Nike Air Force 1 is a revolutionary shoe. The shoe is comfortable and immensely popular. It has become a wardrobe staple for sneaker lovers since it got released. The Air Force 1 is a versatile shoe and can be worn with many things. But are Nike Air Force 1 suitable for running?
You are reading this article because you’re concerned about whether or not they are suitable for running. Read along and you will find out everything you need to know about the Nike Air Force 1.
Can You Run with The Nike Air Force 1?
Yes, you can run with a Nike Air Force 1. It is not explicitly designed to be a running shoe. However, as it is a basketball shoe for amateurs, you can use it as a running shoe. But is it good as a running shoe?
Are Nike Air Force 1 Good for Running? (Quick Facts)
The Nike Air Force 1 is a decent shoe for running but it’s not the best. Nike does not label the Air Force 1 as a running shoe and it has better running shoes. Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 38, ZoomX Vaporfly Next 2% are better running shoes.
Now, we will consider some features of the Nike Air Force 1 so you can know if it is a good shoe or not.
Many people wear the Nike Air Force 1 for running regardless of the features. But are Nike Air Force 1 really good for running?
How Good Is the Nike Air Force 1 for Running?
If you choose the wrong running shoe, your chances of getting injured will increase. You must consider the features of the Nike Air Force 1 before choosing to run with it.
A shoe needs to have some features in order to qualify as a good running shoe including breathability, comfort, arch support, durability etc. Let’s discuss how good or bad Nike Air Force 1 is for running.
You may also check our article, are Nike Air Force 1 good for walking all day?
Are Nike Air Force Ones breathable?
Breathability is essential in a running shoe because you are most likely to wear it for a long time. Your feet get sweaty if you wear a shoe for a long time. Heat accumulates inside of the shoe because of running. It can cause discomfort and some foot diseases.
That’s why you need breathability to ensure the free flow of air. Nike Air Force 1 has a Flyknit version. It is bold and lighter compared to the other Air Force 1 models. Thus, it becomes ideal for a hot summer day.
The white Air Force 1 may sport a more classic look but they don’t have the mesh fabric like the Flyknit ones. Thus, the classic Air Force 1 is not a breathable shoe. It may feel like a mini oven around the toe region on a hot summer day.
Since relevant to running, You can check our article on whether Nike Air Force 1 are basketball shoes or not.
Is Nike Air Force 1 comfortable?
Comfort is another distinct feature of a good running shoe. As a runner, you cannot run long with an uncomfortable shoe. Runners look for more cushioning in a running shoe. So, a good running shoe offers more cushioning at the toe and midsole region.
The Air Force 1 is not only a classic sneaker from Nike but also one of the most comfortable ones. The shoes may not feel the most comfortable fresh out of the box. But after a couple of wears, they get considerably softer and more comfortable.
If interested, please check our article, are Nike Air Force 1 comfortable on your feet. You can also read our article, are Air force 1 good for lifting?
Is Nike Air Force 1 durable?
You probably don’t want to change your shoe every 3 months. A running shoe is expensive and it should be durable. As you run long ranges, the outsole of the shoe decays. A running shoe is typically made to last longer and be comfortable. So, is the Nike Air Force 1 durable enough as a running shoe?
The reviews on the internet regarding Nike Air Force 1 is a bit confusing. Some people say it lasts for years. It is true if you wear them casually and do not do any type of heavy exercise or running. But as a running shoe, it will not last that long.
However, the Nike Air Force 1 has decent durability. If you take proper care of your shoe, it will last for a long time.
You may don’t want to miss our article, how long do Nike Air Force 1 last.
Can Air Force Ones Hurt Feet?
A running shoe is supposed to be comfortable. Running can be a challenging exercise. If your feet hurt, you cannot run properly. Many shoes may seem comfortable but when you start running it starts to hurt. So, does the Air Force 1 hurt?
Each people has different types of feet. In our experience, we have found the toe box of the Air Force 1 spacious. But some people feel tight around the toe region.
So, in this case, it depends on people’s preferences and the toe’s shape.
If the shape of the shoe is wrong for your toes, it will hurt. In general, the Air Force 1 will not hurt your feet. But you should check it out for yourself to be sure. You can check our article, why do my air force ones hurt my feet?
Please check our related article on the ways of breaking in Air Force 1.
Do Nike Air Force Ones have arch support?
Good running shoes have arch support. The arch height absorbs shock and protects your feet while sprinting. It also helps in weight distribution and provides propulsion force to help you run faster.
The Nike Air Force 1 does not have a great energy return and arch support.
You can also check our article, are Air Force 1 good for flat feet?
The man’s shoe offers ¾ length cushioning and comfort. Weirdly, the women’s shoe of the same model does not have the same cushioning; it has a minimal arch support.
The midsole of the Air Force 1 has decent cushioning and the men’s version has good arch support. We don’t know why the women’s version has minimal arch support. If you’re a woman, you should not consider the Air Force 1 as a running shoe.
We have also written an article on whether Nike Air Force 1 are good for people with wide feet.
Are Nike Air Force 1 Good for Running? (Summary)
Nike Air Force 1 is an excellent shoe. The comfort and style of the shoe is great. You can wear the shoe for lightweight exercises and casual basketball playing. Nike doesn’t sell this shoe as a running shoe.
So, if you want to run wearing this shoe, you need to be careful. The Flyknits version of the Nike Air Force 1 is better as a running shoe compared to the classic white one. The shoe has decent durability, comfort and breathability. The men’s version is good as a casual running shoe. But we don’t recommend the women’s version because it does not have good arch support.
What do you think? Are Air Force 1 good for running long distances? Or it is only for short-distance running? Let us know in the comments. If you are interested, you can read our article on running in Nike Blazers.