Facts
Road
Shoes best for road, track and light gravel. See the best road shoes.
Trail
Shoes best for trail, off road, mountains and other unstable surfaces. See the best trail shoes.
Good to know
As long as you stick to the road or path, and if you want just one running shoe, buy a road running shoe.
Neutral / cushion / high arch
Shoes for runners who does not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.
Stability / overpronation / normal arch
Shoes for runners who needs arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a normal arch. See the best stability shoes.
Motion control / severe overproanation / flat feet
Shoes for runners who needs a lot of arch support. Best for runners with flat feet. See the best motion control shoes.
Good to know
- Rule of thumb: If in doubt, buy neutral shoes to avoid injuries.
- More about arch support in this video.
- Find your arch type by following steps from this video.
Daily running
Cushioned shoes for your daily easy running. Great comfort. See best shoes for daily running.
Competition
Lightweight shoes good for races, interval training, tempo runs and fartlek. Here are the best competition running shoes.
Good to know
If you want just one pair of shoes, buy a shoe for daily running.
The height difference from the heel to the forefoot, also known as heel drop, toe spring, heel to toe spring or simply drop.
There are many opinions about what a good heel drop is. We do not recommend any in particular. Lean more in this video.
Summary
We spent 6.9 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what sneaker fanatics think:
12 reasons to buy
- Most users love these sneakers because of the comfort it gives.
- A couple of users love these sneakers are lightweight, stable and supportive.
- These sneakers can be used for working out or running, according to some users.
- Some of the reviews love the material on the upper of the shoe.
- The blocked sole stands out according to one reviewer
- One reviewer loves the silhouette of the Nike Duel Racer.
- One tester commends the material used on the upper. As it is made out of a stretchy knit, it makes it forgiving for those who have wider feet.
- The affordable price tag makes this sneaker even better according to a number of online customers.
- The available colorways are superb according to one reviewer.
- After using it quite frequently for a month, one user mentioned that these sneakers are durable.
- One user loves the fact that these sneakers are quite similar to the Nike Flyknit Racer but more affordable.
- A good number of users love the sleek and stylish look of these sneakers.
4 reasons not to buy
- One user mentioned that the Nike Duel Racer does not have much room in the toe area.
- A good number of testers noted on experiencing blisters or pain at the heel part.
- Although the existing colorways are great, one user wishes that there are more colorway options available.
- A great number of users suggest that ordering half a size up would be better.
Bottom line
Although created as a lifestyle sneaker, the Nike Duel Racer is an overall shoe that can be used for everyday activity and or work out. Most of the users love the upgraded aesthetic especially the sock-like upper which is trendy these days. More so, the color-blocked heel and the racer-like silhouette is reminiscent of the 80s Duelist model which is appreciated by many users. Although an underdog back in its day, the Duel Racer came back with a vengeance this time. Additionally, its cheap price tag is something that users cannot complain about. Only note that ordering a size up is ideal for a better fit.
Rankings
Popularity
Ratings
My Rating
Expert Reviews
Experts are sneaker fanatics, who post reviews at youtube, directly at RunRepeat or at their own websites. Each expert is categorized from level 1 to level 5 based on expertise. See stats on expert reviews and how we calculate scores here.
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Nike Duel Racer History
As followed by the 70s running boom, the 80s became the decade when footwear innovations were strengthened. Although Nike has set a great tone in terms of advancements, it is during this time where they pushed boundaries and fine-tuned existing technologies. Times have changed now as the trend seems to revolve around lifestyle footwear and comebacks.
The Nike Duel Racer can attest to that statement. As a modern version of the Nike Duelist, it is proved that even semi-obscure sneakers can make resurgences. Released in 1988, the Nike Duelist was launched alongside its more popular sibling, the Nike Air Mariah. Both sneakers introduced the minimalist approach to running, a revolutionary concept during the 80s. This deviates from the use of heavy materials and introduced a shoe with adequate upper cushioning. These sneakers are also representations of Nike’s most brilliant concepts, the Nike Free. Supposedly, this helps runners with speed, endurance, and support as it allows more freedom in movement.
The Duelist features a technology called Phylon. This is a cushioning used by Nike for years and has been used in a lot of sneakers like the infamous Nike Cortez. This material is extremely lightweight, low-profile, and responsive. Currently, Nike still uses Phylon but upgraded it to what we call now the Lunarlon.
Nike Duel Racer Style
Nike continued its streak of its 80s Renaissance trend with the re-release of the Nike Duel Racer. Much like its beloved sibling, the Air Mariah, the Duellist receives a makeover with its stretchable knit upper that wraps around the foot, making it appear sock-like. Albeit a lifestyle sneaker, it carries a racer-like silhouette. What is similar to the Duelist and the Duel Racer is its color-blocked heel and the use of lightweight materials. These sneakers can easily take any outfit and make it more sporty. Pairing it with jeans or shorts is ideal.
Fit & Sizing
Released on June 22, 2017, the Nike Duel Racer embodies the upgraded old-school style. As a lifestyle sneaker, it has the needed support for everyday activities and light workouts. These sneakers are available in men’s and women’s sizes. Men can avail of the 6-15 sizes and women have the option of sizes 5-12. Half sizes are available as well. The lacing system not only serves an upgrade on the aesthetic but allows a quick-lace and a snugger fit.
Notable Features
Almost 30 years before its resurgence, the Nike Duel Racer proves that its upgrade is worth the look. These sneakers are made of a high quality 3-toned engineered knit textile upper which instantly brings the Duellist into modern lifestyle sneaker. This material gives a dimensional look and allows more movement and breathability. It lies on a dual density sole which gives a more cushioned comfort. To also provide more traction and flexibility, a thin web rubber outsole is added.
Additional Info
- The Nike Duel Racer features a lacing system that is quite different from the traditional. It offers a more secure fit, quicker way to lace and a cleaner look.
- This low-top sneaker has a one-piece boot-like construction. The neoprene tongue is connected on the upper of the shoe and ankle.
- The synthetic overlays and the TPU heel counter contributes to the shoes’ durability and stability.
- The sole color-blocking depicts two different foams.