When it comes to training shoes, there’s no shortage of options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a pair of the best running shoes, or multi-purpose training shoes, there’s something for everyone, which makes it difficult to find the best option.
Many shoes are designed for one specific type of activity, but for multi-sport athletes who need a versatile option that can handle nearly any training demand, shoes like the NOBULL Outwork Flex offer plenty of versatility. These shoes can handle just about any kind of strength training imaginable, and while they’re not as specialized as something like a pure weightlifting shoe, they’re a great choice for all kinds of users.
I’ve been wearing these shoes to the gym for the past week, taking them through a variety of workouts to test how they feel and perform. In this NOBULL Outwork Flex review, I’ll share my honest thoughts, including what I love about these shoes, what I didn’t like, and who I think they’re a good fit for.
Our NOBULL Outwork Flex Review, Summarized
The NOBULL Outwork Flex is a durable shoe that can be worn for any type of strength workout. You won’t feel your feet slipping and sliding, thanks to a firm, grippy sole. They’re a great choice for those who enjoy a variety of strength activities in the gym, though they’re not very comfortable for runs or extended cardio sessions.
How We Test Shoes
While functionality is still the most important aspect when choosing your gym footwear, nobody wants to buy ugly shoes. We know this category is a bit subjective, but we still want to rate every pair of shoes we test based on their appearance. To earn 3 out of 5 stars, the shoes may not make it into your daily rotation, but you have no problem wearing them to the gym.
For this category, we’re looking at how much traction the sole of a shoe provides, and how well it anchors your foot to the ground. For a 3 out of 5, the shoes offer moderate stability for the intended use, but aren’t very useful for other activities, or there may be certain areas of the shoe that are more supportive than others.
Our versatility score is based on how many different types of activities can be safely performed with a given pair of shoes. For 3 out of 5 stars, there are a few types of activities you can do, but they may not be suitable for all activities. For example, many training shoes work well in the gym, but aren’t great for ruining, and vice-versa.
Before rating any pair of shoes, we carefully take them through a rigorous testing process. We wear them in and out of the gym and perform a variety of exercises to test the stability, cushion, mobility, and more. After testing, we score each pair using our equipment testing methodology. This helps us assign a rating of 1 to 5 to a variety of categories, including durability, comfort, and value.
The GGR team of expert testers includes runners, CrossFit enthusiasts, personal trainers, strength coaches, and even an Olympian. We’ve tested dozens of shoes over the years, both in and out of the gym, and many of us regularly have several pairs in our regular workout rotation.
The NOBULL Outwork Flex shoes are durable, with sturdy construction designed to support nearly any type of strength training. The bottom is a bit stiff and heavy, which is meant to anchor you to the ground and keep your foot secure. This makes these shoes excellent for strength training, but not as comfortable for cardio sessions.
What to Know Before You Buy
- The sole is firm enough for heavy leg workouts, but there’s not much of a heel lift compared to traditional lifting shoes, so you might want something else for squats and Olympic weightlifting.
- They’re very durable and should last a long time, but this means they may take a little while to break in.
- Running or long-distance walking may be uncomfortable due to the lack of cushion, but they’re great for just about everything else you would want to do in the gym.
Is the NOBULL Outwork Flex Worth It?
With a retail price of $150, these shoes aren’t exactly cheap, but they’re also not necessarily expensive compared to other training shoes. Before you spend your hard-earned money on the Outwork Flex shoes, here’s who we think would love these trainers, as well as who should avoid them.
If you think these shoes may be the right fit for your needs, keep reading, as we’re about to get into the key features and specs, as well as my detailed scoring and testing notes.
