A little bit of everything. That’s what you’re getting from NOBULL with the Journey 2. It can carry you through gym workouts, Hyrox, DekaFit, some easy runs or just a seriously long day on your feet at Disney.
Built for running, but ready for whatever else is on your schedule. Whether it’s an easygoing run that turns into a walk, a cardio based visit to the gym, or even a trip to the airport or errands around town… yes. These shoes will fit the bill and keep you comfortable.
NOBULL started out as a CrossFit brand, but they’ve quickly expanded since 2015. Now they’re into apparel, nutrition, and running shoes too, with running growing in their lineup since the Runner+ launched in 2022.
NOBULL seems to prioritize comfort and durability in its running shoes over PRs and hype. Their whole thing is keeping it simple, focusing on the core components, and doing what actually works. The Journey 2 feels like a good example of that.
At first glance, I wasn’t sure what to make of the Journey 2. My initial reaction was, “I could see my daughters wearing those.” They’re both active, in their 20s, and enjoy working out and going to the gym. (Plus, they care about what their shoes look like.)
Running a lot of miles, however, really isn’t their thing. So would these shoes work for me? As someone who runs most days of the week and is usually prepping for at least a half marathon, or sometimes a full marathon, I wasn’t quite sure where the Journey 2 would fit into my routine. But, I put them to the test to find out, and now I’m ready to share how it went.
Who is it Good For?
- Wide Feet: Maybe. Although they don’t have an official ‘wide’ version of these shoes, I found them to be roomy and somewhat flexible in fit.
- Heavier Runners: Probably not? The shoes are comfortable, but I feel like heavier runners might prefer even more support than what’s provided here.
- Long Runs: I wouldn’t reach for them as my preferred shoe for anything in the double digits.
- Front of the Pack: No. These shoes are not built for racing. They are made for comfortable, everyday miles.
The NOBULL Journey 2 isn’t the most performance driven pair of running shoes I own. However, they are cushioned, capable, and ready for comfortable miles.
I don’t think NOBULL is trying to market these shoes as “super trainers” or “marathon ready.”
These shoes are great for someone who wants a cozy fit with moderate cushioning on their running or cardio days. Attractive enough for casual wear, they’re also ready for those short to mid-distance runs. If you’re an easy-going runner who wants to enjoy your miles, these just might be the right pick for you.
NOBULL Journey 2 Overview
More than just a simple update to the Journey, the Journey 2 has several major differences from the original. The Journey used PEBA foam and a nylon plate. But the Journey 2 is a softer, plateless, more comfort based shoe.
The Journey seemed to be marketed as a more performance based and responsive shoe, whereas the Journey 2 appears to be focused more on versatility and making everyday movement enjoyable rather than chasing PRs or running your fastest miles.
Before I made it out the door to start running in them, my husband said, “I could see you wearing those even when you’re not running.” He felt they looked different from other running shoes I owned.
Which made me ask myself: would they actually be good for running? Or would they be the type of shoes I’d want for walking and casual wear? I can tell you my answer to those questions is… yes. To all of the above.
My first impression after running in the Journey 2 was that it felt comfortable, stable, and softly cushioned. It’s a moderate stack shoe which puts it firmly in the daily trainer category and not max cushion. That means the platform felt secure underfoot, and I never experienced any side-to-side wobbling while running.
With summer temperatures already here, I also noticed right away that the mesh upper wasn’t the most breathable I’ve ever worn. That said, the upper was comfortable against my foot and had enough flexibility to move naturally.
The toe box felt nice and roomy without being sloppy, and I had no complaints there. Overall, my early miles were enjoyable, and I was eager to keep putting more time into the shoe.
I’m currently keeping up my training for a few upcoming half marathons along with a full marathon at the end of summer. I’ve been logging some solid miles, and have had no shortage of opportunities to insert these running shoes into my shoe rotation.
I used the NOBULL Journey 2 on some shorter distance runs, some mid-distance runs, and on a couple of longer run days. Most of my miles were on roads, with a little time on the track, packed gravel, and packed dirt as well.
My family frequently enjoys taking evening walks together, so I even tested the Journey 2 on some of those as well.
NOBULL Journey 2 Specs
- Brand: NOBULL
- Usage: Daily Trainer
- Previous Model: Journey, Runner+
- Weight: 11.6 oz (Men’s 10) / 9.75 oz (Women’s 8.5)
- Stack Height: 33.5 mm
- Heel Drop: 6 mm
- Available in 9 options for women and 8 options for men
- Not available in wide
- Available at nobull.com for $150
I wasn’t familiar with NOBULL running shoes before trying out the Journey 2, and this was my first time trying out anything from their company. NOBULL entered the running category with the Runner+ in 2022. The shoe was later renamed the Journey, and this year, NOBULL followed it up with the completely redesigned Journey 2.
Quick Take
Pros
- Versatile
- Clean, bold look
- Roomy Toebox
Cons
- Not very breathable
- Loose heel
- Heavy and not very responsive
NOBULL Design Appeal
My initial impressions on seeing these shoes was that they looked ‘chunky’ and ‘bold.’ The clean lines and stacked height gave me the feeling that they were here to be noticed. And that they were here to get the job done.
I tested the classic white version of the Journey 2, and I felt like the crisp white appearance gave the shoe a standout look that feels equally suited for both a workout session or a casual day out. In my opinion, the white looks cool.
