Did you know the Nike offers 83 different styles of running shoes? Most of you probably don’t have the time (or money or energy) to test them all yourself. No worries. That’s where we come in. We’ve recruited a team of trialers to give you the inside scoop on a variety of Nike running shoe styles available to you.
This month’s shoe reviews feature two male trialers who compared and contrasted the Air Structure Triax+ 11 as well as three female trialers who reviewed the Air Pegasus+ 25, the Air Zoom Elite+ 4 and the Air Span+ 5. Keep reading to see what each of them had to say.
Do you have additional questions about Nike running shoes? Ask an expert here!
MEN’S AIR STRUCTURE TRIAX+ 11: TRIALER #1
Trialer: I am a male who runs approximately 30 miles per week, mostly on the road.
What three features are most important for you in a running shoe?
Comfort (I need a big toebox), lightweight and style.
What were your initial thoughts after trying it on?
Initially, the forefoot fit seemed tighter than with my regular shoe, especially around the ball of my foot. My toes had less “wiggle room” than I prefer as well. Length felt fine. The heel fit was tighter than I prefer, but provided a good sense of grip and support. Just perhaps too much grip. Overall, I’m not sure if I got a half size too small for my feet. Cushioning was supportive and very comfortable, but snugger than I am used to so I was concerned that I might get blisters. Fit was looser without socks, but this is not my normal running style.
What did you think of the fit and feel after your first run? After several runs?
My first run impression was the same as my impression after several runs–the feel was nice and supportive, both medial (front-to-back) and lateral (side-to-side). I loosened up the shoelaces and the overall feeling of tightness improved, but they were still tighter than I was used to. After my longest run (8 miles) there was some chafing at the back of my heel that would have ultimately blistered on a longer run–this sometimes happens with new shoes, but I think that I probably need a half size bigger.
Is the cushioning adequate? In the right places?
Yes, cushioning was good and properly located and had good road feel, but not too much that I felt that I was being overwhelmed. The “tongue” felt too cushion-y for me, but that’s not really too relevant or important for the overall comfort of the shoe.
What about stability?
I need a stability shoe, and this seemed like it was very stable. I would have had to do a series of long runs over several weeks to truly test it, but I did not feel any sort of shin splints/plantar fasciitis (which is where instability typically shows up on my body) after 10 days of usage.
What is your favorite feature of the shoe?
It was lightweight for the stability it provided. I also liked the graphics and the overall look.
Is there something you would change about it?
Overall narrow sizing– I would size up by a half to a full size to get the proper fit.
How does it compare to the shoe you normally run in?
I have run in my current shoe for three years and am a huge fan, so I’ve got a pre-existing bias that may be unfair. The Nike shoe was comfortable, but too tight in the heel, and I would be concerned that on a hot day (where my feet swell even more) that the toebox would have been too constraining also.
Would you recommend this shoe to a fellow runner or friend?
It’s a well-constructed and well-padded shoe with good style, so I would recommend that a runner/friend at least try this shoe on and compare to other shoes. The narrow fit may not have been appropriate for my feet, but the shoe certainly seemed well-built and worth a trial.
Shop the Air Structure Triax+ 11 on NikeStore.com.
MEN’S AIR STRUCTURE TRIAX+ 11: TRIALER #2
Trialer: I am a male who runs approximately 25-40 miles per week, mainly on the road.
What three features are most important for you in a running shoe?
Fit, support and weight.
What were your initial thoughts after trying it on?
My initial thought was that the shoe felt just right. For the forefoot, I liked the width and height of the toebox. It was roomy, but not so roomy that I was worried that my foot might bounce around too much. As for the length, I can honestly say that these shoes are the the best fitting pair of size 6.5 running shoes I have EVER put on. The heel fit was exceptional. The back half of the shoe felt the most well-fitted for my foot. As for the overall fit, I’m reluctant to say it, but they were almost a perfect fit. I felt like they were custom-made for my feet!
What did you think of the fit and feel after your first run? After several runs?
