running shoes

Nike Invincible Run 3 Review

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My review of the ultra cushioned Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

The Nike Invincible line of running shoes has been a fan favorite for several years now. First introduced in 2021, this cushioned shoe became a staple of easy runs, long runs and even marathons for thousands of runners. The Invincible 2 was essentially the same shoe, just with a slightly tweaked upper, but the third version is a complete redesign. Upon release, there have been many thoughts, both positive and very negative. To clear things up, I took the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 for a couple runs and gave my thoughts.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

Check out my full video review here:

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 First Impression

I tried not to read too much into the reviews. My perspective is often different than many of the elite runners and professional shoe reviewers that get their hands on these first. I review running shoes from the perspective of an average to below average runner. While I love running and run about five to six times a week, my marathon PR is right around four hours. That’s not exactly Boston Marathon qualifier territory. I don’t need every shoe I run in to be super fast, light or high-tech. I’m simply looking for something that’s going to be comfortable and stable as I steadily churn through miles.

Outsole and midsole

The redesign of this shoe starts with the outsole, which is now a two-piece construction. It has small nubs on the bottom which provide decent traction, although I would not recommend using these in the snow.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Outsole

The midsole still has a ton of ZoomX foam, but has a sort of “cut out” design that might help to cut down on the weight of this shoe. Overall, this is still a pretty heavy shoe, but if you are using it for long/easy runs it won’t be an issue. It isn’t a racing shoe, although I did run my marathon PR in the Invincible 1 last spring.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Midsole

Upper

The upper is also totally redesigned. The FlyKnit material on the top appears to be thinner and possibly more breathable than the tightly woven previous versions. It’s 20 degrees F here, so I can’t be sure, but subscribe to my YouTube channel and I’ll report back when the weather get’s warmer. Nike also took out a lot of padding around the heel collar both on the inside (I talk about possible issues with this below) and the outside (for some reason the previous versions had a ton of padding on the outside. Maybe to protect from bear traps?) The laces are back to a more stretchy material and actually sort of short, so hang on to your old laces. Finally, the design looks a bit sleeker, with some sharp contours, as opposed to the smoother look of the previous designs.

Does the Invincible 3 have a heel slip problem?

This is the number one complaint with the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 – the heel slip. This is basically when your heel slides around in the shoe because it isn’t locked into place by the heel collar. Many runners were complaining about this, and right out of the gate, I noticed it too.

Now, it wasn’t as pronounced as the Nike Infinity React, which made me feel like I was running in sand, but it was enough to make me retie my shoes using all the shoelace eyelets in order to fully secure my foot. After making that adjustment, I can absolutely say the heel slip is not an issue. My shoes are tied a little tighter than I prefer and it took some getting used to, but there is no heel slip. A commenter on my video also suggested a runner’s knot, which is something I haven’t tried, but might help as well.

Is the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Cushioned?

No doubt! This is an ultra cushioned shoe, where the entire midsole is one solid chunk of foam. If you’ve never worn an Invincible, it will probably feel like nothing you’ve ever run in. The shape of the shoe also give a slight feeling of running down hill. The shoes are springy and responsive. Now here’s the catch; if you’ve run in the Invincible 1 or 2’s, you might notice a difference. In my opinion, the Invincible 3 is a cushioned shoe, but is a little more firm than the original versions. It isn’t uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have the buttery soft feel right out of the box from previous versions. At the time I’m writing this, I’ve run about 30 miles, so maybe they need to break in, but I would say the Invincible 3s are a more firm shoe.

Is the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Stable?

Stability is a huge part of a running shoe, and as a perpetual ankle sprainer, even more important to me. The Invincible 3s midsole is solid ZoomX foam, which isn’t the most stable material for a running shoe. However, Nike compensated by making this a really wide shoe. It isn’t wide on the inside (more on this below), but the surface area that the outsole covers helps to add a lot of stability. I am a heel striker, and my worst ankle sprains have come when I land on a rock or stick. The width and the ZoomX foam’s ability to absorb the difference in terrain makes for a very stable shoe. You will notice some side to side flex, but I have yet to twist my ankle seriously in any Invincible. I noted the firmer feeling above, which I also think contributes to the stability of this shoe.

