Nike Joyride Run Flyknit | Test and review

iloebesko is mentioned in:

Price comparison Nike Joyride Run Flyknit

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		914 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		975 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,009 DKK	Til butik
	4-7 dage		1,089 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,282 DKK	Til butik
	1-7 dage		1,445 DKK	Til butik
	2-4 dage		1,450 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		1,495 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,509 DKK	Til butik

What you should notice about the Nike Joyride Run

Another special running shoe from Nike. It’s not a miracle in itself. But without me demanding that you know what comes from Nike in terms of running shoes, and at what times. Then I’ll tell you that in the last 6 months, a lot of new and spectacular things have come from Nike when it comes to running shoes. And if there’s one thing Nike can do, it’s figure out how to launch new products and create hype around them.

The Nike Joyride Run is no exception. A running shoe like all the other new running shoes from Nike got its fame in the form of a great launch. And add to that the fact that only “members” could buy this running shoe for the first 15-20 days. So that creates something.

But where the last couple of times or three I have looked at one lightweight monster after another from Nike, this time I got a running shoe in my hand that weighed a lot. In some or most cases this is a negative thing, but with the Nike Joyride it actually turns out to make sense in a big way.

And we can’t avoid Nike once again introducing us to a new concept in connection with their shock absorption. This JOYRIDE concept, which in short is a lot of small balls that “grab you – and send you off again” Sounded too simple to my ears, and it might also to yours. but nevertheless, this technology has been measured to be up to 14% better than, for example, the Nike REACT midsole at absorbing shock. It simply absorbs fantastically.

Cool facts about the shoe

First impressions and first run in the Nike Joyride Run

As always, I was really looking forward to receiving my new running shoes. The Nike Joyride Run was of course no exception. Almost the opposite if you can put it that way. When Nike proclaims that they are now sending a shoe to the streets that has up to 14% better cushioning in the “midsole” compared to some of their other very popular and soft midsole materials. Then you get excited.

When the Nike Joyride Run finally hits my mailbox, I don’t really know what I had imagined. But when I unpack it, I take one of the shoes. The first thing that hits me is “wait a minute… is this a heavy thing?” And that’s the shoe. It’s basically on the heavy end of the scale. But it’s not the coolest feeling to be sitting with. So it was kind of behind on points from the start.
I’d like to be the first to say that this isn’t a fair assessment, as I was doing a half marathon warm-up at the time of testing. A warm-up that was done exclusively (as part of another test) in a different shoe from Nike. This shoe was Nike Air Max 90, their fastest running shoe to date. So it may not be a completely fair comparison. But the weight is not to be mistaken. My Vaporfly NEXT weighs 197 grams and my Nike Joyride weighs 315 grams. That’s still a whopping 118 grams difference per shoe. So yes, there was a difference.

As previously mentioned, the Nike Joyride was tested at the same time as a running program. It couldn’t have been a better fit. I couldn’t have had better conditions for my first run in the Nike Joyride. The day after the hard intervals in the running program. You probably know that day when you know that you can run away from the pain and fatigue, but you mostly want to stay on the couch and enjoy another completed interval training session. I felt exactly like that, but I also had to realize that I probably didn’t have better conditions to test the shoe in its true element.

The Nike Joyride Run is a running shoe for 2 different types of runners. Runners who are far apart if you ask me. This is at your own expense, but in my opinion, runners who run recovery runs are one type of runner. They are not exercisers and they do not belong to the elite. They belong to those who try to throw their running into a system. The other type of runner that the Nike Joyride Run is unique for, they are in a slightly different ballpark. That is the beginner. More on that later.
But without putting myself on a pedestal, at the time of writing I am the type of runner who puts it into a system and tries to improve myself (Of course when you complete a running program, and run to be better than last time). So my background for testing the Nike Joyride Run was of course recovery running. And as I said, it was the day after the hardest training session of the week with interval training. So the shoe had quite a task.

I can easily sense where Nike is going with their thoughts about the Nike Joyride. When they name it “Joyride” it is based on a shoe that is aimed at relaxing running. Where the legs need to recover and recover. And my first impression of the shoe was that it can do that. I also made a few other notes the first time I ran in the Nike Joyride. Among other things, that you really need to be ready for a tight-fitting running shoe. If you don’t like this tight feeling around the foot, then you shouldn’t look any further at this shoe..
This very tight feeling, which may give some people a slightly claustrophobic feeling, is something Nike usually avoids with a light and thin Flyknit upper. Number two note from me, they haven’t done that job very well this time. The Nike Joyride was launched with a Flyknit upper, or should I say partially Flyknit upper. I was quite surprised by how “heavy” the upper felt. And if you watch our video review, you can also see how I try to demonstrate that there are few places where the upper actually lives up to the predicate light and breathable in my book.

But if I have to look at whether the shoe gave me a “joyride”, I have to say “yes, it did”. It’s not the lightest running shoe in the world, and maybe the upper is a bit thick and heavy, but all in all it was a very cool feeling, despite everything.

