Nike Flex Run 2021 review

Nike Flex Run 2021 review and lab test

The Nike Flex Series can often divide runners, especially those who want to train in them regularly. Being less minimal than alternatives, the Flex Run 2021 just might hit the gold spot with those who shy away from minimalist shoes.

Who the shoe is for

The Nike Flex Run 2021 is a neutral running shoe that I believe is going to appeal to anyone who dislikes spending large amounts of money on running shoes but still wants a comfy, flexy shoe for shorter runs. 

It’s also a super-versatile shoe that can be worn casually too. 

Who the Nike Flex Run 2021 is not for

The Flex Experience Run 10 won't be your best bet if:

• You overpronate, the shoe is a neutral and minimalistic running shoe, for something that offers more stability control. I recommend trying the Nike Air Zoom Structure 25.
• You want a truly minimal running shoe, try the Nike Flex Experience Run 10.

The Nike Flex Run 2021 is lightweight

At 8.3oz (236g) the Flex Experience Run 10 is one of the lightest running shoes on the market, especially at this price point. With a super-lightweight upper design and no extra outsole (who needs them!), there’s very little to weigh you down. 

Let’s talk flexibility

Going strong for nearly 20 years, the Nike Flex design obviously prioritizes the ease of movement for the shoe. Being easy to bend in all directions can help feel as though you’re not actually running in a pair of shoes. 

We test the flexibility of running shoes by measuring the force needed to bend to 45° both before and after sitting in a freezer for 20 minutes. 

The average shoe needs 34.5N to get that far at room temperature. The Flex Run 2021 needed only 9.2N, making it one of the most flexible shoes we’ve tested. After 20minutes in the freezer that number shot up to 15.3N which is a 65.4% change. Normally such a huge change would be worrying, at this level of flexibility, I don’t notice any noticeable difference in use. 

Making a midsole an outsole is a fad

The main way that Nike is trying to cut weight on the Flex Run 2021 is the omission of an outsole. Usually rubber, the outsole is there for grip, protection, durability and -in some cases- motion control. 

The lack of an outsole means that the midsole needs to be a bit firmer. Seeing as it’s only a single type of foam (dual-density foams are very rarely seen at this price point), that firmness is used throughout the entire midsole. 

The Nike Flex Run 2021 has a midsole hardness of 44.2HA, which is far above the average of 26.9HA. This makes for a firm ride that didn’t feel comfortable to me. I wouldn’t recommend the Flex Run 2021 for runs longer than 10km maximum, especially if you’re using them frequently. 

The Nike Flex Run 2021 feels like it’s not there

With a soft, lightweight, and flexible midsole, the shoe is barely noticeable on foot. For runners who love a minimal shoe, that’s great. For me, I prefer at least some protection from the constant impact of running. 

With 25.1 and 32.3mm of forefoot and heel stack respectively, there’s a bit more protection underfoot than previous versions of the Nike Flex Run. It’s close to the average but still feels a bit hard than I’d like in a daily runner. 

For those who love ground feel and find benefits in a closer-to-barefoot style of running, this is a great option, for others, I would definitely be cautious.

The Nike Flex Run 2021 may have some durability issues

Again, the midsole-as-an-outsole situation is the downfall of the shoe in my opinion. The soft foam is no match for durability in comparison to proper outsoles.

What's more, the midsole is cut into sections that come apart when it flexes, which hoover up small debris like stones and twigs on runs. This can lead to even more wear deeper in the midsole. 

While I might criticize the choice, it is the only way to make such a flexible shoe, so it’s a reasonable trade-off if this is what you want. 

Finally, a spacious upper

Nike’s Flex range was birthed following their “Flyknit Era” which saw uppers constructed of lightweight, elastic knit uppers. The heavily form-fitting uppers have plagued runners with incredibly constrictive shoes, even once Flyknit was mostly left behind. 

The Flex Run 2021 is one of the standouts from this crowd. With more structure added to the upper (which isn’t Flyknit), there is actually space for my toes to wiggle and feet to breathe. It still fits true-to-size and has excellent lockdown, so they’ve really nailed this part of the shoe. 

The Nike Flex Run 2021 has no break-in period

Thanks to that flexibility, the Flex Run 2021was ready to go straight out of the box. The lack of break-in means no blisters and instant use. 

There’s a significant lack of grip

If you missed it: the Nike Flex Run 2021 is missing an outsole. For me, this discounts it from reliable use on outdoor runs. With nothing attached to the midsole to keep me locked to the ground the soft foam slips on anything but clean, dry tarmac. 

Conclusion

The Nike Flex Run 2021 is a truly lightweight running shoe that is budget-friendly. For this it does incredibly well, it’s comfortable, flexible, and has a fair amount of cushioning for shorter runs. I definitely think it’s somewhat limited by its price point and is probably best used as an active shoe, rather than a dedicated long-distance runner.