NIKE Women's Downshifter 11 Gymnastics Shoe

Product Information

As for the rubber density, our durometer shows it to be close to the average as well. Only 4% softer. But 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. 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. 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 | Running Shoes Guru

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 Downshifter range is for the entry-level runner, wanting to benefit from Nike’s legacy when it comes to world-class running technology. If you’re not running too many miles each week, and don’t require the latest technology to shave seconds off your PB, the Downshifter 11 could be a great starting point. However, people with wider feet probably won't be able to enjoy the comfort of the shoe because it runs too narrow! Just look how tapered the Downshifter's toebox is!

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

The previous iteration had an outsole that proved noticeably resistant, and the Downshifter 12’s proved as much as good. But the good news is that you can get this Nike shoe in wide and extra-wide options to get a better fit. Key specs – Terrain: Road; Arch support: Neutral; Best Used for: Racing; Weight: 206g (UK 9); Heel-to-toe offset: 8mm Despite being wider than average near the ball of the foot (100.2 mm), the toebox gets way too narrow around the toes.

The best Nike running shoes you can buy in 2023

Key specs – Terrain: Road; Arch support: Neutral; Best used for: Racing; Weight: 182g (UK 9); Heel-to-toe offset: 6mm Both versions felt exactly the same. Same cushioning, upper, fit, and shape. If you’re looking for an exact upgrade of your Downshifter 10, this is what this shoe delivers.

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

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. 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. If you’re hitting the trails, you’ll need a dedicated shoe with extra grip and some protective elements on the upper to protect your feet from rogue roots and stones. In contrast, if you’re expecting to use the shoe mostly on the treadmill you don’t need to worry so much about grip. Overall, there’s not much exciting to say about the upper, its low on features to keep costs and weight down. Nike Downshifter 11 Conclusion What’s more, considering that this is a budget model, it’s great that they decided to make it more environmentally friendly.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. 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. The Structure 24 has a crash pad under the heel that moves you through your footstrike in an efficient and stable manner, and both the midsole foam and outsole are built to last, making the shoe a great workhorse trainer for your base training. 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.