This product was launched by Nike to create comfort for the customer. The improvements were a big chunky midsole that absorbs hits when walking, hence the impact on joints is softened, and the load when padding around the heel cup and tongue. It sounds like running on big squishy clouds on paper but, did it meet its purpose of a great running experience? Or did it fail when it came to functionality? To keep costs low the renew run 2 uses old Nike technologies accrued from years, through renewing, and reusing the product with modern designs to make them up to date. This creates a mid-lower price range which a daily trainer can afford. Renew Run 2 has similar attributes to Nike Infinity Run but at different prices.
Its first impressions.
The weight of the Renew Run is the first thing to note. Renew Run is one of the heaviest running shoes compared to Winflo 7, React Miler, and Downshifter 10. The women’s UK size 6.5/EU 40.5 weights 308g. As you put the shoe on you will notice that it has excess padding around the ankle and the tongue. It is well-structured, tough, and locks down the footwell, creating comfort and good fitting. The fit is true to the size of the foot in terms of length and width. It feels more rigid, padded, and weighty on foot which is like Winflo. Walking along a wet gravel canal path it picks a lot of stones and mud in outsole grooves and midsole patterns making it to be evenly heavier. The sole unit feels hard, and the shoe does not return great energy as someone’s legs become more tired. It has a lot of similarities aesthetically to the first Renew Run and the difference is the shaping on the tongue and the collar which adds more support. Small design changes have been made on the swoosh whereas the outsole is similar in the first Renew Run and the Renew Run 2. Compared to the previous ones the Renew Run has impressive looks for those who love chunky shoes. They can be worn outside of the workout as the colorways are spot on. Also, the deep grooves on the outsole pattern are attractive to those who love the designs.
The sole unit.
A dense cushioning and stability are provided by the sole. Decoupled outsole feels firmer and is like premium React foam. With the popularity of the decoupled outsole in the shoes, it has improved shock absorption by spreading the force from hits on the ground to the rest of the foot. Dual-density midsole provides cushioning under the heel on heavy heel hits on the ground. Much of the excess weight is on the midsole because the Lunarlon foam is an older technology and thus creates a dense feeling on the feet. The shoe gives good heel-to-toe transitions and thus providing adequate flexes. The cost-saving aspect of the shoe is made on the older heavier foam. For good grip traction and durability, the outsole rubber coats the Lunarlon foam. There is no wearing down after 50 miles hence the shoe lasts well over time. Not a bad sole unit in overall score but no new improvements as compared to other shoes.
The upper unit.
The maximal padding on the upper unit is the most noticeable thing. It is thick stretching down to the tongue and the heel cup. On a muddy run the breathable, dual-layer meshed, synthetic textile upper will keep your feet dry. The feet are kept locked down well by the TPU overlays around the flat laces. The durability and lifespan of the shoe are further added by the overlays on seams and toe box.
