GORUCK Ballistic Trainer Performance Review

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer’s simple build hides some great material and tech suggestions. This shoe packs a large performance punch.

Colorway: Lunar Rock

Release Date: 2020

Price: $125

 

9/10

Total Score

What if I told you the inventor of the Reebok Pump, Paul Litchfield, is now making training shoes? And that he’s doing it for GORUCK, an upstart training gear company founded by a Special Forces veteran, that’s also pioneering a whole new sport called Rucking. If you’re like me, you’d 1) be surprised and 2) want to try the shoe. Thanks to several WearTesters readers, I learned about the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer and this fascinating company.

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer actually made our list of the best CrossFit shoes of 2022, our list of the best weightlifting shoes in 2022, and they are also a great basketball training shoe as well.

Once I got in touch, the folks at GORUCK were nice enough to send a test pair and let me have an hour with Paul himself. What follows are my experiences wearing the Ballistic Trainer for rucking, hiking, running, and working out. Along the way, I’ll also share all the tech specs and the creative process behind the surprising Ballistic Trainer.

Materials

When the GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is in hand, the materials stand out. GORUCK uses a nice flexible knit on the toebox and tongue. Then they use durable Ballistic nylon for the back two-thirds of the shoe. The strong nylon pays homage to the company’s initial product, the GR1 rucksack.

The nylon draws the eye just like it does on the Air Jordan 11. Compared to the Jordan 11, the nylon used on the Ballistic Trainer is a tighter weave that’s softer, more flexible, and tougher. Cordura nylon is used on very few shoes, mostly for cost reasons. But when it is used, it gives off a vibe that the shoe is ready for anything. I’ve worn the Ballistic Trainer a lot. And while the nylon portion gets dirty, there are absolutely no fraying or loose threads. This nylon will last a long time.

My only (minor) complaint is the small vinyl piece at the top of the heel used for the GORUCK logo placement. While it’s durable, the material used feels cheap compared to the rest of the shoe. I would have preferred an upgrade to a softer synthetic leather. On the other hand, GORUCK includes a second pair of laces in a different color…which is a nice touch and unexpected at the $125 price point.

9.12.2022 Update: On recently released colorways, GORUCK has replaced the small vinyl piece on the back of the shoe with a buttery leather piece. It’s a small thing that really elevates the shoe’s look. Here’s a video we made to highlight the change:

The knit toe box and tongue are one seamless piece. A single layer of breathable knit with a little bit of extra backing at the toe to maintain shape. It flexes great and feels minimal on foot. The upper is simple, but the chosen materials work well. Thanks to the material choices, the Ballistic Trainer’s upper can comfortably handle the gym, the office, and all-day wear.

Fit

I just finished raving about the materials so be sure to read that section because the materials drive the fit. The materials are put on top of a good last (or foot mold) that’s not too narrow or too wide but has a generous toebox for toe splay. A majority of foot shapes will enjoy the fit.

GORUCK explains on their size chart that the Ballistic Trainer runs “about a half size larger than other athletic trainers”. I found this to be accurate and recommend going a half size down from your normal shoe size for the best fit.

Cushion

The aforementioned Paul Litchfield, who once upon a time oversaw the development of Hexalite, told me his first love is chemistry. Specifically, he loves the science of midsole chemistry. With the Ballistic Trainer’s midsole, he got to showcase his passion with Gradient Density EVA. That means the shoe is more cushioned and better at rebounding in the forefoot to accommodate jumping, running, and explosive movement. The heel of the shoe is denser and stiffer to provide a stable platform while doing various lifting movements like deadlifts and squats.

And the craziest part…you can’t tell a difference in the foam by looking at it. The Ballistic Trainer’s midsole looks the same from toe to heel. But you can feel the difference by pressing your thumb into the two sections. On foot, the two densities work together well and offer a smooth transition from heel to toe while walking or running.

To further improve the cushioning, the GORUCK team added a thick polyurethane insert (insole) that contours nicely to the foot and arch. I liked the extra squish the insert provided. But if that’s not your style or you don’t like the added arch support, the Ballistic Trainer comes with a flat EVA insole as well.

Overall, it’s enough cushioning for everything the Ballistic Trainer is meant to do. Short runs, walking with a weighted backpack (also known as rucking), plyometrics, and lifts. I didn’t find myself wishing for more cushioning during high-impact movements and that’s a rarity in the cross training shoe segment.

