Completely agree with the analysis. I appreciate these shoes for sessions around marathon pace. I’m more of a midfoot striker, and the stiffness at the front of the shoe doesn’t quite suit me for recovery runs, based on how I feel. However, the shoes are surprisingly soft when I walk in them, a sensation I don't really experience during slow runs.
Just did my first run in the Invincible 3 and I feel exactly like this, it wanted me to go faster than my easy pace and it needs to bed in but I'm keeping them for longer workouts.
Amazing runners. The Full Max comfort is no joke, especially for big guys like me. I understand what people mean with the heel slippage, but after tying the knot all the way through, I never had that issue. Wearing these shoes make me look forward to my runs.
Fellow big runners - you need this. Great daily trainer for different paces with great squish and bounce. The earlier version was plenty wide too - hopefully this is too. Novablast for me (200 lbs) is a 5k shoe. Thanks Kofuzi.
There’s no one-size-fits-all shoe:.if it fits you good.s if it doesnt then it’s fine, move on to next brand/model. Just because it doesnt fit your feet nicely means its already a terrible shoe.
I may be in the minority, but I hated the last iteration of these. They never felt comfortable for me and always hurt my feet and trashed my legs. I gave up on them after 50ish miles and gave them away to someone who absolutely loved them.
I returned my Nike Invincible 3 and replaced them with a pair of ASICS Gel Nimbus 25s. I didn't experience any heel lift with my Invincible 3s as many others have said, but I just didn't enjoy the upper; the material is so rough and shiny. For my spring HM training block I'm using the Nimbus 25s as a max cushion easy/long run shoe, and Endorphin Speed 3s for tempo training. The Nimbus is MAX comfort for me, with an insane upper and also midsole.
Ran a half-marathon in version 1 and bought another half size up which helped with blisters.... was thinking of getting the 3 for the NYC half, but currently been running in the Saucony tempus which has been amazing. Thanks for including pairing suggestions at the end, super helpful.
Great review as always! Can you compare it against the Asics Gel-Nimbus 25 and if so, if you had to pick which one would it be for max cushion easy day shoe? Thanks
if we continue with this split personality metaphor, I think the Nimbus 25 and Invincible 3 are comparable if you like the Invincible 3 for easy running. But the Nimbus 25 is a much better suited recovery day and easy long run shoe, whereas the Invincible seem to prefer to go at the faster end of easy and is not so luxuriously cushioned as the Nimbus
Got this last week and have put in 25 miles so far. I have mixed thoughts about this version compared to the v2. It does look sleeker and better overall, but the ride isn't as fun and bouncy as v2 although it is more stable. The thing is, I didn't find stability to be an issue on v2. There is plenty of cushion to protect from impact but, to me, it feels clunkier than v2. The upper isn't as comfortable but I think I can solve that with thinner socks. The heel slippage is there but I was able to take care of it with the runner's knot. Still, it's been bit of a chore to get a good balance between secure lockdown and comfort on upper mid-foot due to having to lace up too tight. Once I got that dialed in, it's a good ride for easy runs for up to around 10 miles. It's a little too heavy for me to want to go beyond that distance with this shoe but the same goes for More v4 and SC Trainer, my other easy/recovery/slow shoes. Somewhat of a downer as I had such high expectations for this v3. v2 is one of my favorite shoes (and I have two pairs) and I had really hoped that v3 will address the minor little things on it, but I think the added weight, heel slippage (which can be fixed) and the firmer ride are disappointing. It can pick up the pace as I've done 7'00"/mile stretches without a problem, and I think it can be used as a daily trainer but there are many better choices for that. It's a little too heavy for both fast or long. It's a good shoe and I'll keep using it but, to me, it doesn't have the "magic" of v2 (and I assume v1 which I haven't tried). I may very well grow to like it more with more miles. I don't think I can come to a conclusion after only 25 miles. I've come to like some shoes after 50 miles that I didn't like initially (like the Boston 11). I'm still holding out hope that this shoe will grow on me.
I nearly returned the previous version because the sides of the shoe caused me pain because of their narrowness (near my arches, the forefoot area of the shoe is actually pretty wide), but I eventually broke it in and now it's my favorite easy day training shoe. The max cushion give my feet and joints needed breaks between harder training days and upper is very comfortable.
Nike has so many good pieces and elements, but very rarely puts enough of them into one package. ZoomX is an awesome foam, flyknit or atom knit makes for a great upper, and Nike’s design team is always on point. But it’s like they always have to hamstring the shoe either because it was designed by too big of a committee, or almost on purpose to allow for “improvements” YoY. Their racing shoes have been so good because they feel like true no-compromise products, while their training shoes seem to be only halfway into enthusiast preferences and novice/casual use and thus aren’t really good for either.
I wish it was lighter, if the Triumph 20 can gain stack height and lose weight compared to its previous iterations there's no reason why the Invincible couldn't.
