Designed to offer a range of benefits across the whole span of functional training disciplines, the Metcon 7 (a blending of 'metabolic' and 'conditioning', if you were wondering) has some nice features added to it.

The second major difference is each shoe’s midsole and the materials used in them. The HIIT 2 features Floatride Energy Foam and the HIIT TR has a medium-density foam. The Floatride Energy Foam in the HIIT 2 provides a nicer blend of stability and versatility compared to the HIIT TR’s midsole construction. The lugs on the sole are textured to suit both indoor and outdoor training, plus the inner sole is designed to grip on those all-important rope climbs. And even when we went pretty hard on our HIIT workouts, the shoe never got uncomfortably hot. That's because of its outstanding breathability, which scored a perfect 5 out of 5 in our lab test. The smoke we pumped into the shoe simply passes through the upper as if it weren't there.When these findings were published, trainers all over the world began to take notice. Over the last decade, there has been an explosion of interest in HIIT workout training. The promise of a more efficient and effective way to meet one’s fitness goals is very attractive. In the lab, we learned that the Free Metcon 5 has a heel-to-toe drop of 6.4 mm. This figure is well within the 4 mm to 8 mm range, which covers all measurements that we deem most suitable for HIIT and other workout regimens that rely on the intensity and versatility of exercises. On a day-to-day basis, this shoe is okay and will work well as a daily wear shoe. For example, if you’re someone looking for a model to wear out and about and to the gym whenever you feel like training, then I think this model will work. I would recommend being conscious of its long-term durability especially when weathering out the outdoor elements.

On is best known for its running shoes, which is why the Cloud X is such a surprising addition to the company's ever-growing range of shoes. That being said, I think if you normally find that you have ample room in the toe box of your true-to-size shoes, then you’ll definitely want to size down a half size for the Reebok HIIT 2. You want a shoe that has plenty of rubber traction in the forefoot and the heel. Basically, the more rubber underfoot, the greater your sole traction will be. The Dropset Trainer is a tremendously stable shoe that keeps our feet well-supported over the course of our HIIT workouts, whether we're doing burpees jump squats, or mountain climbers. That's mainly due to its impressively wide platform, particularly in the forefoot. We measured its midsole width in the forefoot to be 5.7 mm wider than the average training shoe. And thanks to its TPU sidewalls, it also scored a 4 out of 5 in torsional stability, where 5 is the stiffest.The Metcon Turbo 2 made just about every exercise we did on our HIIT workouts, from burpees to jumps to sled pushes, much more natural-feeling thanks to its exceptional flexibility. And indeed, our lab test proved how pliable the shoe is as it took 32% less force to bend it 90 degrees. An all-round gym shoe is a great option if you only want one pair and never know what your workouts might look like – but, if you're really serious about a specific type of training, you may want to invest in something a bit more focused.

The Adidas Dropset Trainer is our top stability training shoe for HIIT workouts as we felt it delivers outstanding support while doing dynamic movements. It is also very flexible and immensely breathable, which make it such a hit for HIIT workouts. On a daily wear basis, this model works well and is overall pretty comfortable. This shoe reminds me a lot of the Reebok Nano X1’s feel for daily wear, but I would actually grab this model over the X1 because it does have a slight edge for being a bit plusher comparatively speaking. Plus, the price point makes this a good shoe for beating up as a daily driver. The Floatride Energy Foam does a better job at supporting a wide range of activities while also keeping the shoe comfortable. Plus, it feels like a higher quality material compared to the previous midsole materials used in the Reebok HIIT TR shoe line. This model works best for HIIT, classes, and light recreational lifting. There are multiple pros to like about the Reebok HIIT 2 with both its construction and performance. Below are my favorite things about the Reebok HIIT 2.And perhaps the best thing about performing HIIT workouts in this shoe is that our feet barely get warm even after extended sessions. Its breathability is so good that we scored it a perfect 5 out of 5 in our lab test, as the smoke we pumped into it passed right through the upper with no trouble at all.

Nike SupreRep 3 uses a pair of bouncy Zoom Air units under the ball of the foot. It protects the wearer's legs without making the platform too plush or unstable. Both models are equally good within their own right and if you’re torn between the two, then I’d say go for the model with the best price point and colorway that you like.

Heel drop is the distance between the height of the heel and the height of the toe. The baseline heel drop would be if you were working out in bare feet. In that case, your heel drop would be zero as the heel and the toes are the same distance from the floor. Most running shoes have a heel drop of around 10 mm. This higher heel position allows for cushioning under the heel and encourages a heel-to-toe strike running action. To break down the performance of the Reebok HIIT 2, I’m going to discuss how this shoe performs in multiple categories to help you conceptualize if this model is right for you. The best trainers for the gym really depends on the specific type of exercise you will be doing. For example, if you’re hitting the treadmill, you’ll want a pair of running shoes specifically designed for running, while if HIIT is more your thing, you might be better off with cross-training shoes that offer a steady footing during squats, burpees and reverse lunges – while also being stylish enough to wear with jeans on rest days, too. We can't help but feel super fast while wearing the Nike Zoom Metcon Turbo 2, especially when doing exercises like jumps and sprints. Its responsive midsole, particularly the Zoom Air unit in the forefoot, adds a nice pop of energy to push us even farther. That midsole foam, which we measured to be 17% softer than the average training shoe, also offers excellent cushioning that keeps our feet well-protected during those speed-oriented exercises.