Our verdict
As part of the Nike Flex Experience line, the RN 8 features a light, low-profile design. A few consumers claim that the forefoot section is a bit tight. Yet this running shoe is a great option to consider if you are looking for a running shoe on a budget that can double as a jogging and casual wear shoe.
Pros
- Lightweight construction
- Comfortable
- Versatile
- Affordable price
- Flexible
- Durable
- Responsive cushioning
Cons
- Squeaking noise
- Quickly succumb to slipping
Who should buy the Nike Flex Experience RN 8
The Nike Flex Experience RN 8 is a neutral running shoe that is incredible for those who like a mix of performance-readiness and stylish capacities. This makes it comfortable for jogging and walking, as well as all-day wear.
Provides responsive cushioning
The facade of this update to a long-running series bears a similarity to its predecessor, the Flex Experience RN 7, save for the addition of extra printed overlays, a stitch-reinforced midfoot portion, and reflective strips on the sides.
A concave heel cup made of stretchy neoprene holds the heel in place. Underfoot cushioning is the responsibility of a full-length foam that is made of an injection-molded compound.
Flex Experience RN 8 offers flexibility
The durable construction of this piece provides a unit of impact mitigation and abrasion protection (outsole).
Rubber nodes cover the high-wear points, but the majority of the external pad is made of the base of the midsole. A concentration of hexagonal sipes and grooves allows the forefoot to accommodate the natural bending capacity of the toe joints.
Questionable durability of the upper section
The scant use of rubber on the outsole brought with it a tendency for the shoe to quickly succumb to slipping, several users commented.
A few consumers claim that the forefoot section is a bit tight. Some runners have reported cases of the upper quickly separating from the midsole after only a few uses.
Comfortable in-shoe coverage
When it comes to the width, the available options are D - Medium and 2E - Wide for men, and B - Medium and D - Wide for women.
The bevy of fit profiles is helpful for users who want a choice of in-shoe experience or coverage. Those with broad foot measurements can also enjoy the variety.
Follows the natural curvature of the foot
The lasting board of this product has a semi-curved shape that follows the natural curvature of the human foot. This design complements the form-fitting upper unit.
The outsole unit of the Nike Flex Experience RN 8 is primarily made of ground-contact foam. This element is made of an injection-molded compound and is durable enough in handling the job of protecting the foot against the elements on the roads.
Grippy outsole
Ground-contact midsole bottoms are popular among Nike’s roster, even gracing relatively new series like the Zoom Strike. There are points on the outsole that are susceptible to wear and tear.
These areas are covered with a layer of rubber, which prevents the debilitating effects of surface contract and continued use. Rubber has a natural gripping ability, which contributes to traction and movement control.
Responsive support and flexibility
The forefoot section of the external pad features deep sipes that are shaped like hexagons. These cuts make the platform as flexible as possible, ensuring that the foot is able to bend naturally as it goes through the gait cycle.
An injection-molded compound is used for the midsole unit of the Nike Flex Experience RN 8. This technology runs the entire length of the shoe, offering responsive support to the foot as it takes each step or as it stands idly.
Good overall quality
It has a lightweight yet durable construction, and such a distinction puts value on the overall quality of the whole piece.
A foam sockliner is placed right above the last of this running shoe. This add-on gives a soft surface for the underside of the foot. It also adds a bit more cushioning. It can be removed or replaced with a new one.
Offers a cool and dry ride
The upper unit of the Nike Flex Experience RN 8 is made of a knitted textile. This cloth-like cover has a look and feel of a woven fabric, and it functions like one, as well.
Its semi-close construction helps with the prevention of debris infiltration, yet it still has a breathable capacity that permits a cool and dry ride.
Holds the heel in place
The back part has a concave construction and a neoprene cover that holds the heel in place and prevents it from exiting the interior compartment unexpectedly.
Printed overlays grace the sides and the rear. These synthetic prints bolster the facade while also putting visual flair. They also help with the quality of the fit by being indirectly linked to the lacing system.
Nike Flex Experience RN 8 is a protective shoe
Reflective elements coat some of the overlays. These add-ons make the silhouette visible at night by reflecting light back toward a source. Night-time runners benefit a lot from this accouterment.
A pull tab is placed on the back of the collar which helps with the widening of the shoe’s opening as the foot enters or exits the inner chamber.
