Summary

We spent 6.3 hours reading reviews from experts and users. In summary, this is what runners think:

11 reasons to buy

  • The 4th version of the FS Lite Run is considered by many as very comfortable.
  • A lot of those who have bought this shoe stated that it had an affordable price.
  • More than a handful of runners do their gym workouts in this shoe as well.
  • Its lightweight nature received positive remarks.
  • Some runners took the shoe for a ride right out of the box and were very satisfied with its performance.
  • Purchasers generally appreciated its design and the color schemes.
  • More than a few mentioned that it runs true to size.
  • It is surprisingly durable, based on the reports of some runners.
  • There are many color options.
  • The Breathe Tech upper is as breathable as advertised.
  • Several runners use it as an everyday shoe for work or for just running errands.

3 reasons not to buy

  • A handful of reviewers had issues with the flat tongue as it caused rubbing or irritation.
  • It was ½ size smaller than what some testers were used to.
  • The midfoot section of the platform was apparently too high for a user that it caused some discomfort to the underfoot.

Bottom line

Nike scores a home run in the FS Lite Run 4. The shoe is based on the principle that back to basics works like a dream if it is done right. While it does not bring extra accessories, it works as a functional, lightweight trainer with moderate arch support and has the kind of looks that will easily generate compliments from people. It is extremely comfortable, breathable, and has an unbelievable price tag.

Facts

  • Terrain

    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.

  • Arch support

    Neutral / cushion / high arch

    Shoes for runners who do not need any additional arch support (Around 50% of runners). Best for people with normal, high or medium high arches. See the best neutral shoes.

    Stability / overpronation / normal arch

    Shoes for runners who need mild to moderate arch support (Around 45% of runners). Best for runners with a low arch. See the best stability shoes.

    Motion control / severe overpronation / 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.

  • Use

    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.

  • Price
    $75
  • Weight
    Men: 9oz
    Women: 7.4oz
  • Heel to toe drop
    Men: 3mm
    Women: 3mm

    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.

  • Width
    Men: normal
    Women: normal
  • Release date
    Feb 2017
Show more facts

Rankings

Top 14% overall
Best running shoes
Top 18% Nike
Best Nike running shoes
Top 31% most popular
Most popular road running shoes

Expert Reviews

Experts are runners, 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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  • First look / Unboxing | Shop Zappos

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Updates to Nike FS Lite Run 4

  • The changes in the Nike FS Lite Run 4 is concentrated on the upper. Right away, runners will notice that the most obvious change is the removal of the midfoot and forefoot overlays. It gives the shoe a more sophisticated and clean look while support is now provided by an overlay near the ankle that stretches all the way to the back.
  • The overlay on the toe box gave way to an internal toe bumper. Besides giving the shoe a neat look, the toe box also gets more volume and height with this update. There should be a slight uptick in comfort with this update.

Nike FS Lite Run 4 size and fit

A more accommodating upper with generous toe box room are the biggest updates where fit goes in the 4th iteration of the Nike FS Lite Run. The heel grip and the midfoot hold are both decent. There is enough space in the forefoot to make runners with various foot types comfortable. Fans of the previous version should generally be familiar with what the latest model brings. It runs true to size.

Outsole

The outsole of the FS Lite Run 4 stands out because of the unique hexagonal lugs that basically cover the entire underfoot surface. It brings excellent traction on different surfaces, while flexibility is also very good. Nike adds rubber pods in distinct areas that need it the most for durability.

Midsole

A dual-layer construction of the midsole mixes cushioning, responsiveness, and impact absorption. Nike utilizes a soft foam on top of a firmer foam to get the right blend in this shoe. As both layers of foam covered the entire midsole, these also help the shoe when making the transition from landing to take-off.

Upper

The upper of the Nike FS Lite Run 4 is very simple and minimalist in nature. A very breathable mesh delivers breathable coverage and just the right amount of support. An internal heel counter locks down the rear for security. Nike also offers a removable insole for more cushioning. A traditional lace-up closure keeps the fit secured all throughout the run.

Comparison