Nike Downshifter 12 Introduction
Downshifter is Nike’s price range working 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 extensive assist stripes contained in the higher from the center shoe laces diagonally all the way down to the early heel on either side.
Cussed rubber patches that run the size of the outsole are deeply treaded (for a street shoe) and provides no allusion to its decrease price.
(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. I discovered that Downshifter affords a safer match and feels extra steady 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 related midsole cushion; Duramo’s common width permits for med-wide ft to be extra comfy with out ordering extensive/additional extensive as could also be wanted with Downshifter.
Different related sneakers embody 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 working, different exercises, and informal put on.
I stunned myself by how typically I selected this shoe to go together with an outfit for on a regular basis use. footage of the 11 I do want this up to date, easy design.
The primary put on felt constrictive with a medium-narrow match and particular “block” vibe, however the steady base was additionally unusually interesting.
The slim 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 inside layer from a totally gusseted (connected 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 (working inside and in common fall temps).
The generously-padded tongue is extensive 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.
Working in Downshifter and Excite again to again, a bit extra freedom for the toes in Excite was actually refreshing. The toebox itself appears to be like about the identical as that of GEL-Excite, however the distinction in really feel is because of this tongue layer. Nike has a fantastic design going however might enhance consolation by including (no less than) 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 by the tongue for added safety.
Low-average padding hugs the ankle above an honest heel counter. Downshifter’s heel counter is thicker and supplies extra heel assist than the heel counter in Gel-Excite or (particularly) Duramo.
The massive 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 both sides to supply extra assist than a easy layer of mesh; it peeks by a visibility window.
The tip of the toe field can 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 connected 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 coloration together with brighter choices.
This shoe is constituted of 20% recycled content material.
Nike Downshifter 12 Sole Unit
The froth midsole in Downshifter will not be 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 (fundamental) Flytefoam.
The outsole tread covers the total base in addition to a curved steerage 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 displaying after 50 working miles (plus a lot strolling—footage with the evaluation present approx. 50 miles). Rungs going up the heel present grip and sturdiness for a heel strike.
This can be a supportive shoe that bends on the ball however retains a stiff midfoot and has a ten mm. drop in peak from the heel all the way down to the forefoot.
The shoe supplies a medium-soft touchdown that goes right into a so-so transition and ends with a noticeable toe-off (the very best disappear into the air with no thought).
Nike Downshifter 12 Conclusions
Nike put a number of materials into Downshifter 12 for its low price. The shoe is impressively cushioned and secure-feeling. The trip is supported and steady, however a boxy transition and toe-off are what carry my ranking down for working 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 a fantastic shoe that may final a very long time.
Keep in mind to dimension up a half dimension in case you are between sizes or don’t need a cosy toe.
