Our verdict
- Top pick in best leather trainers
- Top pick in best Nike trainers
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
Cons
- Quite heavy
- Creases easily
- Not for all-day wear
- Arduous break-in period
Audience verdict
- Top 26% most popular trainers
Comparison
The most similar trainers compared
|
++ Add a shoe
|
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audience score |
91
Great!
|
94
Superb!
|
95
Superb!
|
91
Great!
|
|
| Price |
£110
|
£90
|
£120
|
£125
|
|
| Style |
ClassicRetroSporty
|
RetroSporty
|
PlatformRetroSporty
|
ClassicRetroSporty
|
|
| Breathability |
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Moderate
|
Warm
|
|
| Weight lab | 16.4 Nike Blazer Mid 77 VNTG Revival sneakers in white | 16.4 Nike Blazer Mid 77 VNTG Revival sneakers in white | 16.8 ony7 Nike Womens Zoom 2K White Hyper Crimson Shoes AO0354-002 | 17 oz / 482g | |
| Size |
True to size
|
True to size
|
True to size
|
True to size
|
|
| Midsole softness |
Balanced
|
Balanced
|
Balanced
|
Balanced
|
|
| Material |
Cup SoleLeather
|
Leather
|
Cup SoleLeather
|
Leather
|
|
| Season |
SpringFall
|
SpringFall
|
SpringFall
|
Winter
|
|
| Inspired from |
Basketball
|
Basketball
|
Basketball
|
Basketball
|
|
| Width / fit |
Medium
|
Medium
|
Narrow
|
Medium
|
|
| Toebox width |
Medium
|
Medium
|
Narrow
|
Medium
|
|
| Leather/suede quality |
Real leather
|
Real leather
|
Real leather
|
Real leather
|
|
| Toebox durability |
Good
|
Good
|
Decent
|
Good
|
|
| Nike Air Max 90 Surplus Wolf |
Decent
|
Decent
|
Bad
|
Good
|
|
| Outsole durability |
Decent
|
Decent
|
Bad
|
Good
|
|
| Heel stack lab | 31.7 mm | 27.0 mm | 36.7 mm | 30.1 mm | |
| Stiffness |
Moderate
|
Flexible
|
Moderate
|
Stiff
|
|
| Tongue padding |
Average
|
Average
|
Average
|
Average
|
|
| Drop lab | 14.5 mm | 12.5 mm | 16.6 mm | 11.8 mm | |
| Forefoot | 17.2 mm | 14.5 mm | 20.1 mm | 18.3 mm | |
| Removable insole | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Heel tab |
None
|
None
|
None
|
None
|
|
| Torsional rigidity |
Stiff
|
Moderate
|
Stiff
|
Stiff
|
|
| Heel counter stiffness |
Stiff
|
Stiff
|
Stiff
|
Stiff
|
|
| Closure |
Laces
|
LacesVelcro
|
Laces
|
Laces
|
|
| Top |
Low top
|
Low top
|
Low top
|
Low top
|
|
| Ranking |
#60 Bottom 49%
|
#19 Top 16%
|
#5 Top 5%
|
#52 Top 44%
|
|
| Popularity |
#30 Top 26%
|
#58 Top 49%
|
#19 Top 16%
|
#91 Bottom 23%
|
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

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.

Cushioning
Shock absorption
NewWith 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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 99 SA |
| Average | 88 SA |
Energy return
NewWhat'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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 53.7% |
| Average | 50.0% |
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.

Measuring its thickness with a calliper returned 31.7 mm. That's a typical heel stack for lifestyle trainers. Not among the tallest.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 31.7 mm |
| Average | 30.7 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.

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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 17.2 mm |
| Average | 19.5 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.

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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 14.5 mm |
| Average | 11.2 mm |
Midsole softness
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!

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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 20.9 HA |
| Average | 28.8 HA |
Size and fit
Size
Nike nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes fits true to size (1861 votes).
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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 91.3 mm |
| Average | 92.5 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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 70.4 mm |
| Average | 68.8 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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 26.5 mm |
| Average | 27.8 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 Dunk Low SE "Easter" sneakers White.
Traction test
NewThe 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).
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 0.43 |
| Average | 0.42 |
Outsole design
NewAt 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 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!

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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 22.6N |
| Average | 13.4N |
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.

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!

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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 16.4 oz (465g) |
| Average | 13.8 oz (391g) |
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.

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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 3 |
| Average | 3 |
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.

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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 5 |
| Average | 3.6 |
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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 5 |
| Average | 3.2 |
Midsole width - forefoot
The nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes managed to achieve that level of stability without a wide base!

Measuring its platform in the widest part of the forefoot, our calliper showed 104 mm. That's even a few millimetres narrower than average.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 104.0 mm |
| Average | 108.8 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.

We are amazed at how this Nike sneaker combines a high level of stability with a sleek and minimal profile.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 77.7 mm |
| Average | 83.8 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.

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
| 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).

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.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 5 |
| Average | 3.7 |
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!

4 points to Gryffi... Nike Air Force!
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 4 |
| Average | 3.2 |
Outsole lebron
We also found that the bottom of the AF 1 07 is guarded by a pretty hard rubber compound.

Measuring it with a Shore C durometer returned a slightly higher-than-average reading of 88.1 HC.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 88.1 HC |
| Average | 85.7 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.

Measuring it with a tread gauge, we got 1.2 mm. About the same as the average 1-mm dents on other trainers.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 1.2 mm |
| Average | 1.1 mm |
Outsole thickness
cheap womens nikelab air max 270 army green black gold.

It is 4.6 mm thick according to our calliper measurement.
| nike metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 4.6 mm |
| Average | 5.3 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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 5.0 mm |
| Average | 5.1 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 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 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 metcon dsx flyknit 2 x training shoes | 8.0 mm |
| Average | 9.5 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 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 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).

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.

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.

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.










