NOBULL Outwork Flex: Key Features & Specs
| Price (Original MSRP) | $150 |
| Weight Per Shoe | 11.8 oz |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4 mm |
| Size Range | 5-16 |
| Trial Period | 30 days |
| Upper | Haptic printing on spacer mesh |
| Midsole | Stability-tuned EVA |
| Tread | Rubber with herringbone tread pattern |
| Colorways | 6 men’s colorways, 8 women’s colorways |
Workout Experience Using the NOBULL Outwork Flex
As someone who’s gone through dozens of training shoes over the years, but never tried NOBULL before, I was excited to try them, especially as they’re an upgraded version of the original NOBULL Outwork training shoes.
RELATED: NOBULL Outwork Review
I can’t personally compare these to the original Outwork shoes, but I’ll say that while the sole is certainly more flexible than something like a squat shoe, it’s still relatively stiff–which is intentional. These shoes feel extremely durable and supportive in the gym, especially when compared to a cushioned running shoe.
Overall, I’d say these are a great choice for anyone who’s primarily focused on strength training in the gym, whether that’s weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, functional training, CrossFit, or anything in between. I wore these to the gym for multiple workouts, and always felt stable and supported, even when performing exercises like hack squats, split squats, and lunges.
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My feet and knees felt a little uncomfortable when I took these shoes on a long walk with my dog, and when I tried to use them for post-workout cardio. The lack of cushion makes them feel a bit stiff and heavy, which is amazing for strength training, but makes them uncomfortable for longer cardio sessions.
NOBULL categorizes these shoes as durable strength-training shoes, not hybrid or running shoes, so I’m not upset about this. The company has other shoes that are better for all-day wear, like the NOBULL Drive or NOBULL Journey shoes, but these are definitely built for the gym.
Just know that it’s not going to be the most comfortable shoe to wear throughout the day, and you’ll probably want to save these for dedicated strength work.
Add one quote on home gym ownership specifically (add it in the new quote block)
“As a long-time wearer of NOBULL shoes — I’ve had the same pair of Outworks for more than three years — I recommend them to almost anyone who wants a versatile strength training or HIIT shoe. They seriously last forever and are great for so many activity types (just not running!).”
NOBULL Outwork Flex Rating
Editor’s Note: We typically include a customer review score, but as this product was just released, we don’t have any real customer reviews to include yet.
Appearance and Design
When it comes to the appearance and design, we know this is a very subjective rating, but I really like these shoes, and give them 4.5 out of 5 stars for this category.
I really like the sleek, clean look here. It’s simple and minimal, and while it does look like an athletic shoe, there’s no flashy, aggressive branding. The only reason I docked a point is the color itself. I received the Classic White colorway, and while it looks white at first glance, it’s more of an off-white color. This is fine, but when I wore these with white socks that were visible, the contrast was pretty bad, and I think the shoes have more of a cream look that doesn’t look great with white socks.
Construction and Durability
Even though I’ve only worn these for a handful of workouts so far, they feel very durable, and I give them a 4.5 out of 5. This sole feels incredibly durable, and I don’t have any concerns about longevity with this shoe.
In general, NOBULL shoes are impressively durable, per Garage Gym Reviews editor Amanda Capritto, who has been wearing NOBULL shoes since 2018. “I’ve had my current pair for three years and they show no signs of breaking down,” she says, even after multiple washes and near-daily wear.
The upper material feels a little stiff, but that only adds to the durability. This means it’s not super comfortable out of the box, which is why I docked a point, but they’ve started to break in nicely and feel much better, so overall, I’m a fan.
Stability and Performance
Training in these shoes was very stable, and I give them 4.5 out of 5 stars for this category.
I wore them for squats, lunges, leg presses, and some upper-body work, and felt glued to the ground the whole time. I even used them to perform single-leg squats on a hack squat machine, which puts a lot of force into one foot at a time, and my foot didn’t move at all.
Nicole Davis, CPT, PN1-NC, also tested these shoes, and agreed that they feel very stable.
“These feel great,” she says. “I do think they feel stiff, which you can really tell during movements like lunges, but I’m hopeful they’ll break in. During deadlifts and squats they feel really stable—the traction is good, and your foot feels locked in the entire time.”