Is the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 True to Size?

Yes, the Nike ZoomX Invincible is true to size. I have seen some comments online about getting a size smaller to account for the heel slip, but I wouldn’t recommend it. These shoes seem to fit my size (10) perfectly, both before and after using all the shoelace eyelets. I would say the Invincible 3 runs slightly wide, but I have pretty narrow feet, and didn’t notice any issues. If you know your Nike size, go with that.

Pros

  • Cushioning: This is a pro if you are totally new to the Invincible line. The plentiful ZoomX foam helps to make a very cushioned ride. I’m not a super fast runner, so I would sacrifice some weight for a more cushioned feeling on my feet.
  • Stability: The width of this shoe helps to create a wide surface area, making this shoe surprisingly stable especially for a heel-striker.
  • Design: I think this shoe looks a lot cooler. There’s some nice sharp lines and it looks less “bubbly” than previous versions. It’s something that will still catch people’s attention out on a run, but maybe blend in a bit when walking around at the store.

Cons

  • Heel Slip: I detailed this above, but if I lace them how I have laced every single other running shoe I’ve used in my life, there is a slight heel slip. However, using all the eyelets or a runner’s knot solved the problem for me. It makes the shoes feel a little tighter than I’d like, but I got used to it after a mile.
  • Firmness: For those of you who have run in previous versions of the Invincible, I think you will notice a firmer ride. I’m not sure if the ZoomZ foam is different, or theres something else going on with the design of this shoe, but I think the feel of this shoe is a slight downgrade. It isn’t a dealbreaker, but I wouldn’t call it an improvement.
  • Cost: At $180 retail this shoe is remarkably expensive. I got about 300 miles in by previous versions before the foam started to lose its bounce. If that holds true for the Invincible 3, you are paying a lot for a shoe with average durability. Keep an eye on StockX for deals on this shoe, as well as some deals right now for the Invincible 2.

Final Verdict

Overall this isn’t a bad shoe. I think some of the initial wildly positive reviews (from people who seemingly got the shoe for free…) were a bit exaggerated, as well as some of the wildly negative reviews that mentioned the heel slip. A quick adjustment to the laces should take care of that issue. Now, should I have to lace my shoes in a completely new way on a shoe that costs $180? No, probably not. Is it a bit disappointing that the shoe doesn’t feel quite as soft as the original two versions? Yes, it is.

At the end of the day, I will not be sending this back, but rather running in this for 300-400 miles because that’s what I do with all my shoes. But in the meantime, I will have my eyes peeled for possible alternates, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam X More V4 or the Asics Novablast 3.

Overall, a decent shoe, but it might disappoint diehard fans of the originals.

For the video review and more content, such as weekly running vlogs, reviews and the lighter side of running, subscribe to the Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube.

How to Buy the Right Running Shoes

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When it comes to buying running shoes, it’s important to find a pair that fits your specific needs. Here are a few tips for how to buy the right running shoes.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 running shoe
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

Determine your foot type

There are three main foot types: neutral, overpronated, and supinated. Neutral feet have a normal arch and roll slightly inward when running. If this is you, congrats, you have the ideal foot type for running. Overpronated feet have a low arch and roll excessively inward. Supinated feet have a high arch and roll outward.

Knowing your foot type will help you choose a shoe with the right level of support. Bring an old pair of shoes (even if you don’t run in them) to a running shop and have the staff take a look. They can also analyze your stride to determine the best shoe for you. You don’t need to know anything about running, trust the experts!

Look for a shoe that fits well

Running shoes should fit snugly but not be too tight. You want to leave some space between your big toe and the front end of the shoe. This is to give your foot room during your stride, but also account for your foot getting bigger as you run longer. Additionally, make sure the shoe is comfortable to walk in and doesn’t rub or cause any discomfort. A shoe that is too small can cause blisters or even damage to your foot.