Traction

Here’s another place where there’s tech hidden inside an innocuous-looking package. What looks to be an outsole made of one type of rubber is actually made of 3 different rubbers. A grippy forefoot, a harder more durable midfoot made for climbing ropes, and a denser heel to endure heel strikes while running or rucking. Move your finger along the bottom of the shoe and you’ll feel the subtle differences. Most companies achieve a similar result with various panels made of different types of rubber. This is a cleaner method that looks slick.

But the traction never feels slick. The segmented suction cup pattern used at the tip of the toes, on the lateral forefoot, and medial heel really grabs the floor. It does collect tiny rocks, which can be annoying if you’re using them for hiking, but it really sticks to the ground.

The outsole is just a great overall outsole design and composition. I never experienced slippage, even on slick concrete floors or in wet/cold conditions.

Support

The support starts at the base of the shoe with the 8mm drop. It’s a traditional drop and not the trendier zero drop approach to workout shoes. The drop puts less strain on your Achilles during lifts and feels better when rucking, hiking, or running.

The whole rear area of the shoe is built to keep your heel in place. The heel is sculpted so your foot easily falls into place. There’s also a lengthy, sturdy heel counter that extends to the midfoot. The Ballistic Nylon on the outside of the heel is also strong enough to add further structure and stability. Once you’re laced up, your heel doesn’t slip. I felt completely secure when doing quick side-to-side agility-focused movements and quick changes of direction.

Also, I tried using the top two lace holes and then not using them. I felt locked in both ways. No matter which lace loops you use up top, you’ll get great lockdown.

Overall

The GORUCK Ballistic Trainer is my favorite cross training shoe of the year alongside the Reebok JJ IV and On Cloud X. And honestly, it’s probably my 2020 favorite due to its unique construction, great comfort, and the extra tech packed into an unassuming package. The Ballistic Trainer is both great for hard workouts in the gym and a casual night out (remember those?). Plus, at the $125 price point, you’re getting your money’s worth.

Even though GORUCK is a young brand, it’s obvious they found the right creative direction for their shoe line. The shoes really match the aesthetic and toughness of the company’s Special Forces roots. Their first versatile, functional fitness-focused shoe is a winner and I’m excited to see more from them in the future.

Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Performance Review

Rundown: The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is a cross trainer for fans of sustainable footwear. Everybody else should stay clear of the shoe and its flaws.

Release Date: 2022

Price: $100

Weight: 8.90 oz (size 10)

Drop: 5mm

Fit Guide: Normal Nike Size

5/10

Total Score

Pros

• Comfortable Crater Foam

Cons

• Material Quality
• Heel Containment
• Lack of Rubber

The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is Nike’s only performance cross-training shoe with sustainable materials. Although most of their names are similar, this shoe has nothing in common with the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3. The SuperRep Go 3 is marketed as a shoe you can use both casually on weekends and at the gym. Will it finally prove that sustainability can be coupled with top-tier performance? Unfortunately, not.

Pros

Comfortable Crater Foam

The midsole is unrestricted Crater Foam, Jordans recycled version of Phylon/EVA. Because there’s no caging, the foam is free to move and compress. This makes walking around in these a pleasurable experience and fits right in with the marketing of the shoe. However, it isn’t a pro for working out. It compresses too much when doing heavy squats and other heavily weighted lifting workouts.

Cons

Material Quality

I am all for sustainability and recycled materials, but it has to be done right. The quality has to be on par with regular builds. This one is not it. The first thing I noticed was the thinnest tongue I’ve ever seen. To make things worse, it’s made out of cheap felt. And because of its thinness, it folds when you put your foot in, which is annoying. The recycled Flyknit upper is comfortable, but the glue they used to make it sturdier made it too stiff in some areas. I would have loved to have had the free Flyknit we’re used to in the running line along with reinforcements in critical areas.

The laces are also the worst I’ve had in a while. They’re thin and feel like they would only last a few months of wear. I had to be careful when lacing them up because I feared snapping them.

Heel Containment

This con led me to test them in less time. However tightly I cinched the laces, my heel wouldn’t stay still. The collar height for me was too low. The lace loops looked like they ran down until the footbed, which is misleading. They’re just lace loops. It would’ve been a much better experience if Nike had made them like Flywire. Adidas’ cat’s tongue lining could have also been used here to avoid issues. The heel counter did not help either, as it’s flimsy and can easily be deformed. It was heel slip galore every time I put these on, even when it was just for casual use.

Lack of Rubber

The outsole is mostly foam, contributing more to sustainability marketing. Again, I am all for this if it functions just as well as regular builds. But it didn’t. The lack of rubber didn’t feel as secure and wasn’t as durable as other outsoles. The rubber that’s there is thin and quickly wears down. That could’ve been slightly mitigated if the whole outsole had rubber coverage.

Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Summary

The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is a shoe for sustainability fans and no one else. I can’t recommend this product for serious weightlifting, HIIT, jump training, or any other exercise. I know that the marketing says that you’re supposed to be able to use these casually and in the gym, but even walking around in them isn’t the best because of the heel slip. Virtually every other cross-training shoe we’ve reviewed is better than this. Check out our Best Cross-Training Shoes list here.

Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Performance Review

Rundown: The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is a cross trainer for fans of sustainable footwear. Everybody else should stay clear of the shoe and its flaws.

Release Date: 2022

Price: $100

Weight: 8.90 oz (size 10)

Drop: 5mm

Fit Guide: Normal Nike Size

5/10

Total Score

Pros

• Comfortable Crater Foam

Cons

• Material Quality
• Heel Containment
• Lack of Rubber

The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is Nike’s only performance cross-training shoe with sustainable materials. Although most of their names are similar, this shoe has nothing in common with the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3. The SuperRep Go 3 is marketed as a shoe you can use both casually on weekends and at the gym. Will it finally prove that sustainability can be coupled with top-tier performance? Unfortunately, not.

Pros

Comfortable Crater Foam

The midsole is unrestricted Crater Foam, Jordans recycled version of Phylon/EVA. Because there’s no caging, the foam is free to move and compress. This makes walking around in these a pleasurable experience and fits right in with the marketing of the shoe. However, it isn’t a pro for working out. It compresses too much when doing heavy squats and other heavily weighted lifting workouts.

Cons

Material Quality

I am all for sustainability and recycled materials, but it has to be done right. The quality has to be on par with regular builds. This one is not it. The first thing I noticed was the thinnest tongue I’ve ever seen. To make things worse, it’s made out of cheap felt. And because of its thinness, it folds when you put your foot in, which is annoying. The recycled Flyknit upper is comfortable, but the glue they used to make it sturdier made it too stiff in some areas. I would have loved to have had the free Flyknit we’re used to in the running line along with reinforcements in critical areas.

The laces are also the worst I’ve had in a while. They’re thin and feel like they would only last a few months of wear. I had to be careful when lacing them up because I feared snapping them.

Heel Containment

This con led me to test them in less time. However tightly I cinched the laces, my heel wouldn’t stay still. The collar height for me was too low. The lace loops looked like they ran down until the footbed, which is misleading. They’re just lace loops. It would’ve been a much better experience if Nike had made them like Flywire. Adidas’ cat’s tongue lining could have also been used here to avoid issues. The heel counter did not help either, as it’s flimsy and can easily be deformed. It was heel slip galore every time I put these on, even when it was just for casual use.

Lack of Rubber

The outsole is mostly foam, contributing more to sustainability marketing. Again, I am all for this if it functions just as well as regular builds. But it didn’t. The lack of rubber didn’t feel as secure and wasn’t as durable as other outsoles. The rubber that’s there is thin and quickly wears down. That could’ve been slightly mitigated if the whole outsole had rubber coverage.

Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature Summary

The Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature is a shoe for sustainability fans and no one else. I can’t recommend this product for serious weightlifting, HIIT, jump training, or any other exercise. I know that the marketing says that you’re supposed to be able to use these casually and in the gym, but even walking around in them isn’t the best because of the heel slip. Virtually every other cross-training shoe we’ve reviewed is better than this. Check out our Best Cross-Training Shoes list here.

Are Air Jordan 1s Good For Basketball?

The Air Jordan 1 was conceived as a basketball sneaker. But are Air Jordan 1s still good for basketball today? Read on to find out!

Are Air Jordan 1s Good For Basketball?

Although the Air Jordan 1 was designed for hoops, they are outdated compared to current offerings from sneaker brands. Still, the support and traction are good enough to play in if the AJ1 is your only option.

When the Air Jordan 1 was created, there was not that much actual tech out there for basketball shoes. Nike changed this by incorporating Air technology in the midsole. Theoretically, this would help with cushioning.

The reality is that previous Nike hoops shoes such as the Air Force 1 have a lot more of that “air” feeling in the midsole. Although the tech is there on the AJ1, that isn’t why the sneaker was good for basketball at the time.

Unlike the AF1, the Jordan 1 provides a slim midsole with more court feel. This makes them similar to the Converse and Adidas models that Michael Jordan initially wanted to wear. The goal of the AJ1 was not only to make a great hoops shoe, but also to sell MJ on Nike.

Of course, more than 30 years later, way better tech exists for playing basketball. The Air Jordan 1 is intended for casual wear at this point, much like many other retro sneakers. Still, in a pinch, the AJ1’s court feel, traction and ankle support can still function as a decent shoe for ball.

