Review of Nike Motiva from Cedar Point

Introduction

• Presenter: Zach
• Location: Cedar Point, the roller coaster capital of the world.
• Focus: Nike Motiva walking/casual lifestyle shoes.

Nike Motiva Features

• Marketed as a walking and casual lifestyle shoe, but also usable for jogging.
• Notable for its rocker construction and unique mid/outsole.

Uppers

• Comfort: Extremely comfortable, akin to Nike's Invincible Run 3 sneakers.
• Material: Soft, buttery uppers with elastic weave for flexibility.
• Structure: Aggressively gusseted tongue for containment and lock-down.
• Breathability: Good airflow, particularly at the forefoot; heats up to 105.8°F but cools down by 57.2°F.
• Durability: Prone to wear from abrasions; not ideal for rough terrain.

Midsole

• Construction: Entirely built from Cushlon 3.0 foam.
• Performance: No shank present; rocker design is posterior, offering a stable landing pad.
• Suitability:
  • Works well for lightweight users or new shoes.
  • Heavier users may experience sinking into the foam leading to potential heel or Achilles issues.
  • Rocker design supports a gentle arch lift.
• Compression and Stability: Pistons in the foam compress over time, especially for heavier users.
• Bounce Test: Achieves 30 cm at heel and 36 cm at forefoot due to rocker's impact on force dynamics.

Outsole

• Design: Rippling wave pattern and block pattern in key areas for transition ease.
• Durability: Thin rubber, prone to wear, but designed for biomechanical efficiency.
• Transition: Smooth step transition with cut-outs for uniform foam compression.

Fit

• Sizing: True to size for narrow, medium, and wide feet.
• Comfort: Elastic uppers allow for a snug and conforming fit.

Use Cases and Considerations

• Ankle and Foot Conditions: Suitable for those with stiff ankles, but may exacerbate Achilles stiffness.
• Foot Pain: Consult a doctor for heel or ball of foot pain.
• Performance:
  • Best for long walks, providing comfort for extended wear.
  • Not ideal for jogging; better for walking due to stability and efficiency.

Conclusion

• Recommendation: Ideal for extended walking sessions and people needing additional support without too much foot movement.
• The Motiva is not recommended for running or in cases of instability.
• Consideration: Check alternative shoes like the Keen Walk 400 for more resilient midsole options.

Personal Experience and Feedback

• Zach reports no back pain after extensive walking, praises the shoe for walking efficiency.
• Encourages feedback and user experiences with the Nike Motiva, especially for walking shoe options.

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• Follow-up Material: Video on Keen Walk 400 for comparison.