So there I was, 14 years old, smiling as I strolled onto the gym floor for the first time.
Gotta warm up, right? An unforeseen injury could jeopardize my chances of competing in Wimbledon once I move on up from JV tennis.
A mile on the treadmill. Some jumping jacks. Perhaps a couple leg raises before getting under the squat rack to address my chicken legs.
That’s where all of the real meatheads congregate. The kind of guys that could lift you by your head like palming a basketball.
Their massive legs were stuffed into… slip-on skate shoes?
Intimidating as they might be, they were more than willing to take me under their vascular wings.
We get to talking, and one guy tells me I’ve got to get shoes without two inches of foam beneath my heel unless I’m looking to get an early payout on a life insurance policy.
I’ve lifted in casual sneakers and runners since then, neither of which maximize long-term gains. In search of a proper trainer, I found NOBULL.
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What Is NOBULL?
Co-founders Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer founded NOBULL in 2015 in the city of champions: Boston, Massachusetts.
NOBULL was one of the first brands to address the unique needs of CrossFit athletes as there weren’t many shoes balancing control, traction, and support without overcompensating for the foot’s complex muscle group.
Evident by their name, NOBULL’s core mantra is hard work without excuses.
The once CrossFit caterer has grown into a multi-sport outfitter with several partnerships coinciding.
Boston sports figurehead Tom Brady took over as the second-largest stakeholder in January 2024.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Whether you’re a seasoned cross-trainer or you simply want to explore a new brand for your next pair of gym shoes, the models in this review deserve careful consideration.
While NOBULL aims to serve a variety of different movements with their designs, but they’re purely intended to be strength training shoes. With that ebing said, they might lack essential features depending on the composition of your training.
For example, the NOBULL Impact and NOBULL Outwork shoes provide robust sidewall and toe support to counter rapid changes in direction.
Perfect for a game of pickup, right? Maybe, but you might reconsider after an hour running back and forth over the hardtop with less cushioning than dedicated basketball shoes.
My Hands-On Review
Once my NOBULL order hit my doorstep, the unboxing experience reminded me a lot of their name.
No-frills to say the least, but less is more when I’m eager to get to the gym so I can
The NOBULL Outworks came in a cardboard box thinly veiled with some NOBULL-branded tissue paper.
Be sure to remove everything. I almost missed the extra set of laces.
Unboxing the NOBULL Impact is no different than the NOBULL Outwork.
Minimalist box, check. Custom packing tissue, check. My new pair of trainers, check.
NOBULL Outwork
First Impressions
The NOBULL Outworks take on a casual aesthetic compared to what you’d expect from brands putting out training shoes.
Without any attention-snatching neons or hard angles, none of their colorways read athletic. Aside from that, the silhouette itself reminds me a lot of vintage court sneakers that are worn for anything but tennis nowadays.
If my post-gym plans include drinks with the brethren, I wouldn’t pack a second pair to change into.
The SuperFabric upper is also a sensory experience. It’s beefier than canvas or mesh, but the pebbled texture suggests it’s got tough skin—literally.
I’m not one to care for aesthetics in a training shoe, however I should mention that both shoes are heavily branded.
NOBULL hasn’t turned ten yet. I don’t blame them for wanting to get their name out there.
If you prefer shoes that aren’t a mobile billboard, you might not fancy the side, tongue, and outsole logo.
Sole
It couldn’t be a coincidence that the word used to describe the defining attribute of both humans and shoes is essentially the same: the sole.
So, is the NOBULL Outwork worthy of eternal lift sessions in Valhalla? That’s for you to decide, but here’s my judgment:
If you’re eyeing a pair of dedicated shoes for everything but running, the heel-to-toe drop is a crucial factor to consider—4mm in this case.
I’ve acclimated thanks to lifting in the Nike Metcon 8 for over a year now, which has an identical drop. It’s a good starting point for lifters looking to graduate onto a shoe with superior control, but it doesn’t sacrifice the ability to perform exercises that benefit from a wedge-shaped sole.
On the other hand, you might find the slight tilt counterproductive if you’re an advanced lifter looking to maximize foot strength, minimize lower back load, and improve balance. While 4mm is common for cross-training shoes, it’s a massive difference over zero-drop shoes or lifting barefoot.
The 4mm drop is poor for light cardio. Circular-treaded outsoles respond very well to explosive movements as well. Ultimately, the lack of cushioning and nonexistent are best left for stationary movements.
For the sake of keeping my shin splints at bay, I prefer to let my NOBULL Outworks shine under the squat rack than over painted turf.
Construction Quality
The SuperFabric feels like the same material non-leather hiking boots on the market use which is great if your training takes you outdoors.
A water-repellent coating further encourages that, but it’d be nice to know what exactly it is and how I can maintain it over time.
The upper is one continuous piece of fabric. I was nervous it would develop a gnarly crease above the toe box, but it’s held up great so far. A shoe that holds its shape over time is always money well spent to me.