Consider the surface you’ll be running on

Different shoes are designed for different surfaces, such as road, trail, or track. Road shoes have a harder sole and are made for running on pavement. Trail shoes have a more aggressive tread and are designed for running on dirt or gravel. Track shoes are lightweight and have a flatter sole for running on a track, and may even include spikes on the bottom. It’s usually a good idea to start with a road shoe and go from there.

Think about your running style

If you’re a heel striker (when your heel hits the ground first in your stride) like me, look for a shoe with more cushioning in the heel. I tend to wear down the outsole in the heel area first, to finding a shoe with cushion and lots of rubber on the bottom (like the Nike Invincible) is a good idea. If you’re a midfoot or forefoot striker, look for a shoe with more cushioning in the front of the shoe. Most shoes are designed with mid or forefoot strikers in mind.

Try on multiple shoes

Don’t be afraid to try on multiple pairs of shoes to find the best fit and comfort for you. It’s also important to note that different brands and styles may fit differently, so it’s always a good idea to try a few different options. If a store allows you to take your shoes out for a run around the block, do it! The best way to gauge the comfort of your running shoes is to actually run in them. A shoe might feel great while walking the aisles of a store, but they can feel completely different while running.

These are a few of my recommendations for how to buy the right running shoes. Be sure to subscribe to The Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube for tips, shoe reviews, weekly running vlogs and so much more, all from the perspective of an average runner. Also check out my previous reviews. Happy running!

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Images & Release Date

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Official Images of the Nike ZoomX Invincible

Instagram user NVTZR posted official images of the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 on his page. The cushioned running shoe returns in a redesigned outsole, midsole and upper. Check out the photos below, and leave your thoughts in the comments.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3
Image via NVTZR
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Upper
Image via NVTZR
Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Side View
Image via NVTZR

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Release Date and Price

According to Runner’s World Magazine Runner-In-Chief Jeff Dengate (awesome job title), the ZoomX Invincible 3 will come out on February 2, 2023. Jeff noted some more details in his post:

“Expected release date is 2/2/2023 for $180. Nike specs men’s 10 at 317g (11.2 oz) and women’s 8 at 256g (9.0 oz). Astonishingly, my size 12 of all 3 versions weighed exactly 347g (12.2 oz).“

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Inside Side View
Image via NVTZR

First Look at the Nike ZoomX Invincible 3

Check out the Fresh Brew Run Club’s reaction video to the Invincible 3 below:

Redesigned Outsole

The outsole and midsole remained the same for the V1 and V2 versions of the Invincible. But the Invincible 3 features a fully redesigned outsole, with what looks like a two-part rubber material. The “cleats” on the bottom of the shoe remain, but there appear to be “holes” in the outsole, exposing the ZoomX foam material from the midsole.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Outsole
Image via NVTZR

All-new midsole

The heart of the Nike ZoomX Invincible is the midsile, which has been completely redesigned. Next, the massive hunk of foam remains, but there appear to be some cutouts on the heel area (possibly to reduce weight) and some additional material encasing the midsole foam, which could add to the stability of the shoe overall.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Midsole
Image via NVTZR

Invincible Upper

The upper is redesigned as well, with what appears to be a new type of Flyknit. The first two Invincibles had more of a textured material, while the Invincible 3 has a smoother, more refined-looking material. Another notable change is the padding around the heel collar. The first two versions had tons and tons of padding on the inside and outside of the shoe, where the Invincible 3 has significantly reduced the padding, which now looks similar to a Vaporfly or Alphafly.

The main Swoosh is redesigned, and a new Presto-like Swoosh has been added to the toe. Finally, there is also a heel pull-tab, which was not on either of the first two versions.

Nike ZoomX Invincible 3 Upper
Image via NVTZR.

Click here for more shoe reviews.

Check out the Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube.

