Nike Downshifter 13 review

We think the Nike Downshifter 13 is a great option for:

• Runners who want the feel of a Nike Pegasus without the higher price—this budget-friendly model offers a similar fit and dimensions.
• Those seeking a reliable, durable, and affordable daily trainer for regular use.
• Beginners in search of a neutral running shoe versatile enough for running and daily activities.

We believe that the Nike Downshifter 13, while improved in terms of weight, still falls short of being classified as a lightweight running shoe. For those who prioritize this feature, we suggest looking at the ASICS Gel Pulse 15, which also offers superior energy return. 

Additionally, we think the forefoot stack on the Downshifter 13 is a bit too low for long-distance runs or for those with a forefoot strike. If that’s your case, the Saucony Axon 3 is a much better, albeit slightly pricier, alternative.

The Downshifter 12 offered only average breathability, and we did not recommend it for hot weather running. However, the 13th version does a great job even on the hottest days, scoring a 4/5 in our ventilation smoke test.

Nike's use of a sandwich mesh upper is a significant improvement—thinner and more effective than last year's model, allowing light to pass through effortlessly.

Upon examining the mesh under a microscope during our initial tests, we discovered that the upper is made from numerous tiny ventilation holes that greatly enhance airflow.

This is indeed impressive quality for a budget-friendly shoe!

The upper is designed with three distinct sections—the back and tongue are exceptionally plush, the midfoot provides support, and the toebox is exceptionally thin to optimize airflow.

One of the standout benefits of using a sandwich mesh upper, as opposed to a single-layered one, is its enhanced durability.

Our lab tests confirmed this advantage—we observed a 3/5 durability rating after subjecting the mesh to our Dremel tool. While the top layer sustained damage, the bottom layer held up well, validating Nike's design strategy.

The heel padding in the Downshifter 13 not only delivers outstanding comfort but also boasts impressive durability—a crucial factor for our endorsement.

Fortunately, our tests revealed a robust 4/5 durability rating, which surpasses even many higher-priced shoes on the market. In fact, this result confirms that Nike has combined this time comfort with lasting performance.

After confirming that the updates to the upper in the Downshifter 13 are beneficial, we turned our attention to the outsole—a critical aspect for those seeking great value in running shoes.

To begin this examination, we applied our durometer to the high-abrasion rubber outsole used by Nike, which registered a firm 90.5 HC. This result confirms the average grip we encountered during testing but suggests promising durability.

Here in the lab, we cranked up the Dremel to double its usual speed for our third test.

The result? A modest 0.8 mm dent was all that was left behind, indicating a level of durability that, while not extraordinary, should offer good protection for every runner.

Ultimately, we assessed the outsole's thickness and discovered a well-balanced 3.1 mm.

The Downshifter 13 tips the scales at just 9.3 oz or 265g, delighting us as it not only stays under the 10-oz mark but is also 0.6 oz lighter than its predecessor.

And impressively, this reduction in weight does not compromise cushioning or comfort.

We've noted that the reduced weight of the Downshifter 13 does not result from diminished cushioning—in fact, quite the opposite. The shoe has increased slightly in heel height, topping out at 32.2 mm.

While this is certainly not in the realm of maximalist running shoes, it fits perfectly with its role as a daily trainer. We found that a 32.2-mm heel offers the right blend of versatility and support. Any taller would have been excessive and likely added unnecessary weight.

The forefoot, at just 22.1 mm, is somewhat thin, making it challenging to fully recommend this shoe for midfoot and forefoot strikers, particularly those with heavier builds or those planning to cover long runs.

Nike advertises a 10-mm drop for this shoe, and our lab tests have verified this claim.

This level of accuracy is exceptional for a budget-friendly shoe like the Downshifter. Our precise measurements showed only a tiny discrepancy, revealing an actual drop of 10.1 mm.

We measured the EVA insole of the Downshifter 13 at just 4.8 mm, a thickness typical for most running shoes.

Given its affordable price, we anticipated a standard EVA midsole, and indeed, that's what we found. Nike has continued to use the same Phylon foam found in their budget-friendly shoes, which we measured at 21.3 HA on our durometer—not too soft, yet not too firm either.

