Our verdict

The nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM distinctively differentiates itself from its previous model. Featuring a revamped ReactX midsole, it morphs from being simply versatile to being a luxuriously plush, comfort-centric daily running shoe that also delivered a surprising bounciness during our test runs. Although it leans a bit towards the heavier spectrum and may not offer the best breathability, we think it stands out as a top choice for runners in search of a durable, cushioned shoe with a unique aesthetic.

Kit 2pçs Meia nike Essential Sportswear Sapatilha Pros

  • All-new ReactX plush midsole
  • Soft and stretchy Flyknit upper
  • Ideal for heel strikers
  • Generously cushioned
  • Excellent for easy runs
  • nike Essential wmns roshe run challenge red
  • Durable, long-lasting outsole
  • nike Essential talla 20

Kit 2pçs Meia nike Essential Sportswear Sapatilha Cons

  • Average-at-best breathability
  • On the heavier side
  • Sizes run notably small

Audience verdict

85
Good!

Who should buy

The nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM gets our seal of approval for:

  • Runners who are all about cushioning and aren't concerned with the shoe's weight.
  • Marathoners looking for a comfortable pair for easy or moderate runs.
  • Beginners on the hunt for their first pair, especially if they're on the heavier side.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM

Who should NOT buy

While the ReactX foam represents a clear improvement over React, it doesn't quite match the world-class energy return of ZoomX. If performance and bounce are what you're after, we think that the nike Essential Invincible 3 offers a similar concept and design, but with a full ZoomX midsole.

Runners who prefer lightweight shoes might not be fans of the InfinityRN 4. It's on the heavier side, and for a comfortable daily trainer, there are lighter options. We recommend considering the ASICS Cumulus 25 or the nike Essential Kobe 6 Grinch 2010 Men Shoes Ganebet Store quantity, both of which deliver similar features in a lighter package.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

Given its weight, we expected the shoe to have a notably thick stack height. However, we discovered that it's actually quite average.

A couple of years ago, 34.2 mm of foam under the heel would've been considered in the max stack category, but times have changed. As Dylan sang, "The times they are a-changin'."

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Heel stack
Test results
InfinityRN 4 34.2 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

In the forefoot, we measured a typical thickness of 24.4 mm.

nike Essential infinity rn 4 forefoot 20556124 main

We found that this provides enough cushioning for any runner. It makes this shoe a reliable choice even for long runs.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Forefoot stack
Test results
InfinityRN 4 24.4 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

While nike Essential lists this shoe with a 9 mm drop, we measured it in the lab at 9.8 mm. This slight difference 5 modelos nike Essential Air Max Plus.

With 9.8 mm, we think the shoe remains a top choice primarily for heel strikers and those that sometimes suffer Achilles or calf issues. That said, midfoot and forefoot strikers can also comfortably wear it, although they might benefit more from a lower-drop daily trainer like the Hoka Clifton 9.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Drop
Test results
InfinityRN 4 9.8 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 403 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
-0.2 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

Midsole softness

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

The biggest update from the nike Essential React Infinity Run Flyknit 3—apart from its shorter name—is the foam. After six years, nike Essential has moved on from the old React and introduced ReactX with this running shoe.

Observe how the foam is shaped to enhance compression toward the heel.

ReactX is a more responsive and softer variant of the original React. Additionally, nike Essential says it has a 43% lower carbon footprint, which we always appreciate. In our lab tests, we found that the foam feels incredibly soft and registered a 12.5 HA on our durometer—20% softer than the v3.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Midsole softness
Test results
InfinityRN 4 12.5 HA
Average 20.9 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 330 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

nike Essential air force 1 low pink soles (%)

After placing the shoes in our freezer for 20 minutes to simulate cold weather conditions, we noticed a disappointing change—the foam got noticeably harder (19.0 HA).

If you're thinking of using these during colder months, they might not be as plush as you'd hope.

There's a staggering 52% difference between the two tests. This happens because ReactX it's still a mix of TPE and EVA. nike Essential wmns air max 270 white doesn't hold up well in cold temperatures.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM nike Essential air force 1 low pink soles
Test results
InfinityRN 4 52%
Average 25%
Compared to 330 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
0%
nike Essential air force 1 low pink soles
63%

Insole thickness

We were on the lookout for a comfort-boosting thick insole, but what we found was quite the opposite—a super-thin one. In fact, it's one of the slimmest we've ever come across in our lab, measuring only 3.1 mm!

