# Exercise-Specific Sneakers The 'Nike Metcon 2' Sneakers are Designed for CrossFit Athletes By Katherine Pendrill | Published 2016-01-26 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-metcon-2 References: [hiconsumption](http://hiconsumption.com/2016/01/113019/) & [store.nike](http://store.nike.com/us/en_us/pd/metcon-2-training-shoe/pid-10873104/pgid-10986452) Although [Reebok](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-nano-x5) has long been the sneaker brand of choice in the [CrossFit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/2024-crossfit-games) industry, the [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-zegama-2) Metcon 2 may pose a challenge to its current dominance. With the stability and comfort required for high-intensity exercise, the latest Nike kicks are perfect for avid CrossFit athletes. The Nike Metcon 2 is an updated version of the Metcon 1 that premiered in 2015. Unlike the original, the new sneakers boast a number of additional features that make them ideal for CrossFit activities. The base of the shoes is flat, which allows for explosive lifts, while the zero-drag heels facilitate hand-stand pushups. The soles are also made with an abrasion-resistant film that protects against high-heat friction during particularly intense workouts. To keep the wearer comfortable, the inside of the shoe is made with dual-density foam that provides cushioning and support. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.2/10 - Popularity: 85% | Activity: 93% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Crossfit-specific Sneakers:** Developing specialized sneakers for CrossFit athletes could disrupt the dominance of Reebok in the market. - **Improved Features for High-intensity Exercise:** Incorporating flat bases, zero-drag heels, and abrasion-resistant soles presents opportunities to innovate exercise-specific footwear for various sports. - **Dual-density Foam Cushioning:** Exploring the use of dual-density foam for enhanced comfort and support in athletic footwear can attract fitness enthusiasts seeking advanced performance. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sporting Goods:** The development of specialized exercise-specific sneakers can disrupt the sporting goods industry by capturing a niche market of fitness enthusiasts. - **Footwear:** Introducing improved features in athletic footwear, such as flat bases and zero-drag heels, can drive innovation and competition in the footwear industry. - **Fitness Equipment:** The incorporation of abrasion-resistant soles in exercise-specific sneakers opens up opportunities for disruptive innovation in the fitness equipment industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Performance-Focused Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-nano-x5.md) - [Durable Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nano-x5-edge.md) - [High-Mileage Off-Grid Trail Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-zegama-2.md) - [Treadmill-Targeted Training Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reebok-floatzig-tread.md) - [Minimalist Barefoot Gym Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vivobarefoot-motus-strength-ii.md) - [Functional Training Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dropset-4.md) - [Performance-Focused Training Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cloudpulse.md) - [Intense Gym Training Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/on-cloudpulse-pro.md) - [Ultra-Lightweight Running Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/floatzig-2-running-shoes.md)