This foam is quite suitable for the price, but it doesn’t offer exceptional energy return. However, for casual runners and those less focused on performance, we think it's just fine!

We subjected the Downshifter 13 to a 20-minute freeze test and measured again its softness using a Shore A durometer. Remarkably, the midsole demonstrated just a 22.4% uptick, an impressive performance for an EVA-based midsole. 

The Downshifter 13 is a classic running shoe that features a pronounced heel bevel to assist rearfoot strikers with smoother transitions. We also found that while the sole curvature is most evident in the heel, but there's also a slight curve in the forefoot to aid toe-off.

However, the shoe maintains a mostly flat geometry, which we believe is ideal for a daily trainer. In our view, this design ensures flexibility and comfort, making it feel great not just for running but also for walking.

The Downshifter 13 from Nike is designed as a neutral daily trainer, not catering to those requiring stability features. However, for runners who don't need additional support, we discover that it offers agility and nimbleness that stand out among many of its competitors.

Nike stuck to the essentials with this shoe, closely adhering to the formula of an "dependable daily trainer." This approach is why, across many of our tests, it consistently scores near the middle, with this 3/5 rating serving as yet another example!

The heel counter in this shoe is also universally designed, earning it a rating of 3/5 from our tests. It's gentle enough not to irritate sensitive Achilles tendons, yet it doesn't provide the robust support of a very rigid counter.

Believe it or not, the midsole dimensions are also—average! Nike claims that this shoe is built on the same last as the popular Pegasus 41, so we expected it to be a bit wider than its actual width of 111.9 mm.

However, our measurements revealed that the sole flare isn't as pronounced, resulting in this model being 3.6 mm narrower than anticipated, yet it uses the same last and delivers a Peg-like fit.

Our digital caliper measurements indicate a heel width of 88.5 mm, similar to our lab's average after testing many hundreds of shoes. This width gives heel strikers a sufficient platform for stable landings while preserving the shoe's nimble feel underfoot.

For extreme heel strikers in search of a broader landing area in a neutral shoe, we recommend the ASICS Jolt 4. This budget-friendly option offers a wider 92.8 mm heel platform.

We secured the Downshifter 13 to the table and used a force gauge to precisely measure the force needed to flex the shoe 90 degrees.

At just 17.5N, the Downshifter 13 showcases great flexibility, far surpassing the average running shoe. This enhances comfort for everyday activities such as walking the dog or going to the supermarket.

It’s intriguing how the Downshifter 13 not only meets the average in terms of stack height and midsole width but also closely mirrors it in other tests. This includes our freezer challenge where, after chilling the shoe for 20 minutes, we observed a 32.6% increase in stiffness.

Next, we measured the toebox and found that with a width of 99.1 mm at its widest point, Nike clearly designed the Downshifter 13 to accommodate as many runners as possible. 

For those with wider feet who may find this measurement a bit narrow, there are two options: opt for a wide size (2E and 4E, available in select markets) or consider shoes from rival brands like Adidas, which offer a broader fit in budget-friendly models like the Duramo Speed or Supernova 3.

The toebox also tapers to an average width of 77.3 mm, which again, might not be ideal for those with wide feet. However, for most runners, this should provide a comfortable fit.

We also assessed the overall volume of the toebox and found it somewhat limited, potentially restricting vertical toe movement for some runners, yet this is classic Nike design.

Given the shoe's modest MSRP of $75, it wasn't surprising for us to find that Nike opted for a non-gusseted tongue. This feature is typically considered premium, more common in shoes that cost twice as much.

The tongue offers unmatched comfort at a surprisingly affordable price. We discovered it features 10.8 mm of padding, crafted from three layers of foam.

We think Nike could potentially reduce the padding to 6-7 mm to achieve similar comfort with less weight. Nevertheless, we're certainly not complaining about such a plush tongue!

Nike occasionally excludes heel tabs on their road running shoes, as it happens with the Downshifter 13. However, at a price of $75, we're okay with that.

The insole is removable, allowing you to replace it with one that better suits your preferences. This is an important feature, especially since we've discovered that the original insole is among the lowest quality we've encountered in any running shoe.

The Downshifter 13 lacks reflective elements on its entire upper.