The first thing I told my friends after finishing a run in the shoes was the I felt like I had already logged 25+ miles in them. They did not require breaking-in whatsoever. (How do you do that, Nike?) I think that was one of the best features of the shoe–they felt like MY shoes not NEW shoes from run #1.
Is the cushioning adequate? In the right places?
The cushioning was great. The back two-thirds of the shoe had perfect cushioning. I might add a little more in the front one-third, under the toebox. It wasn’t really bothersome though.
What about stability?
I have been running in my current shoe for almost two years now and have always been happy with the level of stability in that shoe. I would say the Nike pair I tested were equally satisfactory in the stability department. I think the shoes provided just enough– any more and I would worry about them getting too stiff or heavy and any less I would be concerned about being more injury-prone by running in them all the time.
What is your favorite feature of the shoe?
Oh man, it’s hard to pick one. If I had to chose between the fit and the ‘broken-in’ feeling, I’d say the latter. There’s nothing like putting on a new pair of running shoes and not feeling like you have stiff bricks on your feet.
Is there something you would change about it?
The top of the toe box was REALLY ventilated. I ran in the cold and my toes got chilly. This has never happened to me with other shoes.
How does it compare to the shoe you normally run in?
-Broke them in faster
-More stiffness/structure in the midfoot to heel area. My feet felt more kept in place than my current shoe.
-Not as cushioned in the front, but not to a bothersome extent.
Would you recommend this shoe to a fellow runner or friend?
ABSOLUTELY. I think this might be my new permanent shoe! Loved ‘em!
*Note- I was a plantar fasciitis sufferer in 2007 and have run in custom-made orthotics ever since, regardless of what running shoe I wore. I only ran in the Nike’s with my orthotics.
Think the Air Structure Triax+ 11 is for a good shoe for you too? Find it on NikeStore.com.
WOMEN’S PEGASUS+ 25
Trialer: I am female who runs about 10-15 miles per week, mainly on a mix of roads and trails.
What three features are most important for you in a running shoe?
1) snug fit
2) adequate cushioning
3) Nike+ ready
What were your initial thoughts after trying it on?
The forefoot felt a little too tight. It seemed as if my toes were being squeezed and squished. The length offered the perfect amount of snugness…not too tight. The heel fit was great as well. Overall, I think the fit is pretty good. The only complaint I have is that the forefoot fit is tighter than I would like.
What did you think of the fit and feel after your first run? After several runs?
The first time I tried out the shoes, I ran 5 miles easily, without any pain of breaking in new shoes. The shoes had the perfect amount of cushioning, enough to keep my feet feeling comfortable after almost an hour of running. I prefer a tighter fit, and the shoes were very snug. However, the only downside was that the forefoot fit was a little tighter than I would have liked. But after running and walking several miles in the shoes, I liked the fit, the cushioning and appreciated how breathable they were.
Is the cushioning adequate? In the right places?
Yes, the cushioning was the perfect amount, not overly cushioned, but enough to keep my feet feeling good after running over 10 miles.
What about stability?
I thought the stability was good, providing the right amount of support for my foot.
What is your favorite feature of the shoe?
I had a couple of favorite features. Overall, I thought the fit was great with just the right amount of snugness. The shoes were also very lightweight, which made it easier to keep going during my long runs.
Is there something you would change about it?
I would like it if the forefoot fit was a little bit looser.
How does it compare to the shoe you normally run in?
I actually ended up liking this shoe better than the one I have been running in lately. I felt like it offered the right amount of support with excellent cushioning and I appreciated the snug fit.
Would you recommend this shoe to a fellow runner or friend?
Yes, I can see why it’s such a popular shoe among runners!
Check out the Air Pegasus+ 25 on NikeStore.com.
WOMEN’S AIR ZOOM ELITE+ 4
Trialer: I am female who runs approximately 30 miles per week, mainly on the roads.
What three features are most important for you in a running shoe?
Cushioning, stability and durability.
