Skip to Content

The Best NOBULL Workout Gear, According to Our Editors

If you’re a real lifter, you’ll love these picks.

By
VerifiedReviewed by Fitness and Reviews Editor
Black and white athletic shoes with a black pair of joggers and a white t-shirt featuring the text "NOBULL.
Courtesy of Retailer

Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. We may earn a commission through links on our site. Why Trust Us?

WE TEST A lot of workout gear; it’s kind of an everyday thing. Our fitness editors don’t all follow the same fitness regimens, though—some of us prefer certain brands for specific styles. I’ve been lifting for 20+ years, and strength training is my personal area of expertise. And as someone who’s dabbled in powerlifting and sports performance training, I’m a little picky about the gear I use on a day-to-day basis. NOBULL. has quickly become one of my favorites.

I remember hearing of the brand years ago when I got back into powerlifting. A friend of a friend worked for the company, and I’ll never forget an anecdote he once told me. He mentioned the brand was blowing up, but despite having to scale, it was wary about getting too big—at least to the point where its quality and core ethos would be compromised. NOBULL was keen on preserving the elements that made it such a niche brand while becoming one of the biggest players in the space. This rings true to this day. The QB GOAT himself, Tom Brady, has since merged his TB12 company with NOBULL; he’s now the co-owner and its second-largest stakeholder. Despite the high-profile acquisition, NOBULL is as meat-and-potatoes as it’s always been.

It’s also one of the few brands that aligns perfectly with my own personal workout ethos. I’m a pretty old-school lifter (you’ll never catch me using anything in the gym other than the occasional chalk and knee wraps on leg day); the brand seems to cater to that exact archetype, with a little modernization baked in. It’s also made its way into the similarly niche CrossFit space. I’m not a Crossfitter myself, but it’s no secret that those types of workouts require gear that holds up well to explosive movements and rapid-fire compound lifts. NOBULL checks all of those boxes. I’ve tested a ton of NOBULL gear over the last year or so, and it’s quickly become my go-to. I’ll walk you through some of my favorite shoes, workout shirts, and gym shorts—each with a specific use case in mind—so you know exactly what you’re getting into. And if you do make the switch, you’re in for a treat.

Best for Heavy Lifts

NOBULL Outwork Flex

Outwork Flex
Best for Heavy Lifts

NOBULL Outwork Flex

These come from NOBULL’s flagship line—and my personal favorites. The classic Outwork has been featured in our annual Fitness Awards, and the upgraded version builds upon NOBULL’s innovative design, adding a little more flexibility for explosive lifts. NOBULL came up a lot when I started squatting heavy again, but I ultimately opted for the Rocky route and went with high-top Converse. They were fine, especially at the price point, but I needed something a little grippier. The Outwork Flex checks the main box I look for in squatting shoes—a flat sole. But the improved grip was the real game-changer, which was important when I started getting into the 500 lb range.

They’re super supportive and feature an abrasion-resistant spacer mesh for added durability. The impact-resistant material makes a huge difference for compound lifts. The standard Outwork shoes are on the heftier side, but the new and improved Flex are a little lighter and perfect for dynamic workouts like hang cleans and front squats.

Best Everyday Training Shoes

NOBULL Allday 365 (Ripstop)

Allday 365 (Ripstop)
Best Everyday Training Shoes

NOBULL Allday 365 (Ripstop)

The Ripstop is NOBULL’s dedicated everyday training shoe, with the Allday 365 serving as its latest and greatest model. The original Ripstop was the first NOBULL shoe I ever wore, and I was immediately impressed. It’s shockingly lightweight, especially considering the materials involved. It features a durable rubber outsole, a reinforced tear-resistant “ripstop” upper, and a molded EVA footbed for all-day comfort. Yep, the specs are right there in the name.

These are inherently versatile shoes, and I’ll wear them to the gym on non-compound-lift days (arm day, accessory muscles, etc.). They’ll hold up during heavier lifts too, but I couldn’t recommend these enough for everyday training/casual wear.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best for Cardio

NOBULL Journey 2

Journey 2

NOBULL does a great job of keeping it simple but specific. The Journey is their flagship running/walking shoe, and its latest release, the Journey 2, holds up well to some of the best we’ve tested. It features a similar build/feel to our favorite walking shoes, Brooks’ Ghost Max 2. It takes a comfort-first approach—cushy, stacked CMEVA foam in the midsole, a molded OrthoLite footbed, and a stretchy knit upper for step-in comfort.

Like most of NOBULL’s shoes, stability is a huge factor—a TPU heel clip helps keep the highly cushioned shoe sturdy and supportive. Balance can sometimes be an issue with stacked cushion walking shoes, but the Journey 2 does a great job of keeping the foot in place. And like anything from NOBULL, it makes for a great everyday gym shoe.

NOBULL also has a cleated version of its Ripstop shoes, and it’s a favorite amongst a few of our editors who golf. It earned a spot on our best golf shoe rankings as the best weatherproof option, but it offers a lot more than that. It’s personally my favorite-looking pair; it doesn’t resemble a traditional golf shoe, which certainly helps it stand out.

