After using these 2 shoes, I thought Id write a comparison of both. The Metcon 1 and Free Trainer 5.0 V6. For size reference, I wear a 9 in the metcon and a 9.5 in the v6.
Ive gone back and forth using these shoes in workouts and back in forth about which one I like better, which tells me one thing - I like both of these shoes. A lot. Ive noticed over the past 3-4 months using these 2 shoes exclusively about which ones I like better in certain movements. And what makes my comparison even more confusing is, I think if you only were able to have 1 of these, the Metcon is the way to go, BUT I prefer the V6 in more movements - and it all boils down to really 1 thing, Rope Climbs. You cant climb in the v6, youll maul them. The metcon 1, rope climbs are a non issue.
For the metcon 1, Im going to do this based on the new mesh/more durable colorways. The new mesh was a huge update from nike. It completely makes this shoe. If they had stuck with the old mesh, durability issues would be a big problem. The metcon 1, unlike many shoes on the market, does have a break in period. The heel slip issue Ive felt in every pair I own, and after the sole loosens up a bit the problem goes away. This shoe is very stiff out of the box. The insole on this shoe is very thick, I wish it werent so cushiony. Id like the shoe to be more responsive, especially for deadlifts and box jumps. When Im doing box jumps, i dont want compression. I want to launch. The only complain I have on rope climbs, and I looking for something here, is that the sole is cut in too far. I wish it were a bit more square so you can really lock in on the rope. Again, this is really looking for something to complain about, and its not a big deal. Stability is a definite win for the Metcon. You feel more locked to the floor which many people would prefer in barbell movements.
The v6 on the other hand has pretty much no break in time. It is more narrow in the mid and forefoot but the flexibility of the sole is unmatched. This shoe also seems more responsive than the metcon, so I prefer it on deadlifts, double unders, box jumps, etc. You cannot climb ropes in this shoe (sure, legless you could) but if you do, this shoe will get eaten alive much like your exposed shin does. As far as durability I dont think theres much difference between the 2, but the metcon does seem to use thicker materials so Id imagine after a while the metcon would probably hold up better (I have multiple pairs of each and rotate them so I havent really worn 1 pair out). The v6 is considerably lighter feeling on the foot. This is part of the sacrifice in using lighter materials, but theres no doubt this shoe is lighter when its on your foot. If you are like me and change laces on every pair of shoes you buy, you cannot use oval or round laces with these. Theyll dig into the top of your foot. Stick with flatties.
Overall, I really like both of these shoes. I tend to wear the v6s a bit more but I can make the case for using either in just about every workout. Id say if you can afford to get both, get both.
Frasers with stock laces and nike red laces
thx in advance
