Details
Brand
Nike
Breathability
8.2/10
Latest Version
2017
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Hexagonal shaped lugs• Rubber outsole• Rubber pods to help high-wear areas last longer• Deep Flex Grooves• New midsole with dual-layer and dual-density composition for an improved bounce• Breathe Tech upper increases air flow• Heel counter for added support• Regular laces• Molded sock liner
Upper
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 has a well-designed upper that shows that Nike designers have paid close attention to detail. The Breathe Tech fabric used in constructing the upper is new to this version of the FS Lite Run. It secures the foot, promotes air circulation, and doesn’t weigh down the shoe. Nike has actually done away with the overlays that were featured in previous versions of the shoe. Instead, there’s a new more minimalistic overlay to provide support. The result is a toned down aesthetic. Inside the shoe, there’s a sock liner that’s made of special fabric that hugs the foot. Also featured on the upper is a large Nike swoosh for branding purposes. Some reviewers complained that the tongue of the shoe stuck out too much and that the rough edge rubbed against the foot causing discomfort.
Midsole
The midsole of the Nike FS Lite Run 4 has changed a little bit since the previous version. The new material features two types of foam for improved energy-return. The two layers work together to also deliver cushioning and impact protection. Each layer has a different density to provide maximum benefit. The cushioning runs the length of the shoe for total protection. Another new technological advancement with the Nike FS Lite Run 4 is that the layers of the shoe are no longer stuck together using glue. Doing away with the glue has helped to bring down the weight of the shoe.
Outsole
The outsole of the Nike FS Lite Run 4 is made of rubber. There’s nothing fancy going on in the sole of the shoe but it still manages to provide a baseline of traction. To be able to grip surfaces, the outsole features a hexagonal tread pattern that covers the entire bottom of the shoe. A few rubber pods are smartly placed to help protect high-impact areas from excess wear and tear. Also featured in the outsole, are very deep Flex Grooves. This helps to ensure that wearers get a smooth ride and flexibility.
Breathability
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 is quite breathable thanks to the new Breathe Tech fabric that covers the upper of the shoe. It does a great job to promote air circulation and ensure the inside of the shoe never gets too hot. Nike has also removed some of the overlays that were featured on the previous version’s upper. This helped to enhance breathability, as well. Reviewers were impressed with how well the Nike FS Lite Run 4 allowed air flow and were happy with the lightweight feel of the upper.
Comfort
Reviewers felt the Nike FS Lite Run 4 was super comfortable. Despite the removal of most of the upper’s overlays, the upper still fits very well. Reviewers also liked the new dual midsole composition which improved bounce back. The inner liner was another feature that reviewers appreciated since it molds nicely to the foot. Reviewers also liked that the shoe was lighter than its predecessor making it a pleasure to run with. The breathability of the new Breathe Tech fabric was another aspect of the shoe that was well-liked. It should also be noted that runners were able to run comfortably in the shoe right away. There’s no breaking in period required.
Style
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 was tweaked a bit to improve the ride feel, energy-return, and a few other little aspects. The shoe also received a slight design change making it more modern but most importantly, making it a lot less busy. The upper’s overlays have been minimized for a sleeker overall look. Reviewers liked the design of the Nike FS Lite Run 4 and many found themselves using the shoe for activities other than running. It’s stylish enough to be used in non-running settings. If you run at the gym, it’s easy to wear these to and from without feeling overly sporty. The variety of colors available for both men and women means there’s a style choice for almost anyone whether you’re looking for a subtle color option or something more flashy.
Durability
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 is a well-constructed shoe but a few reviewers did point out that the lighter weight had them concerned about durability. Reviewers didn’t have any glaring problems with durability but it was something they all seemed to be worried about. The lighter weight was well received but had some runners thinking about whether it would result in a tradeoff.
Protection
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 provides standard protection from its outsole to its upper. The outsole protects runners from slipping on wet surfaces. The midsole provides shock absorption, and the upper keeps wearers comfortable and blister free. A few runners went sockless in the Nike FS Lite Run 4 and didn’t have any issues with hot spots or blisters, which is a big bonus.
Responsiveness
Reviewers didn’t have much to say about the responsiveness of the Nike FS Lite Run 4. The shoe provides a greater amount of energy-return compared to its previous version, but reviewers were more impressed with the comfort and lighter weight of the Nike FS Lite Run 4. The dual-layer midsole does provide added bounce, though.
Support
Overlays have been removed from the upper of the Nike FS Lite Run 4 which some expected would diminish overall support. That’s not the case. The shoe remains just as supportive as before. A new, more toned down overlay that wraps around the heel provides the same support as before. Even at a lighter weight, the shoe feels structurally sound and reviewers felt their foot was hugged in comfortably by the Breathe Tech upper and molded liner.
Terrain
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 is meant for training on roads. As was mentioned, it provides standard protection. There are no fancy trail-specific features that come with this shoe. The outsole, with its grippy hexagon-shaped lugs, provide just enough traction for road running purposes. The upper is breathable and works well for running in hot conditions on the pavement. The heel collar is padded but won’t stop trails debris from getting into the shoe. With the Nike FS Lite Run 4, it’s best to stick to the pavement.
Price
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 is priced fairly. In fact, quite a few reviewers pointed out how impressed they were with the shoe’s quality and value considering its price. Sure, it might not last as long as other shoes but it’s a solid choice for covering day to day training miles. It’s a great model for the budget conscious runner or a runner who wants to alternate between two pairs of running shoes and doesn’t want to spend a fortune for two pairs.
Drop
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 features a 3mm drop. The heel to toe drop is lower than with your average shoe but reviewers greatly appreciated the closer to the ground feel. They felt it made for a stable ride. The lower drop helps to bring runners closer to the earth for a more responsive running experience.
Stability
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 is a neutral shoe, so you won’t find traditional stability features in it. Instead, stability comes from the way the foot fits inside the shoe. Reviewers felt the shoe was true to size and hugged the foot just right to prevent slipping and instability. The grippy outsole also contributes to overall stability and ensures wearers feel sure-footed when they head out for a run.
Flexibility
Reviewers loved how flexible the Nike FS Lite Run 4 felt on runs. The outsole is super flexible thanks to its deep Flex Grooves. The grooves allow natural foot movement. The ride feels natural and effortless because of the shoe’s high flexibility.
Traction
The Nike FS Lite Run 4 provides plenty of traction for road running thanks to its rubber outsole. The outsole is covered in hexagon shaped lugs which provide the brunt of the grip. A few rubber pods are distributed underfoot to help protect against wear and tear. Overall, reviewers felt good about running in all types of weather with the Nike FS Lite Run 4. They liked the amount of traction provided by the outsole and felt stable even when encountering puddles and slick roads.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the Nike FS Lite Run 4 is a great improvement to the FS Lite Run line. The lighter weight, toned down aesthetic, and enhanced bounce have brought the shoe up a notch. Wearers loved how comfortable the shoe was and how it was equally enamored with the great price. It’s a fantastic option for runners who want an affordable shoe that can handle the grunt work of training. It’s also stylish enough to be worn for errands or at your weekly fitness class. A few reviewers did have concerns about the durability because of the lighter overall weight but most were willing to sacrifice some durability because of the fair price and overall solid construction. The cushioning is high quality and won’t feel like it is lacking after a few miles of training. The Nike FS Lite Run 4 is also still supportive, despite the removal of some overlays, which reviewers really appreciated. Overall, it’s an excellent daily trainer for neutral runners.
