Nike Invincible 3: Is This The Right Road Running Shoe for You?
Nike
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Key Features:
- Weight: 10.9 ounces (men’s size 9), 9.1 ounces (women’s size 9)
- Arch type and support: Stability shoe (best for overpronators), high support
- Terrain: Road, track, treadmill
- Material: ZoomX midsole, Flyknit upper
- Distance: Good for all distances
- Use: Running, walking
- Price: $180
While sleep, recovery and nutrition (including supplements), are all integral to effective training and racing, there's arguably nothing quite as important as a good pair of running shoes. Though Nike is known for its innovation in top tier race-day gear, Nike’s newest project—the Nike Invincible 3—is not a racing shoe. In fact, this particular model has no carbon plates or aggressive rockers to be found. This time, the focus is on every runner’s second biggest priority to speed—comfort. This is a max cushion model, dubbed Nike’s most cushioned model to date. But if you're thinking that this shoe is just an upper with a chunk of memory foam glued on, you are sorely mistaken.
The foam used in the midsole of this shoe is Nike’s ZoomX foam, typically found in their racing models. The use of this foam does make the shoe a bit pricey—$180—but it also has incredible spring, energy return and durability.
If you aren’t sure what to look for in a shoe, or if this one is the right model for you, keep reading to find out what we love about the shoe, where it could improve and if it might be the right fit for you. We highlighted all our favorite features and researched what customers had to say about the shoe to get some firsthand perspective.
Design
Nike shoes are known for their sleek and elevated designs, which makes any pair you pick up not only feel good, but look good, too. This model definitely has a bulkier profile than some other high-cushion running shoes out there—excluding Hokas of course—but this gives it an incredibly bouncy and responsive feel that's worth a little extra height. It uses Nike’s ZoomX foam which can be found in racing shoes like the AlphaFly and Vaporfly Next%, and while this shoe doesn’t have the carbon plate found in those two models, it does get an extra dose of responsiveness from the foam alone. Unlike many cushioned shoes that can feel a bit like a slog as the miles go on, this one keeps you feeling light on your feet.
It also features a Flyknit upper, which is a durable—but lightweight—material that works to keep your feet securely in place while also allowing them to breathe and stay cool. Because of this, it's a great option for those who feel their feet overheating when they run, or for keeping cool in the summer. While they don’t come in wide, it is available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
While this model is designed for the road, it can actually hold up on some uneven terrain—think cinders, gravel, grass or dirt trails—thanks to a grippy, textured outsole. The flared forefoot and heel also help to give you some more stability on shifty ground, so these are great if you have a diverse set of training surfaces. (That said, these are not trail running shoes, so if you're wanting something a bit more rugged, check out these trail running shoes.)
Running and Walking in the Invincible 3
Though this may be marketed as a running shoe, it's a great option for walkers looking for some extra cushion, as well. This is an intensely cushioned shoe, so it is ideal for those who may be looking for some extra joint protection or just a comfortable running or walking shoe. Since treadmills can be particularly tough on the legs and joints, this is a great option for your virtual workouts, too.
Unlike many comfy, high cushioned shoes, this one is actually a stability shoe, meaning that it provides ample arch support for those who overpronate or have collapsing arches. Though most stability shoes feel stiff and hard underfoot, this one uses tuned support and intentionally placed cushioning to create an all around plush running experience while still supporting your arch from underneath.
Related Post: The Best Nike Shoes for Men in 2024
Customer Reviews
Nike
Reviewers on the Dick’s Sporting Goods website note that this shoe is incredibly cushioned and comfortable, and they love it for both walking and running. They state that the shoe feels lightweight and breathable, and the foam is squishy without being too soft.
They love that the upper is breathable, and many note that their feet don't overheat. They also like the color options and how the silhouette isn't too bulky. Some do note, however, that the shoes are too narrow for wide or high volume feet, and even after loosening the laces they feel too tight.
Some customers take issue with the heel, stating it's too low for them and feels as though it's slipping a bit. Note: This can usually be solved by lace locking (using the top holes when lacing up) and making sure you're in the proper size.
Pros:
- Very soft, comfortable cushioning
- Super breathable upper
Cons:
- Pretty pricey, even for a cushioned running shoe
- Runs narrow and may not fit wider feet
Fit
The Nike Invincible 3s may be a bit bulky underneath, but they have a snug and sleek fit that feels more like one of their racers than a plush cushion shoe. The Flyknit upper isn’t stretchy, which keeps the foot in place and doesn’t allow for excessive movement.
A heavily contoured fit hugs the midfoot and arch and prevents any slippage forward or back. The heel counter is on the shorter side, but it also has a very close fit, which helps to keep you from slipping out.
The lightly padded tongue is comfortable without being bulky, and it ensures that the laces don’t dig into the foot over long distances—an improvement over the bloated tongue seen in the previous version.
Features
Though there are other cushioned stability shoes on the market, there are some features that set these apart from their competitors. One of the biggest is the sheer volume of the midsole. While brands like Hoka also use high-volume foam, theirs is a bit on the plusher, squishier side, while the ZoomX foam was designed with maximum responsiveness in mind.