The 2021 Fresh Brew Awards

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Welcome to the 2021 Fresh Brew Awards, where I give my favorite (and least favorite) things in the running universe in 2021. It’s been an eventful year, so why not hand out some illustrious awards to close out another year around the sun? Below is my video, but the full awards show is written out below. Enjoy!

Running YouTuber of the Year

The 2021 Fresh Brew YouTuber of the year is Stephen Gnoza and his “Serious Runner” series. Part of the reason I started making videos was because I was frustrated with the deadpan self-importance of much of the running video content I found. Stephen’s satirical videos take some of that overly serious content to task, with classics such as “A Serious Runner Does an Easy Run” and “A Serious Runner Posts on Instagram” among others.

Running Podcast of the Year

The 2021 Fresh Brew Podcast of the year award goes to the Six Minute Mile Podcast. Mostly known as an informative and entertaining email newsletter, the podcast version also strikes that balance. With interesting and fun conversations, this pod was my favorite in 2021.

Worst Intersection of the Year

If you’ve followed my content, you know I am in constant disdain over the lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure in the Metro Detroit area. This city was built for cars, and cyclists, walkers, and runners are clearly an afterthought. So this award goes to the worst of the worst intersection. Congratulations to 6th and Main Steet in Royal Oak for taking the award this year. Main Street is a busy thoroughfare and this intersection is quite challenging t cross. Instead of a traditional pedestrian crossing, stop sign or stop light, there’s a tiny “yield to pedestrians” sign in the middle of the road that approximately every car ignores. It’s dangerous, hard to cross, and the winner for the worst intersection of the year.

Most Runner-Friendly City

This year’s runner-friendly city (based on my own personal observations) is Ferndale, MI. As I mentioned earlier, Metro Detroit isn’t the friendliest area for runners, but at least Ferndale is trying. From dedicated bike lanes, to real pedestrian crossings, to drivers who actually pay attention to us peons running in the streets, Ferndale is putting in more effort than most cities. Of course there’s work to be done (like making it less of a dangerous journey to cross Woodward), but congrats to Ferndale.

Running Route of the Year

The Fresh Brew Running Route of the Year goes to the Riverwalk in Detroit. I made a video about this, which you should watch, but a few highlights are the fact that you don’t have to deal with cars, the scenery of the city and the river, and the accessible bathrooms. Congratulations, Riverwalk.

Running Tech of the Year

The winner for Running Tech of the Year goes to the Whoop Strap. This wearable fitness tracker measures strain, recovery and sleep, and a myriad of data points in between. For runners specifically, I most like the fact that it will help you gauge whether you are fatigued or just unmotivated about getting out of bed and running in 33-degree weather. It can also help you track different things that impact your workouts and recovery. For example, if I don’t wear blue-light-blocking glasses at night, my sleep is much worse. If you’re serious about your training, I highly recommend this product.

Second Place Finish of the Year

The winner for the Fresh Brew Second Place Finish of the year goes to me, for my second-place finish at the Volkslaufe 10K in July this past year. It’s my awards show after all, right? Congrats to me. Check out my vlog here.

Volkslaufe Trophy

Coffee Shop of the Year

This is the Fresh BREW Run Club after all, so the award for the 2021 Coffee Shop of the Year goes to Desert Oasis in Royal Oak, MI. The winner of this category not only has to have great coffee (they do), but also excellent vibes inside the shop (they also do). It’s a great place to grab a fresh brew, sit down by the window and do your thing on a laptop or read a book. Congrats, Desert Oasis.

Brew of the Year (Coffee)

The 2021 Fresh Brew Coffee Brew of the year goes to Nespresso’s Intenso coffee. I am a big fan of Nespresso, and in my opinion, this is their best work. It’s bold, pairs well with a little splash of creamer and will give you that caffeine boost needed to power through a long run. Congratulations, Intenso.

Nespresso Intenso coffee
Via Nespresso

Brew of the Year (Beer)

For after your run, the 2021 Beer Brew of the Year goes to the Mr. Blue Sky Raspberry from Griffin Claw. This Wheat Ale is a spin on their popular original Mr. Blue Sky, but this time with a raspberry twist. Perfect for a hot summer day in the backyard, or on a patio somewhere. Buy it here.

