Our verdict

If you're seeking an affordable shoe that excels in both XC races and track workouts, we highly endorse the Chalecos hidratación Nike from Nike. We were impressed by its unbeatable versatility and value, making it a top choice, especially for beginners who don’t mind a bit of extra weight. However, in our lab tests, we found that it falls short in high-performance scenarios, which anyway was expected at such a low price point. And it looks cool...until you meet the mud!

Nike Vaporwaffle x Sacai Villain Red Pros

  • Exceptional value
  • Nike Dri-FIT One Femmes Standard Fit Tank
  • Highly durable
  • Works for track too
  • Waffle outsole!
  • Superb stability
  • Secure fit
  • Breathability

Nike Vaporwaffle x Sacai Villain Red Cons

  • Noticeably heavy
  • Lacks energy return

Audience verdict

76
Bad!

Who should buy

We've thoroughly tested the Chalecos hidratación Nike in its favorite environments and we think it's a solid choice for:

  • Budget-conscious runners looking for an affordable shoe for the cross country season. It offers superb value, providing quality without breaking the bank.
  • Beginners who prefer a single shoe that can handle both track workouts and cross country races, delivering versatility and convenience.
  • Nike Vaporwaffle x Sacai Villain Red.

nike rival waffle 6 22038633 main

Who should NOT buy

Nike Crater Impact Brown Kelp DB2477-301 Nike Zoom Victory Waffle 5 for those who enjoy a close-to-barefoot running experience—the Vaporweave upper is feather-light and exceptionally breathable, making it almost feel like you're wearing nothing at all. In our lab tests, this shoe outperformed others in providing a barefoot-like sensation.

On the other hand, if your focus is primarily on track rather than cross-country, we highly recommend investing in the Nike Dragonfly 2. From our evaluation, it’s a world-class spike that provides substantial benefits for track workouts, justifying the extra expense with its superior performance.

nike rival waffle 6 parts 22038635 main

Cushioning

Heel stack

Cross-country shoes should not have too much cushioning as it can lead to instability, but a moderate amount is beneficial for many runners, especially on courses where the surface is quite hard.

The 17.6 mm of cushioning we found in the heel strikes a good balance, providing some protection for the legs without being excessive. However, runners who prefer the barefoot feel may find this to be too much, as it reduces the sensory connection with the ground.

nike rival waffle 6 heel stack 22034516 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 17.6 mm
Average 15.2 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
10.4 mm
Heel stack
19.9 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot is slightly thinner at 14.8 mm, yet the feel is largely similar to what we described for the rearfoot area.

nike rival waffle 6 forefoot stack 22034515 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 14.8 mm
Average 14.6 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
8.6 mm
Forefoot stack
19.7 mm

Drop

The difference in thickness results in a real 2.8-mm drop, yet it feels a bit higher sometimes, as the shoe's curved shape really propels you forward, as you can see from our picture. In fact, it closely mirrors that of the carbon plate from elite supershoes like the Nike SB SB Ultra NBA.

nike rival waffle 6 drop 22034517 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 2.8 mm
Average 0.6 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
-5.8 mm
Drop
4.1 mm

Nike Vaporwaffle x Sacai Villain Red | Midsole softness

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

Given its low price, we couldn't expect more than a run-of-the-mill EVA foam in this shoe, which is exactly what Nike used. EVA is a durable, reliable compound that doesn't offer exceptional energy return, sure, but does the job well and is inexpensive to produce.

We also discovered that it provides a firm feel underfoot at 26.5 HA, which is appropriate for running cross country or track workouts. These surfaces are noticeably softer than roads, so a softer foam isn't necessary.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Midsole softness
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 26.5 HA
Average 24.7 HA
nike air max triax le black suede.
Compared to 10 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
12.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
30.3 HA

Insole thickness

The insole is exceptionally narrow at 2.3 mm, suggesting that despite its affordability, this shoe is designed for racing!