What were your initial thoughts after trying on the shoe?
The forefoot felt pretty narrow, and I have narrow feet! It stretched out after a few long runs though (10 miles +). The length felt a bit smaller than I thought a 9 should be. I’ve worn a 9 in other brands and my toes did not brush up against the toe of the shoe as it did with the Air Span. The heel fit seemed, oddly enough, a bit loose. Definitely a little too wide. When I tried to tighten the laces, however, the top of the shoe fit too tightly. Overall though, the fit was pretty good. (I have not run in Nike shoes in about 10 years.)
What did you think of the fit and feel after your first run?
During the first run, all I could think about was that the solid silver panel at the very forefoot of the shoe kept rubbing against my toes which was kind of annoying. Also, the shoes were heavier than I was used to wearing, but I actually grew to like that feeling during the run. After several runs, the shoes finally felt like they were ‘stretching’ out to fit my foot. A 9½ though would be too big on me. I felt like I needed longer laces as well; I couldn’t tie up the shoes as tightly as I normally would without the shoes becoming too constricted.
Is the cushioning adequate?
I think the cushioning was good, but could use more in the forefoot.
What about stability?
Stability was very good.
What is your favorite feature of the shoe?
I like the individual treads on the base of the forefoot. I wear out shoes pretty quickly, and I liked that I wouldn’t necessarily wear out as large of a piece of the base as I normally would.
Is there something you would change about it?
Kind of specific: make it 1/8” wider in the forefoot on either side, an 1/8” longer and a narrower heel cup (10-15%).
How does it compare to the shoe you normally run in?
Heavier and narrower. More supportive.
Would you recommend this shoe to a fellow runner or friend?
Sure. It seems to be a good stability shoe, but definitely needs to be “broken” in.
Find out more about the Air Zoom Elite+ 4 on NikeStore.com.
WOMEN’S AIR SPAN+ 5
Trialer: I am a female and run approximately 25-30 miles per week, mostly on the roads.
What three features are most important for you in a running shoe?
1) Comfort- fit around my toes, lack of blisters, etc
2) Stability- I pronate inward so I need something to control that.
3) Weight- I don’t want something too heavy that feels like it is dragging me down.
What were your initial thoughts after trying it on?
Forefoot fit – I thought this was just right. I like a lot of space in the forefoot because I tend to get black toenails, and this gave me exactly that. I have fairly narrow feet, so it was perfect for me and I wasn’t swimming in them. Also, there was some cushioning underneath the forefoot that I am not used to, but definitely enjoyed!
Length fit – This was just right. I was about 1 size bigger than my dress shoe size.
Heel fit – Perfect. I have had some problems with rubbing and blisters in the heel and these did not give me any problems.
Overall fit – Just right! Very cushion-y and light, hopefully giving me enough stability so that I don’t have any knee pain (I don’t have any yet!).
What did you think of the fit and feel after your first run? After several runs?
When I first put them on, I felt they had much more cushion than my regular sneakers, almost like I was running on a cloud! They felt great after my run, and I had no problems. After several runs, I still have yet to develop any blisters or any pain, and they still feel like great on. They also continue to feel very light, much more so than my regular sneakers.
Is the cushioning adequate?
Absolutely.
What about stability? Did the shoe provide enough? Too much?
This is the one point I am not sure on. I believe it is a “mild stability shoe”, and I think I am more of a “moderate” pronator. I have not had any problems yet, so I hope that continues!
What is your favorite feature of the shoe?
The cushioning! I have never had that much cushion in a “stability” shoe.
Is there something you would change about it?
Add a tad bit more stability- just in case.
How does it compare to the shoe you normally run in?
It is much more comfortable than my current sneakers. I recently switched sneakers because my old model was discontinued. Since doing that, I have had black toenails and blisters because of where the sneaker rubbed. This shoe alleviated all of that and was much more comfortable!
Would you recommend this shoe to a fellow runner or friend?
Yes!
Buy the Air Span+ 5 on NikeStore.com.