More runs in Nike Joyride

For a runner like me, there are plenty of options for using the Nike Joyride. I don’t know if more runs in the Nike Joyride gave me more answers. The extra runs (and more on the way) really just confirm to me that the shoe does what it’s supposed to. For me personally, the weight and structure of the shoe fit quite well with the fact that I have problems running slowly. It sounds a bit arrogant, but it’s actually not. And it’s actually a bit of a challenge. My recovery runs are always run too fast in 8/10 cases. Fast enough that you might move away from the limit called recovery.
Nike Joyride has made it a little easier. Because in my world, it doesn’t appeal to speed in any way. It appeals to well-being and joyride. There’s not the same “propulsion” in the shoe that makes you want to run more aggressively. The shoe is built for relaxing running. It’s hard to explain what the shoe does. Because of course it doesn’t kill speed, but it doesn’t encourage it either.

In relation to the upper, which surprised me quite a bit on the first run. So the experience is almost the same. Very naturally, after several runs, the upper has become a little looser in its structure. But by no means so much that the very tight feeling has disappeared. And I haven’t run so much in the Nike Joyride that I have started to wear out the upper (irony may occur) so it is still just as thick and heavy in my eyes. I wish every time I am out running in the shoe that they had made the upper a little lighter. But I think on the contrary that it is based on Nike wanting to create some stability in the shoe.

Choosing a size in Nike Joyride Run

There is nothing you need to be aware of. Nothing more than what we have already flashed a few times for you. In my opinion, the upper is VERY tight, so the shoe may seem smaller. But it is not. And you can probably also experiment with going half a size up compared to your normal choice, and that way get a more spacious shoe. Promise me you will think about it. There is nothing worse than standing with a pair of running shoes after 5 trips that have “become too big””
You are also very welcome to use our size guide

Advantages and disadvantages

You must remember your “Joyride”

A good runner should remember this. A new runner should remember this. You can’t really achieve success without remembering this. And what do we mean by that?.
When you run, or are about to start running, you need to remember your “joyride”. This can also be translated to recovery for us. If you forget this, you will either get injured, or you may lose the desire to run.

But why are you writing all this? You don’t usually do that, do you?

We do this because it makes so much sense, and with this shoe, Nike has created something that fits so well into recovery and “running off day”. If you have seen our video review, you can also hear us refer to the shoe as the good beginner shoe or the really good “off day running shoe”. So hopefully what you can call a “Joyride”.

Take a break or get going with Nike Joyride

The shoe is developed with recovery and well-being in mind for your feet. Softness, softness and more softness. That’s probably how you best describe the feeling in the Nike Joyride Run. Exactly the feeling you want on those days when your legs and feet need a break. If you’re a recovery runner, you can talk to me about this. Those days when you should really run the fatigue and acid out of your legs with a recovery run. but you can’t really bear to strain your tendons and muscles with your normal and “more resilient and aggressive running shoes. Here the Nike Joyride Run fills a void for you. And that’s why the shoe was created.

Or at least that’s one of the reasons it was created. If you’re a beginner and struggling to get started, I also think the Nike Joyride is a good choice. You can read more about it in this review or watch our video review of the Nike Joyride.

Analysis Part 1: Who should run in the Nike Joyride Run

Who can and who should run in the Nike Joyride Run. Our analysis part number 1 is based on both the shoe and the runner.

Which running style

Nike Joyride Run is by definition a neutral running shoe. There is no support on the inside of the shoe to slow down any pronation. But I wonder if it is really necessary to stick to the exact running style in Nike Joyride. If you are a beginner and struggle to get up and complete the 5 km. Then you can safely ignore choosing a running shoe with “unnatural” support.
If you are an experienced runner and use the Nike Joyride as a relaxation and recovery running shoe, then I don’t think the pronation support is particularly necessary. At least that is my own experience. The shoe is not used for fast and aggressive runs, but rather for slow and comfortable runs. I have not yet run more than 10 km in my Nike Joyride, but on the other hand I have not felt any discomfort in relation to the lack of support (and I am what you would call a pronation runner in the old days).

Fit

The fit can best be described as tight and flexible. If you watch our video review of the Nike Joyride, you can see how the forefoot in particular is described as extremely flexible. But in general, the entire structure of the shoe has a flexible approach. When you step into the shoe, you will very quickly discover that the fit around your feet is VERY tight. A tight Flyknit (partially) encloses your feet.

• Size: Regular
• Heel: Tight fit
• Midfoot: Tight fit
• Forefoot: Tight fit
• Toe: Tight but flexible
• Arch structure: Low
• Shoe shape: Tight

Surfaces and conditions

Stick to hard surfaces, and preferably do it in dry weather. It’s not that the shoe can’t handle moisture and rain, but it does absorb a lot of water, and then just becomes even heavier than it already is. In terms of surface, you should stick to asphalt and only the most solid and accessible gravel and forest paths. Something you should definitely be aware of is not getting too close to branches, thorns and other sharp objects in nature. The upper part of the shoe in particular is made of such fine material that it doesn’t take much to where you’ve pulled a thread or made a hole in the upper.

