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For a shoe company that could be considered new on the scene, before considering buying a pair, many people want to know how do NOBULL shoes fit? Sizing questions such as Do NOBULL shoes run true to size, are NOBULL shoes good for wide feet and do NOBULL shoes run big are very common.
Today, we have many choices with cross-training/CrossFit shoes, so it’s important to make the right choice so that ultimately, we’re performing the best we can and we’re best placed to reach our fitness goals. Getting the right fitting with your workout shoes is a great place to start from.
People who workout regularly know the importance of having a shoe that will perform well. It needs to protect your feet and enable you to maintain your balanced and form during whatever workout you are doing.
I first learned how popular NOBULL shoes were becoming when I started to notice more and more people in the gym wearing them and I started seeing more people on Instagram wearing them in their videos too.
How Long Have NOBULL Been Around?
Since its launch in 2015, NOBULL has gained a massive following. Mainly by people who like a more minimalist and stripped down shoe and are maybe are tired of the overly hyped promotional buzz that usually comes with some workout footwear.
NOBULL offers a full line of sportswear for both men and women. Their line of shoes includes trainers, runners, lifters, cyclers, and slides.
This company is working to empower people to get out and move. They offer a no-nonsense approach to shoe production, and their minimalist perspective is certainly catching on with the sports world.
Table of Contents
Let’s Talk NOBULL Sizing
NOBULL shoes are designed to be durable, comfortable, and versatile, making them suitable for a wide range of activities in the gym, like CrossFit and weightlifting. When it comes to sizing, NOBULL shoes are listed in standard US sizing and generally run true to size.
However, I personally find that they can feel a little snug in the mid-foot area and overall are quite a narrow fit, so it is recommended to check the product details page and user feedback reviews for specific shoes to get a better idea of how they fit.
If you find that you are in between sizes in footwear, NOBULL recommends going half a size up to allow some space for movement and toe mobility. This is especially true if you plan to wear the shoes for high-intensity activities like CrossFit or if you want to run in them.
NOBULL shoes are available in both men’s and women’s sizes, and the brand offers an extensive size chart on their website to help you find the right fit.
Do NOBULL Shoes Run True to Size?
When it comes to NOBULL sizing, NOBULL label their shoe sizing as ‘standard sizing’ and shoes fit true to size.
I found the fit to be slightly smaller than true to size, just really snug, not much wiggle room. But not enough to disrupt me.
They are also a very narrow shoe.
The NOBULLs aren’t a shoe I can wear thick socks with. When I ordered my pair I did order two pairs in order figure out if they run true to size or not. I ordered one in my size and one half a size up and they didn’t feel 100% true to size.
I would recommend doing the same if you are considering buying them, order more than one pair if you can, one in your regular size and one half a size or full size up.
Another thing worth noting when it comes to whether NOBULL shoes run true to size or not is the fact that these shoes do have a break in period. They will feel a bit rigid especially in the upper of the shoe at the very beginning but after a few wears this feeling will subside. The most important thing is that you get the fit right above all else.
Quick Summary
I found the fit of the NOBULL trainers to be slightly smaller than my true size.
You should experience a snug fit that still allows for some flexibility. Your toes should have enough room to wiggle without feeling cramped or uncomfortable.
Tips When Ordering NOBULL Trainers:
1. Check If the Shoe Color You Want Has Half Incremental Sizes in Stock.
You don’t want to be disappointed. Depending on what colour you want, they can sell out pretty fast.
2. Order Two Pairs If You Can.
Order one in your regular ‘standard’ size and one pair in a half size up. This is the only way you’ll be sure. I kind of wish I did this myself, but the half-size wasn’t available to me.
Note: It goes without saying, if you order two pairs, just try them on at home with clean feet and clean socks in order to get the right fit, don’t go and workout in them as this will very likely stretch the shoe and you might not get your money back because of this.
The problem I find often is that many manufacturers boldly claim their shoes are of ‘standard sizing’, and for many, this is true, but when the product arrives, it’s a whole different story.
3. Hear Me Out, Measure Your Feet.
It is a good idea to measure your feet, even though you may think you know your size and have been ordering the same size for years, some people get a surprise when they actually measure their feet in the correct way especially with NOBULL shoes being a shoe you very likely may not have owned before.
In my personal experience there can be a significant differences in size between shoe sizes of different brands.