I was massively disappointed in the invincible 3. I just feel the invincible 1 and 2 are way better softer and bouncier, I think the board under the sock liner in the 3 really lessons some of that feeling I also feel like the 3 are a lot stiffer and that's not something I want on a easy day / daily trainer I also got really bad heel slip, heel locking helped but didn't completely get rid of it Also the upper almost seems to cut in to my ankle I sent my pair back and brought some more invincible run 2s there the goat 🐐 of easy /everyday running shoes in my opinion
Good shoe, but from Nike, I will wait for the Vomero 17. It will be less stack height than this invincible. So it is more of my taste, more versatile high cushioning shoe and cheaper.
Hey! Cheers from Colombia… I’ve been following you for years now, and let me tell you just this: Thank you! As an Ironman, i always choose my next running shoes, only after heating your opinion. Thanks!!
For me, after a 5 mile run which was fine and then a 15 mile long run, 2 huge blisters. Literally burnt my skin and I agree, the upper is super plastic and almost suffocated the feet.
Your video of your running shows you not really hitting your heal at all so with that in mind it would make sense you are not getting a transition from the heal to the forefoot.
Already clocked over 500 miles on my Invincible 2, now waiting for a price drop on the leaner looking Invincible 3. Probably the most advanced foam around in my view.
I have made 800 kms on them. they are very bouncy, they are so soft, but very heavy. I can do trainings of various type with these, but not less than 3.30 min x km. It's a daily trainer with a very long lasting. after quite 900 km I find them already very cushioned.
Im a beginner runner and bought these shoes after the Glycerin 21's. I have flat feet and found these to be very uncomfortable for walking because it feels like the shoe has the least amount of support at the arch of my feet. These feel great when running above an easy pace though. The springiness is amazing!
I wanted to love these. I put in so much mileage on v1 and v2, that I was excited when they announced a new model. Unfortunately it hurt my feet so bad. Ended up going with Novablast 3 and haven’t regretted it ever since.
I had a love-hate relationship with this shoe. I attempted to return it after 10km due to heel slippage and rigid outer but Asia’s return policy is not that great. But I trained with it and broke multiple PBs with my knees intact. I’m gonna use it for my next half-marathon with hopes that ZoomX carry me through the fatigue!
Totally agree with you in this sentiment. Heel slippage, rigid upper, poor Asia return policy haha. I'm at 50 miles and things have slowly gotten better, but not in love with this shoe sadly.
South East Asia is nothing but a sweat shop for shoes maker... not only that, they treat you as an idiot for asking you to pay much higher price than elsewhere in the world... so, where is the logic? The shoes is either made in Vietnam or Indonesia, yet it is cheaper in Europe, USA and Taiwan than in sea
Nike malaysia here has been super easy to return and get a refund under the 2 year warranty, hassle free no questions asked. I’ve returned my detached midsole of my streakfly that was bought within a year and my pegasus turbo next which i just find it not very suitable for me, so I returned it.
nice review as always! could you advise on the sizing of Invincible 3 vs Saucony Speed 3 please, my Invincible3 I went for 0.5 size smaller; should I go for true to size for Speed3 or the same? Thanks
I ran in the previous two models and I love the new update. First & foremost, “ankle/heel slippage” is nonexistent (for me at least) I used all the lace loops. Second, it’s much more stable & has a better lockdown. I’ve thrown this shoe on for easy/recovery runs. ZoomX foam doesn’t disappoint, by the end of the run your legs naturally pick up the pace resulting in “fresh legs” I had no problem running low 7 minute miles in the shoe.
ZoomX is the most comfortable shoe that succeeded in destroying my feet all at the same time. Honestly, unlike react or normal Zoom air, this runner isn't for everyone. Even tried Vomero 16 which has ZoomX and still came away with the same result. I'll be sticking with either Air Zoom or react shoes.
I just got my pair of invincible run 3 and took them for an 11mi run… I ended up liking them for faster paces rather than easy run - just like you did. I also had the experience of the pressure in the arch, both feet, but after mi. #4 it was much easier, it felt like if the outsole needed to be “warmed” or “broken” to start flexing; after that it felt pretty good. Great review, always appreciate your insight!
As much as I wanted to love running in this sneaker it has some major flaws. the heel slippage is insane, and the upper knit glue material is pointless. I'm not sure why a lot of reviewers aren't mentioning these flaws.
Thank you for this honest review. Thank you for saving me money because I will not buy this based on what you said at 5:15. Last year I bought some Brooks Ghost and they also had that horrible transition which gave me a stress fracture on my right foot. For some reason that transition was only on my right shoe, maybe a manufacturing flaw?
The version 2 is a great daily trainer for me, especially at Nike outlet prices. I’m a bigger runner, and it’s much more supportive than the Pegasus. I’ll wait until the hit the outlet.
