Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 Intro

As Nike continues to increase the launch price of its Pegasus and Vomero ranges, this Winflo sits comfortably and proudly in the role of their lower priced, younger cousin.

As the Winflo has matured (to its now 7th version) the shoe has taken on a design similar to the top of the range Vaporfly models with an exaggerated heel and pointed toe box.

New updates include a new larger forefoot Zoom Air pod (in addition to the heel one), for added responsiveness and ‘pop’ on the run.

The upper is also redesigned, with a new yarn pattern, losing the arrow point design for a more uniform, sleek look, and also losing some padding, to fit in more with the design of the higher priced Nike running shoe ranges.

I’ve recently been running in the React Miler, Downshifter 10, and Revolution 5 (all Nike) so it’s easy to notice some similarities, and also differences between the models spanning the budget to mid range spectrum from Nike.

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 First Impressions

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 – Closeup

I have an average to narrow width foot and found this shoe to be quite narrow to begin with. After wearing for a couple of weeks this eased off, but if you have a wider foot, you may want to consider another shoe.

Visually there are similarities between the Winflo 7 and Downshifter 10. On the foot, the Winflo feels much more padded, structured and supportive, both in the sole and the upper.

The insole wraps up around the foot to cushion and protect in all directions and was comfortable straight away.

In the hand, the shoe felt premium. Materials were of a good quality and seemed durable but light considering the excess of foam and rubber.

I had lots of compliments on the design and colorway of the shoe too. Overall fantastic first impressions.

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 Sole Unit

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 – Lateral Side

In 2020 where everything is bigger, curvier and sexier, the Winflo 7 is no different. First thing to note about the sole is it is CHUNKY. The height, width and extension out from the heel all stand out immediately.

If you haven’t bought any running shoes for a couple of years, these will feel a whole different level, like walking around on big squishy clouds.

Ever so slightly less squishy clouds than those of the React foam range of shoes (React Miler, React Infinity, Epic React), but still bouncy, comfortable JOYS.

The purpose of this excess foam midsole in the Winflo 7 is to be springier, more responsive and durable, a tick, tick, tick from me.

Add to this the hidden ZoomAir pod in the forefoot and heel to give cushioning where the foot strikes the ground and the Winflo 7 delivered a great ride on longer, shorter, road and treadmill runs.

Changes from the previous Winflo versions also include the outsole. The waffle pattern has gone in favour of a slitted patern all over. The full length carbon rubber outsole gave me no issues whatsoever with grip or traction.

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 – Sole

This rubber extends fully up the heel and even up the front of the shoe, adding somewhat unnecessary weight. Another change is the positioning of where the outsole wraps up the forefoot.

Rather than directly at the front of the shoe, the rubber bends into the medial side of the foot, giving a somewhat pigeon toe effect on the foot. Strange to begin with but once I’d got used to it I forgot about this.

Side note- I also took the Winflo for some strength workouts in the gym and this is where the sole unit struggled.

For squats with weight the sole is far too chunky and unstable and my feet moved around a lot, so if you’re looking for a shoe to use for a wider variety of workouts, you may want to consider less cushioning.

But as this is a running shoe review let’s stick to its performance on a run…

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 Upper Unit

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 – Lace

The upper in the Winflo 7 is new too in terms of design. A sleek uniform mesh pattern keeps the foot cool on warmer runs, and offered some protection in the rain, although the feet did get wet quite quickly.

You won’t find Flyknit or Vaporweave like the more premium models, but this upper does the job, and remains breathable and flexible enough.

Overlays mask the seams and add durability in high abrasion areas. The heel cup and tongue have light padding that didn’t rub or irritate in any way.

The partial bootie design sees 2/3rds of the tongues sewn into the contrasting color inner layer. This kept comfortably in place during workouts.

To balance out the pointed extended heel, the heel tab raises high up the ankle making the shoe easy to put on and take off.

After 50 miles, some signs of wear can be seen on the upper with loose cotton and some visible glue where the upper meets the sole, but the shoe functions well.

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 Conclusion

Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 – Heel

When it comes to running my next half marathon or further, my choice will be between this and the Nike React Miler.

I’ll likely end up choosing the Miler due to my preference towards the softer React foam cushioning helping me out towards the end of the run. For shorter, faster runs, the Winflo would be my choice.

To compare to other Nikes, if you’re looking for the highest level of cushioning in a mid-range shoe, I’d go for the React Miler.

If you’re looking for something slightly more responsive, and have a smaller budget the Winflo 7 is an absolute winner.

It outperforms the Downshifter 10 and Revolution 5 in every area and is much more a speciality running shoe. Design and value wise these are my favourite running shoes this year.

If you want Nike’s most bouncy and cushioned foam, you will need to spend a little more, but if you want a reliable, trusted running shoe to see you through longer runs, the Winflo 7 will absolutely shine.

We purchased a pair of Nike Air Zoom Winflo 7 using our own money. This did not influence the outcome of this review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.