Nike chose its official headquarters in Barcelona to unveil the new version of its most cushioned shoe, the Nike Invincible 3. In its first two iterations, this maximalist shoe raised some concerns, particularly among heavier runners, due to the abundance of cushioning leading to potential instability without adequate support.
With great anticipation, we arrived at the Nike offices to test and experience the Nike Invincible 3, which has now become much more stable and protective.
As always, Nike's events are impeccably organised and presented. We had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from other media outlets, and the general consensus was that the third edition of the Invincible looks impressive compared to its predecessors. Now, let's delve into the details.
Why are we talking about well-done maximalism?
Running, like any other domain, experiences trends, and the world of shoes is no exception. While minimalism and zero-drop shoes dominated the market a few years ago, the landscape has significantly changed. We are now in the era of maximalism (not to mention the influence of carbon plates, although maximalism seems to have a stronger presence). Almost every brand offers models with abundant cushioning, often surpassing 40 mm in the heel area, aiming for exceptional softness and comfort. However, maximalism, typically associated with softness and comfort, can sometimes lead to instability or support issues. We witnessed this with the ASICS Novablast 1 and 2, as well as the Nike Invincible 1 and 2. Hence, we were eager to explore this new version of the shoe, and I can assure you that any doubts were quickly dispelled.
From the moment the shoe was presented to us, two aspects stood out: softness and safety. It is incredibly comfortable, yet remarkably stable—so much so that even runners weighing over 90 kg can experience a sense of security.
ZoomX in a maximalist shoe for relaxed runs?
This was the big question asked by everyone present at the event: is Nike's most reactive foam compatible with the qualities of comfort, smooth paces and stability? Here's the secret:
The new Nike Invincible 3 features a full-length ZoomX foam midsole with 40 mm in the heel and 3 mm in the toe area, resulting in a 9 mm drop. However, this soft foam has a higher density than in other models of the range. This means that, as the race progresses, it maintains a certain firmness rather than remaining excessively soft.
Yet, the real secret behind its stability and support lies in the upper. It features Flyknit technology with multiple layers of thread in a wider forefoot area, providing enhanced stability. In other words, the shoe now has a wider last, which means that despite the increased stack height, it doesn't compromise stability. Additionally, the upper incorporates a series of wavy cables on both sides of the foot, embracing it and adding further stability and support.
The heel area has also been reinforced, giving more body to the construction materials to prevent unwanted movements during the race.
Why did we like the Nike Invincible 3?
We liked it for several reasons. Firstly, it is designed for runners who not only participate in races but also run for their health, fitness, weight loss, or to clear their minds. Comfort and safety are paramount, keeping this type of runner in mind.
It is also a shoe that gains in durability. Its fully protected outsole ensures extended mileage, which our wallets will surely appreciate.
And finally, its versatility also stands out. While it is indeed a shoe for easy-paced runs, suitable for all types of runners and weights, don't forget that ZoomX resides in the midsole. If you decide to pick up the pace, you'll experience its true potential.
There are also some aspects we liked less...
The insole could be improved. It feels excessively thin and lacks sufficient cushioning, diminishing the initial comfort when putting on the shoe. Additionally, the design could have been more daring, but as you know, taste varies from person to person.
And what were the running sensations?
Montjuic served as a stage to test this new edition of the Nike Invincible 3 at different paces. A soft run, sets, a run at half marathon pace... On asphalt, trails or dirt tracks. Very good sensations. Nike delivers on its promises with this model, approaching the recreational runners who don't necessarily engage in races. It is undeniably a great success—a remarkable shoe that will likely enjoy significant sales.
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