Our verdict

We are happy to report that the Nike nike elite victory spike offers excellent value for money as an entry-level gym shoe. It delivers the right amount of support and impact protection for a moderate training session which is exactly what most beginner athletes price. And a snazzy Air Max unit as a bonus.

nike elite victory spike Pros

  • Excellent breathability
  • Decent durability for the price
  • Abundant cushioning for high impact exercises
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  • Comfortable padded interiors
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nike elite victory spike Cons

  • Heavier than average
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Audience verdict

83
Good!
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Who should buy

We are certain that the nike sb white bone velcro boots clearance chart a great match for the following target audience:

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Nike nike elite victory spike review

Who should NOT buy

If you don't really care about Air Max (neither its looks nor function), you can save even more money with the Nike MC Trainer 3. It is an equally well-performing gym shoe.

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Nike nike elite victory spike lab test

Cushioning

Heel stack

Just like its predecessor, the Alpha Trainer 6 beats records when it comes to platform height.

Nike nike elite victory spike Heel stack

Its heel stack hasn't gotten any lower and still shows a whopping 36.1 mm on our caliper. Not many gym shoes even get to the 30-mm mark!

nike air max alpha trainer 6 visible max air 22204351 main

This is all thanks to the shoe's massive Air Max unit which creates a very platformy experience. Its bubble also protrudes beyond the heel taking up as much area as it is sensibly possible to create a more stable base.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 36.1 mm
Average 24.8 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
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13.7 mm
Heel stack
36.2 mm

Forefoot stack

The shoe's midsole also proved to be taller than average in the forefoot area.

Nike nike elite victory spike Forefoot stack

With a caliper reading of 25.0 mm, the shoe's forefoot stack is only second to the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 3.

Does this massive platform offer more cushioning and protection for high-impact exercises? Yes! But it can also make you feel more disconnected from the gym floor.

The shoe also felt like a mixed bag for exercises like rope jumps - supportive on one hand but clunky because of the heel design.

Thus, your personal preference ultimately decides whether the raised midsole of the Alpha Trainer 6 is the right choice for you.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 25.0 mm
Average 18.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
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10.6 mm
Forefoot stack
27.7 mm

Drop

Having such a sizable cushioning element in the heel, we were not surprised that the heel-to-toe drop of the Alpha Trainer 6 comes in at 11.1 mm.

Nike nike elite victory spike Drop

Because the average training shoe offset hovers around 6 mm, having this much heel elevation may feel odd at first. But it does offer a boost in heel cushioning and takes some strain off the Achilles when lifting.

The only problem is that deadlifts may feel odd because the Nike nike elite victory spike puts the foot in a more forward-leaning position.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 11.1 mm
Average 6.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
1.8 mm
Drop
13.4 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

Air Max aside, the Alpha Trainer 6 features a full-length EVA midsole for cushioning. It felt moderately firm on foot but also had a bit of squish for cushioning.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 midsole softness 22204312 main

Our Shore A durometer returned 26.4 HA which is an average reading for a training shoe midsole - neither plush nor firm.

And if you have concerns over the visible Air Max unit - we found that there is very little compression to it. It felt nice and stable for lifting moderate weights.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 26.4 HA
Average 27.8 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
17.4 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
41.0 HA

Insole thickness

The primary cushioning of this Nike trainer is topped off with a well-padded insole.

Nike nike elite victory spike Insole thickness

Measuring its thickness in the heel returned 4.5 mm which is slightly thicker than average.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 4.5 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
1.7 mm
Insole thickness
7.2 mm

Size and fit

Size

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1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 37 training shoes
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½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

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Medium-width feet have nothing to worry about in the Nike nike elite victory spike. This training shoe offers a predictable D-medium width with no pressure points.

To make sure this is not just a subjective opionion, we retrieved a mold of the shoe's interiors using gel. Once the mold got jellified, we measured its widest part with a caliper.