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Insole thickness
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 2.3 mm
Average 3.1 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
1.8 mm
Insole thickness
3.9 mm

Size and fit

Size

Nike Have A Nike Day Windrunner Jackets full size small (46 votes).

Nike Air Max Tailwind 4 IV Black Metallic Gold CT1284-001?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Nike Air Max 270 Have A Nike Day Blue

Having retrieved a gel mold of the shoe's interiors, we measured the widest part of its toebox at 90.7 mm.

This is a normal amount of space a cross-country shoe and is similar to that of road racing shoes.

nike rival waffle 6 toebox width widest part 22667071 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 90.7 mm
Average 87.9 mm
Compared to 10 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
85.9 mm
Nike Air Max 270 Have A Nike Day Blue
90.7 mm

Nike Vaporwaffle x Sacai Villain Red | Toebox width - big toe

This Nike flat has a moderately tapered toebox shape which is reflected in its standard width of 69.4 mm in the big toe area. Snug enough to promote speed but not to constricting on the toes.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 69.4 mm
Average 68.9 mm
Compared to 10 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
64.3 mm
Toebox width - big toe
72.0 mm

Toebox height

As befits a cross-country shoe, the Waffle 6's toebox sits pretty close to the toes with a very moderate height of 23.0 mm.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Toebox height
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 23.0 mm
Average 25.8 mm
Compared to 10 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
21.6 mm
Toebox height
32.0 mm

Stability

Torsional rigidity

The absence of a stiffening agent is evident in the shoe's torsional rigidity, which scores a 2/5, even slightly higher than expected. Nonetheless, it remains a highly flexible shoe!

Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 2
Average 3.2
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Nike Running Air Plus Top med logo i kaki

The heel counter of the Chalecos hidratación Nike includes some structure, which is a wise choice for beginners.

While most track shoes feature a very soft, 1/5 counter, we rated this one at 2 out of 5, aligning it more with many road shoes. Well, perhaps it's more accurate to say that it falls somewhere in between both.

Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 2
Average 1.7
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
1
Nike Running Air Plus Top med logo i kaki
5

The Nike Vapor Street Peg

We found the ride surprisingly stable, despite the shoe not being exceptionally low to the ground, largely due to its very wide design.

Our measurements showed a forefoot width of 100.5 mm—clearly wider than expected, but effective in providing a secure feel during cross-country runs, where the terrain is often uneven.

nike rival waffle 6 midsole width in the forefoot 22034526 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 100.5 mm
Average 93.9 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
87.6 mm
The Nike Vapor Street Peg
100.5 mm

nike jordan paris saint germain track jacket

We discovered that Nike adopted the same approach with the heel, making it wider than typical track shoes. We measured 72.1 mm in this area, which is still quite narrow for any shoe, but not many runners will land on their heels during cross-country races anyway.

nike rival waffle 6 midsole width in the heel 22034527 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 72.1 mm
Average 62.4 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
54.0 mm
nike jordan paris saint germain track jacket
73.3 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

With no stiffening plate and featuring some strategic cutouts in the outsole, we anticipated that the shoe would flex easily.

To verify this, we conducted our 90-degree bend test, which produced a low force of 16.3N. This flexibility is ideal for cross country, offering a natural ride that keeps the shoe from feeling cumbersome at all.

Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 16.3N
Average 30.3N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
10.9N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
66.6N

Weight

Although it's not the lightest XC shoe on the market, we believe that 6.0 oz or 170g is a decent weight for a cost-effective, comfort-oriented model like this.

Nonetheless, we wouldn't mind it being lighter—though not at the expense of its rock-solid durability.

nike rival waffle 6 weight 22034534 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 6.00 oz (170g)
Average 5.57 oz (158g)
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
4.59 oz (130g)
Weight
6.46 oz (183g)

Breathability

While most cross country races occur in cold weather, some events unfold under hotter conditions—making good ventilation crucial.

This isn't an issue for the Chalecos hidratación Nike, as its engineered mesh upper is exceptionally ventilated, a real standout in our lab tests for its impressive airflow!