The ripstop material is both waterproof and super flexible, perfectly “toeing” the line of light comfort and weather-resistant durability. They’re breathable enough for the intense summer heat and lightweight enough to wear if you want to sneak in another round before your wife gets home.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Workout Shirt

NOBULL Tee

Tee
Best Workout Shirt

NOBULL Tee

This shirt sort of took on a new life once the Costco Guys became a thing. It’s way more than brain-rot fodder, though; it’s a legitimately great shirt for the gym. It’s smooth to the touch and features a performance-forward, moisture-wicking design. Think Under Armour, but not as form-fitting.

That’s actually one of my favorite aspects about NOBULL’s apparel; it’s form-fitting in all the places that matter, and a bit more flattering in the ones that don’t. As someone who goes through some pretty serious bulks, I find this ideal.

Best Sweatshirt for Lifting

NOBULL Crew

Crew
Best Sweatshirt for Lifting

NOBULL Crew

This is my go-to winter fit. It features an oversized (but not baggy) look, which generally lends well to both my physique and overall gym vibe. It feels like an upgraded, old-school powerlifter's sweatshirt that’s sleek and stretchy. It’s made from a soft French terry cotton blend, and despite its roomier fit, doesn’t give off a baggy, ill-fitting look. The ribbed cuffs and neckline help it keep its shape nicely, without being too rigid or bulky.

The softness is the real highlight here. Typically, French terry can be a little too lightweight and flimsy, but this structured, medium-weight sweatshirt nails the perfect medium of durability and comfort. You’ll be hard-pressed to find a performance-forward workout sweatshirt around $50 anywhere else.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below
Best Joggers

NOBULL Jogger

Jogger

You might as well go for the full fit. These are some of my favorite joggers, made out of the same soft French terry fabric. They’re similarly pretty cost-effective, too—a lot of our favorite workout joggers are nearly $100.

NOBULL once again cracks the code in terms of durability, developing a strong training pant that’s lightweight enough not to feel like you’re training in mud. They’re versatile enough to lounge in, wear during leg day, and pretty much everything in between.

NOBULL’s training shorts keep with the general theme of keeping things simple but effective. The brand essentially has one designated piece for each use case. In other words, they only make a few pieces of apparel, but make them really well. There’s no reinvention of the wheel here. The NOBULL training shorts are the perfect example.

They’re made from abrasion-resistant Cordura material, which is essentially the crown jewel of nylon-based fabrics. The shorts are smooth, soft to the touch, and feature ample storage and a secure drawstring waistband. A very reliable pair of gym shorts that’ll last you a lifetime; an everyman’s dream.

Advertisement - Continue Reading Below

NOBULL doesn’t venture too much outside its norms, but it did expand recently with the acquisition of Public Rec, a similarly simplistic, everyday menswear brand. The Dealmaker 5-Pocket Pants are a classic pair of chinos that work well on and off the course. They’re lightweight, stretchy, and you might mistake them for a pair of sweatpants when you first try them on. The Dealmakers offer structure and support in an unbelievably soft fit.

The Dealmakers are also weather-resistant, which obviously bodes well when you’re playing 18. We love them as golf pants, but you can get away wearing them to the office or a night out, and nobody will bat an eye.

Most Versatile Workout Tee

NOBULL Adapt Tee

Adapt Tee
Most Versatile Workout Tee

NOBULL Adapt Tee

The Adapt Tee is another part of the Public Rec line that made a smooth transition into NOBULL’s arsenal. It’s breathable, wrinkle-resistant, and features a fantastic CoolCore technology to keep you sweat-free in the sweltering heat. It feels like a natural continuation of what NOBULL is trying to accomplish with its workout gear, only this time, offering a little more versatility for everyday wear. You can wear it to the gym, as an undershirt, or as a casual t-shirt on the weekend.

The UPF50 sun protection also makes it a great option for outdoor running and hikes. It’s stretchy yet structured, and available in seven solid colorways to match whatever style you want.

Headshot of Tim Kohut
Tim Kohut
Editor, Deals and Trends

Tim Kohut is the Deals and Trends Editor for Popular Mechanics, Men’s Health, Best Products, and Runner's World. He has extensive product review and gear coverage expertise, particularly in tech, home, auto, and health. Tim was previously the Deputy Commerce Editor of The Drive and a Commerce Editor at BGR. He’s also overseen gear coverage and strategy at Popular Science, Bob Vila, Outdoor Life, and Field and Stream. He has a strong affinity for cats, Batman, and early 90’s Nicolas Cage films, in that order.

Headshot of Charles Thorp, NASM
Reviewed byCharles Thorp, NASM
Fitness and Reviews Editor

Charles Thorp is the Fitness and Reviews Editor at Men’s Health, where he shares the best product recommendations in gym equipment, recovery tools, supplements, and more. Following an early life in athletics, Charles became a NASM-certified trainer and began writing programs alongside the most respected coaches in the world.   Since entering the world of fitness content, Charles has had the opportunity to learn from and train alongside high performance individuals from the NFL, UFC, NBA, Formula 1, CrossFit, US Olympics, and Navy SEALs. When he’s not writing about training programs or gear, he can be seen at the gym or in the wild, putting them to the test.

Watch Next 
Video poster
Advertisement - Continue Reading Below