Runner of the Year

The Fresh Brew Run Club Runner of the Year award for 2021 goes to Craig Engles. The FBRC is all about having fun, good vibes, and cracking some jokes, and Craig embodies this mentality. Funny, honest and quite fast, it was great seeing Craig get some national exposure to people outside of the running world (such as his appearance on Pardon My Take). The kind of runner you want to crack a fresh brew with.

Craig Engels on Pardon My Take podcast
Via Pardon My Take on YouTube

Shoe of the Year

If I learned anything from making videos this year, it’s that people care the most about my shoe reviews. So that’s why I saved this category for last in The 2021 Fresh Brew Awards. The 2021 Fresh Brew Run Club Shoe of the Year goes to the Nike ZoomX Invincible. I’ve made a bunch of videos about this shoe, so check those out for my full thoughts, but overall, I loved running in this shoe. From the massive foam cushioning, to the rocking motion when you run to the durability, this shoe has been with me for a majority of my runs this season. I dare say it has surpassed the Nike Pegasus Turbo as my all-time favorite shoe. Here’s to you, Invincible!

Thanks for reading the 2021 Fresh Brew Awards! If you haven’t subscribed to my YouTube channel, be sure to do that for more running-related content. Happy trails!

Nike ZoomX Invincible Review – First Reaction

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My review of the Nike ZoomX Invincible after one run

When I first saw the Nike ZoomX Invincible, I wasn’t sure what the point of it was. Nike already has the Infinity React, a shoe designed to prevent injuries as well as the Miler React. But as time went on, it was clear that this shoe was different. Sitting on a near mountain of ZoomX foam, this shoe was a departure from the more recent React-heavy releases in Nike’s running lineup. Now, the real test of a shoe is after at least 100 miles, so things could change (and I will make another video at that point), but initially I was very impressed.

Check out my full video review below:

Nike ZoomX Invincible First Impression

Pulling these shoes out of the box, the first thing that struck me was the size of these shoes. There’s just a ton of foam and materials on them. However, when I picked them up, they seemed lighter than they look, which is probably a result of the lightweight ZoomX foam. The outsole features a single piece of cleated rubber with two pieces of rubber at the toe and heel of the shoe. The midsole is made of Flyknit, but the material seems like a slight departure from Flyknit I’ve seen in the past. It feels like a tighter weave or something. The tongue is moderately padded, and the heel collar is heavily padded, including padding on the outside, which seems like an unnecessary addition.

First run reactions

For my first run, I ran four miles at a relatively easy pace. I planned to run at 8:30, but I ended up in the 8:15 range, because I kept catching myself running faster than my goal pace without realizing it. The first thing I noticed was the cushion. You really can feel a huge difference between this shoe and others, even other shoes with ZoomX like the Pegasus Turbo. I also immediately noticed that when I landed and pushed off, the shoe almost assisted in rolling from heel/midfoot to the toe. It reminded me of the Nike Vaporfly, which relies on a carbon fiber plate to “spring” you forward. I’m not sure how long the Invincible will be able to do this, with the pliable foam, but it was noticeable right from the start of my run.

Nike ZoomX Invincible
Nike ZoomX Invicible

I’ve also had some knee soreness lately, but I didn’t feel any on my run. Could be the result of a small sample size of one run, but these at least didn’t hurt my knee. After reviewing the slow motion footage, however, I did notice a decent amount of lateral (side to side) flexing in the shoe, especially when I go around corners. This leads me to believe this might not be the next great stability running shoe. Something to keep an eye on.

Is the Nike ZoomX Invincible true to size?

The short answer is yes. I am a size 10, and this shoe feels great in a size 10. With running shoes, it is often recommended that you buy a size up, but that’s not needed here; the toe box is roomy enough to handle long runs where your feet expand. The padded heel collar hugs your ankles and can be tightened with the laces.

