Details
Brand
Nike
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Air Max cushioning unit features added cushioning and shock absorption.• Padded collar and tongue for comfort• Carbon and blown rubber outsole• Dual upper material of knit and mesh creates a snug and breathable fit• 14 millimeter drop is one of the highest heel drops offered on today’s market
Upper
The upper of the shoe is where runners can expect to see some of the biggest improvements from the older model. This newest model is made using a combination of two durable, breathable materials. It uses both knit and a mesh. Not only does this provide the runner with superior air flow and comfort, it also hugs the foot and gives the runner a snug, secure fit. The upper is extremely flexible and runners appreciated that the shoe moved with the foot. Athletes felt very comfortable wearing this shoe and were happy to see the improvements from the older model.
Midsole
The midsole of this shoe features Nike’s patented Air Max cushioning in the heel. This provides the runner with more stability and also gives them added shock absorption, which can help prevent injury. The midsole foam runs the length of the shoe, and runners described it as springy and comfortable. One of the changes to the Sequent 2 from its original model is that the shoe now comes with a higher heel drop due to more cushioning in the midsole.
Outsole
Runner will be pleased to know that the outsole of this shoe is almost identical to the first version. This shoe features a dual rubber outsole. The forefoot is lined with a blown rubber which is softer and provides a more cushioned ride. The heel of the shoe is made with a carbon rubber which tends to be sturdier and more protective. Both of these rubbers create an extremely comfortable, durable ride. Additionally, the outsole features a waffle pattern design which provides superior traction and grip. It also comes with flex grooves carved into the forefoot to provide more flexibility and supports natural foot movement.
Breathability
The upper of the shoe features a unique blend of materials which translates to an ultra breathable ride. The combination of mesh and knit provide support and breathability without overdoing it. Runners reported that their feet stayed cool and dry throughout the entirety of their run. This is key because it eliminates the risk of blisters and hot spots. Runners also said the breathable upper allowed them to wear it all day and remain comfortable.
Comfort
Many reviewers agreed that the Air Max Sequent 2 is very comfortable. This can be attributed to a combination of features. The upper combines a knit and a mesh fabric to create a breathable feel and snug fit. The outsole of the shoe features a soft blown rubber in the forefoot. The key comfort feature of the shoe is the patented Nike Air Max unit in the midsole which creates an incredibly comfortable landing pad and absorbs the shock of each footfall.
Style
As always, Nike delivers a unique, stylish shoe in the Nike Air Max Sequent 2. One of the things that athletes loved the most about this shoe is that they were able to get the signature style of the Air Max line at a fraction of the cost. The shoe comes in multiple color options, and runners were able to use this as a casual shoe as well. The Air Max unit in the midsole provides the shoe with its iconic look.
Durability
Runners reported that this shoe lasted much longer than other similar shoes. This can be attributed to the durable carbon rubber in in the heel the outsole of the shoe. This helped keep the shoe from premature break down. Since the upper of the shoe uses two different materials, it helps the shoe maintain a newer look for longer by not fraying or developing rips.
Protection
The main protective feature of the shoe is the Air Max unit. This added cushioning in the heel provides superior shock absorption. This helps prevent injury and protect joints while running. Additionally, the outsole of the shoe uses a durable carbon rubber to protect the runner against the harmful elements of the road.
Responsiveness
There was not much reported on about the responsiveness of the shoe. Overall, this shoe is very cushioned and comes with a higher heel drop than most which makes it less responsiveness than some runners may like. The cushioning of the shoe features a responsive feel in its springy nature.
Support
Runners can expect to find a flexible and supportive fit thanks to the knit and mesh upper combination in the upper. This shoe is a neutral running shoe but does provide some arch support thanks to the Air Max midsole.
Terrain
This shoe is made for the road. Whether this means runs in the neighborhood or hanging out on the weekend, this is a shoe that is designed to take the athlete over different urban terrains. It is not a shoe that is suggested for aggressive off road adventures.
Price
Runners love the lower price of this shoe. This shoe comes in below the average cost of a running shoe on today’s market, and it is much lower than some other shoes in Nike’s Air Max lineup. This shoe allows the runner to receive the iconic look and feel of the Nike Air Max line without paying the much higher price that comes with some of the other models.
Drop
One of the key changes in the Sequent 2 from its original version is the higher heel drop. The original Air Max Sequent came with a 12 millimeter drop, but this version features a 14 millimeter heel drop. This is one of the highest possible heel drops offered in today’s market. This means that the heel of the shoe features plenty of heel cushioning. For some runners, this intense cushioning and higher heel drop isn’t ideal, but for the runner looking for added cushioning, this might be a good option.
Stability
This shoe is not suggested for the runner who needs added support and stability for over or under pronation issues. Over pronation means that the foot tends to roll in ward during the gait cycle. Stability shoes offer features that protect against this, but the Nike Air Max Sequent 2 is not designed as a stability shoe. The midsole of the shoe does offer added arch support which runners found helpful.
Flexibility
Runners loved the multiple flexibility elements added to the Nike Air Max Sequent 2. For starters, runners will find the upper of the shoe to be very flexible. It utilizes a combination of two different materials, knit and mesh, to create a fit and feel that is breathable and flexible. The other flexibility feature of this shoe is found in the outsole. The outsole of the foot features flex grooves along the forefoot. These features work to promote the natural gait cycle of the foot. Runners did not feel like any of the technology of the shoe was working to impede their movement, and instead, felt free to move around as they saw fit.
Traction
Runners were surprised with how secure and sticky the outsole of these shoes proved during runs and day to day activity. The outsole features a unique waffle design that works to grip the road. Runners reported that they felt secure even on slippery terrain or steep up or down hill runs. This design features more traction than the average road running shoe, but it lacks the aggressive lugs needed for trail running.
Bottom Line
The Nike Air Max Sequent 2 has made key improvements to their upper but has kept the unique features of the outsole. The upper now features two different materials. The mesh and knit combination make for a stretchy, snug fit that is highly supportive. Nike also added extra padding to the tongue and collar for added comfort. The outsole still features the smart design of using a carbon rubber in the heel and blown rubber in the mid and forefoot. The highlight of this shoe is the iconic Air Max unit. The Air Max unit in the Sequent 2 provides a 14 millimeter drop and superior shock absorption. Runners loved that they were able to obtain the stylish look and feel of the Air Max lineup without the extensive price tag.
