Nike Men's Varsity Compete Tr 2 Fitness Shoes

Product Information

While I know it is not a traditional running shoe, it could still benefit from the addition of some extra foam in the mid-sole and heel area.

I would not consider the Varsity Compete TR 2 outside of the gym. They are not comfortable for long-term wear as they are not built with a lot of cushion or body to really make the training shoe a great shoe for everyday wear. Who should buy it The multi-directional micro treads of the sole are amazingly grippy. Whether you're lifting weight, doing Crossfit, or in a fitness class, the sole of the Nike Varsity Compete TR 3 will not disappoint. I will say that the Varsity Compete TR 2 gets a good grade on lightness. It hardly feels like you are wearing a shoe at all. If you want a light shoe, look no further! Arguably, I do not have wide feet, so Nike’s have usually been my go-to in the past for a cross-trainer. This rings true here for the Varsity line. It is a great shoe, but if you have a wider foot, it will not be the shoe you reach for to get your training on. It might even be a little tight if you have a mid-range foot, but not nearly as bad. They’re perfect for general cross-training, weightlifting, and calisthenics. I think they’re a great option if you’re looking for a shoe for bodyweight training, agility drills, light lifting, and light running due to their structure, performance, and price. Summary

I love how the Varsity Compete TR 2 gives you a really sure foot when you are doing more dynamic movements like box jumps, step up, side shuffles. You feel your feet holding and that helps.

Like most of the Nike shoes that I have worn, the Varsity’s feel like you will be able to rely on the shoe for a while. They are solid construction and if you buy the shoe for lifting, they can be your go-to shoes for a while.

Ideal Uses

From the get-go, the style of the Nike Varsity Compete TR 3 appealed to me. It just has a great look about it. I could wear this stylish shoe to the gym, out for coffee, or to the office on a casual Friday. I definitely rate the Varsity Compete TR 2s as cross-training shoes. Nike market these as “made for heavy lifting, agility drills, and explosive movements”. I don’t think I can agree with that statement in its entirety. They’re certainly exceptional when used for workouts that consist of some bodyweight exercises along with jumping and agility work. Even for lighter lifting, they’re serviceable. However, when I’m doing my heavy Powerlifts (squats, deadlifts, OHPs), they don’t make the cut. midfoot straps keep your feet in place, though the thin upper and hard soles do make it feel a bit “bare” when you compare them to the cushy running shoes many of us are used to. The grippy rubber outsole will keep you solid on your feet, which is important during heavy lifting and agility drills. Overall, they’re a very versatile trainer that don’t pamper your feet as much as some other options.