Verdict from 9.5 hours of research from the internet
7 reasons to buy
- People have noted that the lightweight construction of the Nike Flex Experience RN 8 has allowed them to wear it all day.
- ‘Comfortable’ is a word that many have used to describe their overall experience when wearing this Nike running shoe.
- The versatility of this product is lauded by those who like their footwear to be a mix of functionality and style.
- Consumers are generally happy with the affordable price of this neutral running shoe.
- The flexibility has gained praise as it apparently permitted the foot to move naturally through the gait cycle.
- Most runners have noted that the durability of the components is commendable; the shoe didn’t break down quickly.
- The cushioning system is praised for being responsive and able to encourage speedy steps.
4 reasons not to buy
- According to some testers, the midsole has a tendency to emit an annoying squeaking noise when taking each step.
- 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.
Bottom line
The overall feedback for the Nike Flex Experience RN 8 has been mixed. The positive points are present and numerous, but the negative elements still made themselves known. Praise is given to the versatility of the silhouette, the lightweight build, the durability of the materials, and the flexibility of the midsole. On the other hand, criticism is afforded to the squeaking noise of the platform and the slip-magnet of an outsole.
Fans of road running shoes that are designed for neutral pronation are the ones who are going to enjoy the Flex Experience RN 8.
Tip: see the best running shoes.
Expert reviews:
- 79/100 by Runner Expert
- The Nike Flex Experience RN 8 is a running shoe that is meant for those who like a mix of performance-readiness and stylish capacities. 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 aims to hold the heel in place.
- Underfoot cushioning is the responsibility of a full-length foam that is made of an injection-molded compound. The durable construction of this piece has the goal of being both the 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.
Standard sizing schemes were used when the Nike Flex Experience RN 8 was made. Runners are welcome to get a pair with their usual sizing choices in mind. One helpful advice would be to test the shoe first or get ahold of user feedback from stores or online portals to achieve a comfortable in-shoe embrace.
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.
The lasting board of this product has a semi-curved shape to follow 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 it’s meant to be durable enough to handle the job of protecting the foot against the elements on the roads. 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 to prevent the debilitating effects of surface contract and continued use. Rubber has a natural gripping ability, which contributes to traction and movement control.
The forefoot section of the external pad features deep sipes that are shaped like hexagons. These cuts are tasked with making the platform as flexible as possible, ensuring that the food 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. It has a lightweight yet durable construction, and such a distinction puts value to the overall quality of the whole piece.
A foam sockliner is placed right above the last of this running shoe. This add-on has the goal of giving 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.
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 on, 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.
The back part has a concave construction and a neoprene cover to responsibly hold the heel in place and prevent it from exiting the interior compartment unexpectedly.
Printed overlays grace the sides and the rear. These synthetic prints are designed to 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.
Reflective elements coat some of the overlays. These add-ons make the silhouette visible at night by reflecting light back towards a source. Nighttime runners can benefit a lot from this accouterment.
A pull tab is placed on the back of the collar to help with the widening of the shoe’s opening as the foot enters or exits the inner chamber.
Size and fit
Same sizing as Nike Flex Experience RN 9.
Size comments
How Flex Experience RN 8 compares
