Our verdict

With its well-grounded legacy in the hip-hop and basketball scene, the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes is an instantly recognisable silhouette. We adore its clean leather profile that can be styled with anything - from laidback outfits to business casual suits. Considering its quality and longevity, we also find the AF 1 07 a very reasonably priced piece. Its elegance lies in the shoe's low-key and practical appeal.

cheap womens nikelab air max 270 army green black gold Pros

  • Crisp and classic look
  • Can be dressed up or down
  • Great leather quality for the price
  • Responsive Air cushioning
  • Highly stable and supportive
  • Nike dbreak-type day break n354 iron grey men casual shoes sneakers cz4337-001
  • Reasonably priced
  • Nike Air Force 1 Low Jewel Silt Red
  • Good outsole traction

cheap womens nikelab air max 270 army green black gold Cons

  • Quite heavy
  • Creases easily
  • Not for all-day wear
  • Arduous break-in period

Audience verdict

91
Great!
  • Top 26% most popular trainers

Who should buy

We believe that the Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes belongs in your sneaker stack if:

  • you need a practical but good-looking pair to match most of your outfits (from active wear to semi-formal pieces)
  • latest nike kd 12 white voltblack
  • you want to enjoy an iconic Nike sneaker at a reasonable price

nike air force 1 07 review 21532698 main

Who should NOT buy

We've got two main knocks on the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes:

  • sacai x x Nike LDWaffle
  • it takes forever to break in the shoe

Air Max Sertan Nike Air Max 1 offers a much more supportive underfoot experience for long GPX on the feet and the Nike Dunk Low has a much more flexible design.

nike air force 1 07 lab test 21532697 main

Cushioning

Shock absorption

New

With its full-length Air unit hidden inside a firm foam carrier, it's hard to believe that the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes is a pretty well-cushioned sneaker.

Recording its shock absorption at 99 SA, our tests confirmed that this Nike sneaker can absorb much of the ground force to keep your feet and body protected for long GPX of walking and standing.

nike air force 1 07 shock absorption heel 23119059 main
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 99 SA
Average 88 SA
Compared to 58 trainers
Number of shoes
33 SA
Shock absorption
123 SA

Energy return

New

What's more, the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes also felt pretty responsive underfoot and showed an above-average energy return of 54%! That way, you can even expect a light spring in your step in this Nike sneaker.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 53.7%
Average 50.0%
Compared to 58 trainers
Number of shoes
40.0%
Energy return
64.0%

Heel stack

The high topline of the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes's cupsole makes it look like a platform sneaker but in fact, it has an average stack height.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Heel stack

Measuring its thickness with a calliper returned 31.7 mm. That's a typical heel stack for lifestyle trainers. Not among the tallest. 

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 31.7 mm
Average 30.7 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

In the shoe's forefoot measurement, our calliper measured 17.2 mm of stack height which is actually a bit thinner than average.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Forefoot stack

But because the Air Max unit takes up about 3/4 of the shoe's length, it reaches the balls of our feet as well, adding a nice touch of cushioning.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 17.2 mm
Average 19.5 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
29.5 mm

Drop

At first glance, the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes has a very steep heel-to-toe drop. Based on our calliper measurements alone, it comes in at 14.5 mm.

nike air force 1 07 drop 21532677 main

But because the Air unit and the rubber pillars underneath it compress under pressure, the offset becomes more balanced when the shoe is on foot.

Slight elevation of the heel above the toes made us feel comfortably supported taking the strain off our Achilles tendons.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 14.5 mm
Average 11.2 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
3.5 mm
Drop
17.2 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The nearly full-length Air unit inside the AF1 adds comfort and responsiveness to the otherwise rigid platform.

We were also surprised to find that the foam around the Air unit is more on the soft side. Pressing our durometer against it returned 20.9 HA which is 40% softer than the average sneaker midsole!

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Midsole softness

These two components make the direct underfoot experience quite pleasant. But the AF1 is NOT a plush shoe by any means!

