Nike Renew Retaliation 4 Performance Review

The Nike Renew Retaliation 4 is a budget cross training shoe from Nike. The previous version, the Nike Renew Retaliation TR 3, was a good performance sneaker with all the basics but lacked a standout feature. Not anymore with this one. This pair has a feature that I think will help sell it and is one I haven’t seen on a cross-training shoe in a while.

Spoiler alert: it made our Best Cross Training Shoes, Best for CrossFit, and Best for Weighlifting lists.

Pros

Midfoot Strap

This was the biggest game-changer. The previous model included two lockdown wings on the lateral and medial sides. They’ve replaced that with a midfoot strap. I thought it would be useless, much like most straps found in modern performance sneakers. However, I was surprised by the amount of extra lockdown it provided. It kept my feet secured, and I never felt myself shifting, even on workouts that tested my balance.

A warning: you can definitely over-tighten the strap and cut blood flow. I’ve made that mistake, and it wasn’t pleasant. So make sure you configure it just right for your needs.

Renew Foam Midsole

The full-length Renew foam midsole was comfortable but not unstable. This may also be a matter of preference. Some people want to be as close to the ground as possible when lifting weights or doing exercises. The Nike Renew Retaliation 4 will not provide that. You feel a bit off the ground when wearing these, but the foam doesn’t compress too much as long as you have the correct form. If you want some impact protection for your jump training, these will get the job done.

Just like the third iteration, this Renew isn’t the typical version of the foam like you’d find in the Nike Renew Elevate. There’s no dual-density setup. What we get is free foam. I’ve tried walking around in these casually, and it was comfortable. There’s also an insole that provides step-in comfort while it lasts.

Thick Rubber Treads

The rubber threads that protrude out are thick and will last a while. It’s one of the features I enjoyed from the last model, and I’m glad they didn’t change it. It will work on all surfaces. I never experienced any slipping, even on a dusty wooden floor. So if you’re working out in a local gym or doing bodyweight exercises at home, there’s no need to worry.

Cons

Heel Slip

It may just be my foot shape, but there was some heel slip at the beginning. It goes away after some time and becomes unnoticeable, but I prefer it absent at all times. It’s not a deal-breaker for me, but don’t be surprised if your heel doesn’t stay put during your first wear. After that, though, you’re going to be okay.

On this note, I recommend wearing thickly padded socks with these shoes. It will help fill up any dead space that might be there. It also reduces your chances of getting continual heel slips. I tried them with thinner socks, and the fit wasn’t as secure as in thick socks.

Nike Renew Retaliation 4 Summary

The Nike Renew Retaliation 4 is one of the best budget cross training shoes available. The midfoot strap upgrade makes these a keeper. The lockdown is impressive, and you always feel snug and secure while doing your workouts, intense or light. Most everything was kept from the Nike Renew Retaliation TR 3. If you have the Retaliation TR 3 and are considering buying the Retaliation 4, I recommend picking upgrading to the Nike Renew Retaliation 4 as it’s well worth it.