Shoe Review: Nike ZoomX Invincible
THE BUZZ
The Nike ZoomX Invincible can probably be considered Nike’s first modern max cushioned training shoe. (Remember, Nike invented that category with the Air Max shoes in the late 1980s!)
It’s a light, soft and responsive premium daily training with copious amounts of midsole cushioning and a wide, exaggerated shape in the forefoot for added stability.
It’s definitely one of the best training shoes for Spring/Summer 2021.
WHAT'S NEW
Although the ZoomX foam isn’t new — it’s also in the top-tier Nike Vaporfly Next% racer — everything else about this shoe is new. Even without the carbon-fiber plate of its race-day cousin, there’s nothing quite like the feel and ride of this shoe’s thick layer of Zoom X super foam. The sock-like upper and reliable outsole round out this incredible high-mileage trainer.
With a rocker shape to the midsole platform, the ZoomX foam provides support for the three phases of a runner's stride. It offers flexibility when your foot rises off the ground. It has a smooth ride when your foot is moving forward and cushioning at ground contact.
Despite the marshmallowy soft midsole, the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is very stable. To combat any feeling of instability, Nike made two sections on the outside of the forefoot bulge out. This creates a very wide, stable base.
The ZoomX Invincible weighs in at about 9.5 oz. for a men’s size 9 (and 7.6 oz. for a women’s size 7). However, it actually feels much lighter, almost like a performance trainer. Thanks to the bounciness of the ZoomX foam, it’s one of those shoes that runs lighter than its spec weight. It is also lighter than how it feels in your hand before you put it on.
FIT, FEEL, RIDE
The ZoomX Invincible fits true to size in an athletic/snug way that is similar to how other Nike shoes fit. It also has just enough room in the forefoot to allow toes to splay.
The step-in feel is luxurious, with plush padding all around. It has a gusseted tongue to create a bootie construction that contributes to the secure, locked-down fit. The ride is buttery soft, smooth and somewhat bouncy, starting with a very cushy feeling at the moment your foot hits the ground.
Then there’s an energetic sensation. This allows it to easily roll through the midstance phase of a stride to the extra-wide forefoot for a feeling of stability as it enters the toe-off phase.
There’s not as much “feel” for the ground as some less-cushioned training shoes, but the excess cushioning doesn’t make it feel bulky or heavy. It feels light, bouncy, flexible and free.
WHO IT'S BEST FOR
Runners who appreciate soft, max-cushioned shoes will love the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit. It’s accommodating and comfortable at slower to moderate speeds and light and springy enough for running up-tempo paces.
It’s not a speed burner or a fast race-day shoe, but it can handle long runs with aplomb. All runners will love it for the forgiving, comfortable and energetic ride.
PROS: NIKE ZOOMX INVINCIBLE
The evolved Flyknit upper is strong, durable and fits like a stretchy sock, keeping your foot secure with every stride. It has high-breathability zones where your feet heat up the most.
ZoomX foam might not be as durable as other midsole materials. However, our wear-testers didn’t find any signs of wear and tear after about 100 miles of running in this shoe. The full-length rubber outsole and the smooth ride of this shoe should allow it to last for 400 miles or more.
The flexible, full-length rubber outsole has an array of miniature knobby lugs that grip the ground well and add both a touch of softness and spring in every stride. It doesn’t have any flex grooves like a lot of other shoes, but that doesn’t seem to inhibit the ride because the layer of rubber is so thin.
CONS: NIKE ZOOMX INVINCIBLE
The tongue is well-padded but a little too short so it tends to slide slightly downwards during runs. But otherwise, the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is a top-notch shoe.
TECH SPECS
SHOP NIKE ZOOMX INVINCIBLE