Despite having a racing shoe’s foam, this is a true daily trainer, meaning it can handle your training runs, workouts and is a good shoe for long runs. It's also a great option for race day if you've found that carbon plated shoes are uncomfortable or don’t give you an adequate amount of support—especially for races over 10K where you will want to prioritize your comfort a bit more than shorter distances.
The upper is also made with Nike’s premium Flyknit fabric, which—despite the name implying a stretchy, knit material—is a lightweight, non-stretch knit. In this case, the lack of stretch is actually a good thing, as it helps keep the foot secured against the shoe and doesn’t allow for excess movement, which can cause blistering, rubbing and hot spots. Since it's knit, it allows for air to flow through and heat to escape, which keeps your feet cool and dry even in hot weather.
Who the Nike Invincible 3s Are Best For
These shoes are pretty universal—meaning any type of foot striker and arch height could probably use this model. Despite having the additional arch support, it's not hard nor aggressive, which means that even neutral runners will find it to be pretty comfy.
These shoes work great for both runners and walkers, as they provide the support and cushion you need to keep your feet happy no matter how long you spend on them. Since the upper is so breathable, it's a great option for warmer months and climates. The shoe also offers stability not only in the arch, but in the width of the midsole. It flares out in both the heel and surrounding the toe box of the shoe, which helps to provide a more stable surface during each foot fall. This can help prevent rolling ankles and keep you more secure on uneven surfaces.
Who the Nike Invincible 3s Aren't Best For
If you're on a budget, these aren't the shoes for you. Even if you are in the market for a high cushioned shoe, you can get high cushioning from other brands for at least $20 less that will provide a similar ride and equivalent support.
Those with wide feet may also find that this shoe does not quite work for them. Nike runs notoriously narrow, specifically in the toe box. While you can sometimes size up a half size for a bit of extra space, that won’t work for everyone, and you may find yourself slipping out of the heel. If you always buy a wide width—which this shoe doesn't come in—don’t even bother.
This shoe was also designed primarily with comfort in mind. It's supposed to feel good with every step. That said, it may not be the right choice for a serious runner, as it has some undeniable bulk to it that can end up slowing you down in speedwork—despite the springy foam. However, if you have a solid shoe rotation and are looking for a recovery run shoe, this one is a great option to treat your feet.
How the Nike Invincible 3 Stacks Up Against Similar Shoes
Nike
As far as other high-cushion stability shoes go, the Nike Invincible 3 is unique in many ways. Nike dubbed it their most high cushioned shoe, and we would argue it's one of the most high cushioned shoes on the market.
When compared to other max cushion models like the Hoka Bondi or New Balance More, the Invincible 3 provides both more stability and responsiveness. The foam is softer and springier, and while the Invincible may look a bit bulkier than a mid-cushion model, it's significantly slimmer than these other two max options.
The responsiveness of the foam is also ideal for shock absorption and can help cushion the effects of running for those with knee, hip or back problems. While it is soft, it doesn’t allow the foot to sink in; instead, it propels you forward, transferring the energy into each next step as opposed to straight up your leg.
Though stability shoes have come a long way from hard plastic lasts and aggressively firm foams under the arch, you could still probably tell the difference in a stability shoe versus neutral shoe with your eyes closed. Shoes like the Brooks Glycerin GTS or Hoka Gaviota are the most similar as far as low-feel stability, but they still use guide rails and firmer foams to prevent the arch from collapsing.
The Nike Invincible 3 offers comparable support without physically pushing the foot from the sides or below. It simply extended the midsole to the sides so that you couldn't fall off the sides of the shoe. While this may not be enough support for severe over pronation, it's more than enough for those who generally opt for a typical stability shoe.
Nike Invincible 3 FAQs
Should I size up or down in the Nike Invincible 3s?
This shoe runs pretty true to size. It's best not to size up, as the heel sits a bit low, and you don’t want to risk possibly slipping out of it. The only time you may be able to size up a half size is if your foot is on the wider side, as they do not have wide widths.
How many miles do the Nike Invincible 3s last?
Like any trainer, they should last anywhere between 300-500 miles, depending on a variety of factors including terrain and foot strike. Since they're made with a large amount of foam, they should last on the high end of that spectrum for most people.
Are the Nike Invincible 3s stability shoes?
Yes, they are stability shoes. They provide their stability through a widened midsole which flares at the toe box and heel of the shoe, and the snug upper which holds the foot in contact with the Zoom X slab. This prevents the ankle from rolling inward and helps improve balance without feeling hard, stiff or uncomfortable.
Final Thoughts
When Nike comes out with a shoe that claims to be their highest cushion model ever, you can’t help but be curious. And though it may be made with high tech materials designed to propel you through your long runs, it is—in simplest terms—a really comfortable shoe. If you're in the market for a high-cushioned running shoe whether you are a beginner runner, have serious marathon goals or just want a comfy shoe to walk in, this could be a great option for you.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
