Nike Downshifter 12 Introduction

Downshifter is Nike’s price range working shoe—it truly is a steal for under $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 broad help 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 value.

(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 provides a safer match and feels extra secure 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 broad/further broad as could also be wanted with Downshifter.

Different related sneakers embrace 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 appeared 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 along with an outfit for on a regular basis use. Taking a look at 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 secure base was additionally unusually interesting.

The slender toebox with narrow-medium heel into midfoot would require many to measurement up a half measurement.

Nike Downshifter 12 Higher

Downshifter’s structured mesh is bolstered by an inner layer from a completely gusseted (hooked up to the bottom throughout) tongue; collectively they permit for medium breathability. I anticipated it to be a sizzling 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 broad 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 slender toe.

Working in Downshifter and Excite again to again, a bit extra freedom for the toes in Excite was actually refreshing. The toebox itself seems to be about the identical as that of GEL-Excite, however the distinction in really feel is because of this tongue layer. Nike has an important design going however might improve consolation by including (a minimum of) a pair millimeters of room to make up for the interior layers.

The texture from the medium-width laces is simply the way it must be. Laces run by the tongue for added safety.

Low-average padding hugs the ankle above a good heel counter. Downshifter’s heel counter is thicker and offers extra heel help than the heel counter in Gel-Excite or (particularly) Duramo.

The big 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 all sides to supply extra help than a easy layer of mesh; it peeks by a visibility window.
The tip of the toe field can also be bolstered with an additional densely-knit layer for sturdiness, which has the softer “tongue” materials prolonged down between the toes and outer mesh as effectively.

Like Duramo, the sock liner is hooked up to the bottom. Pulling it up, it’s decently thick (half mm.) which is greater than most sock liners.

Enticing 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 isn’t 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 moreover 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 light-weight 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.

It is 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 offers a medium-soft touchdown that goes right into a so-so transition and ends with a noticeable toe-off (one of the best disappear into the air and not using a thought).

Nike Downshifter 12 Conclusions

Nike put loads of materials into Downshifter 12 for its low value. The shoe is impressively cushioned and secure-feeling. The journey is supported and secure, however a boxy transition and toe-off are what carry my score 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 an important shoe that may final a very long time.

Keep in mind to measurement up a half measurement in case you are between sizes or don’t want a cosy toe.