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It's no secret that Marines love to workout, and while we enjoy running as much as the next guy (not really) we decided to review a pair of shoes designed more for lifting and cross training. So if you like to do other things than simply running long distance, these are the shoes for you. The Nike MetCon 5. But first, a little introduction. The problem with wearing running shoes to lift in is that they are heavily cushioned and thus don't provide a stable base when moving heavier weight. Squatting, deadlifting, or doing olympic lifts requires a shoe with a sole that doesn't compress. Many people opt to wear lifting shoes which have an elevated plastic heel, or Converse Chuck Taylors which are flat and stable. If you are solely interested in moving heavy weight, then those are good options. The problem with both lifters and Chucks is that they are not suited for a more dynamic workout which may combine sprinting, rope climbs, box jumps, lunges, thrusters, wall balls and any other dynamic exercise. The Nike MetCons allow you to do it all. They are almost completely flat soled (4mm drop with an option to add an insole for a 12 mm drop for weightlifting) and do NOT compress under heavy load. However, they are more flexible in the forefoot enabling you to run /sprint in them. (Image below is only one of the color options)  Nike MetCon 5 Training Shoe One feature of the MetCons that we like for Marines and Marine Officers is the reinforced traction on the side of the shoe which helps provide grip when climbing a rope and allows for speed when sliding down. Rope climbs are an essential part of the O-Course and E-Course at Officer Candidates School and The Basic School, and the MetCons make it easier for you to integrate them into your workout.  Nike MetCon 5 Training Shoe The MetCons are an extremely versatile shoe that we use for everything except long distance running (3 miles or more).
They are extremely durable, and after putting them through the wringer at the gym for the last 6 months, the MetCons show very few signs of wear and tear. They are comfortable. These are not a shoe for the gym only, and can be worn throughout the day. If you do CrossFit or CrossFit style workouts, these are the ultimate training shoes. And if you're looking to do more basic lifting, but still want the option to integrate more dynamic movements into your workout, the MetCons are perfect. Want to sprint, climb a rope, do power cleans, squat heavy, use the rowing machine, box jump, deadlift, or anything else? Then you want the MetCons. The MetCons allow you to include the entire spectrum of exercises in a single workout should you choose to do so. Disclaimer: We do NOT recommend these for Officer Candidates School (OCS) due to the amount of pure running that is done there. For LT's looking to workout at The Basic School (TBS), these are a fantastic option. Sample workout: 20 minute clock, as many rounds as possible (AMRAP): 15 Cal on the rowing machine 20 push-ups 5 front squats 2 rope climbs A varied and dynamic workout, like the one above, requires the Nike MetCon 5 Training Shoe. Not willing to pony up for a new pair? MetCons are a high quality shoe, and buying a lightly used pair isn't a bad idea. Head over to Liftr to browse their selection. Comments are closed.
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