Nike Invincible Run FK
Scoob Reviews the Nike Invincible Run FK. High Cushioned training shoe.
Nike Invincible Run FK ($180)
Get after those long runs with the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit. A lightweight and responsive foam delivers a super-soft feel and helps deliver energy with every step. Breathable and secure, it’s one of our most tested shoes. Lace up and feel the potential when your foot hits the pavement.
SUPPORT: Neutral
HEEL TO TOE OFFSET: 9 mm (36.6 heel/27.6 forefoot)
WEIGHT: 8.9oz (252g) women’s / 11.1oz (314g) men’s
USE: Road Running, jogging, racing, walking, max cushioning
SURFACE: Road, Gravel, Track
Preview from Scoob: I absolutely love this shoe. I have never felt an everyday trainer like this, it is truly an enigma. I have run in the ZoomX foam before with the Nike Vaporfly (priced at 275). So, for 180$, this shoe holds an insane amount of value only sacrificing the carbon plate but keeping the super responsive and soft ZoomX foam. I’ll touch on some of the factors that make it, in my opinion one of the best shoes in the market right now.
If the shoe fits:
The top-of-the-line midsole is so soft yet bouncy. It is accompanied by a one of my current favorite uppers. Featuring a very secure feeling flyknit, there is a super padded heel counter that I love. I have been dealing with heel bursitis for the past month or so, this extra cushion and security has been a perfect combination to give my sometimes flared up/angry heel some grace. This upper material feels similar to the flynknit that is in the Infinity Run React FK 2. It is a much thicker flyknit than a lot of Nike’s previous shoes and has led to me wearing thinner socks with this shoe, especially as temperatures increase nowadays.
The tongue is real short and doesn’t crowd the ankle and top of the foot which I like but I could see people having problems keeping it from sliding down the shoe. Nike went with some pretty thick laces that definitely could be 4-5 inches longer in my opinion. I typically always double knot my laces and with these it is a bit harder. That being said, I don’t have to tuck-in the laces like I would if they were too long so in a way maybe I should count my blessings.
Performance review:
I have quickly put 200 miles on these shoes and they still feel as good as the day I got them. The ZoomX foam is still super cushiony and bouncy and has shown little to nowhere. My training in them has consisted of primarily easy training runs, 6-8 minute pace for anything from 3-12 miles. I also did a 14 mile run in them and they felt great, giving me a consistent smooth and soft ride. I have heard of some people puncturing/tearing the midsole of this shoe because the ZoomX foam is somewhat fragile, but I have not had any problem. The tread on the bottom of the shoe isn’t anything special so if you do some pretty technical trails, or if it is a bit wet outside, this shoe might come up short performing for you in that way. But also, with such a high stack height I wouldn’t recommend even trying those technical trails with a lot of turns. For me, doing most of my running on either sidewalk, asphalt, grass, or crushed limestone/dirt, the shoe has met and exceeded my expectations and is still one of my favorite shoes to date.
Previous Model: This is a brand new model for Nike
Compares to: Brooks Glycerin 19, Saucony Triumph 18, Hoka Bondi, New Balance 1080, Diadora Mythos Blushield 6.
Conclusion:
For the large majority of the population I could see this shoe exceeding your expectations. If you are looking for an everyday trainer as you increase your mileage, or if you are searching for more cushion while still having energy return, I definitely recommend you come in and try these shoes the next time you get the opportunity. It is fun to see everyone’s reaction to this top-of-the-line shoe. I look forward to continue crushing some heavy mileage in this shoe, seeing if the rumors of 500+ and even 600 miles are true.