The Nike V2K Run is one of the latest sneakers inspired from the early 2000 runners and one of the most popular releases by the brand in the past year. Nike has been riding the Y2K trend by coming up with some new and older models like the Vomero 5, the P-6000 and the less known Initiator, all featuring modern, retro inspired designs. The V2K was released as a spin off of the Vomero 5 (hence the V in the name), the two sneaker having quite a few similarities. This is the same like when the M2K was released as another take on the Monarch IV. It arrived in 2023 and it became very popular soon after. The shoe comes in unisex sizes but it is technically a ladies sneaker. That is likely because of the chunky heel that stands out as a distinct feature of this shoe.
First Impressions
For this Nike V2K Run review we got a pair in triple black with dark silver overlays. They look very stylish and feel lightweight, with size 11 for women weighing about 11oz. They are very comfortable out of the box with no need to break them in, given the very soft Cushlon midsole and the mesh upper construction.
How They Fit
For women’s sizes the Nike V2K runs true to size with a roomy toe box. Some ladies with narrow feet may even find it running large, in which case a half size down may work better.
For men I would suggest going a half size up, as some may find the mudguard rubbing against their toes easily and being too narrow in the front. For a unisex size chart for Nike you can check out this link.
Upper Design & Materials
Like the other Y2K models these feature a mesh base with synthetic overlays. Additionally, the V2K features a TPU cage where the Swoosh logo is also incorporated. This cage connects two eyelets to the midsole so it provides a more secure lockdown overall and better stability. The mesh upper makes it so they provide excellent breathability while the synthetic overlays add some style and durability. The tongue and the heel collar are lightly padded which add the standard, plushy feel you get from a classic pair of sneakers.
Sole Unit Tech
The sole unit is made of two parts that are connected with a TPU shank that is meant to provide stability. So while the shoe is not super flexible on touch, it is very comfortable due to the Cushlon foam that makes the most of the midsole. On top of the Cushlon the chunky heel features a harder density rubber that acts like a cupsole for the softer foam on top. Lastly, the sole is completed with a durable rubber on the outsole that provides excellent traction but most importantly durability. For this review we took them in the gym and they provided excellent lockdown and stability, mainly due to the shape of the outsole that has a wide grip but also due to the TPU shank.
Are Nike V2K running shoes?
While inspired from the early 2000 runners, the Nike V2K was not designed for performance running but rather everyday comfort. It is a very versatile shoe so yes, you can take it to the gym and do short or slow paced runs with them but this is not where they excel. They do not have a ZOOM unit as the Vomero 5 do and also the chunky heel can be bothersome for long runs.
Are Nike V2K comfortable?
The Nike V2K are very comfortable shoes that you can wear in your daily errands, to the gym, in or out of the city. They have a slightly lower profile than the Vomero 5 and they feature the Cushlon foam which is one of the best Nike has to offer in terms of cushioning and energy return. They provide excellent arch support throughout the day for long hours of wear.
Bottom Line
The Nike V2K sneaker is a lifestyle sneaker that for $110 provides an excellent value. It does not feature a Zoom unit like the much more expensive Vomero 5 but for its purpose you do not really need it. It is not a performance running shoe but rather an everyday sneaker that you can wear pretty much everywhere. You can get the all black version like we did for this review or any of the other colorways that are easy to match with any modern attire for a retro touch. It is a great alternative to the New Balance 530 or 9060 which also have been trending lately.