The foam and the Air unit are encased in a firm and solid cupsole construction which has little-to-no give to it. That's why the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes, as a whole feels firm.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 20.9 HA
Average 28.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 82 trainers
Number of shoes
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
46.4 HA

Size and fit

Size

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes fits true to size (1861 votes).

Small
True to size
Large

Owners of this shoe, how does it fit?

1 size small½ size smallTrue to size½ size large1 size large

Width / Fit

We are happy to report that this iconic Nike sneaker doesn't bring any surprises in terms of fit. Neither on foot nor in the measurements.

Having created a gel mould of the shoe's interiors, we measured its widest part with a calliper. The tool showed a standard reading of 91.3 mm so you can expect nothing less than a normal D medium width.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Toebox width - widest part
New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 91.3 mm
Average 92.5 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
85.4 mm
Width / Fit
97.0 mm

Toebox width

The kick's toebox is not a pointy one either. Its somewhat rounded shape was reflected in an above-average width of 70.4 mm near the big toe.

nike air force 1 07 toebox width big toe 22620007 main
New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 70.4 mm
Average 68.8 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
63.9 mm
Toebox width
74.1 mm

Toebox height

No pressure came from the top of the shoe's toebox as it showed a regular toebox height of 26.5 mm.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Toebox height
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 26.5 mm
Average 27.8 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
20.7 mm
Toebox height
35.0 mm

Traction / Grip

At the time of its release in 1982, the Nike AF 1 was the first basketball shoe that moved form away from the traditional herringbone pattern.

It featured the ground-breaking pivot points on the ball of the foot and on the heel allowing basketball players to change directions with less effort.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes outsole

Nike Dunk Low SE "Easter" sneakers White.

Traction test

New

The AF 1 07 passed our grip test with a solid coefficient of friction (0.43). This implies that the shoe's heel generates enough traction with the ground to help you avoid skidding on most city surfaces.

But please note that this is not a slip-resistant kick either so it doesn't guarantee 100% surefootedness in particularly slippery situations (i.e. wet tiles).

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 0.43
Average 0.42
Compared to 57 trainers
Number of shoes
0.23
Heel traction
0.61

Outsole design

New

At the time of its release in 1982, the Nike AF 1 was the first basketball shoe that moved form away from the traditional herringbone pattern.

It featured the ground-breaking pivot points on the ball of the foot and on the heel allowing basketball players to change directions with less effort.

Nike Dunk Low SE "Easter" sneakers White.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Outsole design

Nike Air Max 90 Ultra 2.0 White Black

In addition to paying money for wearing the Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes, you also pay with an excruciatingly long break-in period.

And the worst part is... The shoe never really feels fully broken in!

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes flexibility

To put its stiffness into context, we measured how much force it takes to bend the shoe to a 30-degree angle. Turns out, the AF 1 07 requires 60(!)% more force (22.6N) than the average sneaker! Even the Air Jordan 1 Low needs less (16.2N).

We assume that it was the shoe's stiffness that contributed to our early foot fatigue during the wear test.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Nike Air Max 90 Ultra 2.0 White Black
New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 22.6N
Average 13.4N
Compared to 58 trainers
Number of shoes
4.6N
Flexibility Stiffness
22.7N

Weight

As soon as we got our hands on the Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes, we knew - it is a BRICK.

nike air force 1 07 weight 21532689 main

At 16.4 oz (465g) in a men's US size 9, the AF is heavier than all the other iconic Nile silhouettes we tested - the Dunks, the Air Jordans, the Air Maxes...even in their high-top versions!

nike air force 1 07 shoe weight 21532701 main

The trainers felt pretty substantial on foot and after a few GPX of wear testing, we were looking forward to taking them off, to be honest.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 16.4 oz (465g)
Average 13.8 oz (391g)
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
8.5 oz (241g)
Weight
20.5 oz (581g)

Breathability

For an all-leather sneaker that it is, we discovered a surprising amount of ventilation in the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes.

Filling up the shoe's upper with smoke, we were surprised at how effortlessly it escaped through the eyelets and perforations on the sides.