What the Air Jordan 1 Got Right About Basketball shoes

The Air Jordan 1s excel in traction, court feel and ankle support. These elements stand the test of time as far as basketball shoes go.

The traction on the Air Jordan 1 stands up to modern basketball sneakers easily. Whether cutting left and right or running up and down the court, the circle pattern on the forefoot and flexible rubber allow for secure movement. This works well when playing on either indoor or outdoor courts.

The AJ1 provides a decent lockdown for the foot as well. The collar on the high helps secure the ankle and cup the heel, which adds a stability to the sneaker. Additionally, the traditional leather makeup of classic Air Jordan 1s adds to the sturdiness and durability.

As mentioned above, the Air unit on this sneaker is encapsulated in the heel. This fact, combined with an already low-profile midsole means that the Jordan 1 gives plenty of court feel. You don’t feel like you’re hovering over the ground, rather you get a stable and low to the ground feeling underfoot.

Reasons Not To Wear The Air Jordan 1 For Basketball

The Air Jordan 1 was created as a basketball sneaker, but struggles compared to modern hoops shoes due to heavy materials, outdated traction and tech and lack of cushioning.

Ever since the first Chicago and Black Toe colorways were rocked by MJ on the court, the Jordan 1 has been put to the test. For it’s time, the J1s cushioning and materials were par for the course.

Nike would go on to innovate even better technology however. Zoom Air for example provides the same court feel on modern hoops shoes with increased durability and longevity. Modern tech adds a responsiveness that is missing in earlier b-ball sneakers such as the AJ1.

While the traction is quite good on the Jordan 1 (some might argue that the traction is the most enduring feature), the herringbone traction found on most modern basketball kicks is generally superior. Not by much, but enough to warrant looking at other pairs to play in besides the J1.

The heavy materials on the Jordan 1 can’t quite provide the same experience as flywire, flyknit and other current variations found on modern hoops sneakers. Modern basketball shoes are designed to provide even better lockdown while still being flexible and lightweight. This is a balance that had not yet been achieved in the 80s when the J1 first surfaced. Newer shoes also improve on the lackluster ventilation found in the old AJ1.

Probably the biggest failing of the Air Jordan 1 is the cushioning. The sneaker just isn’t comfortable in the way a newer basketball sneaker is. For brief casual wear, Jordan 1s are perfectly fine. However, extended wear either on or off court proves to be less comfy than a lot of other options out there.

Can You Play Basketball In Air Jordan 1 Lows?

While many sneakers function well for basketball, it is inadvisable to play in the Air Jordan 1 Low. The sneaker has the outdated design of the AJ1 high and mid, minus the ankle support.

As mentioned above, one of the best things about the Air Jordan 1 for playing basketball is the ankle support. To this day, if you are forced to rock some Jordan 1s in a game, you can at least rely on your ankles being locked in.

This advantage is lost when transitioning to the Air Jordan 1 low. While some might appreciate the freedom of movement and perhaps increase in casual comfort on a pair of J1 lows, one of the main advantages of the model is stripped away in the lower cut. Cutting, juking, lateral movements and landing from jumps will all be impacted by the lower collar. Technically one could still play in some AJ1 lowtops, but there are better options.

For example, sneakers from the KD and Kobe lines have provided low top versions in the past that were perfectly suitable for playing while still feeling that support around the ankle. I personally played in the Kobe 6 often back in the day and never rolled an ankle! Well, almost never. Still, these sneakers made advancements in traction and ankle collar construction that helped negate the impact of a lack of physical material around the ankle.

So, What Are Air Jordan 1s Good For If Not Basketball?

The Air Jordan 1 isn’t the WORST sneaker for basketball out there, but it certainly isn’t the most optimal today. It IS however great for casual wear and collecting. The model holds its value and looks great on feet.

Air Jordan 1 ROTY 

Lets face it, most people rocking Air Jordan 1s probably aren’t wearing them on the court. The sneaker has become one of the most collectible shoes out there.

The timeless look of the shoe, the simplicity of the silhouette and the history of the AJ1 all tie into this. Even the less desirable colorways that come out manage to eventually sell out. There’s a reason the sneaker is kept in production even though Nike continues to innovate their sports offerings.

So if you ONLY own a pair of 1s, sure, play a game of basketball in them. However, if you have the means to purchase a different sneaker for playing a game in, by all means research the latest pairs from different brands to find the best tech for your playing style. But keep those 1s on hand for casual wear and your sneaker collection!

