Hate is a powerful phrase, so let’s simply say I strongly disliked the Below Armour Reign 5. When its successor arrived for evaluation I had low expectations, but come the top of my customary two-week testing interval I didn’t need to take them off.
What occurred? Below Armour revamped the shoe and I believe it did an impressive job. Relatively than try to duplicate the cushioning of the Reebok Nano X4 or the tech-heavy construct of the Nike Metcon 9 (among the many greatest CrossFit footwear), the model has as a substitute delivered a barefoot really feel courtesy of a skinny, versatile outsole and minimal heel-to-toe drop.
That is certain to divide opinion, with some health followers wanting extra shock-absorbing foam. Nonetheless, I discovered the up to date delivered sensible floor really feel and stability, which I preferred for lifting and WODs alike.
Below Armour Reign 6: Value And Availability
The Below Armour Reign 6 was launched in late 2023 with an RRP of $130 within the US and £125 within the UK. It is accessible on the Below Armour web site, in addition to via third-party retailers. I’ve already noticed it on sale for $100 (£90).
How I Examined This CrossFit Shoe
I wore this shoe for each coaching session over a two-week interval, and it was an intense interval. There have been 10 journeys to the gymnasium and the standard combine of various metcons that you just’d count on from CrossFit coaching. I accomplished common Olympic weightlifting classes, energy workout routines, gymnastic drills and bodybuilding-style accent work. The shoe received its first style of the large three lifts, together with cleans, snatches, wall walks, handstand push-ups, rope climbs and burpees.
Design And Match
With protecting fins on the heel, an undulating raised rubber outsole and a flash of lurid inexperienced, the Reign 6 has a distinctly Alien aesthetic. Some will prefer it, others received’t; it has grown on me, regardless of preliminary misgivings.
Inexperienced detailing apart, these options aren’t included for his or her appears to be like—all of them serve a function. The raised rubber outsole wraps across the midfoot to supply lateral help for multidirectional actions, and the rubber heel fins are helpful for shielding the shoe from tough partitions throughout handstand push-ups.
I discovered the Reign 5 too vast for my slim ft, however the Reign 6 locked my heel in place whereas nonetheless giving my toes room to unfold for steadiness. In consequence, it was snug from day one.
The principle change I seen was within the sole of the shoe. The outsole is skinny and all cushioning comes from a dual-density insole: thicker and firmer below the heel then thinner and softer below the ball of the foot, permitting me to really feel the bottom below my forefoot.
This may increasingly come as a shock in case you’re used to a thicker midsole, like that of the Nano X4, or a much less versatile outsole just like the Inov-8 F-Lite G 300, however I preferred it. It helped me really feel balanced whereas lifting and capable of generate energy via the ground successfully.
Is The Below Armour Reign 6 Good For WODs?
If it’s cushioning you’re after for high-impact workout routines, look elsewhere. Nonetheless, that doesn’t imply this shoe is unhealthy for burpee-heavy WODs.
So long as you already know what you’re signing up for—a shoe that feels nearly like a gateway to barefoot footwear with its minimal outsole and negligible offset—then this could be a strong performer for CrossFit exercises. The locked-in match, vast forefoot and nice floor really feel helped me preserve my steadiness whereas biking a barbell. I additionally appreciated the absence of power-sapping midsole cushioning throughout explosive strikes like field jumps, and the lateral help provided by the raised rubber outsole for multidirectional actions, like skater jumps and shuttle runs.
The shoe didn’t grip a rope in addition to the Reebok Nano X4, which I’d examined earlier than it. It felt heavier too—436g for a US dimension 11 in contrast with 378g. However these have been my solely notable criticisms.
Is The Below Armour Reign 6 Good For Resistance Coaching?
The primary train I confronted within the Reign 6 was a basic: five-by-five barbell squats. The shoe’s efficiency on this despatched it skyrocketing in my estimations. The heel felt secure and the improved floor really feel allowed me to unfold my toes, distribute the burden evenly via my ft and luxuriate in nice energy switch via the ground. The identical utilized for Olympic lifts, with the shoe’s pure match providing glorious steadiness and stability.
Is The Below Armour Reign 6 Good For Operating?
As a part of my coaching I tackled 8 x 400m intervals. I’d often change right into a pair of trainers for that, however determined to go together with the Reign 6. It was a unique expertise. Relatively than feeling an opulent midsole underfoot, I felt the Tarmac and any floor I used to be operating on. If that is one thing you want, nice. Nonetheless, in case you’re an everyday runner who enjoys the standard cushioning, I’d say stick with what you already know. I didn’t thoughts the minimalist expertise for shorter intervals, however for something above 400m I’ll stick with my trainers.
Is The Below Armour Reign 6 Price It?
I cherished lifting within the Reign 6. The versatile, minimalist sole and low-to-the-ground construct provided stability and nice floor really feel and allowed me to energy via units of heavy leg workout routines. For that reason alone, I believe the shoe is a worthy funding, significantly if you will discover it discounted.
Past this, I loved its minimalist really feel throughout WODs. This, together with good options just like the raised rubber outsole, provided steadiness and help throughout multidirectional actions. It’s constructed to final too, with a strong really feel and no indicators of damage after two weeks of rigorous use.
The shoe’s efficiency whereas operating is prone to spark debate, with the restricted cushioning which means that you just’re getting little added shock absorption with every stride. The identical logic applies throughout any exercise—if it’s a mushy sole and light-weight really feel you’re after, look elsewhere. Nonetheless, in order for you a CrossFit shoe that breaks free from the gang and excels below a heavy barbell, give the Reign 6 a attempt.