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With other shoes I’ve owned in the past, I can feel my foot sliding around inside of the shoe, even if the sole was anchored. That wasn’t the case here, and I appreciate how stable I felt through all of my lifts.
I docked half a point because they’re a little stiff for certain movements like lunging, and personally, I prefer a taller heel lift for leg training, which can help increase squat depth1.
Versatility
While these shoes are fantastic for lifting and strength training, they’re not very useful for much else, which is why I only gave them a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating.
Now, in the gym, you’ll be able to do just about everything. Sure, some people may prefer a tall heel for squats, or an entirely flat shoe for deadlifts, but if you don’t have a strong preference, I can’t think of a single strength exercise you wouldn’t be able to do in these shoes.
The only issue is the lack of cushion, which means these aren’t comfortable enough to run in. They’re not meant to be running shoes, so this isn’t a dealbreaker to me, but it’s worth noting in case you’re expecting a shoe that can be worn all day long.
Adjustments and Comfort
For adjustments and comfort, I give these 3.5 out of 5 stars. There’s a bit of arch support, but overall, this feels much more like a training shoe than a cushioned running shoe. It’s not as flat as a pair of barefoot shoes, but it’s close, as the stack height is relatively low.
They’re great to wear at the gym, but the lack of cushion makes them pretty uncomfortable to wear around the rest of the day, especially if you’re on your feet a lot. I even had a bit of foot pain after a 30-minute dog walk, although I was moving at a brisk pace, and have never had issues wearing them in the gym.
This is intentional, as the Outwork Flex is designed to be a lifting shoe, but they certainly prioritize function over comfort, which is how it should be for lifting shoes since they’re not intended for all-day wear. They’re still a great choice for lifters, but I wouldn’t suggest wearing these all day long.
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They also feel slightly narrow to me, so sizing may be an issue if you have wider feet or prefer a wide toe box. I didn’t find them to be uncomfortably tight, but they are noticeably more narrow than other training shoes I’ve used.
Nicole had a similar experience, saying, “I ordered a 7.5, which is my normal size, and they feel a little tight. Not enough for me to return, but I typically have a smidge more room. Maybe consider the bigger size if you’re in between.”
Price and Value
Even though these shoes are built to last, the $150 price tag is still a bit steep, and earns a 3 out of 5 for price and value.
This scoring isn’t based on the total price, but how they compare to the rest of the market. The two shoes that would be direct competitors, in my opinion, are the Nike Metcons and Reebok Nanos. Both of those have very similar price points, and having now owned all three, they all have pros and cons, with no clear winner.
All this to say, $150 is fair for what you’re getting, but I wouldn’t say these shoes stand out in the marketplace at this price point.
Customer Experience
When it comes to customer service, we consider company policies like warranty coverage, the return policy, and general helpfulness of the customer service team. For this category, NOBULL earns a strong 4.5 out of 5 stars.
The shoes have a 1-year warranty, so you can reach out to NOBULL if something happens to your shoes. Additionally, they offer a generous 30-day return policy, even if you’ve trained in your shoes. This is huge, because most companies require returns to be unworn.
While I didn’t need to reach out for support, you can reach customer service via live chat, text, or by submitting a contact form.
NOBULL Outwork Flex Vs
Since this is a hybrid training shoe that’s extremely popular with CrossFit and functional training enthusiasts, let’s compare it to two of the most popular cross-training shoes on the market, the Nike Metcon 10 and Reebok Nano X5.
While I haven’t worn the Metcon 10 yet, I owned a pair of Metcon 9s for several years, and own the latest Nano X5s, so I can speak from firsthand experience.
I’ll start with the Nike Metcon 10, which is a similar shoe with a firm, stable sole designed to keep you securely in place through all sorts of strength-training activities. I found the overall experience to be very similar, as both shoes are extremely stable, but this comes at the cost of comfort, and neither would work well for running. The price is similar, too, so if you’re between the two, I’d just pick whichever looks best to you.
