Head-to-head · Best Cross Training Shoes

Born Primitive Savage 1 vs Nike Metcon 10

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Nike Metcon 10 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.4). The gap is mostly about Lifters needing light stability — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #3 in Best Cross Training Shoes

Born Primitive Savage 1

4.3

$119as of Jul 3

The Born Primitive Savage 1 is a minimalist cross-training shoe designed for lifting, CrossFit, and general training. Reviewers praised its wide toe box, dense midsole, and durability, with one reviewer noting their first pair lasted over a year with heavy use. However, it's not ideal for running and may be too wide for narrow feet. The shoe's simplistic construction and lower stack height appeal to those seeking older-school trainer aesthetics. It's best suited for athletes who prioritize minimalism and wide-foot comfort over running performance.

Strengths

— Good durability for CrossFit WODs
— Wide Toe Box is great for toe splay
— Dense midsole and lower stack height

Watch-outs

— Not the best for running
— May be too wide for narrow feet
— Lower material at midfoot folds at times

$119 · Buy at bornprimitive.com Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Cross Training Shoes

Nike Metcon 10

4.4

$150as of Jul 3

Nike's Metcon 10 represents a step toward greater versatility while maintaining its strength-training focus. Reviewers noted it's one of the lightest models in the series, with ReactX foam delivering improved shock absorption and energy return. The shoe retains stability for lifting but adds more flexibility for agile movements. However, some reviewers criticized its lack of breathability and questioned the outsole's durability. It's best suited for athletes who prioritize lifting with some cardio and agility, but may not appeal to those with flat feet or who need maximum versatility for running.

Strengths

— One of the lightest Metcons ever
— ReactX foam adds shock absorption and energy return
— Still amazingly stable for weightlifting

Watch-outs

— Upper lacks breathability
— Outsole could be more durable

$150 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Born Primitive Savage 1

The Born Primitive Savage 1 excels in durability and wide toe box comfort, which sets it apart from the more minimalist STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer and the more cushioned R.A.D. One V2, and it's more bombproof than the Nike Metcon 10 for heavy lifting. However, it's not ideal for running like the Reebok Nano X5 and lacks the upper durability of the Nike Metcon 10, and its lower stack height isn't as flexible as the UA TriBase Reign 6.

Nike Metcon 10

The Nike Metcon 10 is one of the lightest Metcons ever made and features ReactX foam for shock absorption that outperforms the R.A.D. One V2's SwellFoam and the UA TriBase Reign 6's impact protection, while also offering superior upper durability compared to the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer and the Reebok Nano X5. However, it's less breathable than the Born Primitive Savage 1 and lacks the wide toe box comfort of the R.A.D. One V2 and the flexibility of the UA TriBase Reign 6.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Born Primitive Savage 1	Nike Metcon 10
Heel-to-Toe Drop	4mm	4mm
Weight	11.2 oz	11 oz / 312g
Lifting Threshold	545 lbs	~455 lbs
Width	Wide(r)	Medium/Wide
Midsole	Dense, minimalist	responsive ReactX foam
Outsole	Rubber outsole	flex grooves on the outsole
Run Distance Threshold	—	Not recommended for long runs

← See the full ranking of best cross training shoes