Our verdict

We think that the Nike V2K Run successfully channels early 2000s vibes to 2025 hitting a perfect note with its refreshed retro design. We love the fact that Nike adapted this old-fashioned silhouette to the new realities where people's feet have been spoiled with cutting-edge comfort technologies. The V2K's oversized and bevelled heel kept us wonderfully cushioned for hours on end, its nostalgic open cell mesh kept the interiors well-ventilated for summertime, and the TPU overlays took care of lateral support while adding depth to the look. For its reasonable price point, there is a lot to unpack in this Nike sneaker!

Pros

  • Soft and well-cushioned midsole
  • Surprisingly stable and supportive
  • Comfortable in-shoe feel
  • Excellent breathability for summer
  • Secure lockdown and heel hold
  • Notably lighter than average
  • Very durable for a casual sneaker

Cons

  • Not for wide feet
  • Limited men's sizes and colours

Audience verdict

92
Great!

Who should buy

We believe that the Nike V2K Run is a must to consider if you are in search of the following parameters:

  • a sporty retro sneaker inspired by the early 2000s ("2K" refers to the Y2K abbreviation)
  • a more affordable alternative to the Nike Zoom Vomero 5 ("V" stands for Vomero because it was supposed to be the updated version of that shoe)
  • a light and breathable sneaker for summer
  • a stylish sneaker with a raised chunky heel to add volume to your silhouette

Nike V2K Run review

Who should NOT buy

Because the Nike V2K is offered as a women's sneaker and unisex/men's sizes are limited, you might as well check out the following alternatives:

  • Nike P-6000 - another great retro shoe from Nike that is even cheaper
  • Nike Zoom Vomero 5 - a more premium Nike sneaker with enhanced cushioning (thanks to two Zoom Air units)

If you don't mind options from other brands, the ASICS Gel 1130 has very similar retro aesthetics but it is cheaper and has a more accommodating toebox for wide feet.

Nike V2K Run lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

The oversized heel of the V2K Run adds bulk to the shoe's silhouette both visually and practically. Looks-wise, it persistently reminds us of the Balenciaga Runner Trainer.

Nike V2K Run oversized heel

Measuring the shoe's heel stack with a calliper confirmed that it is a thicker-than-average platform indeed. At 33.9 mm, it is over 4 mm taller than average.

Nike V2K Run Heel stack

On foot, it translates to a great deal of support and impact protection for all-day wear.

Test results
V2K Run 33.9 mm
Average 29.7 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
16.9 mm
Heel stack
50.5 mm

Forefoot stack

The shoe's forefoot has a more moderate stack height at 21.2 mm but it is still a few millimetres taller than average.

Nike V2K Run Forefoot stack

Test results
V2K Run 21.1 mm
Average 18.8 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
9.7 mm
Forefoot stack
28.3 mm

Drop

Because of the V2K's substantial heel design, its heel-to-toe drop is a bit taller than the average at 12.8 mm.

Nike V2K Run Drop

Wear testing this Nike sneaker, we could feel that our heels sat higher off the ground compared to the toes. Whether that's good or bad depends solely on your personal preference.

Nike V2K Run heels

We enjoyed the benefit of having more generous cushioning under our heels and less pressure on the Achilles.

Test results
V2K Run 12.8 mm
Average 10.9 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
3.5 mm
Drop
22.6 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Nike V2K Run uses Cushlon as the primary foam for its midsole. It is a rather soft compound that we found to be very comfort-oriented.

Our lab durometer measurement revealed that it is a whopping 85% plusher than the average sneaker midsole.

Nike V2K Run Midsole softness

But keep in mind that on foot the V2K Run doesn't feel as plush as the durometer reading suggests. Its heel is wrapped in a firmer (grey) foam which adds some firmness to stabilise the ride. That firmer foam showed a significantly higher reading of 29.0 HA on our HA durometer, 

If you prefer a very soft, cushy, and bouncy experience underfoot, you might enjoy the Vomero 5 more. It features two responsive Zoom Air units embedded into the same Cushlon foam.

Test results
V2K Run 15.8 HA
Average 29.2 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 64 trainers
Number of shoes
15.0 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
60.0 HA

Insole thickness

This Nike sneaker features a rather basic insole which is 4.2 mm thick in the heel. It adds a touch of cushioning but there is nothing noteworthy about it.

Nike V2K Run Insole thickness
Test results
V2K Run 4.2 mm
Average 5.1 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
3.1 mm
Insole thickness
14.2 mm

Size and fit

Size

Nike V2K Run is true to size (418 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 97 trainers
Number of shoes
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Toebox width - widest part

Even though the V2K is built on the women's last, its toebox dimensions weren't any narrower than expected.

