Nike Downshifter 10 review

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Nike LunarEpic Flyknit Low Oreo 2016 | Nike Downshifter 10 review

The Nike Downshifter 10 running shoe is a cushioned shoe with neutral support. 

Runners with narrower feet might find that there is too much width in this shoe but the lacing system has enough range to compensate.

During my 75km test, I ran on pavement for approximately 75%, track 5%, and hard gravel trail for 20%. The shortest run was 10K and the longest was a half marathon. The pace varied from 5 to 6 minutes per kilometre. The Nike Downshifter 10 felt light, with plenty of energy yet a cushioned ride. 

Elena Delle Donne in the Nike Zoom UNVRS Ned Dishman NBAE via Getty Images

The Downshifter 10 is recommended for runners who are looking for an affordable, entry-level shoe that is lightweight and has a classic, minimalist look.

Nike SB Nyjah Free 2 White Pink Blast

Sacai x Kaws x Nike Blazer Low SP Team Red:

• dedicated for long-distance runs (the Nike SB Ishod Appears in Coconut Milk Tones is recommended for high-mileage runners)
• that is fast (the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% is a popular race shoe from Nike).

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The Downshifter 10 fits perfectly

The Nike Downshifter 10 fits like advertised. My 10.5 size felt TTS, with just the right amount of toe room. 

Lots of room for the toes to wiggle

The Nike Downshifter 10 is roomy with lots of toe box width. Like other running shoes, such as the New Balance Fresh Foam 880 models, the top of the heel curves away and it can never dig into your Achilles tendon. 

I wish there was a little more padding in the tongue

The tongue is padded adequately, however, I wish it was a little more padded so that pressure from the laces could be more evenly distributed across the top of the foot. 

Nike LunarEpic Flyknit Low Oreo 2016 | clot x nike air force 1 premium white for men and women

Whether mid-foot or heel striking, the Nike Downshifter 10 will cushion each foot strike well. I really had the feeling of my knees bouncing up as the energy stored by my feet landing was returned. They tend to propel me forward and upwards which is a really good thing.

Perfect right out of the box

Nothing to get used to, good to go!

No slipping on wet surfaces

With the significant dry spell I had over the past weeks there was little opportunity to test the grip in rainy conditions. There was finally a day when it began raining during a run. This created the perfect test condition as the road grit mixed with the rain causing a slippery condition. TheDownshifter 10 gripped surprisingly well on this surface with no slipping and sliding.

The Downshift 10 offers excellent breathability

The Nike Downshifter 10 has a mesh upper and has excellent breathability. During some extremely hot days between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, my feet felt well ventilated and didn’t get overly soaked for those extreme conditions.

Secure fit with no slipping

The shoe’s tongue is a little thin for my preference, but has wings on the right and left that assist in preventing the tongue from wandering to the right or left during a run. 

There is one extra lacing hole near the top to help accommodate various foot shapes and adjust the pressure points. The heel is snug and the top of the heel curves away from your Achilles rather than digging in. 

Lace bite is a disappointment

My feet were locked in with no slipping but I felt some pressure points from the laces. It’s the sort of pressure that can feel worse in longer marathon+ distances but won’t bother most on shorter runs.

The Downshifter 9 offers a more minimalistic feel. Not barefoot, but definitely you feel like you have less support and less material underfoot than the Downshifter 10.

Overall, the Downshifter 10 is a great improvement from its predecessor. It addresses most of the issues from the previous model - from the underfoot feel, fit, sizing, and traction. With its affordable price, one thing is for sure - the Downshifter 10 remains breathable. 

Both versions are recommended for new and professional runners who are looking for a lightweight, budget-friendly running shoe.