What’s The Difference Between NOBULL Outwork and Outwork Edge?

What’s The Difference Between NOBULL Outwork and Outwork Edge?

Let’s take it back to 2015. The NOBULL brand began with our first gym shoe––the minimalist Outwork. Over the years, it’s become legendary in cross-training circles for its stability and resilience. Still, some customers wanted an option with a little more cushion and comfort. So the Outwork Edge was born. 

Both shoes can handle any strength-based workout you throw at them. But depending on your style and preferences, one may be a better choice than the other. Below, we’ll break down the two models and run through the differences between them so you can choose the best cross-training shoe for your workouts. 

What Is the NOBULL Outwork? 

Originally called Trainer, Outwork is our most-loved shoe. And it’s well-suited to cross-training, bodybuilding/physique training, kettlebells, HIIT, or workout classes. “It’s our most stable and durable shoe,” says Michael Schaeffer, co-founder of NOBULL and co-designer of our shoe line (@michael.is.nobull on Instagram).  

  

Drop  

A shoe’s heel-to-toe drop refers to the difference between the height of its heel and the forefoot. The greater the drop, the higher the heel. Running shoes tend to have high drops of 10mm or more, but experts agree that gym shoes should have low drops to keep your feet close to the ground. That way, they can get a better grip to stabilize your body and lift heavy loads. (See our “Expert’s Guide To Gym Shoes” for more on the difference and why it matters.)  

Outwork has a very low drop of four millimeters. That’s good for lifting, particularly if you’re used to training in thicker soles or running shoes. Because it’s low (but not completely flat to the ground), the Outwork qualifies as a transitional shoe, and can help prepare your feet for lower-drop footwear, or even barefoot training, if you want to ease into it. 

Toe Box  

The Outwork’s toe box gives your toes the room to spread and grip the ground. You’ll get plenty of support from its strong heel counter (the back of the shoe), dense midsole, and one-piece outsole. That last part is what reaches around the medial and lateral sides of the shoe, helping to absorb twisting forces. You won’t get that from running shoes or more minimalist shoes that are little more than a wrap around your foot.   

Upper  

Outwork’s most distinctive feature is its super durable upper. It’s a flexible, breathable mesh that resists scuffs, scrapes, and stains. It’s also water-resistant, so if your workouts take you outside, wet grass or the occasional puddle won’t soak your feet. The upper is all one piece, so there are no seams to split. And it has firm resin dots printed on it, which give the top of the shoe some traction when climbing a rope, if you’re into that. Curious about what rope climbs do to most shoes? Just Google it – then get Outwork and climb to your heart’s content.  

What Do Customers Think Of NOBULL Outwork? 

In 2025, the editors of Men’s Health named the Outwork the “Most Durable” gym shoe and described the durable upper material as “practically bulletproof.”  

Also from Men’s Health: “The Outwork’s low-profile anatomical design keeps you stable and locked in during any situation... We wear ’em for everything from plyometrics to heavy lifts.” 

Meanwhile, Forbes called Outwork “One of the best lifting shoes on the market. Its sleek design is infused with multiple layers of foam that bolsters your lifting sessions, and a 4mm heel drop keeps you in touch with the ground for solid standing.” 

The website garagegymreviews.com rated the Outwork as its “Best Minimalist Lifting Shoe” for 2025. Their content director writes, “When I first put on these trainers, I didn’t like the feel; I’m used to higher heels in my lifting shoes. I really didn’t want to like them, but after doing running, squats, and jumping workouts in them, I’m digging the feel of them. They don’t feel uncomfortable in any of those movements.” She rated the ergonomics 4.5 out of 5.  We’ll take it. 

The NOBULL Bottom Line on Outwork:  

Weight: 11 oz (for a men’s size 9, women’s size 10.5) 

Stack Height: 11/15mm 

Heel-to-Toe-Drop: 4mm 

Upper: SuperFabric® 

Midsole: Phyon (EVA) 

Outsole: High carbon rubber 

Warranty: 1 year 

  • Outwork used to be known as Trainer. We changed the name. 
  • Outwork is best for heavy strength-training workouts, but versatile enough to handle workout classes and short bouts of cardio. 
  • Sturdy materials mean the Outwork can take a beating.  

 

NOBULL Outwork Edge  

 
The Outwork Edge (formerly called Trainer+ and Impact) features the same super durable upper as the original Outwork and is very similar overall. But two main differences set it apart. 

Cushion 

There’s more cushioning in the upper and outsole for extra comfort.  The extra padding therefore makes Edge’s stack height a little taller than Outwork’s (that’s the amount of material between your feet and the ground). Note that this doesn’t change the drop of the shoe—it’s still 4mm like the original Outwork. The extra cushioning does, however, make the Edge slightly heavier than the Outwork. 

Tread 

The tread on the outsole is a herringbone pattern, rather than the circular shape the Outwork uses. That provides a better grip for multi-directional movement.   

Lace-lock 

Outwork Edge features a different lacing system than Outwork, which gives a secure midfoot lockdown to hold your foot in place as you move. The laces in Outwork Edge are connected to an internal webbing that cinches around your foot as you tie the shoe. The result: a customized fit and minimal movement of your foot inside the shoe. 

These changes make the Outwork Edge better suited for high-impact workouts, fancy footwork drills, and short runs than the Outwork. “If you want more support because you’re doing longer workouts, try the Outwork Edge,” says Schaeffer. If your workouts are primarily about picking up heavy things, then the original Outwork is more than enough. Both shoes are the same price. 

What Do Customers Think Of NOBULL Outwork Edge? 

The editors of GQ voted the Outwork Edge the “Best Workout Shoe for the Gym” in 2024, citing its traction. Their review states: “While some gym rats swear by cheap Converse® for weight training, they’ll get a kick out of how much better their workouts would be if they were to lace up in these.”  

According to Footwear News, “The highly durable upper and toe bumpers protect your feet from all angles, while sidewall guards help to keep them in a safe, stable position during heavy lifts… The stability is amazing, yet they’re still mobile enough to go from big lifts to burpees and more agile movements.” 

 The NOBULL Bottom Line on Outwork Edge:  

 Weight: 13.13 oz (for a men’s size 9, women’s size 10.5) 

Stack Height: 15.5/19.5mm 

Heel-to-Toe-Drop: 4mm 

Upper: SuperFabric® 

Midsole: Phyon (EVA) 

Outsole: High carbon rubber 

Warranty: 1 year 

  • Outwork Edge is more cushioned than the original Outwork. 
  • It’s about 2 oz heavier than Outwork.
  • Use it for lifting, explosive exercises, and longer bouts of cardio.
  • Outwork and Outwork Edge are the same price. 

See our guide, “Which NOBULL Shoes Are Right For Me?” for more on how our different shoes compare to one another. 

 

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