The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run is what I like to call a “social media shoe.” While Nike isn’t the only brand, it is notorious for putting a lot of good marketing into a single shoe. They convince you it’s “the best shoe” for everyone and then, in turn, you want to buy it immediately. Don’t get me wrong, the Invincible Run is a good shoe…but is it the best for everyone? No. No shoe is.
More of my emails come from these “social media shoes” versus the boring regular day-to-day trainers.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Intro:
The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run uses the “ZoomX” super foam. According to Nike, it’s the lightest, most responsive, bounciest foam ever created. Many runners have wanted a 100% ZoomX midsole shoe and without the carbon fiber plate (which jacks up the price).
Of any of the Nike shoes, I don’t necessarily think the Invincible Run is their best-looking shoe. When I first saw it, I was like, “that”?? That is what everyone wants? Ok.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Quick Stats:
Weight: 8.9 oz
Heel to toe Drop: 9 mm
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Fit:
The fit of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run is wider than a lot of Nike shoes. Nike uses flyknit, which conforms to your foot. Sometimes the flyknit is entirely too tight, and it feels like it’s suffocating my feet. The flyknit of the Invincible Run almost feels more like an engineered mesh with stretch. It’s fairly breathable, but it feels sloppy once it gets wet (from rain or sweat).
The laces and tongue are fine. I prefer both to be unnoticeable, and if they don’t annoy me, they are good. Both the tongue and the laces stay in place. The tongue is padded, and the laces are shorter but not too short.
The heel counter is softer and more padded than many Nike shoes. It definitely feels premium.
Typically in women’s shoes, I wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I’ve found the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run size 11 to fit the best. The midfoot feels secure, and there is plenty of room in the toebox.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Ride:
I knew the Invincible Run would be soft, but I wasn’t expecting to be that soft. It’s one of the softest shoes I’ve run in over the last several years. If you are looking for a responsive ride, this isn’t it. Your foot feels like it’s sinking into the shoe more than any Hoka shoe I’ve tried.
Despite being a marshmallow under your foot, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run compresses and springs back faster than most shoes. You don’t feel as though your foot is being swallowed alive by cushioning.
Nike has also worked hard to make the Invincible Run stable with a wider platform. You can see how wide the base is! It doesn’t have a “stability piece,” but it will be inherently stable with the wider platform.
I was surprised for such a maximum cushioned shoe; the ZoomX Invincible Run responded well to several different paces. I’ve now run easy runs, hard runs, tempo runs, and a few workouts. I’ve found it is best for faster, longer days. I like the extra cushion, but I like that it can respond well to faster workouts. I wouldn’t use it for track workouts, and workouts I’m going more than 80%.
One thing to note about the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run is it’s a fair-weather shoe. The softer midsole makes it suspectable to rocks going straight through the bottom of the sole (so the trails will wreak havoc on them). Plus, it doesn’t grip the ground as well as many brands on inclement days. I didn’t love it when running in the pouring rain or icy days. If it’s a fair-weather, flat easy road? Then it’s great. All of this to say, it’s a delicate shoe.
Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Conclusion:
The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run definitely feels “different” to run in. At $160, it’s hard to justify a noncarbon-plated shoe. Why not go with the cheaper Nike Pegasus or Nike Vomero? Or for $40 more, get the carbon-plated Nike Tempo? The Invincible Run is a fun shoe that is responsive but with a lot of cushion. There isn’t really a shoe that is similar out on the market today. One thing to keep in mind is unless you live in a very temperate environment with no weather and perfect roads, you should probably have a second shoe. The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run doesn’t respond well to rocks and weather. In all, I’m surprised with how much I like the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run, and I’ll keep it in my rotation.
My Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance, Brooks Glycerin 18, Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Diadora Mythos Blushield Volo, Brooks Ricochet 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.
Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,
Long Runs: Nike ZoomX Invincible Run, Hoka Clifton Edge, Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3
Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 11, North Face Flight VECTIV
Races: adidas Adizero Pro, Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%, Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Have you tried the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run?
What is your current favorite shoe?