In our transparency test above, you can see that the AF 1 07 has more eyelets than the average sneaker as well as two ventilation holes at the bottom of the midfoot.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes ventilation

Even though this Nike shoe doesn't feel super breezy on foot, we still bumped its breathability score up to 3 out of 5. It has a slightly better airflow than similar Nike models. But we still do not recommend it for summer.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Breathability ventilation holes

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 3
Average 3
Compared to 99 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

cheap womens nikelab air max 270 army green black gold | Stability

Lateral stability test

The nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes made us feel like our foot was sitting inside a tank.

It is an incredibly stiff, sturdy, and structured sneaker that keeps the foot and ankle very firmly in place.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes vs Nike Dunk Low profile

Its cupsole walls are pretty tall embracing the foot from the bottom while the collar sits a bit higher up the ankle compared to most low-top trainers.

Torsional rigidity

Nike Cortez Basic Vintage Floral.

This Nike sneaker has an impressively high level of torsional rigidity earning it the highest score on our stiffness scale.

We believe that this kick has enough lateral support to prevent the foot from collapsing inwards. That way, people with overpronation can also enjoy this iconic Air Force silhouette.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 5
Average 3.6
Compared to 99 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

What's more, the sneaker offers a tonne of rearfoot support with its highly stiff heel counter.

There is barely any give to it! Our manual test confirmed that it takes significantly more effort to squeeze and push the shoe's heel counter.

On foot, it translates to a much more secure heel hold with no shifting or heel slippage.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 99 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes managed to achieve that level of stability without a wide base!

nike air force 1 07 midsole width in the forefoot 21532680 main

Measuring its platform in the widest part of the forefoot, our calliper showed 104 mm. That's even a few millimetres narrower than average.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 104.0 mm
Average 108.8 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
95.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
121.0 mm

Midsole width - heel

In the heel, the AF1 07 also proved to be narrower than average. Its widest area comes in at only 77.7 mm.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Midsole width in the heel

We are amazed at how this Nike sneaker combines a high level of stability with a sleek and minimal profile.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 77.7 mm
Average 83.8 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
67.7 mm
Midsole width - heel
103.1 mm

Durability

Leather/Suede quality

For what is now considered a "moderate" retail price of £120, the quality of the Air Force leather is surprisingly good!

Shooting fire from a butane torch to every major panel on the sneaker, we are happy to report that they did not melt or catch flames. This is a good indicator of leather quality.

Nike SB Blazer "Bulls" Air Jordan 1 Low (a sign of a plastic finish).

The Swoosh, on the other hand, appears to be covered in a thick synthetic finish. You can see how it almost bubbles up under the fire.

nike air force 1 07 creasing 21532780 main

A common issue for all leather Nike trainers is that they crease like crazy! Even though the wrinkles don't affect the shoe's integrity, they definitely ruin the look.

Nike air force 1 type n:

  • applying water-repellent spray and leather conditioner
  • storing shoes with shoe trees, paper balls, or rolled-up socks
  • giving your kicks a day of "rest" in between uses
  • Nike Summer of Sports Joggers cargo blu navy con stampa
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Real leather

Toebox durability

If you are cautious about blowing through good-looking trainers too soon, the Air Force 1 will minimise your worries. This shoe can really take a beating!

We go pretty hard on all our lab-tested shoes using a Dremel with a sandpaper tip.

In this test, we apply the tool to the shoe's toebox material with a consistent speed (5K RPM) and pressure (3.2N).

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Toebox durability comparison

As you can see, the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes demonstrates stunning wear resistance compared to mesh-covered kicks!

Official Photos of the Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 5
Average 3.7
Compared to 99 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Nike Air Max 90 Surplus Wolf

Even the inner lining of this Nike sneaker proved to be more durable than average.

A 4-second touch of the Dremel at the speed of 5K RPM left very minor damage on the shoe's textile.

You can see that it looks almost identical to the heel lining of the red shoe and yet, the difference in abrasion resistance is stunning!