At 97.3 mm, it turned out to be even slightly wider-than-average but not enough to reccommend it for wide feet (unfortunatelly, this Nike trainer is not available in wide either).

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Test results
nike elite victory spike 97.3 mm
Average 97.0 mm
Compared to 13 training shoes
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92.8 mm
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101.4 mm

Toebox width - big toe

We are also happy to see a rounded toebox shape on this gym shoe from Nike. Being able to splay toes is essential for keeping balance!

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Nike nike elite victory spike Toebox width - big toe
Test results
nike elite victory spike 72.4 mm
Average 73.1 mm
Compared to 13 training shoes
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65.1 mm
Toebox width - big toe
81.0 mm

Toebox height

Even though we have no complaints regarding the shoe's toebox width, we are concerned about its height.

The problem is that the shoe's vertical space is so limited that it tends to press on top of the toes, especially the toenails. So if you have any issues with black, ingrown, or painful toenails, we highly recommend skipping the Alpha Trainer 6.

And the fact that it comes with a steep 11 mm drop makes matters worse by pushing your toes closer to the edge of the shoe.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 toebox height 22415278 main
Test results
nike elite victory spike 22.1 mm
Average 26.9 mm
Compared to 13 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
22.1 mm
Toebox height
34.0 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

Comparing the Nike nike elite victory spike to its predecessor, we are impressed to see a big step up in lateral stability!

The new iteration received a larger TPU clip around the heel which made the shoe more torsionally rigid and added stiffness to its heel counter.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 medial support 22204349 main

As a result, the Trainer 6 was now more capable of keeping our feet planted as we reached for heavier weight. However, we still don't recommend the shoe for serious lifting and Crossfit because of its taller platform and compressible Air Max.

Torsional rigidity

The sturdiness of this entry-level gym shoe really impressed us! Based on the resistance it demonstrated in our manual twisting test, we gave it the highest torsional rigidity score of 5 out of 5.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 5
Average 2.7
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
1
Torsional rigidity
5

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Our heels also felt safely locked in thanks to the shoe's stiff and substantial heel counter. Manually testing the heel counter, we confidently gave it the highest rigidity score of 5 out of 5!

Paired with foam collar pads, it made sure that our ankles were not going anywhere.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 5
Average 2.7
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
1
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5

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Nike also updated the midsole shape of the Alpha Trainer 6, adding a pretty sharp lateral flange for enhanced stability.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 midsole width forefoot 22204315 main

Leaning on it made us feel quite surefooted considering how tippy the shoe's tall platform can get otherwise.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 111.6 mm
Average 110.6 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
101.0 mm
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117.9 mm

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We also discovered that the shoe's heel got a few millimeters wider reaching 91.1 mm in the widest part.

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With a broad landing area like that, we felt quite stable squatting, box jumping, and performing one-legged exercises in this Nike trainer.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 91.1 mm
Average 87.3 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
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76.5 mm
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97.4 mm

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In its product description, Nike mentions that the nike elite victory spike features flex grooves that help the shoe bend more naturally for lunges. However, our own experience revealed that it is one of the stiffest training shoes we've tested!

Using a force gauge, we found that this Nike trainer requires as much as 30.4N to bend to a 90-degree angle. That is almost 70% more than it takes a gym shoe on average!

Nike nike elite victory spike grip

It felt like we had to negotiate with this shoe when diving into a lunge or a plank. So, if your workout routine involves a lot of foot bending, it makes sense to choose a more forgiving option - the Nike MC Trainer 3 (20.2N) or even the macys nike womens tops boots sale size (13.6N).

Test results
nike elite victory spike 30.4N
Average 17.8N
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Compared to 41 training shoes
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4.3N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
37.9N

nike elite victory spike | Weight

Putting the Nike nike elite victory spike on the scale, we were glad that the number was smaller compared to the previous version.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 weight 22204322 main

But even though the Trainer 6 got 0.7 oz (20g) lighter, it is still notably heavier than the average gym shoe at 13.2 oz (373g).

