The Nike Free Metcon 6 is a huge improvement over last year’s Nike Free Metcon 5. It’s simple, comfortable, and reasonably priced. More versatile than the Nike Metcon 9 – and with the new style this shoe is a slam dunk the best shoe for CrossFit in 2024.
Nike Free Metcon 6 – brand new (and improved) for 2024 – get it here:
First, let’s take a complete tour of the shoe.
Nike Free Metcon 6 Shoe Review – Overview
Nike Free Metcon 6 Versus Nike Free Metcon 5 – Hands On Review on YouTube
Want to take a closer look at these two shoes? Check out our hands on review from YouTube:
Let’s get into the details
Nike Free Metcon 6 – Style
I’ll lead with the improvements I like in this shoe – it doesn’t look as bad as last year’s shoe.
Style is a subjective opinion – but come on – admit it – these look a lot better than the Nike Free Metcon 5.
In contrast, let’s look at last year’s version – the Nike Free Metcon 5.
Nike Free Metcon 6 – Comfort
These shoes are very comfortable, both on the bottom and on the top.
First, they have great cushioning in the outsole and midsole. But not too much to destroy the ability to lift heavy weight (Oly lifts, squats, deadlifts, overhead presses, etc.)
But the upper is also more sock-like and stretchy than before. And it’s very comfortable.
Can you wear these all day – Yes, and they will feel good.
The new laser siping (flex grooves) on the outsole makes this even better.
Nike Free Metcon 6 – Weight
I love when a shoe becomes lighter and lighter – and Nike has done that.
At 11.2 ounces per shoe, it’s significantly lighter than last year’s 5. My guess is that it’s the simple, comfortable top that makes the difference. Does that mean less rigor? Only time will tell.
The .8 ounce difference helps make the 6 more comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
Nike Free Metcon 6 – Rating
Like last year’s shoe – this shoe runs TRUE TO SIZE – so you should get your usual athletic shoe size.
I wear the US Men’s 11 in a lot of athletic shoes and that’s the case here as well.
The stretch, sock-like top makes for a very comfortable shoe, and the ample heel cup prevents any kind of heel slippage. The toe box is also comfortable, but not exceptional, if you have unusually wide feet it’s best to try these on before buying.
Nike has thoughtfully included traction on both the front and back so you can slip your foot into the shoe with ease.
Nike Free Metcon 6 – Working out in the gym
One of the things I love about these is the versatility. They are a small heel in a toe-pulling shoe. I believe it is 4mm heel to toe.
Can you run through these? YES – and given that they have more cushioning than the Nike Metcon 9 they are MUCH better for CrossFit workouts that require running or sprints.
That said – they are not running shoes. Running a 5K? Look elsewhere.
The cushioning also means these are great for fitness classes and other high impact movements – box jumps, etc.
It’s still stable enough for weightlifting – deadlifts, sled pushes, and more.
The traction is good for all surfaces – gym, lifting platform, turf, grass, off-road, etc.
See it in action at the gym:
I feel like there is more STACK HEIGHT in these shoes compared to the Metcon 9. That means they make you taller. And that’s not desirable in the deadlift. I can throw my M9s to put a PR in the kill zone.
The only downside is when you’re doing a heavy sled pull, the soft upper feels like you’re being pulled out of your shoes. The Nike Metcon 9 has extra support and durability – so you won’t have that feeling.
On the other hand, the Nike Free Metcon 6 fits my heel better – so it’s definitely better for sled pushes. I don’t need my heel to come out of the shoe when I’m pushing a lot of weight.
Nike Free Metcon 6 Versus Nike Metcon 9
How does this shoe stack up against the Nike Metcon 9 (which we reviewed last year)? Let’s talk about that.
The Nike Metcon 9 has evolved into an Oly shoe that lifts the heel, in my opinion. It is heavy and strong and has very little cushion. Think about it – the M9 is ALMOST like a pair of Romaleos – minus the heel!
Nike Free Metcon 6 says:
- Lighter (11.2 oz vs 14.9 oz)!
- Cheaper ($120 vs $140 to $150)
- More comfort (kneeling under the feet and above) – and easy to wear all day
- More flexibility – better at impact – running, jogging, box jumping, etc.
- Quieter – no clip-clop, clip-clop
- It looks better (This is completely dependent – but I think it looks better)
But, there are some strong points in the Nike Metcon 9:
- Built like a tank – the Nike Metcon 9 WILL last (at the cost of a lot of extra weight)
- Small cushion and small stack length – great for weight lifting
- The non-stretch upper and thick tongue means you can rock this tight and feel secure
- Probably your best bet for PR (Personal Record) lifts.
Finally, remember – you are allowed to buy both!
Nike Free Metcon 6 Shoe Review – In Summary
That’s our review of the Nike Free Metcon 6.
Need a CrossFit style training shoe? Then this is the shoe for you. It’s comfortable, it looks great, and it will do everything CrossFit needs it to do – and do it well.
You can also read our Nike Free Metcon 5 Shoe Review for more details on last year’s version of the shoe- it’s now available at a discount at various locations.
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