Oh that it would have been all it could be
Written: Jan 31 '06
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Product Rating:
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Pros: classic look, better colors than 1991
Cons: not the same shoe, cushioning, tight fit for some, rocks hurt!
The Bottom Line: The design has changed from 1991, not as comfortable. Great casual shoes for $40, expensive "average" running shoes for $90
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| rookshark's Full Review: Nike Air Force 180 Running Shoes |
I own many running shoes for this hobby/addiction, and this shoe, back in 1991 was my first pair of running shoes. When I heard of a possible retro, I was very pleased. Those shoes lasted for almost 11 years, although not always with real running. For running though, they were great, and I remember them fondly, if not the original white/ultramarine/pink flash colorway. When I had a chance to snag the black/red retro, I jumped for close to the $90 retail price.
Ah, but all things are not created equal. I first noticed that things did not appear as they did after seeing comparison pictures of the original next to a retro on another message board (www.niketalk.com). What a disappointment to know this shoe was changed before the retro. I had heard years ago that the reason for no retro or continued production of this model was due to conflicts with Avia and their patents, trademarks, or other legal point of contention over what the 180s cantilever design. True or not, I can not say with certainty, but for whatever reason, it took over ten years for them to come back to the market, albeit in revised form.
After all that, it is interesting that although this shoe was considered a running shoe in its first itineration, and a good shoe at that, that now the shoe is almost considered more of a casual or fashion or just retro shoe as opposed to running. This is to be expected of a shoe with technology and design from 1991. Nike themselves even puts categorizes it now as “sports culture”.
Smitten as I was by the originals, I had to try these out for running. To be sure, the comfort level was not as good as I remembered (tainted by memory fondness, or all the better shoes out there now), but not exactly bad. Running in these shoes is comparable to some of today’s average running shoes. Not great. The cushioning is fine for casual use and walking, you will feel fine, but not like walking on….air. However for running you feel the cushioning is just not there like one would prefer. I can not find anything written in any description about the shoe from Nike that would indicate the shoe even has forefoot air, which is not surprising after wearing them just once. The rear foot max air unit works ok, but this is definitely not going to blow your expectations out of the water, words like “adequate” or “satisfactory” come to mind. Not exactly encouraging.
Another area is fit. These shoes tend towards the tight side. If you have wide feet, forget about it. However, if you can get your foot in, these things feel like slippers. You can really feel the inner bootie, especially without socks (I always wear socks when running). However even my big but not especially wide feet feel like they are close to bulging in the shoe. This has not proven to be a major issue using the shoes for me however, and they are not difficult to get on, with the bootie getting most of the credit.
Stability in these shoes is below average. Even me, Mr. non stability minded runner, notices the lack of stability in this shoe. If you are thinking of running on anything but nice flat roads or treadmills, find another shoe. Also evident are rocks should you run on the occasional gravel or loose rocks. Rock bruises or just the annoyance of pain associated with rocks is particularly bothersome in this shoe.
Durability in this shoe is average. The forefoot area is wearing, but not extremely so. Not as good as some of my other running shoes, but not bad. The upper materials of the shoe are holding up extremely well, with the exception of the plastic heel/ankle counter, which scrapes easily (not noticeable unless you look closely at the shoes), and some black scuffing on the inside of the same plastic tab on the right shoe. That could be due to my running style, I am not sure.
Uh, I am not sure, but these shoes, although not heavy, feel heavier than their predecessors. Instead of feeling like a part of your foot, you realize you are carrying these along with you. They are not clunkers, and this, as much of this review, would only be a concern if you use the shoes for running, as how they were first intended and are still somewhat advertised. During casual use, the weight is a non-issue.
After using these for running for about six months, although there is much life left in the shoes, I am moving them to strictly casual use, which was probably would have been the smarter idea from the beginning. The shoes still have merit for those that want the look of the early1990’s, but probably best not for running, just for being seen in them or for walking. At retail, these shoes (although lower than the 1991 prices) are overpriced. Clearance versions can be had now for $39.99. At this price, if you like the look, pick up a pair, they will probably serve you for casual use for a long time.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
rookshark
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Location: Honduras
Reviews written: 54
Trusted by: 3 members
About Me:
missionary living in Honduras
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