Nike Journey Run Introduction
The Nike Journey Run is a budget-friendly running shoe that is a great choice for those looking at the Nike Invincible 3 but who don’t want to spend $180.
The Journeys are coming in at only $90! They look very similar and both have very cushioned midsole. You can thank the comfiness of Nike’s ComfiRide cushioning and extra high foam stack.
They are noted to be lightweight coming in at 11.4 oz for the men and I couldn’t find what the women’s weighed. But, if I am being honest I thought they felt a little on the bulky/heavy side for a running shoe.
The heel-to-toe drop is 10mm and they offer very high stacks of midsole foam that is said to give the shoe an ultra-cushioned ride. But, I don’t think they are as plush as they look.
Like most Nike shoes, they are updated with new technology and have a very modern look to them. Some of the technology offered is a new engineered mesh upper, premium material on the tongue and collar, new soft carbon foam, and lastly, the regrind rubber outsole.
Looking at other shoes that are in a similar ballpark, I would strongly recommend the Nike Winflo 11. They are both budget-friendly daily trainer that offers some new technology.
But, although I do like the Nike Journey Run, the Winflo 11 is just an all-around better running shoe.
Nike Journey Run First Impressions
My first impression of the Nike Journey Run is that for the price, they look like they are of high quality.
Do you know how sometimes when you buy the cheaper or no-name brand of an item, it’s typically lesser in quality? Well not with these. Nike is a brand that is known to make good-looking shoes and the Journey Run is sharp.
I bought the white, orange, and blue color scheme. I love how they look and I get many compliments when I wear them.
Trying them on for the first time, I found them to be a little bulky feeling and on the firm side.
I loved how they looked on but I had to wear them a few times to break them in to fully see what they had to offer. They do run on the slightly bigger side but not by much . I wore my normal size but had lots of room and could probably have been ok in a 1/2 size smaller.
My first run in them was a 5k at a moderate pace. Like I stated before, I had to break them in so I didn’t care too much for them on that first run. Don’t get me wrong, they are very comfortable shoes but a tad stiff.
I wore them around for the next few days to break them in and eventually took them on another run. One of the main areas I enjoyed was the midsole. I do like a nice plush and high-cushioned midsole, and the Nike Journey delivers on this.
Nike Journey Run Upper
The upper is made out of engineered mesh that runs the full length of the shoe. On the inside of the upper, you’ll notice a soft liner that provides you with extra all-over comfort. It is highly breathable and lightweight. I have used them for many hot summer day runs and I did notice excellent ventilation. I never once thought my feet were getting overheated. And on rainy days I found that when they got wet, the upper would dry out quickly.
Attached to the upper is a gusseted tongue that is padded. Towards the top of the tongue, where it hits the ankle is an extra squishy patch that gives you some more padding when lacing them up. When I pulled the laces fairly tight, I had no problems with bunching or added pressure on the top of the foot/ankle.
The heel counter is very built up and has ample cushioning around it. You will notice a very firm and snug heel fit. I didn’t have much slipping but it isn’t my favorite fit.
Nike Journey Run Sole Unit
The sole of the shoe is where this shoe shines. You’ll notice the extra cushioning it has in the heel from just looking at it. In the midsole, Nike has placed “sculpted stacks” of soft low carbon foam that helps to provide the most amount of cushion for a comfortable ride.
The midsole is loaded with Nike’s top of the line cushioning and from the looks of them that they would feel very plush but they do give off firmer feel. They worked well at very short distance runs but lacked in energy return when they were taken out for longer runs. With having a higher stack height and an almost bulky midsole , I felt that they were not the most stable.
The outsole is a rubber that provides you with nice traction on the roads, sidewalks, and track surfaces.
It would not be a shoe I would use on gravel, dirt, or trails. This rubber material is made with sustainable Regrind rubber. Regrind is the same material that gyms will use for their flooring.
Nike Journey Run Conclusions
My conclusion of the Nike Journey Run is a mixed one.
I love how they look and they are good for shorter runs. These are not a shoe I would lace up for a 5k I plan to PR.
I would grab these for days when I knew I would be walking all day long.
It’s a great choice for a casual shoe that gives you style and it does perform well for short medium-paced runs.
