A new year often brings a burst of motivation. That part's easy. The hard part is remembering that January 1 doesn't change anything. You do.
The work you're committing to this year doesn't live on a calendar. It lives in the habits you choose, the routines you repeat, and the gear that supports every session.
If you're setting fitness goals this year, your training shoes matter more than most people realize. Not because they magically change outcomes. But because the right pair can support steady, intentional work –– long after the initial motivation fades.
This guide breaks down how to choose the right NOBULL training shoes based on what you're actually aiming to do this year.
Key Takeaways
- The best training shoes depend on your primary goal, not trends or hype.
- Strength, hybrid training, running, walking –– all require different support.
- The right shoes should match your goals, support your work, and pump you up.
- January motivation fades. Durable, comfortable gear lasts.
First, a reality check on New Year's goals:
There's a reason the second Friday in January is known as Quitter's Day. That's usually when the early adrenaline wears off. And real life kicks back in.
But people don't lose motivation because they're weak. Or because they don't "want it" enough. They lose it because their plans don't match real life.
Quitter's Day doesn't have to mean anything to you. It can just be another day. Another chance to get a little stronger — mentally, emotionally, physically — whether that means a hard session, an easy walk, or choosing recovery over burnout.
Our advice? Don't set a goal to overhaul your entire life at once. Just make the choices that enable you to keep showing up. It might be registering for a competition to keep you motivated. Finding a running route you don't have to commute to. Or just choosing to walk a little more often than last year. Progress is progress.
And when it comes to the right training gear, your shoes won't do the work for you. But they can make showing up feel a little more possible. Sometimes, that's all you need.
So, scroll on down, set your goals, and meet the gear built for every step of the way.
If your goal is getting stronger and building muscle:
You're probably focused on:
- Heavy lifts. Progressive overload. Controlled movement. Feeling stable and secure under weight.
Strength training puts very specific demands on footwear. You want shoes that stay grounded, don't compress under load, and let you generate force cleanly from the floor.
The best NOBULL shoes for strength training:
Both are designed with a firm platform and minimal cushioning, which helps you stay stable during squats, deadlifts, presses, and other compound lifts. When the weight gets heavy, that stability matters — not just for performance, but for confidence and safety.
What's the difference between the two? The original Outwork features a carbon rubber outsole with a circular tread shape for grip, while the Outwork Edge uses a herringbone tread pattern for multi-directional traction. Both crush it on the gym floor –– but for turf or grass training, the Edge is the right call.
If your New Year's goal involves building muscle or increasing strength, start with these.
If your goal is starting to run (or to run more consistently):
You're probably focused on:
- Beginner running. Short distances. Building endurance gradually. Mixing runs into a broader routine.
Running introduces impact stress that strength shoes (and most shoes) aren't built for. Cushioning, comfort, and a smooth stride become key priorities — especially if you're new to running or getting back into it after time away.
Best NOBULL shoes for running or light hybrid routines:
Journey is built specifically for running, making it a springy, responsive option if your routine centers on logging miles. Drive Ripstop works well for people who mix shorter runs with training sessions and don't want to switch shoes.
If consistency is the goal, comfort and support will keep you coming back.
If you're starting hybrid training (or thinking about HYROX):
You're probably focused on:
Running, lifting, sleds, machines, and conditioning — all in the same session.
Hybrid training requires flexibility from your footwear. Too soft and lifting feels unstable. Too rigid and running feels rough. Balance matters. Which is why we built Drive.
Best NOBULL shoes for hybrid training:
Our Drive shoes are built to transition seamlessly between strength and conditioning, making them a practical choice for hybrid workouts or anyone training toward their first HYROX-style event.
The Drive Ripstop upper is damn near indestructible and features more of a locked-in feel. While the Mesh version is comfy, breathable, and a little more flexible. Both are responsive enough for runs, stable enough for lifts, and durable enough for repeated sessions.
If your training crosses categories, your shoes should too.
If your goal is simply walking more:
You're probably focused on:
- Getting steps in. Moving every day. Building a habit that fits real life.
Walking may sound simple, but comfort and durability matter when it becomes a daily habit. You want something you can put on without thinking and keep on without discomfort.
Best NOBULL shoes for walking and everyday movement:
These options prioritize comfort and longevity, making them well-suited for daily wear, long walks, and active days that don't necessarily look like "training."
For many people, walking more is the habit that sets everything else in motion. And if you're feeling "gym-curious," but not ready to commit to full-on strength training shoes? The Allday is versatile enough for you to wear anytime, anywhere, and put some work in whenever the moment comes.
How do I know if I'm choosing the right shoe?
Instead of asking what you want to be doing this year, ask what you're most likely to do consistently.
- What type of training will you do most weeks?
- What feels realistic alongside work, life, and recovery?
- Which shoes support that work–without friction or distraction?
The right shoes are the ones that fit your real routines, not just your resolutions.
The NOBULL Bottom Line
- Fitness goals don't have to be extreme. In fact, they probably shouldn't be.
- Training consistently beats training perfectly.
- Shoes should match your primary training focus.
- Comfort and durability matter more than style or color. (But you can have it all.)
- The right gear will help you keep showing up, long after the motivation fades.
Choose shoes that support the work you're actually going to do this year.
Then choose to do it. Again and again.
