Nike Downshifter 12 Introduction
Downshifter is Nike’s finances operating shoe—it truly is a steal for under $70 USD, up $10 from the 11.
The shoe has been utterly redone. A brand new higher design drops the overlays for extra breathability however nonetheless runs roughly one-inch huge assist stripes contained in the higher from the center shoe laces diagonally right down to the early heel on either side.
Cussed rubber patches that run the size of the outsole are deeply treaded (for a highway shoe) and provides no allusion to its decrease price.
(The same shoe ASICS Gel-Excite is my subsequent overview—coming quickly! )
This morning I ran 6 miles with the Downshifter on one foot and Gel-Excite on the opposite, switching which was which midway via. I discovered that Downshifter presents a safer match and feels extra secure underfoot whereas Gel-Excite ($15 extra), has a smoother transition and rolls off the toes, in addition to extra room within the toe field.
In contrast with adidas Duramo, Downshifter brings a extra comfortable match and comparable midsole cushion; Duramo’s common width permits for med-wide ft to be extra comfy with out ordering huge/further huge as could also be wanted with Downshifter.
Different comparable footwear embrace Nike Revolution, adidas RunFalcon, Nike Winflo, and Saucony Cohesion.
Nike Downshifter 12 First Impressions
Unboxing for the primary time, this shoe’s easy design and my specific colorway left me unimpressed. The design grew on me in upcoming weeks because it regarded sharp when worn as a crossover shoe for operating, different exercises, and informal put on.
I shocked myself by how typically I selected this shoe to go together with an outfit for on a regular basis use. photos of the 11 I do choose this up to date, easy design.
The primary put on felt constrictive with a medium-narrow match and particular “block” vibe, however the secure base was additionally unusually interesting.
The slender toebox with narrow-medium heel into midfoot would require many to dimension up a half dimension.
Nike Downshifter 12 Higher
Downshifter’s structured mesh is strengthened by an inner layer from a totally gusseted (hooked up to the bottom throughout) tongue; collectively they permit for medium breathability. I anticipated it to be a scorching shoe, particularly with the added issue of a smaller toe field, however it was by no means uncomfortably heat (operating inside and in common fall temps).
The generously-padded tongue is huge and protecting, including a layer to the higher throughout because it attaches right down to the midsole. This tongue and full gusset add to the closed-in feeling of the slender toe.
Operating in Downshifter and Excite again to again, a bit extra freedom for the toes in Excite was actually refreshing. The toebox itself seems about the identical as that of GEL-Excite, however the distinction in really feel is because of this tongue layer. Nike has an awesome design going however might enhance consolation by including (at the very least) a pair millimeters of room to make up for the interior layers.
The texture from the medium-width laces is simply the way it needs to be. Laces run via the tongue for added safety.
Low-average padding hugs the ankle above a good heel counter. Downshifter’s heel counter is thicker and gives extra heel assist than the heel counter in Gel-Excite or (particularly) Duramo.
The big loop off the heel is completely sized for ease of use, however with this shoe I didn’t need assistance pulling it on.
A distinct-colored (orange in my shoe) densely-knit strip runs from the center laces again to the heel on either side to supply extra assist than a easy layer of mesh; it peeks via a visibility window.
The tip of the toe field can also be strengthened with an additional densely-knit layer for sturdiness, which has the softer “tongue” materials prolonged down between the toes and outer mesh as properly.
Like Duramo, the sock liner is hooked up to the bottom. Pulling it up, it’s decently thick (half mm.) which is greater than most sock liners.
Engaging colorways span impartial shades with a couple of pops of colour together with brighter choices.
This shoe is made out of 20% recycled content material.
Nike Downshifter 12 Sole Unit
The froth midsole in Downshifter shouldn’t be given fancy branding, or perhaps a description on-line. The softness is just like On’s Helion foam and the Lightmotion foam in adidas Duramo.
This midsole is barely extra agency than adidas Lightstrike, ASICS FF Blast, and HOKA’s CMEVA foams however is softer than ASICS (primary) Flytefoam.
The outsole tread covers the total base moreover a curved steering line which minimizes horizontal drive switch, a flex line under the heel patch, and small home windows that reveal the midsole. The rubber has common to excessive sturdiness, with a lightweight put on sample exhibiting after 50 operating miles (plus a lot strolling—photos with the overview present approx. 50 miles). Rungs going up the heel present grip and sturdiness for a heel strike.
It is a supportive shoe that bends on the ball however retains a stiff midfoot and has a ten mm. drop in peak from the heel right down to the forefoot.
The shoe gives a medium-soft touchdown that goes right into a so-so transition and ends with a noticeable toe-off (the perfect disappear into the air and not using a thought).
Nike Downshifter 12 Conclusions
Nike put a whole lot of materials into Downshifter 12 for its low price. The shoe is impressively cushioned and secure-feeling. The trip is supported and secure, however a boxy transition and toe-off are what deliver my ranking down for operating on this shoe.
It simply doesn’t encourage the movement. Put on it for strolling and informal put on with the occasional run, and also you’ll get an awesome shoe that can final a very long time.
Bear in mind to dimension up a half dimension in case you are between sizes or don’t want a comfortable toe.
