Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit Review

I can still remember my very first test run in the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit shoes at my local parkrun (5k) back in 2021. I wasn’t in the best running shape at the time, but despite that, I felt like I was flying and managed to shave ~00:01:30 off my time for a new parkrun PB for that year. 

Add to the fact I’d ended up with a pair which were half a size too small, I was super impressed. At that point, I actually hadn’t run in Nike running shoes for a while, so that first test run got me super excited about the brand again and to write up this Nike ZoomX Invincible Run review for the blog. 

Having been running (as an adult) for almost two decades, I’ve been through a fair few running shoes which has inevitably resulted in me knowing exactly what I do and don’t like in a running shoe and more importantly, balancing that with what works for my feet. 

I don’t think I can even stress the importance of wearing shoes that are firstly, fit for function – i.e running – and work for your feet. Whenever I share running tips, including How To Run Your Best 10km or Tips To Avoid Running Injuries I always highlight and emphasise how important having the right shoes to do the job is.

Especially when it comes to running.

Back in the day, when I started coaching group sessions it became even more apparent how important having the right shoes for training was. It’s just as important to have the right shoes for running… and they shouldn’t be the same shoe. The reason being that specialist moves need specialist shoes.

Basic Anatomy Of A Running Shoe

When you run, you move in just a forward motion. Therefore, running shoes are built with support for that plane of movement. They then have cushioning to allow for shock absorption as well as thicker heels and midsoles.

The sole should also have a slight curvature to aid your toe off when running which helps to propel you and increase your speed. The only flexibility needed in a running shoe is through the toe area. 

How Is a Training Shoe Different To A Running Shoe

When I talk about training shoes, I’m generally referring to anything from an aerobics class to weight lifting.

Movements when training differ from running in that they are multi-directional. So you don’t just move forward… you’re moving backwards …side to side …and even jumping.

So your shoes need to cater to the variety of movement in what you’re doing.

A training shoe is designed with all these things in mind including flexibility, lateral support and cushioning. You want your training shoe to allow you to stay agile whilst absorbing shock and providing support. 

CHECK OUT THESE TRAINING SHOES:

• Nike MetCon 9 Review – Training Shoes
• Nike SuperRep Go 3 Review – Women’s Training Shoe
• Air Zoom SuperRep 4 Training Shoe Review

Can Your Running Shoes Help You Reduce Injury?

When Nike launched Project: Run Fearless, they asked – What if every day off was a decision? What if our sports MVPs were never MIA? What records could we break if we had record numbers chasing them? And what if everyone who started running never had to stop?

Basically, could they design a running shoe that could actually help reduce injury?

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit

As I mentioned, I tested out the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit over a number of weeks before I wrote the first version of this review. During that time, they positioned themselves right up there in my top 3 running shoes. 

They offer everything the Nike Run Fearless System says it does: comfort, cushioning, smooth heel-to-toe transition and increased stability.

Since then, I’ve run a fair few miles in them ranging from longer runs (and slower) to fast pace intervals and speed training. For me, they excelled more at the slower paces where I felt like I was running on literal clouds, but at speedier paces the shoe just felt a little chunky. 

I think one reason I got away with a half size smaller is that the shoes have a wide toe box which is ideal for those of use with wider feet. My feet measure about UK4.5 but I wear a UK5 as my normal size. If a shoe is small or narrow I’m in 5.5 if I can bear them. 

As far as the ZoomX Invincible’s go, I’d definitely prefer a UK5 and if I didn’t have the wrong size, I’d still be wearing them to this day. 

The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit is a supportive run shoe for more natural stability but with plenty of cushioning – which I love. What I love even more though is the responsiveness of the shoe, which this shoe gets from the ZoomX foam.  

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit Fit & Features

One mistake I need you to not make, is in choosing your colourway. Although the Flyknit upper ensures the ZoomX Invincibles 3’s are breathable, once they got mud on them, the stain never came out. 

Other than the mud stains though, the upper has proved to be super durable with my shoes showing no visible signs of wear. 

Despite that, the upper is strong and durable which keeps your foot in place during use.

Nike have made the heel clip smaller than in previous versions and moved the location slightly to be more precise. I know some people have reported heel slippage, but I haven’t had that issue, and maybe that’s down to me having wide feet.

The ZoomX midsole gives you plenty of extra height with taller foam stacks, which you might think compromises stability but the midsole is also extremely wide which has made up for it.

A few details: 

• Overall weight: ~258g 
• 9 mm heel to toe drop 

According to Nike themselves, running shoes typically weigh between 184g and 368g. To qualify as ‘lightweight’, the shoes should clock in at less than 227g so the nike invincible run doesn’t. 

Best Runs To Use Invincible 3 for 

So yes, I did get a little parkrun PB in these running shoes, but they’re not a ‘racing shoe’. That course was part path and part muddy grass which I think made me need to move a bit faster, making me appreciate the bounce from this shoe. 

That test showed me that the grip was phenomenal though, so I’d have no issues using them solely on the road for wet runs. 

Comfort levels for the Invincible 3 are top tier too, making them a great everyday shoe or as a recovery shoe for easy miles and walking.

I would put these up next to the adidas SolarGlides which to be fair, come with a cheaper price tag for an everyday shoe. I’d use either of these for shorter to mid distance runs, but wouldn’t be my first choice for long runs or race day. 

Where to Buy Them

You can get the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit and other shoes in the Run Fearless collection direct from Nike.com*. There are a variety of colourways on the Nike website in both mens and womens styles.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit Women’s

Along with the Nike Pegasus Trail GORE-TEX, these are some of the best Nike shoes for running I’ve personally tried and tested. 

You are gonna love these if… you’re looking for a daily trainer for easy runs, that’s innovative, a bouncy ride and well cushioned.

Think twice if… you’re looking for a more neutral shoe or for shoes for training rather than running. 

Tips To Run Fearless

Injury impacts all runners.

Whether you’re considering beginning your running journey, but worried about getting injured or you’re a seasoned runner who doesn’t want to be slowed down by injury and don’t want to feel trapped by running.

~40% of Runners are still getting injured each year

Nike, 2021

• If you focus too much on getting injured, it’ll be like a self fulfilling prophecy. Try to focus your mind on getting strong so you can keep running.
• Don’t overdo it – if you’re a newer runner check out apps like Couch to 5k or the Nike Run Club (NRC) app.
• Keep mixing up your routine with speed and track workouts; intervals; long, slow distance runs, and recovery runs. 
• Aim for consistency to help you build your fitness and strength.
• Always warm up and cool down and include rest / recovery days in your training schedule
• Cross-train to keep strong. Check out my on-demand membership and live classes for runners, cyclists and all round fitness lovers.

What’s your number one tip to run fearless and reduce your risk of injury?

I hope you found this Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit review useful. Do you think there’s another shoe out there that compares?

Elle