Nobull Drive Ripstop Review: Bouncing Into the Gym

Introduction to the Nobull Drive Ripstop

CHAD: I think one of the best things I have done for my overall physical health, as well as my running, has been dedicating myself to making strength training part of my fitness routine. Since May 2024, I have consistently had resistance training as part of my weekly regimen, lifting weights anywhere from two to six days per week…two days during a marathon training block, and up to six days when in between race prep blocks.

That said, as much as I love reviewing running shoes, reviewing gym shoes can be just as fun! I was very excited to get my hands on a pair of the new Nobull Drive Ripstop, having never worn Nobull shoes before (I do have some of their apparel — compression shirts and gym shorts — and they are some of my favorites). The Drive Ripstop is geared for “Hybrid” training, for days when you plan to hit the weights and maybe get some cardio in.

This shoe came in at a perfect time for me, as I had just finished a half marathon block and, with my periodized method of training, was transitioning into a strength-training-focused plan that also included some HYROX-style workouts. What better way to put to the test Nobull’s claims of the Drive Ripstop being stable for strength training and cushioned for cardio, with a durable upper made of their Ripstop material?

What we like about the Nobull Drive Ripstop

CHAD: A full, 100% PEBAX midsole in a shoe made for lifting? Seems like a recipe for disaster, but the Nobull Drive Ripstop delivered the stability and comfort the brand promised. I was following a strength-training plan that included two days of German Volume Training (GVT). For those not familiar with GVT, it is moderate reps with a high number of sets per exercise; in my case, 10 sets of 10 reps. So it was imperative to have my feet feel secure when trying to rock 100 total squats with a bunch of weight on my back, and the Drive Riptop delivered. It feels stable and secure while still being comfortable during squats, deadlifts, and calf work.

The shoe also handled my HYROX-style workouts, which included functional movements interspersed with short runs (quarter- to half-mile intervals). Is it a shoe I would generally see myself taking out for a run? Probably not, but it did what it needed to do during my workouts.

What we don’t like about the Nobull Drive Ripstop

CHAD: So while there are a good number of things I enjoy about the Drive Ripstop, there are several downsides. The first is fit, and that’s because this shoe runs LONG. I received my usual US M12, and there was considerable room in front of my toes. This required me to really cinch down the laces to ensure my feet wouldn’t move around mid-lifts. All other aspects of the fit were fine, but those with wider feet might have issues.

My other big gripe is that the upper ripstop material, while durable and secure, has an uncomfortable puckering in the toebox when the shoe flexes, like when you get up on your toes. It happened while running, walking, and doing moves like lunges in the shoe. Not sure if there’s perhaps too much material in the upper, or if the shoe’s geometry caused the puckering, but it was obnoxious and didn’t go away as I had hoped.

Final thoughts on the Nobull Drive Ripstop

CHAD: At the end of the day, I liked a lot of things about this shoe. However, the puckering of the upper is almost a dealbreaker for me, and I likely won’t reach for them again. For me and my lifting shoes, comfort is my number one priority, and I just can’t get past the uncomfortable feeling of my toes being pinched by the upper.

You can pick up the Nobull Drive Ripstop for $150 from Nobull by using the buttons below.