Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Water resistant upper• Faux-leather upper material• Interior insulation for colder temperatures• Responsive Phylon midsole• Padded tongue and ankle collar• Mid-height design• Rubber outsole with waffle pattern
Upper
In the winter, a waterproof upper is pretty much a necessity. Without some kind of waterproofing, you’re stuck trudging through slush and snow that eventually seeps into your shoe and leaves you with teeth chattering. The Internationalist features a water-resistant faux-leather upper to keep water from getting in. Inside, a fuzzy warm insulated liner keeps feet warm when temps hit below zero. A padded tongue and collar add a bit of extra warmth and provide comfort.;Reviewers loved the cozy plush lining featured in the Utility. They also appreciated the higher cut of the shoe. The mid-height provides extra protection and ankle support. A few reviewers felt the upper was a bit stiff for their liking, though.
Midsole
While a generous sprinkling of snow might provide some padding underfoot, the Nike Utility also provides a dose of cushioning thanks to its Phylon midsole. The Phylon material is lightweight, so despite its boot-like look, the Internationalist doesn’t feel bulky. Reviewers felt the cushioning was comfortable, responsive, and they also noted that the shoe provided great arch support.
Outsole
In order to handle the perils of winter, the Internationalist features a waffle patterned outsole made of rubber. The sole provides good traction, say reviewers who tested the shoe out in harsh winter conditions.
Breathability
A stiff faux-leather upper material with water-resistant properties doesn’t bode well for breathability. Keeping water and moisture out means the shoe doesn’t breathe as well as one with a mesh design. But a winter shoe shouldn’t completely cut out ventilation capabilities. Too little air circulation means a greater potential for trapped moisture. In the cold, that’s bad news. Thankfully, reviewers didn’t have any complaints about limited breathability. The Internationalist Utility seems to balance water resistance with decent insulation that wicks moisture quite well. A good pair of socks should be a priority, though, especially during the winter months. Sweat-wicking socks will keep your feet dry and protected from cold-promoting dampness.
Comfort
With a well-padded ankle collar, tongue, and cozy insulated interior, the winter-geared Internationalist is a super comfy mid-height sneaker. Except for a bit of excess stiffness in the upper area, the shoe is designed to be comfortable for all-day wear. Reviewers also liked the generously cushioned Phylon midsole and supportive ankle-height design of the shoe. Some did note, however, that fit-wise, the Utility is on the narrow side. Sizing up may be required, and some wide footed wearers may not find the shoe comfortable width-wise.
Style
In terms of design, the Internationalist Utility is a classic. The ankle-height boot-sneaker is covered in high-quality faux-leather. The shoe looks expensive and comes in grey, black, and olive/black. Reviewers liked the simple look of the sneaker and loved that it was easy to wear it with a variety of outfits.
Durability
Unless a shoe is built to last, it’s not ready for winter wear. The Nike Internationalist is certainly a well-constructed shoe. From its thick rubber waffle outsole to its sturdy faux-leather upper, the Utility’s classic style is paired with a durable design perfectly capable of handling daily winter wear.
Protection
Heading out into the cold requires more than just protection from wet snow. The Internationalist’s design features a thick rubber outsole to keep users from slipping and sliding when the ground gets icy. A water-resistant faux-leather upper ensures moisture stays on the outside of the shoe. A Pylon midsole provides impact protection, and a soft liner offers insulation and protection from frigid temperatures. While the Utility won’t offer the same cold protection as other bulky winter boots, reviewers seemed pleased with its ability to block out the chill.
Responsiveness
The Phylon midsole of the Nike Utility sneaker offers users a responsive ride, according to reports from reviewers who not only appreciated the impact protection offered by the shoe’s midsole but also raved about its feel.
Support
The Internationalist delivers midfoot arch support and a generous amount of ankle support thanks to its mid-height design. Overall, reviewers found the Utility to be a supportive shoe.
Terrain
The fashion-forward winter sneaker might not be your first choice for long hikes on winter trails, but it sure is built tough enough to handle a variety of surfaces and conditions. Winter-ready, the Utility shoe has a tough rubber outsole and sturdy faux-leather upper, both components keep out moisture and help the shoe retain warmth.
Price
It’s tough to find a shoe that balances winter protection with style, but the Internationalist manages to provide warmth, comfort, and a sophisticated design. Considering the Utility offers all-three, its price point is more than fair.
Drop
No information on the drop is available for the Nike Internationalist Utility.
Stability
In the winter, conditions make it so that even when you’re careful, you might find yourself dealing with a little instability underfoot. Ice, snow, and unevenly plowed sidewalks make for a challenge whether you’re trudging to your car or to the bus stop. The Utility helps to counteract this somewhat with its durable, grippy outsole and thick faux-leather upper to keep the foot secure.
Flexibility
Reviewers commented on the Internationalist’s stiff upper design. While overall, the shoe is super comfortable, the stiff upper diminishes the overall comfort factor. A little more flex would go a long way. The stiffness, however, delivers much-needed support.
Traction
The rubber outsole features a smart waffle pattern for traction. The extra texture featured on the sole ensures that users can get a grip even when temperatures get super chilly.
Bottom Line
The Utility is a beefed up version of the original Nike Internationalist and delivers an extra dose of protection for those who want a stylish sneaker to brave the winter months. When a bulky snow boot just won’t cut it, Nike to the rescue! The insulated sneaker-boot pairs warmth with a classic look that fits the bill for whatever outfit you have planned. The mid-height shoe is supportive and features a plush interior and comfortable midsole. It delivers the right amount of traction, too, so you can worry less about slipping on your butt and walking with confidence even when everyone around you is struggling to stay upright. The winter lifestyle shoe is the perfect buy for the winter warrior or office-bound wearer who doesn’t want to sacrifice warmth for style. With the Utility, you get both!
