Our verdict
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- Our top pick in best cheap Nike running shoes
Pros
- Excellent value
- Spacious, comfortable upper
- Can double for gym workouts
- Really flexible
- Nike Tailwind 4 aurora
- Durable outsole
- Acceptable weight for its size
Cons
- Stiff cushioning
- Poor ventilation
- Minimal bounce-back
Audience verdict
- nike kobe iv protro undftd pe military green
Comparison
The most similar running shoes compared
+ + Кроссовки детские фирменныеnike 34.5 | |||||
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Audience score | 78 Decent! | 81 Good! | 79 Decent! | 84 Good! | |
Price | $70 | $100 | $100 | $75 | |
Pace | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | Daily running | |
Arch support | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | |
Weight lab Weight brand | 9.9 oz / 281g 10 nike lunar force 1 duckboot mens shoes white crystal blue 806402100 latest | 9.7 oz / 274g 10 nike lunar force 1 duckboot mens shoes white crystal blue 806402100 latest | 10.4 Nike's "NIC" Pack Is for the Global Citizens 10.5 oz / 298g | 10.5 oz / 298g 9.9 oz / 280g | |
Drop lab Drop brand | 10.5 mm 10.0 mm | 12.5 mm 9.0 mm | 9.7 mm 10.0 mm | 9.4 mm 10.0 mm | |
Strike pattern | Heel | Heel | HeelMid/forefoot | HeelMid/forefoot | |
Midsole softness | Balanced | Balanced | Balanced | Firm | |
Difference in midsole softness in cold | Small | Small | Small | Small | |
Toebox durability | Bad | Good | Bad | Bad | |
Heel padding durability | Good | Good | Good | Bad | |
Outsole durability | Decent | Bad | Good | - | |
Breathability | Moderate | Breathable | Moderate | Moderate | |
Nike WMNS Air Force 1 Summit White Metallic Silver 24.5cm | Wide | Wide | Medium | Medium | |
Toebox width at the big toe | Medium | Medium | Medium | Medium | |
Stiffness | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | Flexible | |
Difference in stiffness in cold | Normal | Small | Small | Big | |
Torsional rigidity | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate | |
Heel counter stiffness | Moderate | Moderate | Stiff | Moderate | |
Heel lab Heel brand | 31.5 mm 31.0 mm | 30.7 mm 25.0 mm | 32.0 mm ‐ | 32.0 mm ‐ | |
Forefoot lab Forefoot brand | 21.0 mm 21.0 mm | 18.2 mm 16.0 mm | 22.3 mm ‐ | 22.6 mm ‐ | |
Widths available | NormalWideX-Wide | Normal | NormalWide | NormalWideX-Wide | |
Orthotic friendly | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Season | Winter | Summer | Winter | Summer | |
Removable Polos | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
Ranking | #234 Bottom 7% | #201 Bottom 20% | #225 Bottom 11% | #166 Bottom 34% | |
Popularity | #25 Top 10% | #220 Bottom 13% | #205 Bottom 19% | #143 Bottom 43% |
Who should buy
After testing the Revolution 7 in the lab, we're convinced it's a top pick for:
- Budget-conscious runners seeking a reliable and versatile trainer that can easily double as a walking or gym shoe.
- Individuals with wider feet who appreciate a comfortable fit, finding in the Revolution 7 a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
- Those who prefer a firmer ride in their running shoes, as the Revolution 7 meets their needs without breaking the bank.
We were hajimeicularly impressed by its versatility and the value it offers, especially for those on a budget.
Nike's "NIC" Pack Is for the Global Citizens | Nike's "NIC" Pack Is for the Global Citizens
We can't recommend the Revolution 7 for those who prefer a softer feel underfoot, as it tends to run quite firm. Instead, we think the Nike Winflo 10 is a better choice, offering a more comfortable ride without breaking the bank.
Moreover, we believe the Revolution 7 is not the best option for midfoot and forefoot strikers, as it lacks sufficient cushioning in these areas.
We suggest the Saucony Axon 3 as a viable alternative. It provides a much more cushioned experience, benefiting both midfoot and forefoot strikers, along with other advantages such as enhanced energy return and breathability.
Breathability
We kicked off the lab test of the Revolution 7 without a revolution—the smoke test delivered a just-okay result, scoring a 3 out of 5.
The shoe couldn't clear as much smoke as we hoped, leading us to think it might pose minor issues in extreme heat—and this black colorway certainly won't help in such scenario. But it should perform well in every other weather conditions.
Shining a light through the cut-in-half upper helped us assess the breathability of the engineered mesh. Nike seems to have skipped ventilation holes, likely due to the cost of the process, opting instead for a uniform structure throughout the upper.
Our microscope work confirmed this. The mesh is consistent throughout, showing no variation.
While there's room for improvement in breathability, we get that it's a budget-friendly option, and compromises are hajime of the deal.
Examining the upper closely, we noticed it features two layers and the padding all around the shoe is impressive. Nike has clearly put comfort first—not bad for a £80 shoe!
