Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 vs 2 Comparison Running Shoe Review

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The main difference between the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 and Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 is that the new running shoe has been overhauled for a firmer, more responsive and stable ride while loading up on cushioning for easy-going runs, recovery runs and long runs.

Sportitude Running shoe expert Ethan Hamdorf reviews and compares them side by side to give you an insight into all things regarding the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit family.

The re-engineered Flyknit upper of the new generation trades the plusher feeling fit of the previous model with a lighter, snugger sensation.

The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 features a fractionally more flexible outsole to move naturally from midstance to toe-off. It delivers durable rubber in the right places to provide extra stability where it counts, and offers zones free of rubber to save weight where it's unnecessary.

A wider forefoot, heel and firmer density of ZoomX foam creates a more stable midsole platform underfoot, accomodating the increased stack height.

If you want to tick off the kilometres without pressure and to run in comfort, it could be the new favourite running shoe in your shoe rotation. Put aside your expectations earned from the previous models, because the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 offers a new experience for neutral foot types.

Check out the review with full transcript below.

Hey guys, Ethan here from Sportitude Running and I'm really excited today to bring you a review and comparison of the brand-new Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3. We've loved getting out and about in the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 so we're really excited to bring you a review on this new running shoe.

What Foot Type Is The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 For?

To kick off as we always do, we're going to talk about the foot type that'll best be suited to this running shoe. I found that a neutral foot type is going to work best in this running shoe because the shoe is so soft and so cushioned.

If you're someone who overpronates or supinates, you may tend to feel like you're falling off a bit of a cliff, because it is so soft on those edges.

If you're on the lateral side as a supinator, you can find yourself after a little while getting really tired and sore in that area because it is so soft and you're putting a lot of pressure on there, and it’s the same for the medial side for overpronators.

Where Does The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 Fit In Your Shoe Rotation?

To work this into my shoe rotation, I definitely have it as my easy day and recovery day shoe.

For this version compared to the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2, it's a little bit firmer through the forefoot so I find it moving slightly more out of that recovery day zone. You can still absolutely use it for that, but it's more responsive. This means you can still use it for an easy day or even a long run where you pick up the pace a little bit.

Upper

Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details, what's changed, what's different and what we're excited for. We'll start with the upper and work our way through the running shoe.

Starting at the back with the heel counter, probably one of the most obvious things is the heel clip. It's a lower profile but it wraps further around the heel.

Previously it's come up a little bit and it's been a little bit wider, but with a new running shoe when they are adding more stack height you're going to get a more refined upper to hopefully save weight and that's what they've done here.

With the lower profile heel clip, it still wraps around further to give you that stability but they're just saving a bit of weight by shaving down on the height and thickness of it.

The other thing we'll get in the heel counter is a pull tab. It’s just to get it on a little bit quicker, you can pull it on your foot and it makes it easier. You've still got that nice padded heel counter and ankle collar, but they've done away with the padding on the outside.

Moving forward, it still has a very similar lacing system. They've lost the gusseted tongue, so it's not gusseted anymore as it was in the previous version. In our testing in our running we haven't noticed it to move around too much on the foot, you’re still getting a great lockdown.

Especially for an easy day shoe, you're not really going to be taking any corners too hard, you won't be going too crazy in this running shoe so they've lost the gusseted tongue, probably just to save a bit of weight.

It is still a Flyknit upper but it is very different feeling to previous models. Whereas the previous model felt quite plush and soft, it's moved to more of a lightweight, more snug fit.

It fits pretty snug through the midfoot and the forefoot with not quite as much volume and probably isn't quite as accommodating as it has been previously. However, if your foot works in this running shoe it's still really comfortable.

Outsole

Moving onto the outsole, there's a few slight changes but nothing too crazy because they've gone a little bit firmer in the midsole. You get a little bit more of a disconnected outsole, but it still feels like the same rubber and the same density. They've just tweaked it a little bit to give it more flexibility through that midfoot and through toe-off.

There’s a little bit more outsole rubber on that medial side which adds to the stability and they've also saved a bit of weight by cutting out non-essential rubber through the midfoot.

Midsole

Moving on to the midsole, it’s still a fairly similar running shoe with a few slight tweaks. Previously we had a 37mm heel and 28mm forefoot stack height for a 9mm offset, whereas now we're at a 40mm heel and 31mm forefoot, still keeping that 9mm offset.

Nike have gone firmer in the midsole, which makes it more stable and they've also changed the geometry to keep it stable as well. They've gone wider in the forefoot and the heel to give you more service area and a wider platform to stay on top of.

They've added medial and lateral cutouts to aid compression. When you go firmer it adds stability, but you still want to keep that plush cushioned feeling underfoot. By adding these cutouts it allows the running shoe to compress through the cutouts as you move through your gait, keeping you feelling cushioned and comfortable.

Ethan's Subjective Opinion On The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

Now for my thoughts after running around in this running shoe. If you're someone who has enjoyed the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 1 and the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2, don't go into the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 expecting the same thing again because they were so soft previously.

If they kept getting a softer and higher stack we're going to be sacrificing stability, so in the Nike ZoomX Invincible Flyknit 3 they've gone on a bit of a different route. They've firmed it up a bit and they've made it more stable.

If you're someone who hasn't got along with the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2 or Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 1 like myself, it's definitely a good opportunity to try the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 and see what you think.

I find for myself it still fits a bit too narrow to accommodate my foot type. However, if you're someone who has a narrow foot and you're really wanting to give the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit series a try and haven't got along with the super soft foam but still want to get a recovery day and easy day shoe, I definitely recommend giving this a try.

If you're someone who thinks you'll fit in it, you'll work well with it and if you prefer a slightly firmer ride, it's a really good opportunity for you to give it a whirl.

Similar Running Shoes To The The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

With all that said, if you're looking for an easy day and a recovery day shoe it's a pretty niche market. There's not too much out there that will really fill the gap in your shoe rotation. The running shoe that I think is most similar to the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 would be the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4 (above).

It’s a max stack running shoe, it's really soft and great for those easy and recovery days. If you're looking to fill that spot definitely give the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 a try or the New Balance Fresh Foam More v4.

The Wrap Up

Wrapping up the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3, it is quite a different running shoe from the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 2.

It's a great opportunity to give the Invincible line a try if you haven't got along with it very well previously. With that extra firmness and stability, it will be quite different.

It’s definitely worth trying out if you haven't before or if you're someone who's loved the Nike Invincible Run Flyknit 2 it could be a good opportunity to try this one to see if you like it, or potentially try something else on the market.

If you want to see any of our other reviews make sure you subscribe to the Sportitude YouTube channel to stay notified. Like, comment and if you have any questions, comments or theories please contact our Sportitude shoe experts.

Thank you and we'll see you out there.

FEATURES

Support: Neutral
Upper: Engineered Knit
Midsole: Nike ZoomX
Heel Height: 40mm
Forefoot Height: 31mm
Offset / Drop: 9mm

Men

Width: D (standard)

Women

Width: B (standard)

For a more in-depth shoe fitting experience, you can book a free 15 minute video chat in a Live Fit session or make an appointment to discover your RunDNA at Sportitude Running@Hindmarsh.

Happy running!

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