In this product guide:
- 1. Affordable everyday trainer: Nike Winflo 11
- 2. Affordable tempo trainer: Nike Zoom Rival 4
- 3. Affordable everyday trainer: Nike Downshifter 13
- 4. Affordable everyday trainer: Nike Revolution 7
- 5. Affordable flexible trainer: Nike Flex Experience RN 12
- 6. Affordable everyday trainer: Nike Interact Run
- 7. Affordable trail-road hybrid: Nike Juniper Trail 3
- 8. Affordable sneaker: Nike Tanjun
Not long ago, the Nike Winflo used to be a $90 running shoe. Times have changed, and so has the price. At the time of writing this review, the Winflo retails for $105. It often sells for less than the advertised price, but that’s besides the point.
So is the price hike justified? To some extent, yes. The Winflo 11 is a higher quality version of the legacy models (Winflo 8 and earlier). The midsole now has a full-length Air bag (the earlier versions had a single Zoom Air bag) for cushioning consistency. The Cushlon midsole (a type of EVA foam) is softer and taller than before to improve ride comfort.
A rubber outsole provides full coverage for consistent grip from the heel to toe.
The knit upper is inspired by the Nike Pegasus 41, so we get similar features like a midfoot strapping system and padded interiors. Even the last is the same (MR-10) as the Pegasus, so the Winflo 11 has a true-to-size fit with a snug forefoot. This model also sells in an extra-wide size.
As a running shoe, the Winflo 11 delivers daily comfort across a wide range of speeds. It may not be a fast shoe, but it doesn’t struggle at 4:30 min/km (7:00 min/mile) paces either. The EVA midsole and Air bag add enough cushioning in the tank to last a 10K.
The Zoom Rival 4 is Nike’s most underrated running shoe by far. Unlike most of the shoes on this guide, the Rival isn’t an everyday trainer, but a speed training shoe. It also offers better value than competing products like the adidas adizero SL and Asics Hyper Speed 4.
This is a lightweight trainer to do your tempo runs, intervals, and 5K races in. The lightweight build (258 gm, 9.1 oz), plastic midfoot shank, and forefoot Zoom air work together to deliver speed-friendly cushioning.
The Cushlon EVA foam midsole adds comfort for up to a 10K distance. The stiff Zoom Air bag and rubber outsole make the forefoot transitions quick and grippy.
There’s a reason why the shoe looks familiar. The design is strongly influenced by the Zoom Fly 6 and upcoming Vaporfly 4. Outsole rubber is applied sparingly to reduce weight, and the midfoot window exposes the plastic shank.
The upper gets the racing shoe treatment. A minimally-padded racing tongue is attached to a lightweight and breathable mesh upper. The heel gets a padded collar for comfortable lock-down.
On the arch side, the mesh upper is reinforced with a midfoot band and fused forefoot overlay. The midfoot band secures the fit by being a part of the lacing system.
16 years ago, the Downshifter was a part of the original affordable shoe squad along with the Nike Dart, its then partner-in-crime.
The shoe is still going strong because it is an excellent value proposition for $75. When discounted, it’s even better value.
You don’t get fancy cushioning or upper tech at this price, but the shoe gets its basics right.
A single-density EVA midsole over a segmented rubber outsole delivers above-average levels of ride comfort and transition. Unlike the Winflo, there’s no Nike Air bag inside the midsole.
The ride feels ‘flat’ when compared to Nike running shoes with superior cushioning tech. We recommend the Downshifter to be used for shorter daily runs under 10K.
The upper is nearly all mesh for breathable and secure comfort; fused reinforcement adds durability and structural support to the upper.
Like the Pegasus and Winflo, the strap-based midfoot offers quick and effective lacing. An extra-wide width is an optional buy.
Also see: The Nike Quest 6.
The Revolution 7 is a basic running shoe, yet completely functional. The Infinity RN-inspired EVA foam midsole makes it a budget running shoe for easy runs and casual wear. At $70, this shoe is the price of entry into Nike running.
Nike hasn’t compromised on outsole coverage. The Revolution 7 has a single-piece rubber outsole that provides better traction and durability than a comparable all-foam design.
The die-cut foam insole is non-removable to keep the costs low.
The mesh and fused overlay upper is pretty basic and at par for the price. The fit is true-to-size with a low toe-box ceiling. Do note, Nike doesn’t sell an extra wide for this model.
It is also available in a ‘Easy On’ version that is easier to take on and off. The Easy on variant replaces the standard laces with a bungee and toggle system.
The Flex Experience 12 is inspired by the Nike Free, a running shoe with an ultra-flexible midsole.
We used the word ‘inspired’, because the $75 Flex Experience 12 is a toned-down version of the Nike Free. Unlike the latter, only the forefoot has deep grooves. The rearfoot has a solid midsole for better stability under the heel. A few years ago, the Flex Experience 10 had a flexible heel midsole.
The all-foam monosole (there’s no outsole here) has deep flex grooves in a side-to-side configuration for generous flexibility.
Though the outsole lacks rubber lugs, the traction is decent – except on slimy and dusty surfaces.
We love how the upper fit and feel complements the flexible character of the midsole. The heel counter is collapsible, and there aren’t any stiff overlays. As a result, the soft upper has a near seamless and secure fit.
The Interact Run may not deliver better performance than say, the Downshifter 13, but it is the best looker under $100.
As for the ride quality, there’s not much to write about. An injection-molded EVA foam midsole delivers firm cushioning for short workouts.
There are no high-tech bits like Nike Air, React, or even a removable footbed. In other words, the cushioning set-up is pretty basic. The Interact is good for short everyday runs, but it has limited utility beyond that.
The Flyknit upper makes up for the midsole’s shortcomings. This is a very attractive $85 shoe; not only does the Flyknit upper boost aesthetics, but it also delivers a functional fit. While not stretchy, the forefoot is more accommodating than other budget shoes like the Revolution 7.
Not all of the upper is made of Flyknit mesh; a padded tongue and heel add interior comfort.
The Juniper Trail 3 is a watered-down Pegasus Trail. Like the latter, it has a road-friendly outsole made of the ATC (All Terrain Compound) rubber.
The articulated outsole allows it to flex with the midsole to reduce stiffness. The lugs are shallow, so the Juniper Trail 3 isn’t meant for serious trail runs. A rock plate is absent too. All being said, the Juniper Trail 3 offers great value for its $90 price.
The EVA foam midsole makes running on roads and mild trails comfortable, but don’t expect a lot of under-foot protection.
The upper is relatively better protected, as it benefits from Pegasus Trail-inspired features.
The rubber outsole forms a protective toe bumper, and the upper has a reinforced toe-box and midfoot. A padded tongue and heel collar add secure comfort.
The Nike Tanjun puts the ‘keep-it-simple’ design principle into practice.
A breathable mesh upper and comfortable lining materials do most of the work, and there’s even a fully functional lacing system.
An EVA foam mono-sole adds to the clutter-free charm of the Tanjun and produces a functional yet lightweight cushioning character. Its $70 price tag makes it a great buy – as long as the Tanjun is limited to low-impact activities.