Nike Zoom X Invincible Run Flyknit 3 Shoe Review
Published: March 20, 2023
Nike Invincible 3 Has More Stability and More Style for More Fun on the Run
Likes
- ZoomX foam is protective and provides good energy return
- Excellent recovery shoe and fun daily trainer
- Stylish new aesthetic
Dislikes
- Slappy at times
- Slight weight increase
- Testers experienced some heel slippage
What's New
After maintaining a familiar look and feel from version 1 to version 2, the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 features an updated upper, midsole, and outsole, giving these max-cushioned daily trainers and long-haul recovery shoes a fresh new look with a familiar yet slightly altered, high-performing feel.
While many loved the first two versions plush underfoot experience, there were many complaints that the highly cushioned running shoe lacked the stability needed in a recovery shoe. That said, stabilization is clearly the theme for the Invincible Run 3 update. With a new strobel lining and a longer heel clip that extends further towards the midfoot, runners will be able to enjoy new levels of stability, making recovery runs that much more comfortable and easy on the body. Nike has also designed the Invincible Run 3 with a wider platform, doubling down on the shoe's newly improved, more stable design.
The Invincible Run 3's midsole has received a higher stack height of Nike's amazing ZoomX foam. This works harmoniously with a redesigned geometry to highlight the shoe's plush underfoot feel while accentuating the foam's incredible energy return. Ultimately, the result is a more dynamic ride better suited for a variety of different daily training runs.
The stylishly re-imagined Flyknit upper is the icing on the cake, offering an improved fit that will securely lock you down and keep you firmly over the shoe's amazingly soft midsole. With all the updates, the ZoomX Invincible Run 3 is even better equipped to keep runners on the run.
The Bottom Line
There is no question which shoe has been leading the way in the recovery and long-haul daily training categories over the last few years, and the ZoomX Invincible Run has been setting the standard since its inception. Version 3 has received a lot of updates from Nike, which have slightly altered the shoe's feel and drastically changed the overall look of the shoe. Though this may make the Invincible faithful a bit apprehensive, after putting this superstar through the trials of testing, it is clear that the ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 remains one of the best for daily training and recovery efforts.
Despite increased levels of ZoomX foam, our testers found the Invincible Run 3 to be ever so slightly firmer than its predecessors, but do not be misled. With a full-length ZoomX midsole, the Invincible 3 is still an extremely soft shoe. The small degree of firmness the strobel lining adds is a worthwhile trade-off given the shoe's smoother and steadier ride. With heightened levels of stability and a slightly more propulsive geometry, our testers could better maximize their shorter, faster daily training runs while still benefitting from the shoe's excellent impact protection and comfort on their long-haul recovery runs.
The Invincible 3's redesigned Flyknit upper provided breathability and a comfortably secure fit through the midfoot and forefoot. Unfortunately, our testers experienced some heel slippage and needed to utilize a runner's knot to resolve this minimal issue. While the upper construction feels lighter, the shoe did gain a bit of weight, likely due to the Invincible 3's tweaked rubber outsole and added stack height. A weight increase is never the best news, but with increased durability, runners will now be able to get more runs out of the Invincible, which is always a positive benefit.
When a shoe is as beloved as the Invincible, updates can pose a unique challenge, and though brands want to improve the shoe, they do not want to change the attributes that have made the shoe so popular among runners. The Invincible's extremely plush midsole and bouncy energy return have taken the running world by storm in recent years, and while this new version sees some significant changes, the increases in stability and durability were excellent improvements in the eyes of our testers. They all agreed that if you need a highly protective shoe that has an energetically fun ride for daily training and recovery runs, then the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 should be on your shortlist.
Specifications & Fit
Shoe Specs
| Weight | Men's: 10.6 oz (size 9) | Women's: 9.1 oz (size 8) |
| Stack Height | 40 mm (Heel), 31 mm (Forefoot) | 9 mm Heel-Toe Offset |
| Terrain | Road |
| Stability | Neutral |
| Sizing | True to size |
Our In-Depth Look
Upper
Kaleb: "The upper on the new ZoomX Invincible Run 3 fits very comfortably, and with the updated design, the shoe feels lighter and more breathable, which was a small issue for me in the previous version.
