If you’re into running and you’re looking to upgrade your non-running shoes, look no further. The Nike Winflo 8s will be the perfect match for you.
It’s a perfect shoe for logging a few miles each week but definitely not a shoe I would recommend for long distances or speed sessions.
The comfort and support are well known. When you lace them up you will feel this and love how they look on.
With a lower-end price range coming in at $90.00, this shoe is fully worth it. Like I’ve mentioned before, the Winflo 8 doesn’t offer a huge amount of technology but just enough to help you get the job done.
A few key features would be the Zoom Air unit that extends the full length of the sole. In addition, there are overlays at the toe to add an additional layer of durability. The tongue of the shoe is united to the upper inner lining to help give you that secure fit.
A shoe that would be similar to the Winfo in the Nike family, would be Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38. Both have similar looks and offer the same Air Zoom foam. The ride feels very similar except it’s a bit more firm in the Winflo 8.
A similar shoe from another brand would be the Under Armour Charged Vantage. It’s another shoe that’s easy on your wallet and offers similar cushioning in the midsole.
Nike Winflo 8 First Impressions
Looking at them, the first impression is a positive one. I like how they look and they take on an edgy modern vibe. I got the Dark Beetroot/Black/Ashen Slate/Dark Pony color. These particular colors compliment one another.
The design of the sole unit stuck out to me in the first place. It uses the Pegasus-like pointed heel structure. This gives the shoe an edgy modern look to them.
When I first put them on I thought I might need a different size. It felt narrow through the toe box. Once I walked around in them for a few minutes they loosened up and had a nicer fit. The previous model offered a “wide “ option when purchasing. That is no longer the case with the updated Winflo 8.
My first run in them was an easy 5 miler. I had no major issues other than feeling a little tighter around the toe area than I’m used to. The whole run felt just “ok.” There was nothing spectacular that stood out about these shoes but they also did what they were built to do. Get me from point A to point B.
Nike Winflo 8 Sole Unit
The sole unit in the Winflo 8 sports Nike’s Zoom Air. This extends from the toe to the heel of the shoe. It’s placed in the forefoot and puts cushioning where it’s desired. Cushlon foam is the foam that is used.
You’ll notice it’s soft and somewhat responsive. Nike claims that this foam gives the shoe some springiness to your step and I can’t say I’d agree with that. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a comfortable shoe to wear around town but not a shoe I would pick to go run miles and miles in.
Each step I took was firm and lacked any energy return. When I took them out for longer runs I felt like I was working harder. Keeping my runs shorter while in these shoes made me enjoy them more. The rubber sole was excellent on various surfaces. I took them out in all kinds of weather and places. I had zero issues with traction.
Nike Winflo 8 Upper Unit
The upper is one of my favorite parts of the shoe. Looking at it firsthand gives you a wow factor. You’ll feel stylish putting them on. It’s made out of mesh. The mesh is a double-layer translucent upper. The top layer of the upper is the thinner translucent one. While the bottom half of the mesh is the exact same upper as the Winflo 7.
It’s just hidden under the translucent top layer. Overall, the upper is comfortable and very breathable. Around the midfoot, on either side of the shoe are Flywire Cables. They are there to provide a tight but flexible fit. Some people might say they are useless but they provide significant support without adding extra weight.
One thing I didn’t care for while wearing these shoes was that when I wore them in hotter conditions, I would get condensation in the Nike swoosh. This was caused by the double-layer mesh. I have to say that the mesh was comfortable overall and I didn’t have any complaints. I would like to see the next Winflo version with a more luxury mesh like the Pegasus.
The laces are standard and held in place by the Flywire system. I’ve read that some people had a hard time keeping the laces tight enough but I didn’t come to that conclusion. When lacing up I do notice that it’s a lot stiffer than other shoes I’m used to. When looking at the heel counter you will see that it’s pretty built up and offers a good amount of support. I had no difficulties with any heel slipping.
Nike Winflo 8 Conclusion
The Nike Winflo 8 is a hard shoe to rate. I didn’t love it and I didn’t hate it. For a daily trainer, the price is hard to beat.
Typical daily trainers will cost you around $130. That being said, I guess you get what you pay for. I would by no means call this a “running shoe.” It is a comfortable shoe you can wear to do a few weekly miles without any issue. I do love how this shoe looks and have received many compliments. It’s comfortable enough to wear for your workout and keep it on for your other daily duties.
As editorial policy, we do not accept free samples from companies.
We purchased this pair of Nike Winflo 8 at Running Warehouse with our own money.
