SCORE: 8/10
Weight: 350g/12oz, US size 9 (M)
Heel drop: 9mm
Shoe type: Training shoe
Running Distance: Short
Pros
- Beautiful design
- Pocket-friendly
- Broader base
- Comfortable and secure upper
- Grippy and durable outsole
- Versatility (For short runs and Gym training)
- Rides softer than Nike Renew Run 3
Cons
- Bulky
- Not suitable for long runs
- High heel drop
Take Away
The Nike Renew Run 4 is an upgrade of its predecessor Renew Run 3. It has a new upper and reengineered midsole for enhanced comfortable fitting and a softer ride. It still weighs more and runs on the firmer side.
Introduction
The Nike Renew Run series is a budget-friendly, neutral daily training shoe for short to mid-distance runs. Since its inception, the Nike Renew Run series has been known for comfort and secure fitting because of the wider forefoot. The shoe has undergone small yet significant changes while retaining its signature appearance. For instance, despite the Nike Renew Run 1 having a wider toe box for comfortable fitting, runners had issues with the dull and unstable ride. Besides, it was heavy and bulky, weighing 349g. Its updated version, the Nike Renew Run 2, came back with the chunky midsole that flared, creating cushier landings and stability. The comfort was apparent as the chunky midsole foam significantly absorbed the landing impact and reduced the load on my joints. Hence, the Renew Run 2 remained superior to its predecessor.
Nike failed to replicate the success of the Nike Renew Run 2 in the next version, Nike Run Renew 3. Despite the snug fit and good-looking appearance, it did not meet my expectations as a serious rotation shoe because it was still heavy and had a dull ride but performed well in the gym. Hence, my Renew Run 3 remains a casual walking and training shoe. However, Nike has done some excellent work on the Renew Run 4. It is a better version of its predecessor. Nike has focused on cushioning and comfort while integrating new features.
What is New?
The Renew Run 4 has new upper material made of 20% recycled materials. It is more padded and secure than Renew Run 4. Therefore, in the Renew Run 4, the upper is the most significant upgrade from its predecessor. It offers enhanced structure and stability. Though it is not stretchy, it takes the shape of the foot to offer a trusting, secure fitting. Nike Renew Run 4 also has a better running experience despite being heavy.
Nike Renew Upper 3 Upper Design and Fitting
The upper part features a synthetic material, which is 20% recycled material. The new upper material gives the shoe the needed structure. Though not flexible, it takes the shape of the foot, offering a secure fitting. The Swoosh on the outer and inner sides is the reason for the reinforced structure. Nike also added a swoosh on the toe’s tip, creating a compelling upper design.
The toe box is also roomy. It is not overly wide but roomy enough to feel the toes splaying comfortably. The wiggle room strikes the right balance of normal and wide. There are also significant perforations on the toe box for enhanced breathability. Moreover, the TPU overlays around the toe box provide extra durability.
The rear area remains the most secure part of this shoe because of the additional padding in the collar that wraps around the ankle when adjusting the laces. It also features the updated heel cup. The previous heel cup was different. It was less rigid and covered a wide area of the back of the foot. However, the new heel cup is simplistic but pretty hardened than the previous to offer extra stability.
The tongue also has sufficient padding to compliment the generously padded ankle and enhanced lacing system.
Overall, the upper feels secure, with sufficient room in the toe box. It is not highly breathable since the upper material is quite thick. I would suggest going a size down for an individual with narrow feet because of the extra room I still feel besides having feet that are slightly wider than the regular size.
Nike Renew Run 4 Midsole Design and Performance
The Renew Run 4 has a dual-density Nike Renew midsole foam that feels pretty soft and lighter than in the Renew Run 3. Though soft, it is nothing close to the Nike React foam, which is amazingly lightweight, soft, and responsive. The revamped midsole foam creates a more responsive ride. Still, the ride is on the firmer side. The soft foam under the heels suits the heel strikers.
Nike also added some foam to the midsole, especially in the heel, making it chunkier. Moreover, it is stubbornly steep, affecting the ride’s stability. The heel measures 31mm, and the forefoot 22mm, creating a 9mm. This is way higher for someone used to 6mm heel drop. It is even worse with the 350g (12oz) weight. Hence, the Nike Renew Run 4 feels somewhat unstable on uneven surfaces and sharp turns and confidently stable on flat surfaces.
I am excited that Nike designers gave the outsole enough attention. The outsole rubber has beautiful groove patterns and is fantastically grippy across surfaces. It is also solid enough to rack up hundreds of miles and outlast the upper part.
Performance
Those who have run in the Renew Run 3 will not feel the weight because this version feels softer and responsive, especially when transitioning from the ball of the foot to the toes. The improved pace makes you kind of forget the weight. The weight also won’t matter much for anyone using the shoe as a lifestyle sneaker.
Besides, it performs excellently in short runs, no more than 2 miles, because the ride starts to feel dull and forced when trying to run longer.
I have also tried the Renew Run 4 in gym workouts and loved the experience. They felt like they were designed more for training and walking than running. The wide base allows multidirectional movements associated with several gym workouts.
Who Should Buy Nike Renew Run 4?
The Renew Run 4 fits someone looking for a shoe for occasional running but not a serious rotation shoe. Better budget options include the Nike Downshifter 12 or Revolution 6.
It also fits those who train in the gym a lot.
The Renew Run 4 also fits someone looking for a lifestyle shoe. The design looks ‘cool’
Finally, Nike Renew Run 4 suits wide-footed runners because of the signature wide-toe box.
Final Thought
The Nike Renew Run 4 is a budget-friendly running shoe that ticks several boxes. It is stylish, comfortable, durable, and versatile. The new updates have significantly improved the shoe except for the high 9mm heel drop. The 12oz weight is not a big issue when the Renew Run 4 is for occasional short runs and regular training in the gym.
Reviewed By Logan Philip
Logan Philip, a passionate and experienced athlete with a critical understanding of running techniques and routine. He is also a personal fitness trainer.
