white vans from journeys

• Nobull Trainer Review
• Nobull Trainer+ Review
• Nobull Knit Runner Review
• Nobull Runner+ Review

The bottom line

I tried the insta-famous nobull workout shoes that are hugely popular among crossfitters. i get why people swear by them..

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Major sportswear brands have been making training sneakers for years, but, ironically, they tend to feel like an afterthought in the shadows of signature sneakers and hyped-up collectible releases. It's easy to find yourself working out in the wrong shoes simply because you opted for brand recognition over intentional design.

Co-founded in 2015 by Marcus Wilson and Michael Schaeffer, Nobull is a sneaker startup giving athletes of all levels the tools they need to work out well. And if you were wondering where the name Nobull comes from, it's exactly what you're thinking — a "no bullshit" mentality around its products and business.

"The name reflects our brand's approach to everything from product design to marketing to content creation—everything you need, and nothing that you don't," said Wilson. "We are committed to authentic and aggressive simplicity."

Unsurprisingly, the brand was originally born out of the CrossFit community. Wilson knew his customers needed to be able to "run fast, lift heavy weights, rope climb, burpee and box jump." When it came to designing the brand's Trainer, he understood the importance of versatility, ultimately developing a shoe that would be able to handle the range of motion and intensity required for the most intense types of workouts.

But you don't have to be a CrossFit athlete to wear Nobull's shoes. The brand's approach to performance without the noise is what makes them uniquely appealing to people who simply want the right tools to train and do their best in the gym. 

We had two gym-goers at different places in their fitness journeys test Nobull's original crosstraining shoes, and two different styles of running shoes to see if they lived up to the hype.

The short answer: they did. 

Nobull Outwork Review

I see these trainers all over my gym, and after trying them, I understand why. They're a great cross-training shoe, but they're especially good if you're into weightlifting. I was a competitive weightlifter for four years, but the cool thing to do then was to wear Converse or Vans because of how flat the soles were. The Nobull Outworks are ... let's say ... much better.

The sole of the shoe is super flat with just the tiniest bit of a curve beneath the toe, which keeps you feeling stable beneath heavier weights (there's less cushioning in these than the Trainer+ style Amir tried, which I prefer for lifting). They also offer a light amount of arch support so I don't feel the insole pressing awkwardly against my arches when I'm lifting. I like that the inside of the tongue has a foam-like texture that grips well to my socks so there is absolutely no slippage when I'm pushing on a heavy leg press. 

The shoes come in lots of fun colors, but I'm partial to the white camo. I think it's a fun play on the classic white leather trainer, and it matches all my gym clothes.

You definitely won't catch me running in these as they don't have enough support and were not built for that kind of exercise, but I wear them for pretty much everything else. From circuit classes to resistance workouts, isometrics, and all types of weightlifting, these are my shoes of choice.

These fit true to my usual size, which is a true 8. I don't recommend sizing up or down in the Trainers — go with your usual size. — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews 

Nobull Impact Review

I'm far from a competitive weightlifter, but wearing shoes dedicated to training in the gym has made a huge difference in my workouts. Before testing the Nobull Impact shoes (formerly known as the Nobull Trainer+) , I'd wear any comfortable shoes to the gym — typically a pair of running sneakers. Although they're great for warming up on the treadmill or bike, I always found them to be too soft or unbalanced when deadlifting, using a squat rack, or any other weightlifting machine.

The Nobull Impact shoes solved that with super sturdy midsoles, flat grippy outsoles, and a durable abrasion-resistant upper. Feeling planted on the ground not only gave me more confidence while doing those exercises, but it was also safer.

These pairs differ from the original trainers in that they have a bit more support and cushion in the sole with a little extra traction.

The Nobull Impact shoes fit true to size. I wouldn't recommend sizing up or down. If you size up, you'll potentially lose that sturdy, planted feel they provide and if you size down, they'll likely be too tight. — Amir Ismael, style editor, Insider Reviews

Nobull Aspire Review

As the Insider Reviews resident sneaker expert and collector, I've tested a variety of knit running sneakers from major sportswear brands and startups alike. While the concept of being lightweight, breathable, and flexible is the same across brands, Nobull's Aspire shoe (formerly known as the Knit Runner) really impressed me with its delivery. The upper is stretchier than any other knit material I've worn on my feet, but the shoes still feel secure with the sock-like treatment around the ankles and the heel counters.

