Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Traction
Key Features
• Air Max Midsole Unit• Internal fuzzy fleece lining• Seamless synthetic overlays along the upper• Classic lace up closure• Bootie like fit for easy on and off• Neoprene trim along the outsole helps these shoes stay water resistant• Woven fabric upper for added flexibility• Treaded rubber outsole• Nylon webbing along the upper• Stylish design features
Upper
This shoe has a unique ability to not only keep the runner’s foot warm and protected from the cold and other difficult weather but is it also designed to allow air to enter the shoe and circulate around the foot as well. The upper of this shoe is designed with a woven fabric material that creates a bootie-like fit and feel. This material is flexible and makes it possible to slip the shoe on and off without the need to tie and untie each time.
Midsole
The stand out features of this shoe is the Air Max unit in the midsole. This is a signature feature of Nike’s Air Max line, and this element has been inserted into many cutting-edge shoes over the years. Not only does the Air Max midsole unit provide the shoe with a unique and stylish look, it also does an excellent job of adding all-day comfort to the shoe. The Air Max Unit absorbs the shock of each footfall and many runners commented that this is a great option for those who spend long hours on the feet each day. The lightweight IP midsole unit provides the right amount of cushioning for someone who is looking for a cushioned ride but doesn’t want an overly plush feeling like a Hoka One One. The midsole has a traditional fit and feel and shouldn’t be sought after by those looking for a minimalist or zero drop running or training shoe.
Outsole
The outsole of the shoe is designed to be worn as both an everyday cross trainer and for when the weather is not cooperating and the athlete needs a little more traction and grip than usual. This shoe is designed using a blade-like design that creates added grip to the underfoot. Runners reported that even on slick surfaces, they felt protected due to the outsole design of this shoe. Additionally, the durable rubber material used adds protection against the road and everyday wear and tear that can lower the lifespan of a good pair of cross trainers. This outsole makes this shoes multifaceted and able to perform in the gym, on the roads, or on groomed trails.
Breathability
This upper material is lightweight and breathable and allows air to enter and exit the shoe. This keeps the foot warm but protects it from overheating. Even though Nike has considered ventilation in this shoe, it is not suggested for the warmest days due to the added fleece fabric lining. This is a shoe best suited for cold climates or cold weather running and training.
Comfort
Runners raved about the comfort of this shoe. One of the key comfort features is the fleece fabric liner. This helps keep feet cozy and comfortable even in the coldest conditions. Additionally, the Air Max midsole unit does a great job of absorbing shock and providing a cushioned base for runners. This shoe is a great option for those on their feet for long hours. The upper is made from a woven fabric that creates a snug, bootie-like fit. Runners can slide the shoe on and off effortlessly.
Style
Nike does an excellent job of combining style and function, and the Air Max Grigora is no exception to this rule. The color palette offered in this shoe is muted and is not offered in the bright vibrant colors that some other Nike designs come in. However, the muted colors, blacks, greys, browns, and whites, are arranged in a unique, fashionable way that makes these a great choice as an accessory to go along with your everyday outfits as well as your most stylish gym attire.
Durability
The outsole of this shoe is designed to take a beating while continuing to protect runners from the elements. The outsole is made from a tough, durable rubber material that is manufactured with a bladed lug design. Additionally, there is a neoprene trim around the base of the shoe that helps to keep water from entering the shoe and damaging the material.
Protection
The most protective element about this shoe is that it protects the runner from undesirable cold and wet weather. The interior of the shoe is designed using a fuzzy fleece lining that is used to keep the runner warm even in the coldest weather conditions. Additionally, the treaded rubber outsole helps to add extra grip and traction to keep runners upright while training on slippery roadways or trails. The Neoprene trim that tracks the outline of the shoe is water resistant and helps to keep moisture away from the foot.
Responsiveness
This shoe is a mid weight shoe with a moderate amount of cushioning. Runners reported that in general, the Nike Air Max Midsole Unit does a great job of responding to changes in movement and speed. This unit is designed to absorb shock and return that energy to the runner to protect against fatigue and injury. Runners found that the Air Max Unit is very responsive and moves effortlessly with the runner.
Support
Runners were pleased with the level of support that the Air Max Grigora provided. The Air Max midsole Unit is designed to provide a solid base for runners. This design helps to keep the foot in place and reduces the risk of unwanted side to side movement. Additionally, the snug bootie construct and the woven mesh fabric of the upper create a snug fit. These details help to support the runner, and overall, runners found this shoe to be a great option for those who spend long hours standing during the day.
Terrain
This shoe is designed to be worn in a variety of ways. For starters, runners loved this shoe for easy, low mileage runs on the road or the treadmill or the track. This is also a great shoe for cross training and weight training and runners found it to be a great gym buddy. Although this shoe is not explicitly designed for the trail, the blade like the design of the outsole provides added grip and traction for the runner, making it a good choice for groomed trails.
Price
This is a reasonably priced cross trainer. Especially considering this shoe includes the patented Air Max unit in the midsole, the price is low enough for nearly all runners to afford. This model allows runners to get the benefits of the signature Air Max Unit without paying the higher price of some of the other Nike Air Max models.
Drop
Runners who are used to running and training in a classic drop shoe of ten millimeters won’t have any problem adjusting to these shoes. Runners commented that there is virtually no break-in period needed. These shoes are not suggested for the runner who is looking for a barefoot running experience.
Stability
Although this shoe is technically a neutral running shoe, it does provide some light support that will help to keep the foot aligned and prevent it from rolling inward. The upper is designed with seamless synthetic overlays that help to keep the foot in position without sacrificing flexibility and comfort. This shoe is not suggested for a runner who is looking to completely change their gait cycle, but it could work for someone who is looking for some basic over pronation assistance.
Flexibility
The Nike Air Max midsole unit is not known for its flexibility. This is a shoe that is better suited for support and stability rather than a midsole and outsole that move and bend with the natural movement of the foot. However, the upper of this shoe offers a higher level of flexibility than the midsole. The upper is made from a ballistic mesh that is woven to create a bootie like fit. It slides on and off easily without the need to tie and untie the shoe. This material molds to the shape of the foot to create a snug and supportive fit.
Traction
Although this shoe isn’t specifically designed to be a trail running shoe, the added traction and grip that is built into the engineering of the outsole makes it possible for runners to traverse groomed or relatively modest trails. The rubberized outsole is made of a treaded, blade like design that not only attaches to the ground below but helps to propel the runner forward.
Bottom Line
The Nike Air Max Grigora is a shoe that allows runners to experience the signature Air Max midsole unit without the higher price tag that comes with some of Nike’s newer models. The shoe is designed to absorb the shock of each foot fall, making it a good choice for runners who are on their feet all day, or for the runner who is looking for added support. The shoe is stylish and comes in a variety of different muted styles that create a stylish look at the gym or as part of a casual outfit. The shoe is a great choice for light running, cross training, or all day, any day wearing. The price of this shoe is more than reasonable, and runners were surprised at how durable and high quality these shoes were, considering their lowered price tag.