It could also help you understand definitively if your foot falls into the ‘wide’ category, knowing this can be a real gamechanger, especially if you’re considering buying NOBULL shoes which actually aren’t a good shoe for wider feet.
Follow this video on how to correctly measure your feet and also, use the NOBULL size chart found here to get the right size.
Unfortunately, at the time of writing this, NOBULL does not have wide sizing options.
Do NOBULL Shoes Have Good Arch Support?
NOBULL shoes are very stripped down. They’re labelled as a minimalist shoe.
Because of their minimalist approach, these shoes do not offer arch support. At all.
Because of this lack of arch support it does change the types of workouts I would do in this shoe and the length of time I would spend doing them too. For example, I wouldn’t wear these for long distance running or wear them for long periods of time where I may be standing up for a long time.
Quick Tip
If you have flat feet, wearing shoes with arch support can give you more comfort, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. Arch support can also give you a little more cushion when you run, jump, or even walk. But it’s also good to train without arch support so that the muscles of the feet get stronger.
Other cross training/CrossFit shoes I’ve tried such as the Reebok Nano X3 and the Drop Set by Adidas offer much better support in the arch area of the foot.
If you have flat feet, consider using a good pair of orthotics to support your arches.
The lack of arch support is not a deal-breaker, though it would be nice to see NOBULL offer a version of their trainers with a little more support.
I wouldn’t even mind if they threw in the option of an arch support insole for an extra fee.
Are NOBULL Shoes Good for Wide Feet?
If you have a narrow foot, you’ll be OK with NOBULL trainers, but if your foot is on the wide side, NOBULL shoes may not work for you.
The NOBULL trainer is not the best choice for wide feet at all. I found them to be a very narrow shoe and unfortunately, at the time of publishing this article, NOBULL does not offer wide-width options.
You may get enough room by purchasing one half to one size larger, but this could lead to your foot slipping up and down in the shoe if the size is too much bigger.
I would always recommend to order two pairs, one in your regular size and one pair in a larger size if you have wider feet, but there is no guarantee that this will work as a solution.
Do consider reading my Best CrossFit Shoes for Wide Feet article, to give you some ideas of good alternatives to the NOBULL shoe.
NOBULL’s built ultra-durable SuperFabric®
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NOBULL Trainer High Tops Vs. Low Tops.
When comparing NOBULL trainers’ high-tops and low-tops, it is important to focus on the facts.
The main difference between the low-tops and high-tops is the ankle support.
The high tops model along with the rigid upper material of the NOBULL trainer offers a higher ankle collar and gives you more ankle support, lowering the liklihook of ankle rollover during certain moves.
If you like the look of Converse Chuck Taylors to workout in, but find the support to be lacking, then the NOBULL high-top may be to your liking.
The space in the toe box is about the same in both the high and low-top version of this shoe, and they are both made from the same materials.
NOBULL Trainer VS Reebok Nano X3 – Which One Is the Better Buy?
NOBULL Shoes Vs. Reebok Nano X3
Out of all of the workout shoes on the market today, I think it’s fair to compare the NOBULL trainers to the latest iteration of Reebok’s very popular fitness shoe, the Nano X3.
In my opinion, the Reebok Nano is the fitness shoe to beat right now.
I recently did a review of the Reebok Nano X3 on the ListedFit YouTube channel, and I will say that the Nano X3s did very well. They’re the first shoe I have ever given top marks.
The main differences between the NOBULL trainer and the Reebok Nano X3 however are quite noticeable. Let’s go through them.
Main Differences – Reebok Nano X3 Vs NOBULL Trainer
1. The Upper/Design Is Very Different
The uppers are different. With the NOBULL trainer you are getting a shoe that looks very minimalist in its design, they don’t look like traditional training shoes. I consider them quite smart-looking in the sense that many customers wear them with chinos as part of their office wear before they head to the gym in the evening after work.
This versatility is a deal breaker for many because not having to carry an extra pair of gym shoes is a big bonus for a lot of people.
The Reebok Nano X3s on the other hand make no effort to disguise themselves as a shoe that could be seen anywhere other than a gym or in an active/sports scenario.
You get a durable textile upper on both, but the Reebok Nano X3’s Flexweave material is more breathable than the material found on the NOBULLs.
2. The Lift and Run Chassis
Reebok has implemented a new technology called the ‘Lift and Run Chassis’. This is basically a technology that sits in the sole of the shoe and makes the shoe softer and more cushioned for running and activities that require slamming of the feet but at the same time, this technology makes the shoe feel harder and more rigid for moves like squats and deadlifts, so the idea is that you’re getting a shoe that has a lot more versatility.