The overall fit worked well for my foot shape, but I needed to employ a runner’s loop to get a secure lockdown. I used a standard knot during my initial run and experienced some heel slippage, but once I had laced up with a runner’s loop, everything was full steam ahead.
Also, the completely new aesthetic is a good one. I still think it tough to make a max stack midsole look super stylish, but the Invincible 3 has definitely got a more modern, dialed-in look, which I really appreciated."
Midsole
Kaleb: "Like the rest of the shoe, the Invincible 3’s midsole has received a host of updates, most of which have helped improve the overall stability of the shoe. The Invincible still feels magically soft and bouncy underfoot, but the new strobel inherently makes the underfoot sensation feel a little firmer. Also, a new heel clip design extends further towards the midfoot, helping improve the shoe's overall stability along with the new lining. Some runners, like myself, will appreciate the heightened levels of inherent stability that come from the slightly firmer underfoot experience, but I am also sure some runners will be disappointed with the altered feel. Personally, I enjoyed version 3 more than previous models.
The ride remains tremendously protective, and I feel like I can run forever in this shoe. Also, with the more stable design, the Invincible 3 is more dynamic than ever before. As always, the shoe is amazing when paired with a long or recovery run, but I felt like I could do more runs and more paces with the updates. Again, this will likely be a point of division among the running community, but, for me, the Invincible keeps getting better."
Outsole
Kaleb: "Nike has noticeably made some small changes to the outsole, and though it may contribute to the shoe's weight increase, I really appreciated the shoe's durability, which is seemingly improved from previous versions. After +50 plus miles in the shoe, I have zero doubts that this shoe will last a long time and be able to accumulate a high amount of mileage.
I also really enjoyed the ZoomX Invincible 3's grip underfoot. Combined with the shoe's improved stability, I was a lot more confident cornering and running at faster paces."
Comparable Shoes
Kaleb: "Since the inception of the original Invincible Run, other companies have been trying to compete with the amazing performance of this max-cushioned long haul and recovery shoe. The closest competitors come in the form of the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer and the ASICS Novablast.
I have not had the pleasure of testing the SuperComp Trainer, though I did just finish testing the SuperComp Elite, which has a similar combination of FuelCell foam with the Energy Arc Plate as the SC Trainer. That said, I know the SC Trainer has received some criticism for the upper and stability level, which was not an issue while running in the Invincible Run 3. Also, without a midsole plate, I believe the Invincible is better suited for daily training and much better for recovery runs.
Compared to the Novablast, the Invincible feels much softer underfoot, while the Novablast is more versatile. But to reiterate, for protective recovery runs and cruising long runs, I believe the Invincible remains the shoe to beat."
Nike Men's Invincible Run
The Nike Invincible Run is an innovative daily training shoe that features Nike's superfoam, ZoomX, for a ride that's both soft and ultra-responsive.
Nike Women's Invincible Run
The Nike Invincible Run is an innovative daily training shoe that features Nike's superfoam, ZoomX, for a ride that's both soft and ultra-responsive.
Individual Thoughts
KalebOverall Score: 9.5/10
I have loved the updates made to the Invincible Run 3. This is a result of the shoe’s improved stability. The heel clip and strobel lining contribute to a slightly, and I mean slightly, firmer underfoot feel, but with more stability, I feel that the ride has improved. I can comfortably run mile upon mile in the Invincible Run 3.
The ride, per usual, is impressively bouncy, and each step produces a soft trampoline-like sensation that has become prototypical of shoes featuring ZoomX midsoles. Furthermore, I believe the new midsole construction has helped the Invincible become more versatile, and I was surprised how easy it was to maintain a sub-8 minute mile pace while wearing the Invincible 3. For my longest runs and recovery efforts, the Invincible Run 3 was fantastic, and it is clear why this shoe has been a top recovery shoe for the last few years. I do recommend using a runner’s loop to help get a secure heel lockdown. Without it, you may experience some heel slippage.