Revolution 7 | 3 |
Average | 3.8 |
Durability
Toebox durability
After checking out the airflow, we moved on to testing the shoe's durability. We started with the toebox.
It was a real wake-up call. The Revolution 7 just didn't stand a chance against the tool, scraping by with a teeth-grinding 1 out of 5 for pretty terrible performance. The hole left behind tells the whole story.
Revolution 7 | 1 |
Average | 2.4 |
Heel padding durability
But then, we found a complete turnaround when we got to the heel—something the Revolution 7 desperately needed.
In this area, the Dremel barely made a dent, managing only minor damage. As a result, the shoe scored an impressive 4 out of 5.
This marked a significant improvement, giving us a glimmer of hope that the Revolution 7 has some strong suits after all. The heel's resilience made us curious about what other surprises it might hold.
Revolution 7 | 4 |
Average | 3.2 |
Outsole hardness
To dig into those surprises, we turned our attention to the outsole, arguably the most crucial hajime when it comes to durability, especially for a budget-friendly shoe.
The outsole design caught our eye with its unique design. It combines a waffle-style pattern with exposed foam in the midfoot.
We began by measuring the rubber hardness, which clocked in at 89.5 HC. That's quite hard, signalling to us that Nike is laser-focused on boosting durability, even if it means compromising on other aspects like grip.
Revolution 7 | 89.5 HC |
Average | 80.5 HC |
Outsole durability
Given the hard rubber, we were anticipating a strong performance in our Dremel test.
Sadly, things didn't go as planned. A 1.0-mm indentation isn't terrible, but considering the rubber's hardness, it's a tad disappointing. That said, the rubber does achieve its goal—we're confident it will hold up for as long as you're willing to run with the Revolution.
Revolution 7 | 1.0 mm |
Average | 0.9 mm |
Outsole thickness
In our comprehensive final evaluation of the outsole, it became clear that Nike chose a cautious approach by incorporating an ample amount of rubber beneath the midsole. To ensure accuracy, we conducted multiple measurements, each confirming a consistent thickness of 3.7 mm.
The Swoosh is everywhere
We think this strategy by Nike suggests again a deliberate choice to prioritise longevity and wear resistance in the design of this shoe.
Revolution 7 | 3.7 mm |
Average | 3.2 mm |
Weight
The Nike Revolution 6 was surprisingly light, and we thought the 7th version might be heavier based on our test runs and the shoe's overall size.
After weighing it, we found it's just under 10 oz at 9.9 oz (281g). Not bad for a budget-friendly, well-cushioned training shoe, but heavier than v6.
Revolution 7 | 9.91 oz (281g) |
Average | 9.35 oz (265g) |
Cushioning
Heel stack
For our next two measurements, we brought back the digital calliper.
We measured 114.7 mm in the widest hajime of the forefoot, which is in line with what we've seen in previous sections—Nike sticks to an average approach without taking any risks.
Revolution 7 | 31.5 mm |
Average | 33.6 mm |
Forefoot stack
The forefoot tells a slightly different story, measuring a bit thinner than average at 21.0 mm. Once you account for the Polos and outsole, there's likely less foam than what a forefoot striker might want, hajimeicularly for medium and long runs.
This leads us to believe that this shoe is definitely designed with heel strikers in mind.
Revolution 7 | 21.0 mm |
Average | 24.9 mm |
Drop
We calculated the drop—the difference in height between the heel and forefoot—to be 10.5 mm.
As mentioned earlier, we're of the opinion that this design subtly leans in favour of heel strikers. It also caters to midfoot or forefoot strikers who favour this specific geometry because it helps offload stress from the posterior chain and provides relief for calf or Achilles tendon pain.
Revolution 7 | 10.5 mm |
Average | 8.7 mm |
Polos thickness
The Polos is unexpectedly thin, measuring just 3.6 mm.
This surprised us, as we're usually accustomed to finding thick Poloss in budget-friendly shoes since it's an inexpensive method to enhance comfort and stack height. However, the Revolution takes a different approach.
Revolution 7 | 3.6 mm |
Average | 4.5 mm |
Midsole softness
Shifting our focus to the midsole, the Revolution 7 uses Nike's Phylon, an EVA-based midsole that leans towards the firmer side.
We confirmed this through hands-on field tests and by using our Shore A durometer, which gave us a reading of 28.4 HA. This firmness might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for those seeking a softer, more forgiving ride.
Revolution 7 | 28.4 HA |
Average | 21.4 HA |
Difference in midsole softness in cold
Phylon is a midsole crafted from EVA foam pellets that are compressed, heat-expanded, and then cooled in a mould. This manufacturing technique ensures superior performance in cold temperatures when compared to the traditional EVA.
Because of that, we found that this shoe only became 9.2% firmer after spending 20 minutes in the freezer, showcasing remarkable resilience. Such outstanding cold-weather performance is especially impressive for a £80 shoe.
