Nike Interact Run Introduction
The Nike Interact Run is a new shoe from Nike that offers you cutting-edge technology. When you first look at the Interact, you’ll notice its lightweight Flyknit upper. You will also notice the midsole that runs the full length of the shoe that is made with Nike’s Soft Ride technology. It runs on the firmer side but does give you some nice cushioning.
Like most brands, they are using recycling techniques such as making the Nike Grind with 13% of scrapes from the footwear manufacturing process.
The retail value for them is $85.00 but I just looked at various websites and I have seen them for as low as $59.00. They are a budget-friendly shoes and I think that price is a great deal. Nike always outdoes themselves with their shoes and this pair is no different. It is the first time Nike has offered a Flyknit shoe that is under $100.
They are weighing in at 9.2oz and have a 10mm drop to them.
Overall, they are very lightweight and stable shoes.
Nike has also put a QR code on the tongue that is supposed to give you more insight into what the Interact is all about. Here is what I found out when I scanned the QR code.
The page starts by giving you a little more information about the upper and midsole. Then Nike goes into greater detail about their initiative to “Move to Zero.” Which I think is amazing. The Move to Zero is a push to reuse existing plastics, yarns, and textiles and invent entirely new materials to bring movement, sweat, and community around the globe. Nike’s Flyknit materials are made with 60% less waste than in traditional footwear manufacturing.
Each shoe upper made from Flyknit contains 6-7 plastic bottles. Nike goes even a step further to make sure their shoes are being used to their fullest potential.
Once you hit the end of the road with your shoes, they will help you find a drop-off location to recycle or donate them. One other feature that Nike offers on this special QR code page is special tips and tricks on how to clean your shoes and the proper way to take care of them.
The feeling of the shoe is unlike any other shoe I have worn. But if I would have to compare them to another a similar shoe that would be the Nike Revolution 7.
Nike Interact Run First Impressions
My first impression of the shoe was a positive one. I loved how they looked right out of the box and instantly was drawn to the knitted upper.
They look very modern and trendy. The color I bought was white and the famous Nike swoosh is outlined in orange and the outsole is purple. They look sharp and I received compliments on them all the time.
My first time wearing them was just out to the park with my kids and when I first felt them and put them on I felt that they were stiff. Slipping my feet into them I couldn’t help but think that they had a sock-like feel to them. I must always wear socks with my shoes but I did test them out without a pair of socks on.
When I laced them up for a legit run it was a 5 miler at a medium pace.
By the time I was finished, I was ready to be done with the run. Past the 3-mile mark on every run I would go on, I felt that they would fall short in the midsole department.
I would not notice much response or energy return. The upper is a little restrictive too.
When I run longer distances, I prefer to have an upper that has a little more give to them.
Times I really liked wearing them were on the track or for speed workouts. They are sleek and firmer shoes, which I like for when I am pushing my pace.
Nike Interact Run Upper
The upper is what makes this shoe look so fresh. As I said before, this is Nike’s only shoe that has the FlyKnit upper that is priced under $100.
I think that the Flyknit material looks and feels amazing but this style of Flyknit is on the stiffer side. Like most Nike shoes they do tend to run on the more narrow side so I would suggest ordering a half size up. The upper runs the full length of the shoe and there are no overlays.
Looking at the heel counter it is slightly padded up around the ankle. It is much thinner than most collars I am used to wearing but I didn’t have any issues with slipping or rubbing.
The upper material is breathable, actually one of the most breathable shoes I own. They have been amazing to wear during the past few weeks which have been very hot. I did take them out in the rain once and they dried exceptionally fast.
Durability-wise, this is where they fall short. After only 50 miles on them, there are already signs of wear on the upper where the pinky toe area rubs.
Nike Interact Run Sole Unit
The sole of the shoe is made out of Nike’s SoftRide foam. This foam runs the full length of the shoe and is fairly thick. Having higher foam heights helps to provide you with a softer feel.
At first, before I broke them in, I did think that the foam midsole was on the firmer side. Once I wore them a few times they began to show my feet more of what they had to offer.
The SoftRide foam does give each step a nice overall cushioned feel. Balance and stability-wise they are great. I had no problems with feeling like I could roll an ankle or lose my footing. They remind me of Nike’s React Infinity 3.
Both are very similar in the way they look but the Infinity has a rockered shape to the midsole which does make transitioning a little more easy but you will pay more for them.
The outsole is fully rubber and has a waffle-like pattern to enhance your traction and is also made with recycled materials.
I wore them on various surfaces including the road, sidewalks, gravel, and some grass. I experienced no problems with slipping.
Nike Interact Run Conclusions
My honest conclusion of the Nike Interact Run for a running shoe? Would be that I have many other pairs of running shoes that I prefer over this one but after wearing them for a few weeks they have started to grow on me and I have found myself reaching for them to wear for quicker 5k and underruns.
It’s been very hot where I live lately and they are by far the most breathable pair of shoes I own. For spending under $100 you’ll get a shoe that has some of the top technology Nike offers in their shoes. You really can’t beat that!