Nike V2K Run Toebox width at the widest part

Measuring the widest part of the shoe's toebox, we got a standard width of 101.1 mm. Exactly right for a men's US size 9 in a D medium width.

Test results
V2K Run 101.1 mm
Average 98.9 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
91.3 mm
Toebox width - widest part
107.7 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The tapering wasn't very aggressive towards the toes either.

Nike V2K Run Toebox width at the big toe

We measured 73.8 mm of toebox width near the big toe which is exactly the same as the average.

However, gentlemen with wider feet will most likely feel cramped in the V2K. As a more accommodating alternative with similar retro vibes, we recommend the ASICS Gel 1130.

Test results
V2K Run 73.8 mm
Average 75.0 mm
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
63.7 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.0 mm

Laces

The laces are very basic in this Nike sneaker but they get the job done.

Nike V2K Run lacing

The shoe also has an extra pair of eyelets at the top of the collar in case you need to tighten up the fit with a runner's knot.

Stability

Lateral stability test

We found the Nike V2K Run a moderately stable sneaker that works for neutral pronation and perhaps even mild overpronation.

Its solid stabilising components made us feel surefooted and prevented our feet from spilling over the shoe.

In addition to the wide platform and firm foam around the heel, another obvious stabiliser is the stiff TPU midfoot cage. Connected to the lacing system through webbed eyelets, it allowed us to cinch down the fit while regulating the lockdown.

Nike V2K Run translucent midfoot cage

The black TPU elements under the foot arch and around the heel counter also add some stability to the shoe's construction.

Nike V2K Run medial support

Torsional rigidity

Because it is not a dedicated stability shoe, the Nike V2K Run is only moderately rigid.

On a stiffness scale from 1 to 5, we gave it a middle-of-the-road score of 3 in our torsional rigidity test. That's because we didn't meet a lot of resistance when twisting this Nike sneaker with our hands.

Test results
V2K Run 3
Average 3.5
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

A major part of the shoe's stability is concentrated in the heel counter. Multilayered and structured, we found it to be rather stiff and supportive.

Based on our push-and-squeeze test, we gave it a high stiffness score of 4.

We have no complaints about the heel hold of the Nike V2K Run whatsoever. Its firm clutch kept our heels and ankles very securely in place at all times.

Test results
V2K Run 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width - forefoot

The shoe's bulk becomes especially apparent in our calliper measurements.

Nike V2K Run Midsole width in the forefoot

Applying the tool to the widest part of the shoe's sole, we got a reading of 115.1 mm which is more than 6 mm wider than average.

Test results
V2K Run 115.1 mm
Average 108.5 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
95.1 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
121.0 mm

Midsole width - heel

But the heel of the V2K turned out to be some of the widest we've recorded in our lab! At 98.2 mm it is over 15 mm wider than average!

Nike V2K Run Midsole width in the heel

Even though the Nike V2K Run is often compared to the Nike Vomero 5, the two have vastly different platform dimensions. For reference, we measured the Vomero 5's forefoot at 111.6 mm and its heel at 87.0 mm.

Test results
V2K Run 98.2 mm
Average 83.2 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
67.7 mm
Midsole width - heel
103.1 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Featuring deep horizontal and vertical flex grooves, the Nike V2K Run bends quite effortlessly with the foot.

Our in-house stiffness test showed that it takes as little as 13.1N to bend this Nike kick to a 90-degree angle. That makes it a whole 80% more flexible than the average lifestyle sneaker.

Additionally, the curved shape of the heel creates very smooth heel-to-toe transitions and works in tune with the shoe's flexible forefoot.

Test results
V2K Run 13.1N
Average 22.9N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
5.8N
Stiffness
60.5N

Weight

Despite its chunky-looking heel, the Nike V2K Run is actually lighter than average by a few ounces!

Nike V2K Run Weight

Weighing the kick in a men's US size 9, our scale showed 11.1 oz (315g). This is exactly the same as the Nike Zoom Vomero 5.

Nike V2K Run vs Nike Vomero 5

Test results
V2K Run 11.11 oz (315g)
Average 13.86 oz (393g)
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
8.50 oz (241g)
Weight
22.61 oz (641g)

Breathability

The shoe's open cell mesh fabric creates an impression of a highly breathable material. And it indeed is! A series of our lab tests proved it to be true.

In the most vivid test, we pumped smoke into the shoe's upper and saw how effortlessly it passed through the toebox fabric.

