Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
4mm
Breathability
6.8/10
Latest Version
Wildhorse 3
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Outsole features a waffle pattern• Durable Phylon midsole• EVA sock liner• DynamicFit system• Zoom Air cushioning
Upper
The mesh upper is not what you would expect. It is woven very tightly to avoid any debris from getting into the shoe. That makes it very protective but also not very breathable. These shoes feature a Dynamic Fit system that provides extra support to your arches and secures your feet very efficiently even during the most demanding runs. The Dynamic Fit systems is basically an inner sleeve that wraps around the midfoot area and attaches to the midsole. An EVA sock liner with Strobel Last technology is placed in the shoe for enhanced cushioning and better support. A seamless toe box promises the best comfort possible. Reviewers have noted that the lining within the shoe can create uncomfortable friction if running without socks. The welded overlays bring good stability to the shoes.
Midsole
The Phlyon midsole is more responsive, cushioned and durable than regular EVA midsoles. It also provides better shock absorption and impact distribution for softer landings and extra protection. The Air Zoom technology from Nike is also very present in these shoes. It provides responsive cushioning for a smooth heel to toe transitions. The responsive midsole components provide better protection and overall comfort.
Outsole
The outsole of this trail running shoe performs great on most terrain. A waffle pattern in the forefoot area provides great traction when running overall kind of surfaces. The deep squared lugs provide very good traction on snow, sand, and dirt. The combination of the waffle pattern in the forefoot and the lugs in the heel area allow you to run uphill and downhill with ease. Reviewers have stated that they perform really good on snowy conditions. Square lugs on the edge of the outsole in the forefoot and spike like lugs in the edge of the heel area provide an amazing stabilizing effect on off-road trails.
Breathability
Nike claims that the upper mesh provides good breathability. However, reviewers say the breathability is restricted due to the tightly woven mesh. Runners that used these shoes during the winter say they keep your feet warm and dry and are excellent winter running shoes. Runners that used them in warmer weather stated that the shoes are not very breathable, allowing moisture to accumulate in the shoes making them uncomfortable.;Having good breathability in shoes is very important. Keeping your feet cool and dry will help your whole body cool overall. However, if you are looking for good winter shoes that can keep you warm while you run on icy and snowy trails, these are a good fit for you.
Comfort
You can expect a comfortable ride out of this shoe. The Phylon midsole with the Air Zoom technology provides great cushioning and protection during your runs. The almost entirely seamless upper construction keeps your foot snug but not restricted. The upper is very flexible and is able to move naturally with your feet, which is very important for good responsiveness. As the shoes are not very breathable, they can keep your feet warm during when running in low temperatures. A responsive cushioning and bouncy feeling make these shoes comfortable for trail running.
Style
Many reviewers are really happy with the combination of colors. Reviewers were happy with the reintroduction of the dark color options. The style of the shoe, regardless of the colors, is great. It has a flexible and speedy look. They look like road running shoes rather than trail running shoes. They look light and dynamic. The flat and colorful laces that come with the shoes gives them a very fresh look. The welded overlays on the upper, while being functional, also add to the look of the shoe.
Durability
High-quality materials have been used in the construction of this shoe. The environmentally preferred rubber outsole provides extra durability to the outsole. The Air cushioning in the heel is very resilient. Compared to EVA midsoles, the Phylon midsole is much more durable. The upper is very resistant and provides extra durability along the entire shoe. The cushion in the tongue and collar are durable as well. The only complaint from reviewers was about the durability of the lining inside the shoe. It creates uncomfortable friction and breaks relatively soon after you start wearing the shoes.
Protection
You will be protected from the shock and the impact of hard landing. The combination of the Phylon midsole and the Air Zoom technology from Nike manage to absorb and distribute the impact forces throughout the full length of the shoe. They transform the energy of the impact of the landings into explosive energy during the take offs. Your ankles, knees and hips will thank these shoes for keeping them protected from shock. A very small toe cap will provide limited protection to the front of your foot. The tongue is not attached to the upper, which may cause a problem when protecting your foot from trail debris. The traction is remarkable and the tightly woven upper is very strong.
Responsiveness
The Wildhorse 2 has good responsiveness. The Phylon midsole and the Zoom Air technology in the midsole work together to provide a smooth transition, from heel to toe. The great traction from the midsole allows flexible movements to your runs. The shoes take you exactly where you want to go. The Dynamic Fit engineering that integrates the lacing system provides a very adaptive fit. With a relatively wide toe box and a supportive fit, these shoes are highly responsive to the movements you make. The Air cushioning in the heel area promote more energetic strides and cushioned landings. Especially for winter conditions, these shoes are known to be highly responsive.
Support
The Wildhorse 2 from Nike features a Dynamic Fit system that enhances the support of the shoes. An inner sleeve welded to the midsole of the shoe tightly embraces the midfoot area, providing extra arch support. A molded EVA sock liner provides extra cushioning to the midsole section of the shoe for s more supportive feeling. Reviewers say this shoe is a perfect fit for nimble, midfoot strike runners. The shoe promotes a midfoot strike that will contribute to the overall comfort and protection of your knees and hips. If you have pronation issues or any other orthopedic conditions, you can remove the insoles and replace them with one of your own.
Terrain
These are trail running shoes, but according to reviewers, the best terrain is not only trails but snowy streets The waffle pattern will make you ascend and descend all kinds of hills with ease. However, the Wildhorse 2 would not work well on a very rocky terrain. The outsole is not stiff enough and there is no extra protection against sharp rocks. The great traction makes them good for running on hilly grassy mountains regardless if they’re wet or dry. Many reviewers use these shoes for urban runs during the winter season and complimented their great traction on the icy and snowy roads.
Price
These shoes have a very reasonable price. The average price online is around $100 USD. Despite being relatively outdated shoes, you can still find them easily in different colors and sizes. The price you pay for these shoes is fair, but we think you can get better shoes for the same price that will work well in warm weather as well.
Drop
The Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 2 has a drop of 4 mm. They are neutral trail running shoes and provide a good feeling of the ground when running. The low heel to toe offset enhances the stability and responsiveness of the shoe to some extent.
Stability
All the features of Air Zoom Wildhorse 2 work together to provide good stability. The outsole provides great traction and grip. The midsole enhances the responsiveness of the shoe. The upper provides extra support and a great fit. Reviewers stated that the only problems with the shoe were the lining and the nongusseted tongue.
Flexibility
The Nike Air Zoom Wildhorse 2 are very flexible shoes. The outsole and midsole have a very good combination of responsiveness and flexibility. The Phylon midsole and the rubber outsole provide optimum flexibility. The Air cushioning technology in between the midsole and the outsole provides great cushioning yet keep the shoe very flexible and light. The upper moves with your feet thanks to the Dynamic Fit system while providing solid arch support. You can definitely move freely when running on this shoes.
Traction
The traction of these shoes is very good. The waffle shape with deep squared lugs in the forefoot allows for multidirectional traction and keeps you conquering your trail runs with ease. Even when climbing on wet rocks, the outsole provides amazing grip and remarkable traction. One of the main reasons reviewers favor these shoes as winter running shoes are because of the great traction on icy and snowy roads.
Bottom Line
Preferred over winter running shoes, the Wildhorse 2 has become one of the favorite shoes for running on icy and snowy roads in the cities. The amazing traction of the outsole makes them especially good for those conditions. Unfortunately, the Wildhorse 2 is not as protective as other trail running shoes that cost around the same money. Even with a new version of the shoe is on the market, the Wildhorse 3, this shoe is still available online.
