When I received my pair of Nike Revolution 8 at the end of summer, I couldn’t wait to try them on. Over the next month, I put approximately 75 miles on this pair, ranging from quick 3-mile sprints to moderately paced 6-mile exploration runs. While I expected the shoes to be floppy, the Revolution 8 proved to be far more durable and supportive. Despite the visually cheap design that made me think that they would be lacking feet, the shoes’ performance was quite impressive. Here is my honest review of the shoes.
Nike Revolution 8 First Impressions
When I first held the Nike Revolution 8, I instantly loved the design and appearance. Nike offers a variety of colors to choose from, but I chose to go with something modest. My shoes have a white upper-primary mesh, a solid white midsole, white laces, and a black Nike swoosh on the side. I like the sleek design that makes the shoes versatile and genuinely gender-neutral. Just by holding the shoe, I immediately saw myself transitioning from a morning run straight into a casual errand.
The Revolution 8 is definitely a good fit and a comfortable wear. The engineered mesh upper is light and noticeably more breathable than previous versions. On the other hand, the heel features a padded collar and well-placed touch points that make the shoe easy to pull on and off without rubbing or chaffing around the ankle.
Unique Midsole
With the Revolution 8, Nike wisely replaced the stiff Phylon foam found in its predecessor with a new, more responsive EVA compound. This gives the midsole a medium firm cushioning, but not as much as in the Asics Gel-Kayano 30. I found this to provide a good sense of ground contact and responsiveness, especially for shorter distances and daily jogs. However, the forefoot cushioning can be too modest when going for longer runs, resulting in quicker foot fatigue.
While the Asics Gel-Kayano 30 is a stability beast built for marathon training and high mileage, the Revolution 8 is a gentle alternative for everyday wear. The Kayano 30 utilizes a massive stack of FF BLAST PLUS ECO foam, internal PureGEL™, and a towering heel stack of around 40mm for a deeply plush, cloud-like ride. In contrast, the Revolution 8 is lower, keeping you closer to the ground.
Revolution 8 vs. Revolution 7
Nike Revolution 8 is a clean upgrade of Revolution 7. Although it has a similar weight of 225 grams per shoe, there are a few noticeable differences between the two budget-friendly shoes. The Revolution 7 often felt stiff underfoot and would resemble a structured casual shoe more than a running trainer. The Revolution 8 feels better for running, with the EVA foam and rocker design offering noticeable improvements in energy return and shock absorption.
Aesthetically, the addition of the small swoosh on the upper mesh and different sole pattern makes Revolution 8 look cooler. The Revolution 7 looks like it has a more traditional, block outsole compared to Revolution 8’s intuitive outsole design with flex grooves that provide better grip on the road.
Outsole and Grip
With full rubber coverage, the outsole ensures durability and decent traction for paved surfaces, even when wet. I personally like the waffle-inspired pattern with multiple square lugs that create contact points with the ground, improving grip on both dry and wet surfaces. I tried the shoe on asphalt and a packed dirt path, and it performed well.
While Nike Revolution 8 is fundamentally a road shoe, the firm base and low stack height make it great for the gym. It has a stable platform that is far better suited for HIIT workouts, functional training, and even light weightlifting. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for aggressive, muddy trail running. The grip is solid enough to feel secure when moving quickly through gym circuits or transitioning into a yoga flow.
What I Loved About the Nike Revolution 8
So, here is what I really loved about the Nike Revolution 8
- Affordable price with strong value
- The midsole offers a medium-firm cushioning for everyday wear
- Lightweight shoe that is perfect for quick, short runs
- Improved mesh that offers better upper breathability
- Padded heel for extra comfort
What I Wasn’t Impressed With
While the shoe is great, there are a few negatives or minor details I feel Nike could have done a better job:
- The front of the shoe lacks the deep cushioning needed for high-mileage comfort.
- The toe box can be restrictive compared to wider-fitting options.
My Final Remarks
The Nike Revolution 8 is a great choice for new runners, a second pair for speed days, or everyday general fitness. It’s light, looks great, and delivers a good performance where it matters most. However, is it my favorite pick for a marathon? Absolutely not. But a great choice for a do-it-all trainer that can take a beating and transition seamlessly between a road jog and a gym session. Definitely recommend it as a beginner running shoe for daily training.
