Nike Downshifter 12 Introduction

Downshifter is Nike’s finances operating shoe—it truly is a steal for less than $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 vast assist stripes contained in the higher from the center shoe laces diagonally all the way down to the early heel on each 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 value.

(The same shoe ASICS Gel-Excite is my subsequent evaluation—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 by means of. 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 cosy match and comparable midsole cushion; Duramo’s common width permits for med-wide ft to be extra snug with out ordering vast/further vast as could also be wanted with Downshifter.

Different comparable sneakers 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 explicit colorway left me unimpressed. The design grew on me in upcoming weeks because it seemed 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 favor 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 surprisingly interesting.

The slim toebox with narrow-medium heel into midfoot would require many to measurement up a half measurement.

Nike Downshifter 12 Higher

Downshifter’s structured mesh is bolstered by an inner layer from a completely gusseted (hooked up to the bottom throughout) tongue; collectively they permit for medium breathability. I anticipated it to be a sizzling 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 vast and protecting, including a layer to the higher throughout because it attaches all the way down to the midsole. This tongue and full gusset add to the closed-in feeling of the slim 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 excellent design going however might improve consolation by including (a minimum of) a pair millimeters of room to make up for the interior layers.

The texture from the medium-width laces is simply the way it must be. Laces run by means of the tongue for added safety.

Low-average padding hugs the ankle above an honest 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 special-colored (orange in my shoe) densely-knit strip runs from the center laces again to the heel on both sides to supply extra assist than a easy layer of mesh; it peeks by means of a visibility window.
The tip of the toe field can be bolstered with an additional densely-knit layer for sturdiness, which has the softer “tongue” materials prolonged down between the toes and outer mesh as nicely.

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 just a few pops of coloration together with brighter choices.
This shoe is comprised of 20% recycled content material.

Nike Downshifter 12 Sole Unit

The froth midsole in Downshifter is just not given fancy branding, or perhaps a description on-line. The softness is much 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 steerage line which minimizes horizontal drive switch, a flex line beneath the heel patch, and small home windows that reveal the midsole. The rubber has common to excessive sturdiness, with a lightweight put on sample displaying after 50 operating miles (plus a lot strolling—photos with the evaluation 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 top from the heel all the way 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 with out a thought).

Nike Downshifter 12 Conclusions

Nike put a variety of materials into Downshifter 12 for its low value. The shoe is impressively cushioned and secure-feeling. The trip is supported and secure, however a boxy transition and toe-off are what carry my score 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 excellent shoe that can final a very long time.

Bear in mind to measurement up a half measurement if you’re between sizes or don’t need a comfortable toe.