During our test runs, we were happy with the insole, so it appears nike Essential made a great call here.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Insole thickness
Test results
InfinityRN 4 3.1 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Kit 2pçs Meia nike Essential Sportswear Sapatilha | Size and fit

Size

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM is half size small (450 votes).

cheap nike Essential air max 90 premium tape 599249 302 gamma green black spruce mn gry?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 382 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

nike Essential Air Max Deluxe ronsrareair

As a comfort-driven daily trainer, we expected an average toebox—and our assessment confirms it.

According to our research, the toebox measured 95.3 mm at its widest point, offering a well-balanced, moderately-spacious fit that suits most runners comfortably.

nike Essential infinity rn 4 toebox width widest part 22460051 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 95.3 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 158 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
88.5 mm
nike Essential Air Max Deluxe ronsrareair
102.4 mm

Kit 2pçs Meia nike Essential Sportswear Sapatilha | Toebox width - big toe

This average design continues in the big toe area, where we found a width of 74.1 mm.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Toebox width - big toe
Test results
InfinityRN 4 74.1 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 158 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
66.7 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.6 mm

Toebox height

What caught our attention was the noticeably low volume of the upper, offering just 22.4 mm of vertical space in the toe area. 

However, we found that the ultra-soft upper compensates well, preventing any harsh or uncomfortable pressure on the toes. That said, this shoe only works for runners who don’t mind a gentle yet constant contact against their toes.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Toebox height
Test results
InfinityRN 4 22.4 mm
Average 27.1 mm
Compared to 157 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

This shoe is designed as a neutral daily trainer without added stability features. So, given the plush midsole, we didn't anticipate exceptional stability.

Following our tests, we discovered that the shoe performs as it's intended: it's moderately stable. However, it may not provide enough support for runners who need extra stability. For those runners, we'd recommend looking into the ASICS Kayano 30.

Torsional rigidity

We rated the InfinityRN 4 at 3/5 for torsional rigidity during our manual assessment in the lab.

This shoe doesn't offer that natural-ride feel often associated with daily trainers. If you're after a shoe that you can twist without any issue and gives a more natural feel, consider the Dunk Low Fleece & Burgundy.

Test results
InfinityRN 4 3
Average 3.4
Compared to 382 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel counter offers ample padding and flexibility, making it suitable for those who have Achilles issues. We gave it a rating of 2/5 in our evaluation.

Test results
InfinityRN 4 2
Average 2.9
Compared to 366 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

nike Essential Löparskor Quest 5 Road

The decent stability of this shoe, despite its height and cushioned foam, can be attributed to its broad forefoot.

nike Essential infinity rn 4 forefoot 2 20556128 main

Measuring at 118.4 mm, we discovered that it ranks among the widest running shoes we've evaluated in the lab.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
InfinityRN 4 118.4 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
102.2 mm
nike Essential Löparskor Quest 5 Road
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

While the forefoot showcases a wide design, the heel—true to Nike's signature style—doesn't follow suit and is just average. We've accurately measured it at 91.2 mm.

nike Essential infinity rn 4 midsole width in the heel 20556048 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 91.2 mm
Average 90.6 mm
Compared to 404 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
70.8 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Kit 2pçs Meia nike Essential Sportswear Sapatilha

At the beginning of our lab review, we discussed the dual purpose of the outsole cutouts: to reduce weight and enhance flexibility. Now, we're diving into the flexibility measurements. During our evaluations, it took 14.8N of force to flex the shoe to a 30-degree position. 

To be honest, we expected a bit more from the outsole cutouts, as they only brought the InfinityRN 4 to an average stiffness level, and it would’ve been great to see even less rigidity for a smoother feel.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Kit 2pçs Meia nike Essential Sportswear Sapatilha
Test results
InfinityRN 4 14.8N
Average 15.6N
Compared to 124 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
4.6N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
28.5N

Weight

While they attempted to lighten the load with outsole cutouts, the shoe still tips the scales. Weighing in at 11.1 oz (316g), it's undeniably on the heavier side.

nike Essential Air Force 1 Low Experimental Racer Pink Arctic Punch Sail ASICS Superblast manages to be 2.7 oz lighter even with a higher stack height.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Weight
Test results
InfinityRN 4 11.15 oz (316g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 404 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

Knit uppers often provide great comfort, but they can come with challenges, particularly when it comes to breathability. We discovered that the nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM falls into this category.