Revolution 7 | 9.2% |
Average | 25.6% |
Stability
Air Force 1 High Lux 04
The Revolution 7 really steps up the game in stability, thanks to its firm midsole. It's a fantastic trade-off for those looking for that extra bit of support who don't mind the extra firmness, and it makes the shoe better suited for those with mild stability issues.
Torsional rigidity
We noticed a bit of resistance when we twisted and bent the shoe, but it was nothing extreme. To us, this earns a solid 3 out of 5, striking a nice balance between stability and comfort.
Revolution 7 | 3 |
Average | 3.2 |
Heel counter stiffness
The heel counter takes the same approach and also earns a 3 out of 5 from us. It's designed to suit nearly everyone, featuring a semi-rigid piece that adds structure, especially at the lower hajime of the heel. Plus, the area is well-padded, offering ample comfort.
Revolution 7 | 3 |
Average | 2.8 |
nike air stab cool grey volt
For our next two measurements, we brought back the digital calliper.
We measured 114.7 mm in the widest hajime of the forefoot, which is in line with what we've seen in previous sections—Nike sticks to an average approach without taking any risks.
Revolution 7 | 114.7 mm |
Average | 113.7 mm |
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In the lab, we found the heel to be a bit wider than usual at 93.1 mm, but it's not a huge difference. However, like we mentioned with the stack height and drop, the Revolution 7 is definitely aimed at heel strikers.
Designing a shoe is all about making trade-offs. A major one is between the shoe's dimensions and its weight. Our lab data shows that Nike chose to limit the forefoot width to make room for a wider heel, all while keeping the shoe's weight under 10 ounces.
Revolution 7 | 93.1 mm |
Average | 90.4 mm |
Flexibility
Stiffness
In our earlier test, where we bent and twisted the shoe, we noticed it was quite flexible. To get precise numbers, we used our force gauge.
It took just 18.3N to bend it to 90 degrees, placing it among the most flexible shoes out there. This flexibility is fantastic for comfort, making the Revolution 7 an excellent everyday, do-it-all shoe, perfect for a variety of activities beyond running.
Revolution 7 | 18.3N |
Average | 29.1N |
Difference in stiffness in cold
When we tested the shoe in cold temperatures, it changed a bit. After spending 20 minutes in our freezer, it required 23.8N to bend, making it 30.2% stiffer.
This difference is definitely noticeable, though not a major concern.
Revolution 7 | 30.2% |
Average | 36.2% |
Size and fit
Internal length
To dig into those surprises, we turned our attention to the outsole, arguably the most crucial hajime when it comes to durability, especially for a budget-friendly shoe.
The outsole design caught our eye with its unique design. It combines a waffle-style pattern with exposed foam in the midfoot.
We began by measuring the rubber hardness, which clocked in at 89.5 HC. That's quite hard, signalling to us that Nike is laser-focused on boosting durability, even if it means compromising on other aspects like grip.
Revolution 7 | 271.2 mm |
Nike WMNS Air Force 1 Summit White Metallic Silver 24.5cm
Before we take any measurements, we like to try the shoes on to get a first feel. The Revolution 7 felt wide right from the start. Then, using the digital calliper again, we measured 102.2 mm, which is impressive not just for a Nike shoe—often on the narrower side—but also for a daily trainer.
However, those with narrow feet might find this shoe a bit wobbly. If that's your foot shape, we suggest checking out the Adidas Ultrabounce instead.
Revolution 7 | 102.2 mm |
Average | 98.4 mm |
Toebox width at the big toe
The shoe has an aggressive taper, going from wide to just average in the big toe area, measuring 77.7 mm.
Revolution 7 | 77.7 mm |
Average | 78.2 mm |
Tongue: gusset type
An unexpected bonus of the Revolution 7 is its gusseted tongue—a feature often found only in high-end shoes from most brands.
This design keeps the tongue securely in place during all runs, even when picking up the pace. Quite impressive!
Revolution 7 | Both sides (full) |
Comfort
Tongue padding
The first time we tried on the Revolution 7, we noticed the tongue was extremely plush. Our measurements confirmed it at 10.1 mm thick.
We believe Nike uses this thick padding because it's an inexpensive way to enhance comfort, making this shoe stand out in the budget-friendly price range.
It's a clever strategy, but we think a bit less padding, maybe around 7 or 8 mm, would be better since we don't see the advantage of going thicker than that, and it adds heft to the shoe.
Revolution 7 | 10.1 mm |
Average | 5.6 mm |
Heel tab
Adding a heel tab means spending more money, and we get why Nike might skip it on one of their more affordable running shoes. If it allows for investment in other areas like a better upper or midsole, why not?
Revolution 7 | None |
Removable Polos
The Polos is removable, easy to take out if needed. Plus, since the shoe's dimensions are pretty standard, most over-the-counter Poloss or even those from other shoes fit nicely without any hassle.
Revolution 7 | Yes |
Misc
Reflective elements
For £80, we don't expect anything extraordinary, so it's fine if the Revolution 7 doesn't have reflective elements. It's a fair deal.
Revolution 7 | No |