You won’t need to waste time agonizing over your stance when lifting since you’ll know that with proper form, the Metcon DSX will keep you stable. The midsole, though containing only minimal cushioning, is filled with enough padding to feel comfortable performing sprinting exercises and to soften the impact.;The upper also helps ensure users don’t wobble too much by delivering targeted support and stability. In this version of the DSX, users should also experience less heel slippage thanks to a new heel counter.
Responsiveness
Overall, reviewers found the Flyknit 2 much more responsive than the original. Increased responsiveness makes the shoe better for occasional short run workouts between lifting sessions.
Support
While we’ve probably already made the case that the Metcon Flyknit 2 is a much more supportive shoe than the original, let’s reiterate and go into why this is in detail. The new one-piece upper doesn’t just fit better, it’s slightly stiffer and is incredibly supportive. A heel counter at the back of the shoe adds a new support structure. Overall, the second edition of the Metcon DSX Flyknit is more structurally sound, and reviewer comments seem to back this up.
Terrain
We’d recommend keeping these in the gym. Why would you want to ruin a new shiny pair of cross trainers running around in dirt and mud? The Nike trainers are intended to be used for cross training and are a perfect choice for workouts at your local CrossFit box. Clever design features like a rubber wrap for lateral grip make the DSX an excellent choice for workouts that include various exercises. If you want a dedicated running shoe, look elsewhere.
Price
This isn’t a cheap shoe. The popular cross trainer from Nike is, however, worth the cost. If you’re not into CrossFit or you’re a runner who doesn’t include cross training in your weekly routine, a shoe purchase like this may not make sense. For those who don’t want to eat up mileage by using their runners at the gym or gym rats who want a dedicated shoe for lifts and HIIT workouts, the DSX is an excellent buy.
Drop
The drop height of the Nike Metcon is about 6mm. Since the first version of the shoe, the drop has increased slightly. The higher drop delivers added leverage for wearers performing lifts and provides space for the newly added heel cushioning at the back of the shoe.
Stability
By keeping the same ultra-grippy rubber outsole as before Nike has ensured that the Flyknit 2 remains equally stable underfoot compared to its predecessor. The new sock-like upper construction is stiffer and thus more stable and supportive than before. A better fit around the ankle also delivers improved lateral stability. In the heel area, a new heel counter locks down the wearer’s foot to reduce the potential for heel slippage, which was common with the first edition of the DSX Flyknit.;Reviewers agreed that the new upper delivered a much better fit. The hold is firm but not overly aggressive. Overall, the consensus was that the DSX provided a very stable platform perfect for lifting.
Flexibility
Compared to lifting-specific shoes and other similar cross trainers, the DSX is slightly more flexible. Compared to the original Metcon Flyknit, the upper is stiffer than before. This change was made to ensure users received enough support since some wearers had complained of a sloppy fit that compromised stability and support. The new DSX is far from sloppy. Expect a stiff midsole and sturdy upper that allows for some movement.
Traction
With the Flyknit 2, you’ll get traction from two different places. The outsole, identical to the original DSX rubber sole, provides outstanding bottom grip for users. The grippy design of the sole makes the shoe incredibly stable. The Metcon sneaker also features a piece of rubber that wraps around the midsole so users get a lateral grip in addition to lateral stability with the DSX.
Bottom Line
There’s no doubt that the Nike Metcon DSX Flyknit 2 is an incredibly well thought out update. Nike has clearly listened to user complaints and released a standout second edition of the DSX. The new sock-like upper provides a remarkably great fit that balances comfort, support, and stability. New elements like a heel counter and smarter ankle collar design ensure users are held in securely while they work out in the Flyknit 2. Gone are the heel slippage issues from before.;While some wearers were apparently unimpressed with the lacing, the true to size fit makes them unimportant – if you happen to get the sizing just right. A few reviewers also noted that the upper could have been slightly stiffer, but the new design is still a marked improvement over the old. Overall, the DSX Flyknit 2 is a comfortable, ultra-stable, versatile cross-trainer perfect for CrossFit, HIIT, and everything in between.