What is the Nike ZoomX Invincible for?

This shoe is definitely something you want to take on your long runs. It is a little on the heavier side, so I wouldn’t recommend using this as a racing shoe or for speed workouts, but it didn’t feel like a brick on my feet. Any issues with the weight of the shoe will be quickly forgotten when you feel the amount of cushion this shoe offers.

ZoomX Invincible Pros

  • Incredible cushion is unlike most running shoes. Super comfy.
  • Toe construction helps the foot “roll” into your push off.
  • Comfortable heel collar provides heel lockdown.
  • True to size.

ZoomX Invincible Cons

  • Price – At $180 retail, this is a very expensive shoe.
  • Durability questions – while I only ran in this once, I have some concerns that this might not hold up as long as my Nike React Miler. The ZoomX foam is super soft, and unclear what will happen after 300 miles.
  • Design – For the price of this shoe, I find the initial colorways kind of boring. Not ugly, but nothing that’s going to turn heads, especially compared to the Alphafly, Vaporfly and Zoom Fly. Would love to see something a little bolder.

First run verdict

Overall, I loved my first run in these shoes. They offered a level of cushion I haven’t felt before, even with the old Asics Gel Nimbus. I simply had a lot of fun running in them, and I’m already excited for my next run. It will be interesting to see how the ZoomX foam holds up after a few hundred miles, but I will be sure to provide an updated review of the Nike ZoomX Invincible. Don’t forget to subscribe to the FBRC YouTube channel so you don’t miss out!

Nike Zoom Fly 4 Official Images

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Official Images of the Nike Zoom Fly 4

The first real look at the upcoming Nike Zoom Fly 4 has arrived. Check out these official images below:

Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4

Check out this first look at the Nike Zoom Fly 4

Nike’s popular Zoom Fly 3 has been in the market for a while now, and now a first look at the Zoom Fly 4 has surfaced, via the Twitter account Rolows_13. Check the first images below:

Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4

What is this shoe for?

The Zoom Fly 3 was Nike’s more affordable version of the Next%. While both the Zoom Fly and Nike’s higher end VaporFly and AlphaFly feature a carbon fiber plate, the Zoom Fly features the more dense React foam, instead of the lighter and bouncier ZoomX foam. If you don’t feel like shelling out $200+, this shoe is a fantastic option in the carbon fiber plate category. The shoe is built for speed, but also is durable enough to handle workouts outside of road races.

Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4

Zoom Fly 3 vs. Zoom Fly 4

The new version of the Zoom Fly retains the carbon fiber plate and the React foam midsole, which are key elements of the previous version. The new version features a breathable mesh upper, which looks like an upgrade from the previous shoe, which had a more solid upper. There is also a new Flyknit cuff, which should be a lightweight way to provide a little heel (or ankle) lock. The Zoom Fly 4 also features a personal favorite of mine, a heel tab to help get the shoe on. The previous model did not feature a heel tab, which can make it harder to get the shoe on.

Nike Zoom Fly 4
Nike Zoom Fly 4

Zoom Fly 4 Release Date

The previous Zoom Fly 3 came out in fall of 2019 (otherwise known as “The Before Times”), so I’d expect to see the Zoom Fly 4 late summer or early fall, just in time (hopefully) for in person road race season. I’ll post updates as I see them

What are tour thoughts on the first look at the Nike Zoom Fly 4? Leave a comment below!

Nike Pegasus 38 Official Images

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Official Images of the Nike Pegasus 38

NikeTalk user TC1900 posted new official images of the upcoming Nike Pegasus 38. What are your thoughts?

Nike Pegasus 38
Nike Pegasus 38
Nike Pegasus 38
Nike Pegasus 38
Nike Pegasus 38

Here’s a first look at the Nike Pegasus 38

The Nike Pegasus 38 is the next iteration of one of Nike’s most popular running shoes. After a significant refresh with the Pegasus 37, the 38 is poised to build on that solid base without many major changes. The midsole looks to be the same, with updates to the upper.

