Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Air Zoom Odyssey 3
Terrain
Road
Type
Stability
Key Features
• The Nike Air Zoom Odyssey is ideal for road running• The mesh material at the shoes upper provides a to the shoe, making it a comfortable wear• Wiring promotes secure structural support during the course of the run• This shoe is ideal for interval or fast running purposes• Nike’s Odyssey 2 has once again come back with a variety of colors for selection in this model• Those with overpronation will feel much comfort in the shoe• Duralon Cushioned rubber in the forefoot• High-abrasion rubber heel gives significant traction
Upper
The upper of this Nike shoe has quite the style and comes in a number of colors for the male and female models. It is made from both Flymesh and Flywire that work together to create a secure fitting shoe. This double layer upper isn’t always the best for those looking for durability and sturdiness, although the structural support is excellent for holding your foot in place for fast short interval runs. The combined mesh and wire also lack the breathability aspect, making this shoe great for cold weather and short runs, once again. All in all, the upper is prone to ripping over time, although it is flexible and stable.
Midsole
If you have given Nike’s Zoom Air technology a try, then you can’t go wrong with the comfort that it provides in the Odyssey 2. The midsole of the Air Zoom Odyssey 2 showcases firm protection and cushioning through improved Zoom Air technology. The Air Zoom is an air unit made of tensile fiber foam, that works well under the high pressure on the shoe by runs, which is ideal for a number of purposes. It works to provide “plush” cushioning through the entire length of the foot. It also protects the foot on long runs by creating a snap effect to lift the foot for a faster stride time.
Outsole
The outsole on the Nike Air Zoom Odyssey 2 provides a smooth feeling and natural ride. It is made up of a “waffle” outsole that is built for maximum stability. The stabilizing “waffle” technology works by its engineered design in the way that it acts as a source of a grip for traction, making it an ideal shoe for road running purposes. All in all, moving forward is what this shoe encourages best through its grooves. One drawback to the “waffle” design, in general, is that if there are pebbles on the road, you may be prone to collecting them on your shoe.
Breathability
The breathability in the Nike Air Zoom Odyssey 2 ranks at an average to a minimal level. The uppers construction of both the Flyknit mesh and Flywire are great at adding a stable structure to the shoe’s exterior. Although, this stable structure limits air flow within the shoe itself, making this an ideal shoe for short distance or interval runs. Overall, the breathability does stand at an optimal level, though it wouldn’t be considered up to the top-notch in comparison to other Nike runners.
Comfort
Nike’s are proudly known for their comfort and the Nike Odyssey 2 is a perfect example. The comfort in this shoe primarily lies within the upper compartment. The upper, which is a combination of mesh and wire provides structural support to the foot. The sole of the shoe also plays an important role in providing comfort to the foot while on a run. The Air Zoom technology in the sole as well as the work of the upper are lightweight components that make this shoe as comfortable as ever.
Style
As for most Nike’s you can’t go wrong with the style. The Nike Air Zoom Odyssey 2 comes in a number of colors for men and women. The style of the design follows a similar convention from the previous Odyssey 1 model in that laces is used as a design on the upper sides of the shoe. The second model, as well as the first, come in a number of color combinations to fit the style of your personalized selection. Don’t expect to see a drastic change in the style and design of the Odyssey 2.
Durability
Durability in the Odyssey 2 is standard. The outsole plays a significant importance on the durability of the shoe. Its “waffle” design acts as a support of grip on the ground and need of grip to improve traction on flat or rough road surfaces. This design is best recommended for use in road running. Recent Nike’s have been sharing one common need for improvement and that is the strength of the knit upper.
Protection
The protection of the Odyssey 2 is provided at multiple levels. Nike, as usual, has done an outstanding job of creating the most natural feel of running experience a runner can achieve. This shoe allows you to get a “connection to the surface”, in this case, roads. The tough outsole, as well as air pocket midsole, secure the foot, preventing them to feel uneasy and cause irritation to the foot.
Responsiveness
The Nike Air Zoom Odyssey 2 is a trustable shoe when it comes to the test of responsiveness. Just by its name, you can tell that it has to be a speedy road shoe. Ideal for road, the shoe’s Air Zoom cushioning aids in support, which is needed in a road shoe designed for conquering tough surfaces. The “waffle” outsole, along with the midsole foam helps to control the shock on the foot, making it adaptable for being a responsive shoe. Lastly, the enclosed design is ideal for short distances, making it highly responsive and a fast shoe for the shorter distance running needs.
Support
If you’re looking for out of the ordinary support, this may not be the next shoe of your dreams. There are a number of things that prove that support is not a top priority for this version. There is a lack of arch support, making this shoe an excellent option for those who need extra coverage if they tend to overpronate. You may enjoy the Air Zoom technology in providing support to the sole of your foot during fast interval runs, which fits the purpose of the shoe.
Terrain
This pair of shoes is known for its use in road running. It would live up to your standards if it were used for interval running or speed running on the road as it does tend to heat up due to the conservative upper attachment. The Odyssey’s “waffle” design aids in the grip on the road running as it “encourages the forward motion” on runs. If you’re into longer runs, consider researching another shoe.
Price
If you’re a kind of person who enjoys comfort in a shoe with the goal of being accomplishing fast road runs, then this shoe is a must for you. While this shoe is on the moderate to upper-end price range of Nike’s, it is for a reason. These shoes will do well for personal use and won’t do harm to your pocket if you meet its needs with yours.
Drop
With a twelve millimeter offset or drop to this shoe, your foot will be supported at top-notch towards the heel to provide bounce and support at the toes. The drop of the Odyssey 2 is on the higher end of shoes, but this allows for greater and fuller strike and release of the foot from the road, allowing an improved and efficient running time.
Stability
The technology of the Odyssey 2 is top notch. The Air Zoom foam at the midsole and a sturdy sole allow this shoe to adapt to a variety of runners. This is because the shoe is flat and will be ideal for a natural feeling stride. The heel of this shoe is on the larger end, benefitting those with pain in the Achilles tendon or if there is heel pain. The toe box has a snug feel, creating a stable shoe overall.
Flexibility
The flexibility of the Odyssey 2 is pretty standard for a running shoe. It does not showcase any special characteristic which would make it stand out amongst other running shoes or even its previous version. Both the upper and midsole provide a standard amount of flex, though nothing as such to admire for it to drastically enhance runs from your previous shoe.
Traction
Nike has followed a similar design concept of the outsole of the shoe in the Odyssey 2 from the original Odyssey 1. Not much has changed in both models. The construction if the rubber design with there being a hollow area near the mid to heel segment has stayed the same. This quality to the outsole gives it traction and stability while running.
Bottom Line
The Nike Air Zoom Odyssey 2 is a shoe you can trust as long as you match its running needs with yours. Be ready to compromise on the distance you can run in it versus the comfort and stability it provides. If you enjoy short runs or interval training, this shoe is a must for you. The Odyssey 2 wasn’t back with an extreme bang from the previous edition, but it was definitely improvised in the design area and midsole Air Zoom foam technology. If you are willing to invest some money on your Nike and enjoy quick runs, be ready to do your research on fit and comfort before purchasing a pair of your own.