I just ran in mine today and I definitely agree with your assessment. I am having a bit of a trouble taking it super easy as the shoe kind of wants me to go a bit faster. Nonetheless, I think I like it and I’ll use it with my novablast 3
You were reading my mind. I just picked up a pair of the Novablast with the intention of pairing it with the Invincible. And was considering doing and Invincible/Superblast pairing too
I think it’s INTERESTING that you pointed out the abrupt transition from heel to forefoot in the Invincibles. This is something I noticed trying out the Pegasus 40, coming from the Saucony Ride 15, Triumph 20, and NB Rebel V3. Seems like that’s maybe a Nike characteristic?
I'm 1.86m tall, weight is 110kg.My daily running shoe ís a Níke Pegasus 40. I must concede that after 12km I do not want to be in the Pegasus 40. That's why I opted for this. My personal experience is that I found this shoe lacklustre , after 5km I wanted to go home. I thought it was for long, easy pace running where you want to go 20km.I owned an Asics Nimbus 24 and that felt better. I'm returning this shoe.
Great review; your explanation of the first mile is spot on. Nike essentially made the same shoe for the V1 and V2, so I'm not surprised that this one went in a little bit of a different direction. It's not a bad shoe, but it's enough to make me look elsewhere for a max-cushioned shoe this summer.
just bought the invisible run 3s on Sale on nike for $100. tried it on, not sure how to feel about the stability as an underpronator, but it's so soft and squishy and your awesome review may have just convinced me to keep this thing with hopes that i am able to break it in. I love your pairing options as I also just ordered the novablast 3, waiting for it to arrive, has great reviews so I'm curios how that shoe would feel.
Another good review! It's always tough to figure out if a shoe is going to work for yourself. From what you've explained and the price of this shoe I'm not too interested anymore. Thanks for helping and making up my mind!😁
I just bought them 2 days ago because i got a good deal for 95€ and i have to say they are very comfortable BUT they are not very stable and have bad heel slippage!
I've been waiting for kofuzi to do this review for a while nike invincible and reacts are my favorite nike shoes even though v1 and v2 look like grandpa shoes I love how they feel on my feet the v3 looks better but the forefoot looks thinner nike fixed some stuff on the v3 but why do they made it heavier and thinner forefoot we need the pegasus outsole on the invincibles and thicker forefoot Come on nike u can do better next version we want comfort on the Infinity reacts aswell better grip without sacrificing comfort and make them lighter too is it too much to ask?
I love the One and now, the Two! You said it best when you mentioned that it’s a shoe that you’d probably want to try on first. Good Vid. The Eliot, to me, looks like the Pegasus design, IMO!
I actually thought the pair I got was fake because of the shiny weird waxy stiff plasticky upper, not a fan and returned it immediately. It might be made of recyclable materials, but still not a fan.
The invincibles are the most comfortable shoes I ever own. I will buy future versions of the Invincibles from now on. I will NOT buy any other sneakers!
OK so I am coming here a year later but hopefully can get some input; Would this shoe handle / work for a 90k road race? (Comrades Marathon) taking into account the pace is not going to be ripping up the tar and 90k is a long time on the feet.
youd need to break it in i think to soften the upper and the structure of the upper around the ankle and use a lace lock to stop the heal slippage but its bouncy, and soft all at once so i reckon it would be the shoe id reach for over 90km road. other options id look at at supercomp trainer v2 or superblasts or even sc elite v3 way lighter but so much stack and its sp forgiving that shoe. depends on your pace goals and your body type
I always see "big runner" and I'm wondering if I'm considered one. I'm 5'7 and 170 pounds. I have a fairly lean build but I have a wide frame with thick legs lol...
Thank you for that review . And thank you for saying that the shoe wants u to run in a certain way. I thought im strange built since I have the exact same problem … it wants to change my foot strike and this results in problems with my ankles every-time when I start “fighting “ it . I never had such thing with any shoe . And version 1-2 are not at all like that …yesterday I ran a 10 k easy with the v3 and today 10 k with my Streakfly and omg the Streakfly is so much more comfortable and fun ……. Feels almost more cushioned 😂😮💨. I guess I will try marathon pace tomorrow . Lets see ;) Cheers
depends on what you want. do you want a comfy recovery run shoe that is great for easy miles? nimbus 25. or do you want a shoe you can take for a 16 mile run with 10 at marathon effort? invincible 3
hi Thank you for the excellent video. I'm a nurse. I might buy these. I saw you run in the snow in these. You suspect that they are waterproof because the flyknit has been treated with waterproofing "mod pudge". Are they water proof in your opinion? thanks
the invincible run 3 is more exciting and easier to get to marathon effort, but the triumph 20 is easier to get along with (it's not as awkward as the invincible run 3 can be at times).
I'm about 80 miles into my pair and the comfort is still great but they aren't going to last another 80 I'm already partially walking on the foam in the big toe area. The toe box is wide enough so if you step on something you wont roll your ankle I've caught it every time and just kept going. A runners knot is a must but not a big deal.