We haven’t written an in-depth review of the Metcon 10s yet, but you can read our full Nike Metcon 9 review to learn more about Nike’s hybrid training shoe.
For those who want something that works much better as a cross trainer for all-day wear, and even some light running, the Reebok Nano X5 is a strong contender. Even though it’s another durable, mostly-stiff shoe, it has a bit more cushioning, and I have no issues wearing them all day, even if they’re still on the heavier side.
However, I’ve noticed that they’re a little wide, and my foot slightly shifts side-to-side at times, which means I need to really tighten the laces through the midfoot. If you value comfort and versatility, I’d suggest the Reebok Nano X5, but if you want the most stable shoe possible, the Outwork Flex is a better choice.
For more, be sure to read our in-depth Reebok Nano X5 review.
| NOBULL Outwork Flex | Nike Metcon 10 | Reebok Nano X5 | |
| Price (Original MSRP) | $150 | $155 | $140 |
| Weight Per Shoe | 11.8 oz | 11.7 oz | 12 oz |
| Heel-to-Toe Drop | 4 mm | 4 mm | 7 mm |
| Size Range | 5-15 | 3.5-15 | 5-14 |
| Trial Period | 30 days | 60 days | 30 days |
| Upper | Haptic printing on spacer mesh | Durable mesh | Flexweave |
| Midsole | Stability-tuned EVA | ReactX foam | EVA foam |
| Tread | Rubber with herringbone tread pattern | Rubber with grippy tread | Durable rubber sole |
| Colorways | 6 men’s colorways, 8 women’s colorways | 12 men’s colorways, 8 women’s colorways | 9 unisex colorways, 12 women’s colorways |
Final Verdict of Our NOBULL Outwork Flex Review
If you want a durable hybrid training shoe that keeps your foot stable, without an excessive heel lift, the NOBULL Outwork Flex is well worth considering. The minimalist design is very clean and simple, which I personally like, and I felt very stable through all of my workouts.
As with most hybrid shoes that are really geared toward strength training, it’s not very comfortable to run in, and even longer walks may be a bit uncomfortable due to the lack of cushion. However, that’s to be expected with this type of shoe, and if you’re a NOBULL fan, or just someone who wants one pair of shoes that can handle any kind of strength training, the Outwork Flex is an excellent choice.
- The sole is very sturdy and doesn’t have any give, so your foot won’t move side to side, but there’s very little heel lift compared to other squat shoes.
- I found the upper material to be a bit stiff and uncomfortable for my first couple of wears, which was the case with the original Outwork shoe, but they’ve broken in nicely.
- The overall design of the shoe feels a bit narrow, so those with wider feet may need to size up, or choose something different.
NOBULL Outwork Flex Review: FAQs
What’s the difference between the NOBULL Outwork and Outwork Flex?
Compared to the original Outwork, the Flex has been upgraded with a slightly more cushioned, flexible midsole, designed to provide better forefoot flexibility, as well as side-to-side mobility. The Flex is still pretty stiff, but it’s a bit more comfortable than the original Outwork.
What are NOBULL Outwork Flex shoes good for?
The Outwork Flex is a great choice for any sort of heavy lifting, or general strength-training in the gym. Whether you’re performing a squat, jumping rope, or practicing your box jumps and plyometrics, you’ll feel stable throughout your training.
Are NOBULL shoes worth the hype?
If you want a durable shoe that’s designed for the gym, then yes. Other shoes may offer better versatility outside the gym, but the NOBULL Outwork Flex is built to last, and protected by a generous one-year warranty, so you won’t need to buy a new pair of lifting shoes anytime soon.
References
- Legg, H. S., Glaister, M., Cleather, D. J., & Goodwin, J. E. (2017). The effect of weightlifting shoes on the kinetics and kinematics of the back squat. Journal of sports sciences, 35(5), 508–515. https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2016.1175652
