I recently had the chance to attend the WIT x Nike Training Lab launch event in London for the all-new Nike Metcon 10  and after getting hands-on with the shoe in an actual workout, it’s clear that this isn’t just another iteration. This is Nike’s strongest return to functional training in years, and the Metcon 10 delivers the kind of performance hybrid athletes have been asking for.

The Metcon line has come a long way since its original launch back in 2015, and this tenth edition feels like a true evolution. Designed to meet the needs of today’s hybrid athlete, think CrossFit, HYROX, strength, and conditioning, the Metcon 10 balances durability, versatility and comfort better than ever.

According to WIT co-founder Dan Williams, “Nike saw that we were super authentic in the training space. We know who the fittest customer is, and we know how to speak to them.” That authenticity is reflected in the shoe itself. Nike has clearly listened, not just to retailers, but to the training community at large.

The first thing I noticed was the improved comfort. This is the lightest Metcon yet, and that’s immediately noticeable in both static lifting and fast-paced conditioning. It’s nimble without compromising on structure, which is a rare combination for shoes in this category.