If the durable SuperFabric wasn’t enough, NOBULL added toe bumpers and sidewall guards under the hood. They’re noticeable during sharp pivots or toe-heavy motions like split squats. Smart move, as a low-top shoe like the NOBULL Outwork would have even less support without them.
The texture of the carbon rubber cements my previous thoughts of the NOBULL Outwork being a star pupil for anaerobic exercise and more of a problem student for cardio-strength hyhbrid movements.
It’s mad tough. I have yet to see the major wrinkles that I usually develop on bouncier soles. I expect these to last a long time, but it comes at the cost of below-average cushioning. Paying almost $140 might sound better if you’ve already planned on using these primarily for lifts.
Fit and Sizing
Put simply, these run true-to-size.
I thought about sizing up as many reviews mentioned the SuperFabric to be stiff, but I’d lose the support from the side walls and toe bumper otherwise.
NOBULL offering free returns on US orders should ease any size-related worries as well.
The NOBULL Outworks have an “anatomical” toe box that feels spacious, but compared to the oar-shaped toe box featured on some models of Flux Footwear, my toes couldn’t reach full-splay. Fine by me, as these squeak past the clown-shoe silhouette.
FURTHER READING
Keep in mind that this model doesn’t come in different widths whether or not you’re trying to reinforce the natural positioning of your front foot.
I’m a fan of the anatomical insoles. They aren’t molded to every nook and cranny between heel and toe, but it’s a step up from a flat insert with minimal support.
Break-in Period
I can safely claim that the NOBULL Outworks are the most durable trainers I’ve tried.
Like anything built to last, I needed to crack its shell before they became truly “mine.”
The SuperFabric upper is where most of this tough love needs to happen. They’re tight at first. It took roughly four hour-long workout sessions before the area above my mid-foot began to soften. I didn’t experience a tight squeeze during motions where my toes curl forward once that part was over.
Other than the upper, there isn’t much to break in. The heel and side walls stand their ground and the carbon rubber sole is firm by design.
NOBULL Outwork
The NOBULL Outwork has an impressive amount of features despite an unassuming exterior. It took longer to break in the SuperFabric upper, but I think a few sessions of tightness for long-term durability is a fair trade. Sidewall guards, circular treads, and an anatomical sole provide valuable control even for my non-stationary workouts.
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NOBULL Impact
First Impressions
The NOBULL Impact is slightly larger than the NOBULL Outwork, mainly due to a thicker sole.
It retains the overall minimalist design scheme. NOBULL must know how easily these pair with casual outfits as the available colorways are rather neutral. I wouldn’t mind a couple bold options like royal blue or acid yellow.
Unlike runners, I’m not as concerned about how much a pair of trainers weigh. I’m stationary for a good 80% of my routine.
The NOBULL Impact weighs 13.5 ounces, so about two ounces more than the OUTLOOK. Definitely heavier than a pair of Converse All-Stars or Vans if they’re your jam.
I get why those shoes are so popular particularly for lifting. Pancake-thin soles don’t compromise the biomechanics of squats and deadlifts. NOBULL Impacts aren’t as plain comparatively. I wasn’t expecting a front toe spring, but I like that it smoothens strides and lunges without disrupting the flat-footed outsole.
On the flip side, the toe spring doesn’t compromise a firm plant under the bar. Between the upper and shoe weight, the NOBULL Impacts feel very secure.
The NOBULL Impacts are better suited for whole-body movements than the NOBULL Outworks, but they’re heavy and not the most breathable, so I wouldn’t rush to wear these if my plan was to sprinkle in burpees or lateral shuffles.
Sole
The carbon rubber outsole features a herringbone pattern and it’s excellent for multi-directional traction.
The horizontal direction of the zigzags allow my foot to bend with ease while resisting any slippage against horizontal movements like side steps.
The NOBULL Impacts shares the phylon (EVA) midsole and carbon rubber outsole with the NOBULL Outwork, only 4mm thicker. The additional height gives the NOBULL Impact more of a traditional sneaker feel. I know the outsole and midsole are the same exact material, but I felt a big difference in cushioning off of this variance alone.
Construction Quality
The NOBULL Impact has a SuperFabric upper that claims to be abrasion resistant and “stands up to years of aggressive workouts” according to NOBULL.
I reviewed the Flux Adapt Trainer last year. It has a mesh upper that’s ultra breathable but isn’t nearly as durable as the NOBULL Impact’s. I haven’t abused my pair but I can see how the tiny guard plates resist scrapes better than standalone fabric would.
There are trainers out there with better ventilation than the NOBULL Impact, whether that’s important is up to you. I only made this observation during intense sessions as I rarely break out into a profuse sweat while lifting.
They’re also incredibly easy to clean, which is a huge plus given how dirty my shoes can get during outdoor sessions.
