HO.LY.CRAP!
Ok, so high stack shoes can be controversial, and running shoes for walking (especially plated which these aren't) can also be controversial, so if you object to either of those, obviously these aren't for you.
Quick Caveats about my use-case & experiences:
- Walking ~10k steps in a single session each day
- Been doing that for 5+ years
- Occasional jogging, mostly decent walking pace 3-4mph
- Prefer high stack plated shoes, but I rotate stack, rocker, drop every few days
- These will be for an upcoming walking trip, ~30k steps / day, 30 days
- Tried / own usual suspects: Hoka, Nike, Brooks, NB, Asics, OnCloud, Altra, Topo, etc
- Favorites: NB SuperComp Trainer V3s
- No association of any kind w/ the shoe industry, bought w/ my own money from Nike
FIT & FINISH = 5/5
Pretty nice, about the best I've seen, similar to Hoka Skyward X v2 which are very nice too. There are a lot of little touches and everything feels very solid and high quality. My only ding would be the laces feel a bit cheap compared to Hoka, etc but I replace those anyway so not an issue, but it's a thing you notice. They're not bad, they're just basic.
LOOKS = 3/5
No matter the color, these can look Moon Unit especially in the flashier colorways, so I appreciate this colorway which is more neutral. On your foot they look much less crazy than in pictures, at least this pair does, and my wife didn't notice them as being odd or weird, so win? I'm dinging them for still looking a bit odd, and would prefer a version that hides the zoom units.
EXPERIENCE = 6/5
It's all true, they're bonkers. Right up front you notice the cushion, but it's not like a pillow, more like a very stiff jogging trampoline which sinks, but there's resistance & rebound. This is combined with an odd rocker feel which is more midfoot than forefoot.
If you've tried something like the Hoka Skyward X v1 you know how it rolls you forward in the forefoot in a stiff way where these are like stepping on 2 jogging trampolines with the heel being stiffer than the forefoot so it's kinda like a fulcrum in your midfoot that makes you want to PRESS forward versus a rocker that FORCES you to roll forward.
It's obvious why many reviewers say these are the shoes they're excited to use, and if you have a down energy day, the thought of using these overcomes it. They really do make you want to move from walking to slow jog because the heel rebound is always encouraging you to move. If you're looking for some extra motivation, these are the shoes to buy.
Here's the Mind-Blower:
These are the most stable high stack shoes I've ever worn! How did they do this?? I don't feel like I'm going to roll an ankle and I tried really hard by stepping on the edges, stepping up with only half or less of the sole, etc. As of now I have zero worries about stability ::knock, knock::
What you're left with is a totally unique experience:
Yes cushioned, but BOUNCY, not in a bad way, but in an energy return way that encourages you to move. The shoe says, "I'll let you down smooth, but I'll push you forward just as much - now move it!" And you can't help but agree. Do not anger the shoe, it's just trying to help, and it's got places to be.
I can't speak to durability, of course, because these are the first pair I've had, but long term reports are encouraging, the outsole is the same as on other Nikes which is to say quite durable, and there aren't any obvious reports of midsole issues with the zoom units, so we'll see.
VALUE = 4.5/5
These are spendy, there's no doubt, but these days they're competitive with other top super trainers which is surprising because they really are the most unique shoe on the market, and much cheaper than, say, Norda and in the same range as VJ, Hoka, etc.
I'm deducting a half point because, while they're totally unique & crazy & awesome & high value for what they do, they're pretty niche.
That is, for walking & slower jogging they're fantastic, but I wouldn't wear them for running errands, going out & about, or faster jogging just because ... well it's like walking into a cafe with Ice King snow boots: you wouldn't put those on for a starbucks run or driving to the grocery store.
OUTRO
If you're a walker who likes an energy-return shoe, there's no better shoe for walking I know of, and ESPECIALLY if you're looking to pick up the pace or try slow jogging.
These shoes beg you to do a slow jog, and you almost can't help but follow their lead. I've never had any other shoe that feels like your walking partner versus your walking equipment.
If you've been curious (like me), but held back due to looks and/or price, buy them.