Asics Novablast 3 Performance Review

I’m just going to say this upfront so you can stop reading and click one of the orange buttons below. The Asics Novablast 3 is the best all-around running shoe of 2022 so far. Why? A bunch of reasons. Keep reading and I’ll cover them in depth.

Asics Novablast 3

Release Date: September 13, 2022

Price: $140

Weight: 8.9oz

Drop: 8mm (23mm forefoot, 31mm heel)

Sizing: True to Size

• Rundown: The Asics Novablast 3 is a bouncy, smooth-riding, do-it-all running shoe. We highly recommend you add them to your running shoe rotation.

Pros

• Bouncy and Plush
• Ride
• Stability
• Upper
• Outsole

Cons

• Slippy tongue

Pros

Bouncy and Plush

The FFBlast+ midsole of the Asics Novablast 3 is just awesome. FFBlast+ is a very good foam, as we’ve seen on both the Asics Glideride 3 and the Asics Gel-Nimbus 24. Both of those shoes are on our list of Best Asics Running Shoes in large part because of their cushion. The foam itself, combined with the midsole geometry of the Novablast 3, creates the fluffiest, bounciest iteration of FFBlast+ to date.

The valley down the middle of the outsole also circles around the forefoot allowing the FFBlast+ foam to expand and fill the space. This results in both plush, pillowy protection on landing and a bounce back that’s more typical of shoes sporting a composite or TPU plate. It’s also more bounce than you typically get for the $140 price point (running shoes at $140 used to be $130 but thanks to inflation here we are — insert sad face emoji of your choice).

This is the kind of midsole that feels great whether you’re running 3 miles, 6 miles, or 10 miles, chasing kids around a theme park, or just casually walking the streets. It’s an ultra-versatile setup that feels amazing.

Ride

The rocker on the Asics Novablast 3 isn’t super pronounced. It doesn’t swoop down at an angle like Asics’ top-of-the-line Metaspeed Sky+ marathon racing shoe. But, though it doesn’t look too rounded, the ride is super smooth. Touch down to toe-off is extremely smooth and the shoe feels like it’s helping you along the way. It’s the type of ride that makes you feel like you aren’t working quite as hard any time you pick up the pace.

Stability

Look down at the Asics Novablast 3 from above and you’ll see that the midsole naturally provides four generous outriggers. It flares out (without looking ugly or fat) at the lateral forefoot and heel and the medial forefoot and heel. Quick turns or jumping over obstacles doesn’t even register as anything remotely difficult. You can even move quickly from side to side and feel pretty secure. This sort of security is not normal for a running shoe this bouncy.

Upper

The recycled mesh upper is super comfortable and practical. Think air jordan 37 level of comfort. It lets in a ton of air, keeps the foot secure, but never feels anything but light and roomy. It’s an upper you stop thinking about as soon as they’re on your feet…it just gets out of the way and does its job.

The fit of the Asics Novablast 3 is narrow at the heel but widens nicely in the toebox. If you’re a wide foot with a wide heel, be careful and try these on before buying. Everyone else should be able to go true to size without an issue.

Outsole

When I first got the Asics Novablast 3, I worried a bit about the outsole. There’s plenty of rubber but the pattern doesn’t look like it would bite the pavement. Surprisingly, the thing gripped impressively. Only a ridiculously mildewed section of boardwalk caused any slippage (it does that with almost every road shoe I test). Otherwise, I could fly around in wet, humid conditions with reckless abandon and count on the traction to keep me from slipping.

If you run on a lot of dirt, cinder, or do a fair amount of road-to-trail running, check out the soon-to-be-released Asics Novablast 3 TR. It replaces the standard road outsole of the Novablast 3 with lugged traction that should increase the Novablast’s versatility even more.

Cons

Slippy Tongue

This is a relatively small complaint and it may not happen to everyone, but the tongue on my right shoe was always slipping to the lateral side of my foot. Yes, the tongue is gusseted, but the mesh gussets didn’t hold it in place well enough.

I’m not sure if a lace loop on the tongue would solve the issue but that would have been a nice addition. As it is, I’ll likely cut a small lace pass-through in the tongue with an Exacto knife to keep my right tongue from sinking to the side.

However, this isn’t a major issue and I wouldn’t let it dissuade you from buying an otherwise perfect running shoe.

Asics Novablast 3 Summary

The Asics Novablast 3 is just about the perfect shoe. After this review, it sits atop our rankings as the best running shoe of 2022. The combination of bounce, impact protection, breathability, stability, smooth toe-offs, and lack of weaknesses cement its status. It also doesn’t hurt that the Novablast 3 looks spectacular. If you only buy one running shoe this year, make it the Asics Novablast 3.