The Nike Metcon 5+ Gets Another “Banned” Treatment

The 2019 CrossFit Games are right around the corner, and Nike has prepared for the testosterone-fueled festivities in cheeky fashion, dressing their new Metcon 5+ in a “Banned”-style color scheme. Although the shoe may look like a simple white/red/black makeup at first, there’s some history here. When the first Nike Metcon released in 2016, Reebok — the official CrossFit sponsor — quickly implemented apparel/equipment regulations, ensuring that CrossFit athletes could not wear Nike shoes during competitions. In response, Nike released a black and red “Banned” colorway, a clever two-headed nod to both the restrictions themselves and the marketing campaign that first helped the Air Jordan 1 become so iconic back in 1985. However, 2019 is a new day, and the new Metcon 5+ offers up a more affable style, adding an AJ1 “Banned”-style plus symbol to the heel of each shoe for a nod to brand history and relaxed rules. The laces feature an all-over geographic coordinate print for a nod to the 2019 Games’ home base of Madison, Wisconsin, and, apart from all the meaningful detailing, the shoes offer the low-to-the ground support and stability that have made them so popular with professional exercisers and weekend warriors alike. Enjoy a full set of images below, and expect a Nike.com release this August.