The Nobull Aspire did an excellent job with energy absorption while running short distances. The midsoles are made of a bouncy phylon foam material, which is typically what you can expect on a running shoe at this price range. There are more comfortable running sneakers that I think are better equipped for long-distance running from other brands, but with superior cushioning technology comes a higher price tag. 

Aside from performance and comfort, I really like the aesthetic. If you enjoy running sneakers as a style statement, but prefer pairs with minimal branding, these are a great choice.

I typically wear a size 8.5 running sneakers. I went with my true size for the Knit Runners and found them to fit perfectly. If you prefer a more relaxed fit I would recommend going up a half size as the sock-like fit will still keep them secure on your feet. — Amir Ismael, style editor, Insider Reviews

Nobull Journey Review

I opted for the Journey (formerly known as the Runner+) instead of the regular Runner pair because I love an extra bit of cushioning when walking and running. These are extremely bouncy and cushioned, not far off from a pair of Hokas. The first time I wore them on the treadmill, it was like launching off springs. I definitely wouldn't want to wear these for weight training, but I love them for fast-paced walking and short-distance running. 

The breathable mesh upper prevents my feet from getting sweaty, and the insole has just enough arch support. Despite how bouncy they are, I feel grounded in them, thanks to great traction. I was worried the thickness of the foam would lead to crushing or buckling over time but they're still as firm and bouncy as the first day I got them.

My only complaint about this pair is that I could see a bit of the glue where the foam sole met the fabric, which was surprising straight out of the box. It hasn't resulted in any issues as far as construction or quality so far, but it did give me pause at first. I'll report back if I have any issues, but it's been several months of running and walking in these and they've managed to hold up really well.

I'm usually a true size 8 and I very well could have sized down to a 7.5 in these for a snugger fit, but I happen to like a little extra room to wiggle my toes because I deal with cramping in my arches. I don't find my feet slipping around or anything, but there's definitely more breathing room than most size 8 sneakers (including Nobull's trainers, which fit like a true size 8). — Sally Kaplan, executive editor, Insider Reviews

The name Nobull might be catchy, but it's clear that the products live up to their promise. If you're already putting in the work at the gym, you can rely on Nobull sneakers to give you the support, comfort, and traction needed to complete your workouts. While its shoes aren't going to serve every type of sport or workout, they're good for the average gym-goer, weightlifter, or CrossFit enthusiast. 

Shop Nobull sneakers here .

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Biden pauses bombs shipment to Israel over humanitarian concerns in Gaza

President joe biden is grappling with a pledge to support israel militarily and concerns u.s. bombs could be used in an invasion of rafah..

WASHINGTON — The Biden administration has paused the shipment of 3,500 bombs to Israel over concerns they could be used in a major military operation in Rafah , where more than 1 million refugees have been sheltering, a senior U.S. official said.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed the pause at a Senate hearing on Wednesday. "As we have assessed the situation, we have paused one shipment of high payload munitions," he said.

"We've not made a final determination on how to proceed with that shipment," he added.

The administration began a review of some weapons transfers to Israel last month, a senior U.S. official said. The president then paused a shipment of 1,800 2,000-lb bombs and 1,700 500-lb bombs last week, as Israel ramped up plans for a ground invasion of the southern Gaza city. Hamas fighters and Israeli troops battled on Wednesday on the outskirts of Rafah.

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President Joe Biden has been grappling with a pledge to support Israel militarily no matter what and concerns that the U.S. ally is not doing enough to protect civilian lives in Gaza.  

The State Department was due to issue a report to Congress on Wednesday assessing Israel's treatment of civilians in its war against Hamas, before acknowledging that it was likely to miss the self-imposed deadline by a day or more.

Democratic lawmakers have pushed the Biden administration to obtain fresh assurances the ally is not violating U.S. policy and international humanitarian law in Gaza as the administration evaluates its military support for Israel.

But the admission on Wednesday that there was a review taking place prompted a wave of complaints from Republican lawmakers, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. The GOP leaders chastised Biden in a Wednesday letter for not informing them sooner and demanded to know when the review would be completed.

"This news flies in the face of assurances provided regarding the timely delivery of security assistance to Israel," they argued.

The White House reiterated on Tuesday that Biden's support for Israel is ironclad. And the president has himself said there is no red line over which he would cut off all aid to Israel.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also described coordination between Israel and the U.S. as reaching "a scope without precedent, I think, in history" while speaking at a Wednesday conference.

