Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

Author: Ferenc Soma Kovács (middle-distance runner of the SVSE national team, World Championship participant and European Championship bronze medalist)

About the shoes themselves

The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 was in my top 3 favorite running shoes ever. So I was really looking forward to the release of version 3. Although the Invincible 3 surprised me a bit by completely transforming the Invincible product line, it turned out to be a complete, well-put together shoe. Compared to the 2 series, it is harder, heavier, but also more durable and dynamic. In addition, it surpasses its predecessor in breathability. Also, the biggest difference is that while the Invincible 2 was designed as a layering shoe, specifically for injury-preventing light and long runs, the Invincible 3 was intended as a faster, less cushioned general shoe.

Specifications:

• Sole thickness at the heel: 40 mm

• Sole thickness at the forefoot: 31 mm

• Drop: 9 mm

• Weight: 310 g in men's EUR 44 size

• Price: HUF 56,000-60,000 (on Top4running)

• Category: long-distance running, everyday training shoes

The top is 10/10

The Flyknit upper is extremely comfortable and well-ventilated, which provides a pleasant feeling even during longer runs. The choice of material is flexible, yet provides adequate support for the foot, so not only stability but also a sense of comfort is guaranteed. My foot slipped less back and forth in this model than in its predecessor. The low height of the heel and its excellent cushioning completely prevent rubbing. The spacious design of the toe box leaves enough room for the toes, which is especially beneficial on longer distances. However, due to the mesh structure, the upper is less resistant to moisture and running in mud, so it is mainly ideal for dry, asphalt or lighter terrain. Its thickness is perfectly matched, so the foot is not so stuffy in the summer, while it keeps it warm in the winter. Overall, the Invincible upper has a premium feel that suits runners who are looking for comfort and performance.

The midsole is 9/10

The midsole of the Invincible is truly a sensation. It uses Nike ZoomX foam, which is not only soft and flexible, but also incredibly energy-returning. This means that with each step you feel as if the shoe is "pushing" you forward - you almost soar in it. For this reason, I use it for long tempo runs and fartleks on concrete and asphalt. I have run 30:00 10Ks in the shoe a few times in training. I also run 13-second 100-meter sprints in it on my old, hard, record-breaking training track. .

The midsole design has a wider platform that's designed for stability, so it stays in place even if you tend to wobble a bit while running. The rocker geometry on top of the foam is really noticeable and helps to make your stride smoother, especially on long runs. The ZoomX foam here is noticeably stiffer than previous versions, so this model doesn't feel "spongy." Some people like this, others don't...

The outsole is 7/10

The grid-patterned outsole of the ZoomX Invincible is exactly the part that "fixes" the whole thing to the ground - and honestly, it does a significantly better job than the 2nd version. When running on asphalt, you can feel that the rubber layer helps you not to slip, even in wet conditions. However, it performs less well on wet grass / dirt roads, although it is still better than the Invincible 2, which provided very poor traction... This shoe is optimized mainly for urban, asphalt environments.

The tread is moderately durable, not too thick, so it doesn't make the shoe heavy, which is a big advantage. There is also extra rubber reinforcement on the forefoot and heel (where most runners take the most stress). This makes these areas more durable.

Suggested use

As I mentioned earlier, Nike has transformed the Invincible series, which was previously designed for light and long runs, into an everyday trainer. This means that it now belongs in the same category as the Nike Pegasus 41 and the React InfinityRN 4. In the everyday trainer category, I recommend the ZoomX Invincible 3, as it is more versatile than the two aforementioned counterparts.