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Nike Air Max 90 Surplus Wolf comparison

4 points to Gryffi... Nike Air Force!

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 99 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Nike Air Max 90 Surplus Wolf
5

Outsole lebron

We also found that the bottom of the AF 1 07 is guarded by a pretty hard rubber compound.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Outsole lebron

Measuring it with a Shore C durometer returned a slightly higher-than-average reading of 88.1 HC.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 88.1 HC
Average 85.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 94 trainers
Number of shoes
76.1 HC
Outsole lebron
94.0 HC

Outsole durability

But it didn't help the sneaker perform better than most kicks in our Dremel test.

Exposing the shoe's outsole to sandpaper for 22 seconds at an unrelenting speed of 10K RPM resulted in noticeable but not critical damage.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Outsole durability test

Measuring it with a tread gauge, we got 1.2 mm. About the same as the average 1-mm dents on other trainers.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 1.2 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 99 trainers
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

cheap womens nikelab air max 270 army green black gold.

nike air force 1 07 outsole thickness 21532670 main

It is 4.6 mm thick according to our calliper measurement.

Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 4.6 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
2.9 mm
Outsole thickness
8.2 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

The shoe's midsole is topped off with a well-padded foam insole.

Showing a thickness of 5.0 mm in the heel, it is just about as thick as the average sneaker insole.  

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Insole thickness
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 5.0 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
11.5 mm

Removable insole

The insole of the AF 1 07 is removable but it is attached to the bottom with a sticky adhesive. You may need a little more effort than usual to take it out.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Removable insole
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Yes

Reflective elements

The base version of the Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes doesn't feature any effective elements to glow in the dark.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Reflective elements
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes No

Tongue padding

We are satisfied with the tongue padding of this AF sneaker. At 8.0 mm, it is exactly as much foam as we want on top of our insteps.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Tongue padding
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes 8.0 mm
Average 9.5 mm
Compared to 100 trainers
Number of shoes
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
23.0 mm

nike air flightposite metallic purple eggplant

The tongue of the nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes is non-gusseted which is a norm for casual trainers. Wearing the shoe, we experienced little to no tongue shifting anyways.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes nike air flightposite metallic purple eggplant
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes None

Heel tab

The shoe doesn't have any pull tabs or finger loops at the back. The on-and-off action involves both hands and a bit of fiddling with the laces.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes Heel tab
Test results
nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes None

The origins of the Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes

Named after the US President's aircraft, the Nike Air Force 1 was introduced in 1982.

It was the first ever basketball shoe to feature Nike's proprietary Air Max unit which was on the rise at the time.

Created by the brand's famous designer Bruce Kilgore, the Air Force silhouette quickly gained traction among athletes including the NBA stars Moses Malone and Michael Cooper. In more recent years, it was also worn by the star players Rasheed Wallace and even Kobe Bryant (during his phenomenal streetball performance).

nike air force 1 07 air unit 21532819 main

But the AF 1 was nearly cancelled by Nike back in the '80s! Believe it or not, it took three footwear retailers from Baltimore to convince the brand to keep producing the original design. That's how impactful the local demand was in the city.

nike air force 1 07 style 21532699 main

In a matter of a decade, the Air Force 1 became a highly thought-after mainstay in street culture.

From drug dealers to rappers, the AF trainers flooded the American cities. New Yorkers even came up with a nickname for the shoes calling them "uptowns" due to their insane popularity in Harlem.

In 2002, rapper Nelly released an entire single dedicated to the shoe. Called "Air Force Ones," it is basically an anthem for the silhouette.

Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes versatile

In hip-hop culture, Jay-Z, Travis Scott, and many other icons pushed this Nike kick to the spotlight with hype and collaborations. Special editions came in like a hurricane passing the 2000 mark over the past 40 years.

Even though street subcultures have become the shoe's main driving force, it quickly caught fire among many different social groups across multiple generations.

The Air Force 1 is now a staple that goes from concrete to catwalks, from underground to red carpets, and blends in seamlessly everywhere.