3. Floatride Energy Sole
The Reebok Nano X3 have a ‘Floatride’ energy sole, this is a soft foam in the sole that just adds to the overall comfort when it comes to running in the shoe.
- The NOBULL Trainer doesn’t have technologies such as the Lift and Run chassis in the shoe, it is a very basic minimalist shoe.
- The NOBULL trainer offers a 4mm heel-to-toe drop while the Reebok Nano X3 offer 7mm. They are both covered in a breathable fabric which maintains a good level of strength and durability.
- You are still getting a shoe with a more flat and rigid sole that will perform well for squats and deadlifts with the NOBULL, but for running and more high-intensity workouts you’re not getting the same level of cushioning as you do in the Nano X3.
Visual Differences & Similarities
First, let’s talk about the visual differences and similarities.
Both shoes are made in much the same way and are approachable for just about every style. They are available in a variety of colors and styles, for both men and women.
If you look at both shoes from above, you will notice the Reebok Nano X3 is a touch wider in the toe area. They look roomier from above, but how does this equate to comfort?
Big Differences in Comfort
If you are looking for a supportive running shoe, the Reebok Nano X3 offers much better shock protection and overall comfort than the NOBULL shoe due to the addition of the Reebok ‘Lift and Run Chassis’.
The Reebok Nano X3 is ahead of the NOBULL trainer in this area. However, if you just need a shoe for lifting and not running then this isn’t an issue.
As stated above, there is more room in the toe box of the Reebok Nano X3. If you have large toes and like a little more wiggle room, the NOBULL shoes come up short in this area.
NOBULL trainers are a little lighter, but the fabric on the NOBULL shoe is a little thicker and more rigid which for me takes away from the benefit of them being lighter. The Reeboks feel a lot more comfortable to wear for longer periods of time also.
Are The NOBULL Trainers a Contender Against the Reebok Nano X3?
I would consider looking at the Reebok Nano X3 as a contender for the best all-rounder
NOBULL shoes can hold their own as a lifting shoe but it fails in comparison to the Reebok for running. If you’re someone who runs a lot, then you should consider the Reebok Nano X3.
The Reebok Nano X3 does everything and does it very well.
“In my opinion, the Reebok Nano X3s do a lot of things really well and are a very worthy consideration.“
Check out my Full Review of the Reebok Nano X3
I recently reviewed the very latest Reebok Nano X3 –
Comparing NOBULLs with Other Brands
When considering NoBull shoes and their fit, it’s helpful to compare them with other popular athletic shoe brands. In this section, we’ll compare NoBull shoes with Nike, Reebok, Adidas, and Asics to give you a clearer understanding of how they stack up in terms of sizing and fit.
Nike
When comparing NoBull shoes to Nike, you may find that NOBULL shoes fit a little smaller than true to size.
Nike shoes are often known for true to size, so you might need to go up a half size up in some models. Keep in mind that your personal preferences and foot shape play a significant role in finding the perfect fit.
Reebok
Reebok shoes are generally quite consistent with sizing, making them a reliable comparison to NOBULL shoes. They may have a slightly wider fit in some models, but overall for me, there is a lack of consistency between Reebok and NOBULL shoes with NOBULL coming up a little smaller and more narrow.
Adidas
When it comes to Adidas, sizes can vary between models, Adidas sizing is slightly different from the rest, but their shoes overall do tend to be more on the narrow side.
Adidas shoes may run either slightly smaller or larger than true to size, depending on the specific line. To ensure you’re getting the proper fit, it’s essential to research the sizing for each individual Adidas shoe model and compare that information to your findings with NOBULL shoes.
Asics
Asics is known for their comfortable and well-fitted shoes. They often run true to size and offer a variety of options to cater to different foot shapes and preferences.
Comparing your favorite Asics model with NOBULL shoes it would be more likely that the NOBULLs will come up a little shorter or at the very least feel a lot more slug.
You will probably also notice the lack of flexibility in the upper material also.
The Good and the Bad About NOBULL Shoes? Customer Reviews.
It’s always interesting to see what kind of experience other people who have also bought the shoe have had, just to give yourself a fuller picture.
I’ve gone through some of the common complaints in the reviews of NOBULL trainers.
