Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Review Analysis (2022)
Last update: November 2023
The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run is a very good and comfortable running shoe with maximal and responsive for daily training.
The Consensus
Let’s not prolong the suspense: the testers were blown away by the cushioning – nothing less! The midsole is both soft and bouncy with excellent shock absorption and protection. In general, you get bounce or softness, but it’s rare to have both in one shoe. With the Invincible Run, it seems that with ZoomX, Nike has found the magic formula to offer a snappy and plush ride for daily training. However, there’s a small caveat: the midsole of the Invincible consists only of foam. Therefore, there’s no Air unit or carbon plate to give structure and improve stability. To compensate, Nike has considerably increased the width of the shoe, especially at the heel. The result is mixed, with some testers noting a slight instability at times.
The upper is Flyknit but looks more like a classic mesh than Nike’s famous breathable and stretchy knit. On this model, it’s dense and rather strict to ensure a more precise foot lockdown. It’s consistent with the wide platform for improved stability. The foothold is excellent according to the runners and, the cherry on top, the toe box is ample enough to accommodate wider feet. The only weak point noted is the thick ankle collar, which locks in the heel but can potentially irritate with friction.
Finally, the outsole is all-rubber with very thin lugs. Traction is flawless, and durability seems to be there at first glance—time will tell.
All in all, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run delivers on its promises. It’s a relatively lightweight trainer (278 g/9.8 oz for men, 245 g/8.6 oz for women) with soft, maximal, and responsive cushioning that has left more than one runner amazed by the ride it offers. The only downsides are the slight lack of stability and the thick collar, but these are not significant problems. The price is another story: $180 is a hefty sum for a model intended primarily for daily training and recovery.
- Great comfort
- Soft and snappy cushioning
- Lightweight shoe considering the high and wide stack
- A really fun model for daily training
- Slight lack of stability, according to some testers
- The thick collar can irritate the ankle
- Expensive model
- Not the sleekest Nike shoe
Technologies
Outsole
- The outsole of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit uses rubber that is sturdy to offers maximum durability and naturally sticky to keep balanced at all times.
- The waffle pattern of the outsole with small nubs improves grip on city surfaces.
Midsole
- ZoomX is used in the midsole. Created by Nike for its carbon plate shoes, this Pebax-based foam now equips most of its running collection. Pebax has a reputation for being flexible and bouncy, which gives a peppy rebound at each step.
Upper
- The upper of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run is Flyknit. It’ a lightweight and breathable type of knit that stretches when needed to provide impeccable foot lockdown.
- The padded heel and collar increase instep comfort by locking in snugly the foot without painful pressure points.
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 9 mm |
| Heel stack height | 37 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 28 mm |
| Weight (men) | 278 g/9.8 oz |
| Weight (women) | 245 g/8.6 oz |
| Fit | Wide feet |
| Release year | 2021 |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 5 – Very soft |
| Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Bouncy |
Technologies
| Outsole | Rubber, waffle pattern |
| Midsole | ZoomX |
| Upper | Flyknit, padded heel and collar |
Use
| Speed | Slow, moderate |
| Distance | Mid, long, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs, recovery |
Comparisons – Nike ZoomX Invincible Run vs.:
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38
See the side-by-side comparison.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37
The Invincible Run offers a higher stack cushioning that translates into more comfort during long runs. However, if you prefer firmer cushioning with more structure, then the Pegasus seems like a better choice.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit 2
See the side-by-side comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, athletes who tested this model confirmed that it fits true to size. Therefore, you can order your usual size for running shoes. Having said that, if it’s your first pair of Nike shoes, it’s best to try them on in a shop to be safe.
Yes, this model should be suitable for everyone. Indeed, it’s a neutral running shoe. As a result, it aims to suit all runners independently from their type of pronation. It doesn’t include stability features to correct the stride and prevent overpronation. Anyway, let’s note that no empirical data is proving that stability models are more effective than neutral shoes to avoid injury. Comfort should be the main criteria for selecting running shoes, not pronation type, although the two can sometimes correlate.
Yes, these shoes are a good fit, even if you’re a heavyweight runner. Indeed, they come with maximal cushioning (37 mm under the heel), which should support everyone.
This Nike running shoe is very well suited for different types of training and distances. It’s a shoe designed primarily for daily practice but also has a snappy feel for faster workouts. Regarding the marathon, the most important is to rely on your sensations and experience. If you find it comfortable during your long runs, it should be the right choice for your competition!