Price level

In my opinion, it’s just a bit too expensive. I usually don’t “complain” about the price, and I actually won’t this time either. Because new technology costs money. Good materials cost money, and it goes without saying that the shoe will cost more. But should I evaluate the shoe based on who will use it? Either the brand new runner, or the experienced runner when he/she relaxes? Then I think maybe under 1500,- is too much.

How much does the Nike Joyride Run weigh?

A pair of Nike Joyride Runs weighs 630 grams in a size 43. Or 315 grams per shoe. So it’s a relatively heavy running shoe we’re dealing with. For me, it doesn’t matter since I use it exclusively for relaxation runs and recovery runs. But still, 315 grams is a lot of grams per shoe.

Care and maintenance of Nike Joyride

Rule number one, you should never put your running shoes in the washing machine. If you want them to get a proper wash, find a tub and fill it with lukewarm water. The Nike Joyride is a bit special, because under normal circumstances I would recommend that after every run, I take out the insole and let it air out naturally. But now the problem is that there is no removable insole in the Nike Joyride. So the only option you have is to put the shoes in the dryer and hope they don’t get too sour. To me, it’s a bit of a strange decision not to make a shoe with a removable insole. indlægssål.
You can read our guide to washing and maintaining running shoes here. Here are our best tricks for how to wash your running shoes.

Analysis Part 2: Technical Review of the Nike Joyride Run

In analysis part 2 we will go into a little more detail about the technical details of the shoe.

The outsole

The outsole is not revolutionary in any way on the Nike Joyride. Ordinary rubber constructions that provide high wear resistance. You should be aware that there are not that many “grooves” in the outsole on the Nike Joyride, so the grip is probably not for runs on slippery surfaces in the rain.

Midsole / cushioning

This section is dedicated to Joyride. This dynamic cushioning that adapts to your feet. When we work with balls like Joyride, which is quite a sight, it is clear that you get a dynamic and individual adaptation to the cushioning. The balls will shape themselves to your feet.
Joyride technology is placed in 4 pockets throughout the shoe. It gives you a soft feel all the way through. In fact, such a soft landing that Joyride technology is up to 14% softer than other midsoles from Nike (including their soft and very popular REACT midsole)

Heel

The heel structure on the Nike Joyride is nice. It actually fits surprisingly well. This is due to the collar/sockliner that is around your heel. It really increases the comfort of the shoe. The orange (the color of my version) strap on the heel makes the shoe easy to put on.

Forefoot

The whole shoe is relatively flexible. But the forefoot is the most flexible part of the Nike Joyride. It is the part of the shoe that flexes the most (it probably goes without saying) But in this shoe it is also because that is where the upper is the lightest. It is in the forefoot where I think the real Flyknit is located.

Upper part

If you’ve read our entire review, or maybe watched our video review, then you’re probably no longer in doubt that I find the upper on the Nike Joyride a bit disappointing. At least it disappoints me. There’s definitely a reason why it’s built as “heavy” as it is. But the tight fit (which I like) combined with the slightly heavy composition of materials, that’s not something I think is good for the shoe.
On the surface, I’m a huge fan of Nike Flyknit material. But on the Nike Joyride I think it’s missing a bit of it. It’s not the same airy feel that I remember from other Nike running shoes.

Comparisons to Nike Joyride Run

I have a hard time finding other shoes that are similar to the Nike Joyride Run in its entirety. I have compared it to Nike Free running shoes in terms of flexibility. But that is solely on flexibility. I have not really been able to dust off this heavy, nice and non-aggressive running shoe in a 1:1 comparison.

Summary

My summary is a bit divided this time. more than it usually is. But let’s start by stating that there are considered pluses to the Nike Joyride Run. I can easily see what you want with the shoe, and for that purpose it also works really well. For me it is really a “JOYRIDE” when my muscles need to relax and recover.
But as you may have sensed if you have read the review, it is not all idyll. So it is not that I am now standing with my hands in the air and shouting hurray, or it may actually be, but it is not because of the Nike Joyride. I think the shoe does what it is supposed to, but it has a couple of points or 3 that pull a little (a little too much) in the wrong direction. So the shoe can easily get my recommendation, but we have a 70/30 distribution, in favor of the “pluses”.

Price comparison on Nike Joyride Run

Find the best price from our partners (webshops) on Nike Joyride Run.

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		914 DKK	Til butik
	2-5 dage		975 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		1,009 DKK	Til butik
	4-7 dage		1,089 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,282 DKK	Til butik
	1-7 dage		1,445 DKK	Til butik
	2-4 dage		1,450 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		1,495 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,509 DKK	Til butik