Fit and Sizing
Aside from the added stack height, the fit and sizing is no different over the NOBULL Outwork. Go with whatever size you normally get in sneakers.
One thing I’d like to point out is the “holistic” fit of NOBULL trainers regardless of model.
Maybe it’s the thickness of the SuperFabric, but the amount of pressure applied to the foot is even from most angles. I’ve found that mesh sneakers gradually lose structure along the sides, requiring me to really yank on the laces when I tie them, resulting in concentrated discomfort over the midfoot. The NOBULL Impacts didn’t require such aggressive fastening.
NOBULL Impact
Right out of the box, the NOBULL Impacts feel supportive and comfortable. They still required a reasonable break-in period because of the sturdy upper and sole, but the toe flip and increased sole material makes them slightly better for more complex footwork that speeds up this process. Within a few workouts, the shoe adapted to my foot shape, providing a custom-like fit.
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What Do Other Reviewers Say?
At the time of writing, the NOBULL Outwork earns a 4.7/5 star average rating across 14.8k+ reviews—the most out of any single product I’ve ever reviewed.
Most customers with positive things to say highlight the durability of the high carbon rubber outsole and SuperFabric upper material. One reviewer said that his pair still looked top-notch even after the one-year warranty period had lapsed.
Performance and quality aside, I spotted a lot of NOBULL customers who liked how versatile the design is, being able to sport them to the gym, during errands, or friendly get-togethers.
I really had to sift through the reviews to find unsavory testimonials, but the break-in period and lack of support were two lackluster experiences I saw more than once. It seems like acclimating to the NOBULL Outwork takes longer if most of your workout lacks ample footwork.
The NOBULL Impact had almost 5k reviews with a 4.7/5 star rating when I pursued its product page.
A few customers found it to run a bit small. While I’d still recommend going true to size, they felt a half size up worked best.
On the other hand, customers who owned both the NOBULL Impact and NOBULL Outwork did agree with me that the extra stack height and additional sole material provided better support. I could tell that more NOBULL customers were using the NOBULL Impact for a diverse range of exercise whereas the NOBULL Outwork reviews reflected more strength training uses.
My Thoughts Overall
What I Like
- Tough SuperFabric upper stands up to rigorous workouts without feeling too rigid.
- Reinforced sidewalls and toe boxes stand up to quick bursts and pivots.
- The NOBULL Outwork’s 4mm drop provides adequate support and control for squat exercises.
- The NOBULL Impact’s herringbone outsole pattern and 4 mm of additional stack height are noticeably better for advanced movement over the NOBULL Outwork.
- Water-Repellent Coating eases any worry of prolonged breakdown if my shoes get wet.
- NOBULL’s shoe designs can be paired easily with casual outfits.
What I Don’t Like
- I don’t feel like the NOBULL Outwork nor the NOBULL Impact have enough cushioning for aerobic lifting workouts.
- SuperFabric upper’s durability comes at the expense of breathability.
Who Is NOBULL For?
NOBULL is for the guy who is either an experienced lifter or is looking to adequately prepare before jumping into a proper cross-training regimen.
NOBULL footwear isn’t cheap, both in quality or cost. The value is clear if you know exactly what you need from a pair of athletic shoes. All things considered, I’d make a stronger recommendation to someone who cares more about strength gains than maximizing endurance through cardio.
The Verdict
With a few weeks of leg-shaking squats to failure and burpees to the point of nausea, I can safely go on record saying NOBULL isn’t all talk.
The NOBULL Outwork and NOBULL Impact are the most durable athletic shoes I’ve ever worn. Full stop.
Every shoe brand boasts their own proprietary tech material. I doubt either shoe would be nearly as durable, stable, or able to maintain a good appearance without the SuperFabric. I wouldn’t think twice about wearing the NOBULL Impact rucking over a grueling trail with my comrades.
A lot of what makes both shoes such strong containers for a variety of workouts isn’t visible to the naked eye—another example of NOBULL’s “don’t say, do” attitude. The reinforced sidewalls and padded toe boxes make stomps, twists, and sprints feel a lot safer and more comfortable.
Nice to have during box jumps and a must-have for any sort of running when you consider the lack of cushioning on both models.
It was a photo finish, but the NOBULL Impact did it for me.
Both of them have minimal drop. That’s inherently going to favor stationary muscle-building. An additional 4 millimeters of stack height and a more pronounced toe spring makes the NOBULL Impact a more equitable shoe for endurance and strength. It’ll be a long time before I even consider minimalist soles anyway.
NOBULL
After weeks of intense squats and grueling burpees, I can confidently say NOBULL’s reputation is well-earned. The NOBULL Outwork and NOBULL Impact are the most durable athletic shoes I've worn, thanks to their SuperFabric material. While I value versatility in gym shoes, I'm happy to have a dedicated strength training shoes with this combination of comfort, durability, and stability.
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