Out of the box, the Varsity Compete TR 2 is a little stiff. Give the shoe a few workouts to be a little more comfortable on your feet and you’ll be good. Don’t let your first time wearing the shoe dissuade you from giving the shoe the time they need to hit the mark. 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. The Nike Varsity Compete TR 3 is a super comfortable shoe. It felt supple and comfortable straight from the box. I wore these shoes to workout and found myself wearing them around town the rest of the day. 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. The mesh fabric construction on the Varsity Compete TR 2 allows for nice breathability. In a 1-10 score, I would give the Varsity TR2 a 6.5 or a 7. Not the most breathable, but also not going to hold in all your heat. I wouldn’t say post-workout that I ever felt that my feet were overheating in these. 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. Summaryare looking for something to regularly run in ( (the Nike Free Metcon 3 is a good cross-training shoe for running) 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 Varsity Compete TR 2 works well for most types of training, from lifting to dynamic movement. Take the shoe for a light jog, wear the shoe to the park for a long walk. Comfort and function both hit the mark on these.

While they do feature a more rigid sole similar to those found in lifting shoes, I still prefer my Do-Win Weightlifting Shoes for heavy lifts. Why? The uppers of the Compete Varsity TR 2s are simply too thin, and allow too much movement, which can risk your ankles rolling over. When performing heavy compound lifts like squats and deadlifts – those that require great stability in every joint – rolling an ankle is about the worst possible thing that could happen. 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! While the upper is lightweight and unrestrictive, it’s also very thin which means that you feel those laces on top of your feet, especially if you do them up tight. As far as the soles go, they’re made of a more dense, hard rubber which doesn’t offer as much cushioning as most training shoes I’ve used in the past. Needless to say, when you combine all of these aspects, the shoes feel minimal. The toe box of the Nike Varsity Compete TR 3 runs on the narrow side. I find this to be common among most Nike shoes, so if you're used to that and like it, great. If you have wide feet and need more room, the Nike Varsity Compete TR 3 is probably not for you. 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.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. However, for lighter lifting, other training movements, and a bit of light running, the TR 2s are very solid performers. Ideal Uses Overall, the Nike Varsity Compete TR2s are great for cross-training and non-specific gym workouts. However, don’t confuse them for a running shoe nor a weightlifting shoe, as they’re simply not good enough for either of these uses. Nike is undoubtedly one of the most well-respected, high-performing shoe brands out there, and their Varsity Compete TR 2 is a prime example of why. Made for agility, sprinting, and other training, the stability and traction they offer is almost unmatched by those listed at comparable prices.

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 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. 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. The Nike Varsity Compete TR 3 fits true to size. I wear a medium size 9.5 (US Men´s). Narrow toebox