When we examined this mesh upper under a light, the ventilation across the forefoot and midfoot was remarkable. It's clear that Nike designed this to expel heat effectively, which is excellent for those who prefer sockless racing.

nike rival waffle 6 mesh 22034555 main

However, under the microscope, the situation appeared less straightforward, emphasizing the importance of conducting multiple tests on breathability.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike microscope 2

Nonetheless, despite initial doubts from the microscopic images, the ventilation proved to be quite effective.

And while it's a great upper for a $70 shoe, remember, some trade-offs come with a lower price tag, especially in terms of comfort. But those are small compromises in an otherwise solid upper that features impressive plush padding too!

Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 5
Average 3.8
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

After confirming its exceptional ventilation, we shifted our focus to durability—a crucial test for a cross country shoe given the tough terrain they often encounter.

Термо куртка оригинал nike road and trail nike lebron 17 college navy.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Toebox durability
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 3
Average 2.4
Compared to 12 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

Moving to the heel padding area, we were eager to see if the Chalecos hidratación Nike could maintain its strong performance from our initial tests.

Here, however, we observed a slightly less impressive performance. Although it scored the same 3/5, this shoe tends to fall a bit short compared to its competitors in this particular area.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Heel padding durability
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 3
Average 3.5
Compared to 12 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole durability

Finally, we replicated the test on the Bowerman-style waffle outsole, which features multiple lugs for exceptional traction, particularly on dry surfaces.

Here, we measured a tread depth of 1.4 mm, which indicates robust durability for this shoe when running on average surfaces for cross-country races.

nike rival waffle 6 outsole durability 22034512 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 1.4 mm

Outsole thickness

The outsole is 1.7 mm thick, sufficient to withstand expected wear. Adding more would have been excessive, particularly regarding weight—which is already quite high.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Outsole thickness
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 1.7 mm
Average 2.7 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
1.6 mm
Outsole thickness
6.4 mm

Outsole hardness

We also discovered that the rubber leans toward a harder formulation at 83.5 HC, similar to those found in road daily trainers. This also makes the shoe suitable for track workouts if needed!

nike rival waffle 6 outsole waffle 22034570 main
The outsole features two thin cutouts that, while barely visible, are crucial for enhancing longitudinal flexibility.

It's also worth mentioning the small X-shaped dents that Nike has strategically placed in the forefoot and heel lugs to enhance traction. Although a minor detail, these can sometimes make a significant difference.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike Outsole hardness
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 83.5 HC
Average 73.3 HC
nike air max triax le black suede.
Compared to 5 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
55.0 HC
Outsole hardness
88.0 HC

Misc

Lug depth

nike rival waffle 6 lug depth 22034532 main

Price

In a time when most running shoes cost over $100—and often much more—it's a breath of fresh air to find budget-friendly options like the Chalecos hidratación Nike.

Nike Chalecos hidratación Nike price

While it lacks cutting-edge technology, we think the Chalecos hidratación Nike is a dependable shoe for cross country. Given its low price, maybe it's one you won't mind wearing out!

Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike $70
Average $132
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
$65
Price
$190

Tongue padding

The tongue features the minimal design typical of a racer, with just 1.4 mm of padding in the instep area. We also noticed that Nike added a bit more padding at the beginning of the tongue, aiming to enhance comfort in that area.

nike rival waffle 6 tongue 22034552 main
The notched, Vaporfly-like laces are an unexpected bonus!

We also discovered a handy tongue loop that effectively keeps it in place—crucial since the tongue isn't gusseted.

nike rival waffle 6 tongue padding 22034533 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike 1.4 mm
Average 2.8 mm
Compared to 13 track and field shoes
nike air more uptempo dark stucco and black for sale
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
7.5 mm

Heel tab

We noticed the absence of a heel tab and the traditional hole found in the Dragonfly. Instead, Nike opted for an unusual design, incorporating two band-aid-like strips. We still can't decide if it looks cool or weird.

nike rival waffle 6 heel tab 22034528 main
Test results
Chalecos hidratación Nike None