One of the biggest problems with these shoes is not being able to try them on first.
Not being able to walk into a store and try them on frustrates some customers.
“Purchasing from their website is great, but it does not allow you to feel the shoe and walk around in it before buying, could have saved me hassle.”
Malcolm D
Some people have said had they been able to try NOBULL shoes on first, they would not have purchased them at all.
Some feel they are more hype than substance.
“I love the design of these but these are not shoes that are gonna make you jump higher or run faster, only use them for squats and deadlifts really, be wary of those telling you otherwise!”
BeckyDoesTriathlon
She’s correct. It’s important to know what activities you intend to do in NOBULL trainers before you buy them. They are more suited to these sorts of activities and in my opinion, are not the best shoes for running.
None of the above makes NOBULL shoes terrible as a whole, but they are important to consider.
“Love these shoes but the colour I want is never in stock, been trying to get the color I want for more than a month now”
A common frustration of not being able to get the colour you want! NOBULL do offer some really cool looking colour combinations of these shoes, but the colours do tend to run out fast.
“I wanted to buy a pair of NOBULLs for a while and once my Metcon Frees got worn out I got these and I like them so far.
They’re very light and comfortable, good for any gym workout, and they’re great looking; I can also wear them to the office eliminating the need to carry extra gym shoes.
They’re definitely not perfect; I would not recommend them for running anything other than sprints, and the high tops when I tried them are not easy to get on and off since the upper fabric is so inflexible.
I think I made a good choice. I would definitely recommend as long as you don’t expect to run in them often.”
MarkM19
“Love these shoes but the colour I want is never in stock, been trying to get the color I want for more than a month now”
What Are the Pros and Cons of Nobull Trainers?
Although this article does mention some of these, it never hurts to reiterate. This guide cuts through the bull, no pun intended and ensures you know what NOBULL shoes are really about.
Most people have found the pros outweigh the cons. Keep in mind that no trainer is going to please every person because everyone and their feet are different.
Conclusion: Should I Buy NOBULL Trainers?
You have a lot of options for workout trainers such as Metcons, Nano X3, and even Converse Chuck Taylors.
While NOBULL has only been around for a short time, they offer something unique.
NOBULL offers a shoe that is comfortable and stylish. A couple of things to note such as not having wider fit options and not being able to see the shoe in your hand before buying as these are only sold online only could be a big problem for some.
They may not be every person’s cup of tea, and people will always question whether these shoes are more style over substance, but they still remain a solid option.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do NOBULL shoes fit compared to Nike?
NOBULL shoes tend to fit a little more snugly than Nike shoes in terms of length.
I personally found that NOBULL being a very narrow shoe even more narrow than Nikes which are known for being more on the narrow side.
The key thing to remember is that sizing can vary depending on the specific model and your personal preferences, so it’s always best to try them on before making your decision.
What should I know about NOBULL sizing?
When selecting your size in NOBULL shoes, it’s essential to consider both the length and width of your feet.
For me NOBULL shoes fit slightly smaller than true to size, and if you have wider feet, you might want to consider a different brand altogether as these shoes do not have wide options.
Are NOBULL shoes suitable for narrow feet?
The simple answer is no, they aren’t the best shoes at all for people with wider feet, but if you have particularly narrow feet you won’t have any problems.
It’s always helpful to read customer reviews and try on various models before making a purchase. I always recommend ordering two pairs and sending the pair that don’t fit back.
Do NOBULL shoes come in unisex sizes?
Some NOBULL shoes come in unisex sizing, while others are available in separate men’s and women’s sizes.
It goes without saying, check the product description and size chart carefully before making your selection.
What are customers saying about NOBULL shoes in reviews?
Earlier in this article you will see that some customers praise NOBULL shoes for their durability, comfort, and versatility of use.
But some customers have noted that certain models may not be as ideal for long-distance running or high-impact activities and that they have a very inflexible material.
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Author
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Stuart Patrick is a health and fitness lifestyle journalist who writes for ListedFit.com.
“I've spent a lot of time trying to get in shape and change my body and I realised there are so many untruths in the health and fitness industry that can slow down or stop your progress, so I share my knowledge and experience to help others to cut through the BS.”
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Thanks for this. I ordered my first pair when they showed up on the scene and I was very surprised how much smaller they were compared to all the other shoes I had in that same size. In my case, it’s closer to full size smaller. I searched for confirmation on sizing so again thanks for this.