We were also happy to see that the large cells were not only limited to the shoe's toebox but also covered the tongue and quarters.

Nike V2K Run Breathability microscope test

In a close-up view through our microscope, we also found that the lining beneath the mesh is quite thin and porous and doesn't block the airflow of the exterior mesh.

Nike V2K Run Breathability mesh under microscope

All things considered, we rated the V2K Run's breathability with the maximum score - 5 out of 5! Choosing this Nike sneaker for summer, you can be sure it won't trap the heat and sweat.

Test results
V2K Run 5
Average 3
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

The tapering wasn't very aggressive towards the toes either.

Nike V2K Run Toebox width at the big toe

We measured 73.8 mm of toebox width near the big toe which is exactly the same as the average.

However, gentlemen with wider feet will most likely feel cramped in the V2K. As a more accommodating alternative with similar retro vibes, we recommend the ASICS Gel 1130.

Toebox durability

If you are worried about tearing such a loosely woven fabric, don't be! It turned out to be significantly more wear-resistant than it looks.

The Nike V2K Run really surprised us because mesh uppers usually end up ruthlessly torn after a 12-second exposure to sandpaper. But the toebox fabric of this sneaker kept its integrity even though the Dremel speed was set to 5K RPM!

Nike V2K Run Toebox durability test

The Vomero 5's mesh, on the other hand, got torn pretty badly!

Nike V2K Run vs Nike Vomero 5 toebox durability
Nike Zoom Vomero 5 got the lowest toebox durability score

Considering how minor the damage was, we rated the toebox durability of this Nike sneaker with a maximum score of 5!

Nike V2K Run toebox

In addition, synthetic overlays made us more reassured of the shoe's ability to withstand accidental toe bumps and slashes.

Test results
V2K Run 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Nike also used a rather hard-wearing material for this kick's inner lining.

Exposing it to sandpaper for 4 seconds resulted in a very minor scuff which did not affect the shoe's integrity or wearability at all.

Nike V2K Run Heel padding durability test

Thus, we rated the heel padding of the V2K Run with another high durability score of 4 out of 5.

Test results
V2K Run 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

A sturdy rubber outsole completes the durable construction of this Nike sneaker.

Made of a really hard rubber compound (88.1 HC is harder than average), it shows very promising signs of longevity.

Nike V2K Run Outsole hardness

You can confidently rock this sneaker on concrete and asphalt all day long for many months before it even starts to show first signs of wear.

Test results
V2K Run 88.1 HC
Average 85.4 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
72.9 HC
Outsole hardness
91.3 HC

Outsole durability

Drilling the rubber for 22 seconds with the speed set to 10K RPM resulted in just a small tread loss.

Our tread gauge measured the depth of the newly created dent at only 1.1 mm. A solid result for a casual sneaker outsole.

Nike V2K Run Outsole durability test
Test results
V2K Run 1.1 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 80 trainers
Number of shoes
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We also found that there is a sufficient amount of rubber in this Nike sneaker as our calliper returned a reading of 5.0 mm.

Nike V2K Run Outsole thickness

Paired with its hardness and wear resistance, this rubber compound promises a long a happy life.

Test results
V2K Run 5.0 mm
Average 5.4 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
3.1 mm
Outsole thickness
12.5 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

Even though it may seem like the shoe's translucent midfoot cage could glow in the dark, it does not. None of the shoe's many panels do.

Nike V2K Run Reflective elements

But given the shoe's multi-layered design, there is some space for a reflective element perhaps in one of the future colorways or special editions.

Test results
V2K Run No

Tongue padding

The tongue of this Nike sneaker is generously padded. It showed 8.5 mm of thickness in our calliper measurement.

Nike V2K Run Tongue padding
Test results
V2K Run 8.5 mm
Average 9.1 mm
Compared to 81 trainers
Number of shoes
0.7 mm
Tongue padding
38.4 mm

Heel tab

The Nike V2K Run incorporates a fabric finger loop very organically into its rearfoot design. And it is easy to use!

Nike V2K Run Heel tab
Test results
V2K Run Finger loop

Removable insole

Because this Nike shoe's insole is so uninspiring, many people may want to replace it with a more padded insert or a custom orthotic. Luckily, the stock insole is very easy to remove.

Nike V2K Run Removable insole
Test results
V2K Run Yes

Sustainable materials

According to Nike, the Nike V2K Run is made with at least 20% recycled content by weight. It is part of the brand's Move to Zero strategy which aims to reduce negative impact on the environment.

Nike V2K Run retro