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One of the questions on lots of runners minds is how long do the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 running shoes last. I introduced the updates to the 3rd edition of these incredibly popular running shoes in an earlier article Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 Review - Is it worth the hype?. While I gave them a thorough test for this review, there’s always a question mark over how running shoes perform as more miles are put into them. We decided we’d run 500 miles in them (the suggested distance for a shoe of this nature) to let you know how they fare. To be exact, I’ve run 532 miles (or 857 kilometres) at the time of writing this.
Quick recap
The following is a short summary of how the Invincible Run 3 was updated:
- Slightly more ZoomX foam in midsole (Nike’s softest and most energy returning midsole foam)
- Midsole sculpting adds more stability to the soft foam
- Wider base net
- Bigger heel clip around the ankle
- Updated Flyknit upper
The ultimate goal with this edition was to make them feel more stable. As ZoomX foam is so soft, some runners did find the previous version a little bit unstable under their feet. My conclusion in the initial review was that the updates have definitely made the Invincible Run 3 more stable than the previous version. However, the ultra bouncy feeling that everyone loves about these running shoes has not been lost.
Even though the Invincible Run 3 features ZoomX foam, like the Vaporfly and Alphafly, they are designed for a completely different purpose. The Invincible Run 3 are best suited to slower paced recovery runs, everyday miles and long slow runs. As they are intended to be used as go-to-mileage running shoes, Nike have added features that make them more durable. However, runners still seem unsure about their durability due to them feeling so soft.
How long does the bouncy ZoomX feeling last for?
When you first step into the ZoomX Invincible Run 3, they feel like trampolines. By this I mean they feel incredibly soft and bouncy. The big question is how long does this feeling last for. Most running shoes feel pretty similar for the first 200-300 miles, but you then start to notice them losing a bit of bounce and cushioning. This is simply not the case with the Invincible Run 3 cushioning.
Yes, the initial trampoline sensation diminishes ever so slightly after a couple of runs. This might also just be me getting used to the cushioning. The amazing thing is the super bouncy and protective feeling was pretty much the same for 500 miles of running. What’s even more impressive, is that the Invincible Run 3 feels more cushioned after 500 miles of running than some running shoes which are brand new.
The only change I’d like to see in the next Nike Invincible Run midsole is a bigger rocker. After a couple of hundred miles, the rocker sensation reduces. For me, a curved midsole significantly lowers the stress on my calf muscles. I’m looking for as much help as possible on my easy runs, so I’m recovered for the faster miles.
How does the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 outsole wear?
I mentioned in the previous review article that the Invincible Run 3 has a full length rubber outsole and that this adds some weight. If you don’t know, the outsole rubber on running shoes is one of the heaviest parts. Yes, running shoes will feel lighter with less outsole rubber, but they’ll also be less durable. If you want your running shoes to last a long time, good outsole coverage is essential.
You can see from the pictures that the outsole on the Invincible Run 3 after 500 miles of running is barely showing any signs of wear. I’m a heavy heel striker and the rubber has worn there, but is nowhere near close to wearing through. While the rubber adds some extra weight, it means you can be confident they’ll cope with a lot of running. If you look at the pictures from my review of the previous version after 500 miles of running, you’ll see visible signs of outsole wear. I’m not exactly sure what Nike has done to this latest outsole rubber, but it’s more durable.
How does the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 upper wear?
The upper of a running shoe is very important as it keeps your feet contained and supported. The updated Flyknit upper in the Invincible Run 3 has performed well. I think you’ll agree the white upper hasn’t coped very well with the Scottish weather, but I think it adds character. There are no holes appearing and no signs of friction.
Some feedback suggests the heel collar doesn’t provide enough lock down during a run. I have done some runs where I’ve had to stop and readjust the laces so they don’t slip. I’d definitely recommend using the last eyelet and a butterfly loop to lock your ankle in. Wearing a thick running sock with the Invincible Run 3 is also a good idea.
Final thoughts
The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 is easily one of the most cushioned running shoes for everyday miles. They feel incredibly soft and bouncy, which keeps your legs feeling fresher. I run almost every day and this level of cushioning helps me recover faster in between key workouts.
One of the biggest selling points of the Invincible Run 3 is how durable they are. While I retire most of my mileage running shoes at around 400 miles, these are lasting considerably longer. Lots of runners ask us at Run4It how long do running shoes last and which ones are the most durable. While it’s tricky to say exactly which ones last the longest, this review should hopefully give you confidence in these. If you’re looking for very durable running shoes, the Invincible Run 3 is a great choice. I don’t think there’s many running shoes that would outperform them on this front.
Other Nike options
We position the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run 3 in our Enhanced Energy Experience category because they feature a thick midsole of ZoomX foam. As I only use the Invincible Run 3 for slow to steady paced runs, it’s the perfect partner to the Vaporfly or Alphafly. While the Vaporfly and Alphafly are designed for faster runs and racing, there is a distinct sense of familiarity between the models due to the use of the ZoomX foam. If you like the Invincible Run 3 for your everyday miles, you’ll love the extra propulsion in the Vaporfly and Alphafly when you want to run fast.
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