"We are responsible for the security interests of Israel and we pay attention to the U.S. interests in the arena,” he said.

But with Israel drawing closer to making a decision on Rafah, the Biden administration says its concerns about humanitarian access have not been fully addressed. More than 33,000 Palestinians have died in the war, and last week a United Nations official said northern Gaza is suffering from famine.

The Democratic president is facing pressure from lawmakers within his party to reconsider arms shipments and promised earlier this year to issue report by May 8.

He said in a February memo that did not mention Israel that his administration would collect "credible and reliable written assurances" from countries the U.S. gives or sells weapons to that they are adhering to U.S. policy and following international humanitarian law.

He also pledged to "provide periodic congressional reports to enable meaningful oversight" and said "remediation could include actions from refreshing the assurances to suspending any further transfers of defense articles or, as appropriate, defense services."

U.S. policy prevents the transfer of arms that "risk facilitating or otherwise contributing to violations of human rights or international humanitarian law."

"If a transfer had previously been authorized and circumstances have changed in ways that would materially increase the risk" of serious violations, the administration's policy is to "re-assess and, as appropriate, review options for ceasing the transfer of or support for a previous authorization."

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Democrats in Congress worried over US weapons killing civilians

In a letter to Biden last Friday, House Armed Services Committee member Rep. Chris Deluzio, D-Pa., and House Foreign Affairs Committee member Rep. Jason Crow, D-Colo., pushed for fresh assurances from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that his government is abiding by U.S. conditions.

The letter came on the heels of a bipartisan bill that Congress passed and the president signed authorizing more military aid to Israel .

"The security assistance included in the recently passed security supplemental should not be interpreted as a blank check or as implicit approval of the Netanyahu government’s actions," the lawmakers wrote.

Rep. Madeline Dean, D-Pa., was among the 88 Democrats who signed the letter, which argued there is "sufficient evidence" that Israel's conduct in Gaza has triggered consideration of a suspension of offensive weapons transfers.

"We can be two things at one time: we can be a great ally and supporter of Israel, even as we can be critical of how this war has been prosecuted," Dean, who serves on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, told USA TODAY. "The inability to get adequate humanitarian aid is grave."

Biden had a call on Monday with Netanyahu in which the U.S. says he reiterated his opposition to a Rafah invasion that risks civilian lives and pushed Israel to reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing for humanitarian aid following a weekend Hamas attack.

Israeli's military subsequently launched an operation into Rafah that the U.S. says was limited and designed to cut off Hamas' ability to smuggle weapons into Gaza.

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"We have been talking about violations of international law and every single time that we think we're doing something on accountability, we see that Netanyahu has no respect for accountability," Rep. Delia Ramirez, D-Ill., a member of the progressive "Squad," said. "So I expect that the report is going to show a lot of the ways that us transferring arms to them has actually unfortunately resulted in the killing of civilians."

Once Congress has the report, she added, Biden should "actually do something with that information."

It is not entirely clear when the Biden administration intends to submit the report.

State Department spokesman Matt Miller said Wednesday that the administration is working to finalize the report.

"We expect to deliver it in the very near future, in the coming days," Miller told reporters.

White House national security spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday the White House takes its obligations to Congress seriously and plans to meet them. "We will always review our Gaza policy. And ... if that policy needs to change based on events, then we won't be shy about changing it," he added.

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Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., Foreign Affairs Committee member and one of only two Democratic senators to vote against the foreign aid bill over concerns about Israel aid, said it is "incredibly important" that the administration produce a report that brings "the law and the facts to bear in a full and competent manner."

Biden warned Netanyahu in an early April call that the U.S. could make policy changes if the country did not take concrete steps to address his administration's humanitarian concerns.

In a briefing with reporters on Tuesday, Kirby said "a lot more work" needs to be done for Israel to meet his expectations.

"I would not say that everything has been sufficient to date. Clearly there's still great humanitarian need and great risk for the people that are trying to get that assistance to to those in need," he said.

But since that conversation, the Israelis have taken steps to open up additional crossings and the U.S. has observed a sustained increase in the number of aid trucks, he said.

"And we had seen evidence that they were working harder to improve their deconfliction processes to restore some of the some of the trust that they...lost with humanitarian aid organizations on the ground," he said. "But I again want to stress it's not enough."