There was something I couldn’t quite put my finger on when I first saw the shoe. A reason why it looked more like something I’d see my daughters wearing around town than on the feet of someone I’d bump into at my local run club. Then I realized what it was… the branding.
Most running brands have a recognizable and artistic visual mark, like the Nike swoosh, Adidas stripes, ASICS side overlays, or Craft’s dots.
NOBULL takes a different approach. Instead of a subtle logo or design element, they put just the brand name front and center. And it’s hard to miss. “NOBULL” is displayed prominently on the heel and again on the tongue.
Whether someone sees you coming or going, they’ll know exactly what you’re wearing. The branding seemed to reflect NOBULL’s approach to the Journey 2. No unnecessary extras, just a straightforward and confident design.
These shoes don’t look quite like any other running shoes I own. They are unique.
NOBULL Journey 2 Fit
Overall, the Journey 2 fit my neutral foot well. The sizing felt pretty true to what I normally wear, though maybe just a touch roomier. As someone who always prefers a roomy toe box, I appreciated the extra space up front.
There was plenty of room for my toes to spread out comfortably, but not so much that I felt like my feet were sliding around or at risk for blisters. They definitely weren’t swimming in there.
The midfoot fit was solid right from the start. The lacing was positioned well, and I didn’t need to spend much time loosening or tightening things to get a comfortable fit.
Once laced up, everything felt secure through the middle of the foot without any pressure points. My arches felt supported well enough when trying them on.
I enjoyed the padded fit around the heel, tongue, and ankle collar. The tongue itself is soft, fairly thick, flexible, and well cushioned. It’s attached on the inside with stretchy mesh wings to the sides, which helped keep it centered and in place during my runs.
It’s one of those features I didn’t think about at all while running, which usually means they did it right.
The one area that stood out to me was heel lockdown. My heel didn’t feel especially secure unless I used a runner’s loop with the top eyelet. Once I did that, the fit improved noticeably and I was able to enjoy my runs.
The only downside was that using the runner’s loop ate up some of the lace length. I barely had enough lace left to tie the shoe and double knot it, which is something I do before every run. Thankfully, the laces made it work, but just barely.
NOBULL Journey 2 Feel
The Journey 2 delivers a ride that feels more stable than exciting. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
I wouldn’t describe it as bouncy or highly responsive. The cushioning falls somewhere on the medium soft side of the spectrum. It’s comfortable and forgiving without feeling mushy. It never felt overly firm underfoot, but I also felt like I had some pretty good support.
NOBULL uses CMEVA (compression molded EVA) foam in the midsole, and while it doesn’t provide the bouncy energy return you get from some shoes, it does create a comfortable and dependable ride. It felt supportive and forgiving underfoot without being too mushy.
NOBULL also uses a molded Ortholite footbed and an EVA Strobel board beneath the foot. The shoe feels very comfortable when you step into it.
Even though the Journey 2 isn’t a stability shoe, it has some features that help keep things under control. The platform is broad and wide, and the sides of the midsole rise up just slightly around the foot. NOBULL also added a TPU heel clip for added structure in the heel area.
Together, those design choices helped me feel centered and secure while running. Despite the tall stack height, I never felt like I was rocking side to side or fighting to stay balanced.
The knit upper was a bit of a mixed bag for me. It was soft, comfortable, and flexible, but the breathability left a little something to be desired. Even on runs in the 60s, I caught myself wanting a lot more airflow.
And when I was out in temperatures reaching the 70s, my feet were definitely feeling extra hot and sweaty.
I didn’t spend much time thinking about the traction, which is usually a good sign. The outsole handled roads, packed gravel, and dirt without any surprises and provided plenty of grip for the types of runs I used the Journey 2 for.
As for the ride, I think the Journey 2 knows exactly what it wants to be. It handled easy miles well and felt pleasant for relaxed runs, walking, and everyday wear.
That said, I wouldn’t reach for this shoe on race day. It sometimes felt a little heavy or tired. If I tried to run too many miles or speed up too much, I started to notice its limitations.
The ride is comfortable, but it isn’t especially responsive. Speeding up felt like work, and the shoe lacks the energy return and maneuverability I look for in longer runs or faster efforts.
And I wouldn’t highly recommend it for runs much longer than a 10K. It just doesn’t quite have the substance I’d want for those marathon training days when you’re out for hours at a time.
Similar Shoes to the NOBULL Journey
We’ve tested lots of daily trainers that feel similar, but different based on the brand fit.
- Flux Adapt Runner – Similar stack height but zero drop.
- While On Earth – Another style forward daily trainer, similar stack height
- Lululemon Chargefeel 3 – Lighterweight option with a narrow fit for gym to short run
- Adidas Supernova Rise 3: Similar stack and drop, sleek design, lighter in weight.
The Journey 2 won’t be the shoe I reach for when I’m chasing a PR or tackling a big marathon training run. But that’s not really what it’s trying to be. Instead, NOBULL has created a comfortable, stable, and versatile shoe that can handle easy miles, walks, light gym sessions, and everyday life. If you’re looking for a running shoe that can do a little bit of everything, the Journey 2 is worth a look.Our Verdict
What to Read Next?
- How to Mix High Carb Drinks and Gels for Optimal Nutrition
- Can Cross Training Make You A Faster Runner?
The post NOBULL Journey 2 Review: Built for the Runner Who Lives at the Gym and Runs on the Side appeared first on RunToTheFinish.
from RunToTheFinish https://ift.tt/Akhi1ES
Post a Comment
Post a Comment