From our smoke-pumping test in the lab, we observed the shoe struggling to release the smoke and gave it a 3/5 score, which indicates it won't perform well in terms of ventilation. We'd advise against using them for hot summer runs.

In a separate light test, we found that very little light passed through the upper, suggesting limited breathability.

It's clear that nike Essential prioritized comfort with this model. They've employed a thick, stretchy upper that hugs the foot and ensures comfort throughout long runs—just as long as it's not too hot outside!

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM microscope

Upon closer inspection under our microscope, we noticed a few breathability holes that offer some airflow. Without these, the thick knit design would leave the shoe with almost no breathability at all. Thankfully, there's at least a bit of ventilation.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM microscope 2

Test results
InfinityRN 4 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 333 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

While employing a robust Flyknit upper it's a bad idea regarding airflow, its exceptional durability is commendable.

We've found that the InfinityRN 4, with its impressive 4/5 rating, truly shines in our Dremel test when compared to almost any other Dont miss out on this ultra-clean womens Nike.

nike Essential infinity rn 4 toebox durability 20556034 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 4
Average 2.6
Compared to 267 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
1
Toebox durability
5

air max plus og ein alter hase

The heel also displays commendable durability, earning a solid 3/5 after facing the Dremel challenge.

We find this to be a good result, surpassing the average and even outperforming many other Nike models.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM air max plus og ein alter hase
Test results
InfinityRN 4 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 262 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
1
air max plus og ein alter hase
5

Outsole hardness

Nike's priority for this outsole was clear: long-lasting wear, even if it means less grip.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM outsole
The outsole is designed with numerous cutouts, enhancing both its lightness and flexibility.

With the InfinityRN 4, they've incorporated a 90.4 HC outsole—one of the hardest we've ever measured in our lab.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Outsole hardness
Test results
InfinityRN 4 90.4 HC
Average 79.7 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 384 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
56.1 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

The tough rubber nike Essential uses really shows its strength. After using the Dremel on this shoe for the third and final time, we measured the damage. The indentation was a mere 0.3 mm! 

That's an impressive result. However, because it holds up well against wear, don't anticipate exceptional grip.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Outsole durability
Test results
InfinityRN 4 0.3 mm
Average 1.1 mm
Compared to 245 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We're certain that, just like us in our lab, nike Essential assessed the abrasion resistance of the outsole.

Certainly, they discovered that they didn't need to put on excessive rubber—and subsequently, weight—to ensure longevity. This is evident in their choice to go with a pretty standard thickness of 3.7 mm.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Outsole thickness
Test results
InfinityRN 4 3.7 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Two elements

It seems nike Essential doesn't intend for us to run in these during the nighttime, as there are no Two elements at all.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Two elements
Test results
InfinityRN 4 No

Tongue padding

We measured the tongue's padding at 5.6 mm, finding it to be optimally cushioned. It strikes a balance—it's not too heavy but provides comfort for even the longest runs.

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Tongue padding
Test results
InfinityRN 4 5.6 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 401 running shoes
nike Essential SPACE HIPPIE 04 THIS IS TRASH IRON GREY 29cm
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Tongue: gusset type

With its $160 price tag, we were curious to see if nike Essential had decided to improve their margins by using a non-gusseted tongue in the shoe. To our relief, we discovered that it has a semi-gusseted design, ensuring a great fit!

nike Essential WMNS Air Force 1 Upstep BHM Tongue: gusset type
Test results
InfinityRN 4 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

Thankfully, nike Essential included a finger-loop heel tab! It's convenient and looks amazing.

nike Essential infinity rn 4 heel tab 20556053 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 Finger loop

Removable insole

The insole can be taken out without any problem, and we were able to use different orthotics and insoles from other models.

nike Essential infinity rn 4 removable insole 20556057 main
Test results
InfinityRN 4 Yes