Nike+ shoes

March 24, 2008 2:43 PM

Are there any Nike+ shoes comparable to Asics Gel Nimbus?

Every Nike line I try on feels flat-footed, and bland. I have this suspicion that Nike makes shoes in a lowest common denominator sort of way, not great but average so the most number of people will be suckered into wearing them based on the Nike advertising juggernaut.

But I don't want this to be the case - I'd really like it if, like Nike running clothes which are excellent, there are Nike running shoes that are great.

posted by plexi to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (8 answers total)

Any reason that you have to switch to nike shoes? If you are doing it for ipod/nike running hardware, its pretty easy to mod your own shoes to work. For me, I just put a double sided velcro on the back of the sensor, and on the bottom of my shoe's tongue (near the bottom lace). It works perfectly, no nike shoe required.
posted by ShootTheMoon at 3:08 PM on March 24, 2008

I haven't tried it (yet...I will, soon, I swear, it's only been like 9 months or so since I had the link sent to me), but this seems like a good workaround, assuming your point is to use the Nike+ system.
posted by Ufez Jones at 3:21 PM on March 24, 2008

I use the pouch linked by Ufez Jones on Asics Gel Kayano shoes. It's perfect. I don't know that it's there unless I look at my shoe, and the mileage/speed numbers recorded by my ipod and my Garmin GPS wristwatch match within .5%.

Count me as a happy user of Nike+ ipod, without the Nike shoes.
posted by u2604ab at 3:46 PM on March 24, 2008

In my experience, people who wear Nikes and prefer them for running are in the minority (I'm one of them); I've tried Asics (my Gel Nimbuses are walking shoes now), Mizunos, all kinds, but I only get an even wear tread down the middle with Nike, and they're the only ones I can run with. If you're thinking of the technology, you'll probably be happier modding your favorite shoes than going with something that's neato-keeno on technology but doesn't make your feet as happy as they should be.

All that being said, the closest to the Gel Nimbus that I've used on the Nike front is the trail running Alvord series (Alvord IV's were my absolute favorite, so natch they have migrated to the V series now).
posted by tigerjade at 4:19 PM on March 24, 2008

Hmmmm. If you have a shoe that's working for you then try any modification to accommodate the plus chip before you switch brands. A good fitting running shoe is a blessing. If you're happy with your shoe, it's very unlikely that you'll find one that fits you as well in another brand. I know lots of runners who've worn the same style running shoe for years.

The only Nike I'm happy with is the Nike Free. It's completely different from my marathon shoes, but I find the Nike Free tolerable for the short runs I do on business trips. And I adore that it can be compressed to take up very little room in my suitcase.
posted by 26.2 at 4:33 PM on March 24, 2008

Nthing modding your current shoes. I have a pouch from Marware which works perfectly. I bought mine online, but have recently seen the same pouch at a local running store. Before I had the pouch (I bought the nike+ kit before I knew what I was in for), I wrapped the little sensor up in saran wrap with a lot of wrap left on each end, and threaded the extra through my laces. It worked for three weeks without a problem, but I had people looking at me funny when they saw my shoe.
posted by notsnot at 6:37 PM on March 24, 2008

Seems more likely that the OP wants his shoes to match his running clothes...

I have Nike AirstructureTriax9's I like them, they dont rock my world or anything.
posted by BobbyDigital at 7:31 PM on March 24, 2008

Okay - if that's the case then the Shoe Dog at Road Runner suggests 4 Nike shoes as alternatives for the Nimbus.

Air Max 180+ III
Air Zoom Vomero+ 2
Air Max 360 II
Air Max 180+ II
posted by 26.2 at 10:17 PM on March 24, 2008