The shoe's substantial Air Max heel seems responsible for the bulk. We noticed that it made this Nike Trainer feel bottom-heavy and held us back during the more agile portion of the workout.

Nike nike elite victory spike flexibility

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Test results
nike elite victory spike 13.16 oz (373g)
Average 10.76 oz (305g)
Compared to 41 training shoes
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6.38 oz (181g)
Weight
13.83 oz (392g)

Breathability

If you are worried about getting hot and sweaty feet, the Alpha Trainer 6 will literally evaporate all your concerns.

Its porous mesh works wonders channeling fresh air in and expelling the heat out of the shoe. As you can see, all the smoke we pumped into the Alpha Trainer escaped straight away.

A close-up microscope shot of the shoe's mesh speaks for itself. Plenty of pores for unobstructed airflow.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 breathability microscope test 22204297 main

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Nike nike elite victory spike Breathability under microscope

Test results
nike elite victory spike 5
Average 3.6
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

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In our standard Dremel test, we apply sandpaper to the top of each shoe's toebox for 12 seconds at 5K RPM speed to assess its wear resistance.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 toebox durability test 22204300 main

In the Alpha Trainer 6's case, the top mesh layer was gone completely. The only reason we gave it 3 out of 5 is because the underlayer remained in place.

If rope climbing is part of your regular training routine, this Nike shoe is a no-go. A single climb can leave its mesh upper severely torn.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 30 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

We also expect some premature wear on the shoe's inner lining as it doesn't seem to hold up well to intensive friction.

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nike air max alpha trainer 6 heel padding durability test 22204301 main
Test results
nike elite victory spike 3
Average 2.5
Compared to 28 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

The outsole, on the other hand, showed some promising durability signs, especially for a gym shoe under $100.

Nike nike elite victory spike Outsole hardness

With the help of a Shore C durometer, we found that it is made of a rather firm rubber compound. At 88.5 HC, it is 20% harder than the average training shoe outsole.

Test results
nike elite victory spike 88.5 HC
Average 83.0 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
71.0 HC
Outsole hardness
94.5 HC

Outsole durability

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Measuring the dent left by sandpaper, our tread gauge returned 1.2 mm which is common for most gym shoes.

Nike nike elite victory spike Outsole durability test

Test results
nike elite victory spike 1.2 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 26 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Finally, as our caliper showed 4.0 mm of outsole thickness in the Alpha Trainer 6, we had no doubt about it - the shoe's rubber outsole would be the last thing to wear out on this Nike trainer.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 outsole thickness 22204307 main
Test results
nike elite victory spike 4.0 mm
Average 3.6 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
2.1 mm
Outsole thickness
5.1 mm

Misc

Price

As a budget-friendly training shoe from Nike, the Alpha Trainer 6 offers great value for money.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 price 22204324 main

We found that the shoe provides everything a beginner gym goer prices plus a head-turning visible Air Max unit.

Test results
nike elite victory spike $95
Average $122
Compared to 41 training shoes
nike air max 95 prm navy blue tussy shoes price
$60
Price
$150

Tongue padding

There is a good deal of padding inside the Alpha Trainer 6. Its tongue, for example, turns out to be thicker than average at 7.3 mm.

Nike nike elite victory spike Tongue padding
Test results
nike elite victory spike 7.3 mm
Average 5.4 mm
Compared to 41 training shoes
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1.0 mm
Tongue padding
10.4 mm

Tongue: gusset type

There are no gussets on the shoe's tongue so minor shifting is possible during intensive lateral movements.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 tongue gusset type 22204319 main
Test results
nike elite victory spike None

Heel tab

A finger loop at the back of the trainer is quite handy for on-and-off.

Nike nike elite victory spike Heel tab
Test results
nike elite victory spike Finger loop

Removable insole

This Nike shoe uses a rather basic insole but it can be easily swapped if you want to enhance the underfoot experience.

nike air max alpha trainer 6 removable insole 22204323 main
Test results
nike elite victory spike Yes