Skip to main content
  • What is the Nobull Trainer+?

  • What we like about the Nobull Trainer+

  • What we don't like about the Nobull Trainer+

  • Are the Nobull Trainer+ shoes worth it?

  • Related content

  • What is the Nobull Trainer+?
  • What we like about the Nobull Trainer+
  • What we don't like about the Nobull Trainer+
  • Are the Nobull Trainer+ shoes worth it?
  • Related content

Pros

  • Stable and supportive

  • Stylish

Cons

  • Pricey

  • Not as comfortable as other brands

If you're looking for a sneaker to keep up with your strength training, the Trainer+ is a stellar option.

What is the Nobull Trainer+?

white sneakers next to 20 pound weight
Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi

The high-top design of the Trainer+ can withstand CrossFit rope climbs, but is cute enough to double as a street shoe.

The Trainer+ are Nobull's cross-trainers. Available in high-top and low-top styles, these sneakers offer more cushioning, traction, and stability than the original Trainer, though both shoes are made specifically for lifting.

The shoes are made of a seamless "SuperFabric" upper, a rubber-stippled mesh that's tougher than what you'd find in your average sneaker, so they can handle the abuse from CrossFit rope climbs. The midsole in the Trainer+ shoes is thicker than the original Trainers to offer more cushioning, and the wider outsole ensures greater stability and traction. As with all Nobull shoes, the wide toe box allows ample room for your foot to splay and connect with the ground.

Though the bright colors and designs are also appealing, the Trainer+ are also designed with practicality in mind: the "Nobull" logo is reflective, should you need some extra visibility as you head to and from workouts.

The low-top Trainer+ starts at $139 and the high-tops at $149. For comparison, you can find plenty of stylish and comfortable trainers from brands like Nike and Adidas for $100 or less.

What we like about the Nobull Trainer+

white sneakers next to 20 pound weight and water bottle
Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi

The Trainer+ allows plenty of wiggle room for your toes, as well as durable traction for a no-slip workout sesh.

They're stable during strength-training sessions

I was immediately impressed by these sneakers while lifting. Their wide soles—wider than those of my usual Reebok Nano X2s—ensured my feet could plant firmly during lifts, while allowing me to move deftly without slipping during class. My toes had plenty of wiggle room—I didn't experience any squishing or blistering during any of my workouts. The soles also offer great traction: While wearing the Trainer+, I was able to focus exclusively on each workout without fear of slipping or skidding.

They're durable

The rubber-coated Super Fabric is designed to withstand sweaty exercise sessions. I wore these shoes to the gym, to exercise classes, and for walks around the neighborhood, and noticed minimal wear and tear after a month of at least bi-weekly use.

They come in a variety of colors and styles

In addition to neutrals such as white, black, and gray, these sneakers come in vibrant colors including purple, coral, and pink. Floral and camo prints are also available should you want sneakers that really pop.

What we don't like about the Nobull Trainer+

person holding white sneakers displaying sole
Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi

They don't offer great arch support, but the rubbery soles of the Trainer+ provide great traction for strength training.

Their upper is inflexible

The rubber-coated upper, while long-lasting, isn't flexible enough for workout classes requiring more agility or exercises like lunges when you want the shoes to bend. The material feels stiff and uncomfortable on my feet, whereas other cloth sneakers are more forgiving.

They don't offer enough arch support

I was hoping to use these shoes for a majority of my workouts during testing, including HIIT classes at my gym and the occasional Orangetheory workout. However, I found these shoes aren't cushioned enough for cardio and post-workout stretches. And when running or walking in the Trainer+, I wanted more arch support to keep my feet comfortable and injury-free—running shoes these are not. (The brand also sells Nobull runners, but I haven't tested those yet.)

They're pricey for a shoe that isn't a perfect fit

Nobull has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to the brand's partnerships with athletes at the CrossFit Games and collaborations with designers. However, unless you primarily strength train as your workout of choice or are willing to pay more for a cute shoe, the price tag might not be easy to justify.

Are the Nobull Trainer+ shoes worth it?

person wearing white sneakers while lunging with 20 pound weight
Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi

The Trainer+ isn't great for cardio, but can definitely keep up with your lifting routine.

Yes, if you're mainly using them for strength training

Thanks to their wide, flat soles and rubber-coated upper, the Trainer+ is great for heavy lifting sessions. I felt secure and stable during squats, deadlifts, and lunges, and think these shoes will last a long time through a variety of workouts.

Related content

However, I think these sneakers are best suited for strength training with minimal cardio work. (To be fair, that seems to be how Nobull markets the trainers.) Their limited arch support and stiff upper made them uncomfortable to wear even for short distances on the treadmill or during HIIT work.

If you're looking for a well-rounded cross-trainer, you may prefer the likes of the Reebok Nano X2, or one of Nike's Metcon models. But if you're looking for a stylish sneaker that can also keep up with your strength training, the Trainer+ is a stellar option.

The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Flipboard for the latest deals, product reviews, and more.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

Meet the tester

Esther Bell

Esther Bell

Senior Staff Writer, Health and Fitness

Esther is a writer at Reviewed covering all things health and fitness.

See all of Esther Bell's reviews

Checking our work.

Our team is here for one purpose: to help you buy the best stuff and love what you own. Our writers, editors, and lab technicians obsess over the products we cover to make sure you're confident and satisfied. Have a different opinion about something we recommend? Email us and we'll compare notes.

Shoot us an email

Up next