The end of 2016 and the beginning of 2017 was all about lifting shoes. Reebok, Nike, Adidas, and NOBULL all had new models and color schemes releasing around the same time. As a strength journalist, all the new shoes dropping made for a crazy couple of months chasing release dates and sneak peaks.
One of the most popular releases of the above brands that had strength athletes in a buzz was the Nike Romaleos 3. From their hype built up at the Olympics to athlete sneak peaks soon after, it seemed like the Romaleos 3 had a continual string of excitement until their official release.
Since they dropped January 21st we’ve seen some crazy custom paint designs. In addition, Nike recently released their signature “Volt” color scheme, which was a popular Romaleos 2 color variation.
You don’t have to be a Nike Romaleos 3 fan to enjoy a custom pained shoe, so we pulled the coolest variations we’ve found thus far. Our list ranks the shoes in the order of most unique in our personal opinion.
1. “Sprinkles”
This custom paint job comes from Instagram user @chadcantcolor and features the white Romaleos 3 with a pink doughnut and sprinkle design. Doughnuts, deadlifts, and squats, who doesn’t want to workout with carbs on their feet?
2. “Black Prisms” vs. “White Prisms”
These colorful variations come in both the black and white Romaleos 3. Each shoe offers a similar design with bright colored prisms connecting around the whole shoe. Which do you like better? Black or white?
3. More Doughnuts
This black Romaleos 3 design comes from Instagram user @bstreetshoes (artist: Blake Barash) and once again features doughnuts as the shoe’s focal point. The doughnut that covers the strap is possibly the coolest part of this color variation. I think it’s safe to say, lifters love doughnuts.
4. “Purple Galaxy” vs. “Custom Galaxy”
These are another custom design by Blake Barash and feature two different variations of what Barash perceives as our galaxy. The blue and purple both have similar attributes, but a different feeling to each. The blue version seems more calming, while the purple comes off as ominous. Do you agree?
5. “Jordan Romaleos 3”
This design comes from Instagram user @chadcantcolor and offers a familiar Nike feeling, which is in the form of the popular Nike Jordan shoe line. The Nike Jordan brand is a popular and signature shoe line that athletes from all sports tend to know and respect.
6. “Custom Camo”
The final shoe that made our list comes from artist Blake Barash once again and features a custom camo point job. This shoe’s red, tan, and black camo give off the feeling of a desert storm type theme.
This list by no means is an end all be all. Everyone has their personal opinion of what artist’s variations they like best, so these are our favorites we’ve found thus far in terms of uniqueness.
Did we miss any Nike Romaleos 3s that should be on this list? If so, tag us on Instagram @BarBend!
Editors note: This article is an op-ed. The views expressed herein are the authors and don’t necessarily reflect the views of BarBend. Claims, assertions, opinions, and quotes have been sourced exclusively by the author.
Feature image from @chadcantcolor Instagram page, @bstreetshoes Instagram page, @nikemetconclub Instagram page, and @iheartnikemetcon Instagram page.
