Jake Boly is a strength coach and holds a B.S in Exercise Science and M.S. in Sports Science. He was the first employee at Barbend and helped build out their content catalog for many years. These days, he’s building “That Fit Friend,” which is focused on reviewing workout shoes and apparel.
This episode can be watched on Spotify or YouTube (second half of the video). Or, it can be listened to through Apple Podcasts, Anchor, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
This is Part 2 with Jake Boly. Check out the first episode, where we discuss survey results around shoes, racks, barbells, and more.
(30:35) Your time is split in a number of different ways. Can you explain your different roles and how much time you are spending on each of them?
Jake trains numerous remote clients, but “That Fit Friend,” which started as a side hustle project, is his primary project these days (by far).
(33:50) How is “That Fit Friend” different from most other review sites in the shoe/apparel space?
As Jake states, “there is so much bull shit in the review space.” Jake dives into why “not all reviews are created equal.” Many sites do not test the materials that they’re posting reviews of. In this section, Jake also talks about how long he needs to have a product before adding a review, how he “stays in his lane” while writing these reviews, and what happens if he hates the shoes right away.
(43:06) How many shoes are in your workout rotation? Can you go over some of your personal favorites?
It varies depending on his work schedule and bandwidth, but typically he has four shoes in the rotation. In addition, he talks about the three latest shoes he’d recommend, including the R.A.D One highlighted in the video below.
(46:32) Let’s just say I’m someone that wants a good all-around shoe to work out at home with. I do a little bit of everything – CrossFit, powerlifting, HIIT, and bodybuilding type workouts. I only want to buy one pair of shoes. What would you advise me to get?
“It would be a cross-training shoe for sure,” but there is a ton of other information needed. If he had to choose, though, he’d probably say the STRIKE MVMNT Haze Trainer right now, which he has deadlifted over 500 lbs in and can be used for plyometrics, shorter runs, but Jake also lists a few other alternatives.
(47:52) Who makes better workout shoes? Nike or Reebok?
It’s pretty much a toss-up, but Jake doesn’t seem entirely thrilled with either.
(49:20) You’ve been reviewing gear for a number of years. Has there been much change or evolution since you’ve started?
It has come along quite a bit since Jake has entered the space. It seems like these companies are learning from the year before and adapting each year. In addition, it’s been cool to see smaller companies enter the space and try to create the ultimate shoe for their audience.
(51:50) What are some of the most overrated shoes you’ve ever tested out?
Project Rock 3, Nano X1, and Metcon 7 are all mentioned here.
(53:42) Buy once, cry once is something we say a lot in the home gym space. Is that something you’d recommend when purchasing workout apparel?
A good pair of workout shorts and deadlift socks are worth the investment, according to Jake. Tops seem to be a bit overrated.
(56:42) You started your entrepreneurial journey back in 2020. What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced since going all in?
Similar to many entrepreneurs, bandwidth is the biggest issue Jake faces as he tries to build “That Fit Friend.”
(58:42) Any predictions for the shoe industry in the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, Jake is hopeful that many of the smaller dogs will push the large ones to innovate and create better options. Ultimately, everyone will be motivated to create a better product for us consumers.
In addition, he hopes to see more sustainable products that are more durable and better for the environment.
