Nike Flex Experience Run 11 Next Nature Performance Review

The Nike Flex Experience Run 11 Next Nature is a running shoe that I thought had cross-training potential because of the Flex technology. Flex makes the outsole pliable for running and gives the wearer a low-to-the-ground experience. However, after extensively testing it, I don’t think there will be many people who’d consider these for their gym or running footwear rotation. There are too many missing pieces for it to be a solid option.

Note: Remember to check your pairs. Nike gave me a left size 10 and a right size 10.5.

Pros

Semi-barefoot Feel

Nike Free hasn’t been marketed by Nike for a few years now. The only model I see still on shelves with that technology is the Nike Free Metcon 4, a cross-training shoe. Nike Flex has replaced Free, though it feels like a budget version of Free. And that’s why I say it’s semi-barefoot. You’re noticeably low to the ground, at least more than most shoes, but you still feel like you’re on a platform, albeit a short one. And unlike Free, Flex doesn’t have various levels like Free’s 3.0 and 5.0.

Even so, that semi-barefoot feel was great for working out. It kept me adequately planted on most movements. This will work well for you if you’re a stickler for ground feel. As for running, I think it’s good enough for short runs. Anything intense in them, like sprints, is not advisable.

Recycled Materials

This shoe is built with recycled parts similar to the Nike SuperRep Go 3 Next Nature and the Nike Legend Essential 3 Next Nature. Most of it is noticeable on the overlays around the eye stay area. I’m not entirely sure if the knitted upper also contains recycled materials, but I wouldn’t be surprised. The upper is light and requires no break-in time, too. You just put these on, and you’ll feel ready for a short run or quick workout.

Cons

No Heel Counter

This is the biggest weakness that I almost find unforgivable. Even casual shoes have heel counters for support while walking. You can literally fold the heel down to the midsole. While this is great for packing the shoe when you’re travelling, this is not good for cross-training and running. The midsole also doesn’t rise up enough around the foot to compensate for this lack of support. Of course, it wouldn’t matter if there were no problems. Right? That would be correct, but there were issues. On heavy lower-body workouts, I could feel my heel slide, and it caused me to readjust every so often. I’ve never had this issue with cross-training shoes that have great heel lockdown.

Lack of Lateral Stability

Because this is a running shoe, and a minimal one at that, most support features cater to forward movements. Running mostly involves a straight path, unlike cross-training, which can vary from day to day. There were no overlays on the lateral sides to help catch my feet when heavy pressure was applied. Most of my upper body workouts are seated, so there wasn’t any issue there, but I had issues with lower body exercises where a lot more movement is required. I could feel and see my feet bulging out of the upper and had to catch myself because the shoe couldn’t.

Nike Flex Experience Run 11 Next Nature Summary

The Nike Flex Experience Run 11 Next Nature is recommended for those who want to do upper body exercises and go for a short run afterward. I specify upper body because doing lower body workouts in these was almost dangerous. It doesn’t have enough stability features to accommodate the heavy loads on your feet. The lack of a heel counter is a glaring missing piece that doesn’t help the shoe’s case. Casually, though, they’re good enough to be a viable option if you’re looking to transition to truly barefoot shoes. If you’re looking for a cross-training shoe with recyclable materials, I recommend the Nike Legend Essential 3 Next Nature instead.