Nike Invincible 3: RW running shoe review

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Nike's big mile shoe has had an update and we've been testing it out

Sitting at our desks, post run, passing back and forth the Nike Invincible 3, we keep on saying the word ‘responsive’ – as if we should be surprised. The first two versions of this highly cushioned running shoe from Nike were clear indicators as to the intent and purpose of the shoe, and they didn't disappoint, but the tweaks to the third version only seem to confirm this shoe as a very capable, big-mile trainer.

The sheer volume of ZoomX foam in the midsole creates a unique-feeling running shoe. Compared to other highly cushioned shoes, which can feel very soft and comfy but lack energy return, there is an abundance of the aforementioned responsiveness that offers runners a feeling of 'pop' when running in the shoe. ZoomX is a very progressive foam and, as it compacts under load, there is a real sense that it's just waiting to expand back and propel you forward.

The volume of foam has somewhat dictated the shape of the shoe, too; slipping the shoe on, you immediately notice the contoured shape of the footbed and the 9mm drop from heel to toe. The cushioning feels very prominent from the heel to midfoot, tapering nicely to the overly wide forefoot platform, giving the shoe a progressive and stable feeling through the gait cycle and encouraging forward motion.

That's not to say it's the shoe to choose when you have some faster sessions to run. Though capable of handling a turn of speed, when using the Invincible 3 for specific speedwork training there was a tipping point where the bulk, size and volume of foam in the shoe became a slight hindrance rather than an advantage. These shoes really are at best when used for easy running all the way up to some tempo work. They’d be ideal for marathons too (and beyond), if your aim is to finish rather than race for the line with your heart jumping out of your chest.

The upper is where most of the work has been done between version two and three, and the previously thicker, less breathable Flyknit has been replaced with a more breathable and less sketchy Flyknit upper that helps lock the foot into place and gives the shoe a more secure feeling. The heel counter has been stripped back from the previous padded version, and though there were no noticeable discomfort, some small issues with fit and slipping meant that particular attention had to be paid to lacing and making the shoe felt secure, rather than just slipping it on, tying up and going.

Not that it ultimately matters, but some testers preferred the styling of the previous model; the clear definition between upper and midsole has been replaced with colourways that bleed from one to the other. The outsole has changed too and some found on wet pavement there was a small degree of slip, but it was negligible in the grand scheme of miles run.

If you’re looking for a shoe that delivers a plush, easy ride, the Nike Invincible 3 is very much a leader in the field, utilising race-proven tech to create a shoe that you'll be able to do 80% of all your running in. You just have to like very cushioned shoes.

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