NIKE Women's Downshifter 11 Gymnastics Shoe

Product Information

Nike made a few tweaks to upgrade the Downshifter from its previous version. The shoe's upper has been slightly updated and some subtle tweaks are done on the outsole. Compared to the Downshifter 10 I’ve recently been running in, there’s slightly more visible support around the midfoot, however, I really couldn’t feel this when trying it on. Key specs – Terrain: Trail; Arch support: Neutral; Best Used for: Training; Weight: 321g; Heel-to-toe offset: 9.5mm

Nike running shoes 2023: Top picks for every kind of Best Nike running shoes 2023: Top picks for every kind of

After 50 miles it’s still in great condition and I’m sure has many more miles left in it, with as much spring in the foam now as when it first came out the box. There are no reflective elements on the Downshifter 11 so be sure to be careful after dark in these if you are out running on busy roads.

What’s more, considering that this is a budget model, it’s great that they decided to make it more environmentally friendly. It has an EVA midsole that’s not as responsive or cushioned as you’ll find on Nike’s pricier options, but it will get the job done for runners heading out for a few 5Ks each week, and the smart design of the shoe works for casual wear as well.

Nike Downshifter 12 Review (2023) | RunRepeat Cut in half: Nike Downshifter 12 Review (2023) | RunRepeat

It’s very expensive, not exactly good-looking, and feels huge when you first pull it on, but there’s no other shoe we’d rather have on our feet when it comes to racing the marathon than the Alphafly. It takes the best attributes of the Vaporfly – the ZoomX foam and the carbon plate – and adds Nike’s Air Zoom pods under the forefoot for a poppier toe-off that only adds to the speed of the shoe. But if you are planning to take the shoe out in the cold, be prepared that it is going to stiffen up. In our freezer test, the Downshifter 12 got 30.8% firmer compared to its room temperature state. Key specs – Terrain: Road; Arch support: Neutral; Best Used for: Training; Weight: 310g (UK 9); Heel-to-toe offset: 10mm I’d recommend the Downshifter 11 for anyone looking to run their first 5km, 10km, or even half marathon. If you’re new to training and want to use this in the gym too it’s a great shoe for that. In the next version I’d love to see a few more features on the upper to improve breathability, and perhaps some longer laces. Key specs – Terrain: Road; Arch support: Neutral; Best Used for: Racing; Weight: 232g (UK 9); Heel-to-toe offset: 4mmBut what really sets these shoes apart, is that the new Downshifter 12 is much softer and cushier. This is confirmed by our durometer measurements as well. We found the Downshifter 12 to be 19% softer than the 11.

Nike Downshifter 11 Review | Running Shoes Guru

If taken as a sneaker, the Downshifter 12 does a good job in this department. However, a weight above 10.6oz (300g) is nowadays quite hefty for a road running shoe, which is averaging 9.5 oz (270g). On the foot, they feel lightweight, super flexible, and comfortable. On walking around the foam feels adequate, nothing too exciting about it depending on your expectations but all in all, a good first impression. It’s extremely affordable, has a cool style, a grippy outsole, and can do a little of everything for the entry-level or beginner runner.The Downshifter 11 is designed to give lightweight, comfortable flexible support to runners who are looking for some midfoot support, and an attractive shoe at an affordable price. The midsole is an unbranded foam, with side cutaways to keep weight down and feels supportive enough, with cushioning throughout the length of the foot, so no issues if you favor a heel or toe strike, and also mirrors the exact pattern, structure and feel of the Downshifter 10.

Nike Downshifter 11 Review (2023) | RunRepeat Cut in half: Nike Downshifter 11 Review (2023) | RunRepeat

Usually, with Nike, we see a big change of design every two versions, so perhaps the 12 will be a little more interesting, but for a low-cost running shoe, designed with a big variety of runners in mind, you can’t go too wrong with this shoe.

Nike Downshifter 11 Price Comparison

The outsole is a decoupled pattern, copying the more premium Pegasus 38. This design gave good tread, smooth heel-to-toe transitions, and was flexible enough to remain comfortable. Any road running shoe will work fine on the treadmill, but you might want to consider one of Nike’s gym shoes if you plan to also hit the weights room. These shoes will have sufficient cushioning for short strings on the treadmill while also being better-suited to lifting than normal running shoes. Are you looking for a trainer, a racer, or a shoe to do it all? The Downshifter 11 is comfortable on the roads, at the gym, and even just as an around-town sneaker. Key specs – Terrain: Road; Arch support: Neutral; Best Used for: Fast training; Weight: 277g (UK 9); Heel-to-toe offset: 10mm The midsole is firm too, at 32HC (average midsole run 22.8HC) it’s a bit dense under foot, and feels a slight bit harsh to run in for longer distances.