Thanks to the Twitter account Rolows_13, we have an initial image of the shoe:

Nike Pegasus 38
Image via @Rolows_13

Redesigned Upper

Based in the leaked image, the midsole appears to be the same as the Pegasus 37, but there does appear to be a new upper. The 37 had a full mesh material on the upper, but the 38 appears to have several different materials. The Swoosh is bigger and it looks like there might be some reflective elements on the updated version.

Release Date

According to Nike, “The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38 releases to Nike Members April 15 in Europe, April 22 in North America and April 29 globally.”

Reactions

Some of the initial reactions from LetsRun.com were mixed:

“I like my 37 so have a good feeling about these ones” -fwnvbjkbjsd

“I don’t see the point in it myself. It is good for long slow runs but nothing else. The boston and even reebok shoes are far better (and much lighter).” -ozzyosbournesdentures

“I don’t get what they’re doing with that heel. On my Peg 37s with about 350 miles, the last 2cm or so of the heel looks untouched. There’s a decent amount of foam in the rear of the shoe that seems completely unnecessary. It’s just extra weight.” -shuffleshuffle

Click here for more shoe reviews.

Check out the Fresh Brew Run Club on YouTube.

FIRST LOOK: Nike Alphafly Ekiden

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First look at the Nike Alphafly Ekiden colorway, via Protosofthegram on Instagram.

Nike Alphafly Ekiden
Nike Alphafly Ekiden Colorway

Another flashy addition to the Alphafly lineup. No release date specified, stay tuned for updates!

What do you think of this colorway? Drop a comment!

Nike React Miler – 200 Mile Review

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200 miles later, the Nike React Miler remains a rock-solid everyday trainer.

Nike React Miler review
Processed with VSCO with a5 preset

Earlier this year, I reviewed the Nike React Miler after one run. After 35 runs and 202 miles, here’s my thoughts on this shoe.

I used this shoe for my easy runs and recovery runs, to take advantage of the stability and cushion when speed was not the main goal.

Pros of the Nike React Miler

Comfort is the name of the game. This was a great fit for my runs when I needed something to protect my sore feet from the pavement. There’s a lot of material between the road and your feet, and the upper locks in nicely around your foot to provide lots of stability.

This is a also a very durable shoe. Like I mentioned in my initial review, this shoe is built like a tank, with tons of cushion and a very durable upper. After runs on concrete, dirt, asphalt and grass, the upper shows almost no signs of wear.

Nike React Miler review
Nike React Miler

The outsole held up very nicely as well. Since I used this shoe on my slower runs, my heelstrike was magnified, and I have begun to wear down the heel and forefoot rubber. However, I don’t feel like the shoe is comprimised at this point, and has a lot of life left. I only noticed a few areas where the react foam had creased, which is a big contrast to other Nikes that tend to crease and eventually crumble at those stress points.

Initial signs of wear from my heelstrike

Cons of the Nike React Miler

In order to remain durable, the shoe is pretty heavy. If you’re looking for a trainer to set a PR or run speed workouts, maybe look for something with a little less mass. The materials on the upper are also not super breathable, which can result in some sweaty feet on hot days.

It’s not the lightest shoe in the world.

Verdict

I’m a huge fan of this shoe. It didn’t recive the typical Nike marketing push, but I found the Miler to be a rock-solid shoe for tackling long, easy and recovery runs. It’s a little on the heavier side, which might actually be an advantage if you rotate in a faster shoe for faster runs. Almost like baseball players taking practice swings with a donut weight on their bat before swinging the lighter, weight-free bat in the game.

Nike React Miler review

The durability of the shoe makes it agreat investment. I have no doubt that I will be able to get 400+ miles out of the shoe before I need to retire it. It’s just a solid shoe. And since it’s has been out for a while now, you can find some fantastic deals.

Overall, if you’re looking for a comfortable, stable shoe and you’re not concerned as much about speed, I highly recommend the Nike React Miler.