Our verdict

The Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER is a budget-friendly shoe catered for newcomers to running and those looking to maximise value. We found it to be a jack-of-all-trades, capable of handling a variety of activities beyond running. Yet, in our lab tests, we noted it falls short in some key areas such as breathability and cushioning. Despite these drawbacks, we can't ignore its unbeatable value and the spacious, accommodating upper. In our experience, we believe its strengths shine brightest for those seeking a cheap, versatile shoe.

Кросівки nike air force 1 white black Pros

  • Excellent value
  • Spacious, comfortable upper
  • NIKE SB DUNK HIGH PRO UNIVERSITY GOLD VIVID SULFUR
  • Really flexible
  • Perfect for beginners and heel strikers
  • Durable outsole
  • Acceptable weight for its size

Кросівки nike air force 1 white black Cons

  • Stiff cushioning
  • Poor ventilation
  • Minimal bounce-back

Audience verdict

79
Good!
  • Top 13% most popular running shoes

Who should buy

After testing the Revolution 7 in the lab, we're convinced it's a top pick for:

  • Budget-conscious runners seeking a reliable and versatile trainer that can easily double as a walking or gym shoe.
  • Individuals with wider feet who appreciate a comfortable fit, finding in the Revolution 7 a budget-friendly option without sacrificing quality.
  • Those who prefer a firmer ride in their running shoes, as the Revolution 7 meets their needs without breaking the bank.

We were particularly impressed by its versatility and the value it offers, especially for those on a budget.

nike revolution 7 4 21221629 main

Who should NOT buy

We can't recommend the Revolution 7 for those who prefer a softer feel underfoot, as it tends to run quite firm. Instead, we think the Nike Winflo 10 Nike Shox R4 "Gold Guava" Coming Soon.

Moreover, we believe the Revolution 7 is not the best option for midfoot and forefoot strikers, as it lacks sufficient cushioning in these areas.

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER

Nike Air Max 90 G NRG "Picnic" Saucony Axon 3 as a viable alternative. It provides a much more cushioned experience, benefiting both midfoot and forefoot strikers, along with other advantages such as enhanced energy return and breathability.

Cushioning

Heel stack

We took again our callipers and measured the heel stack of the Revolution 7 at 31.5 mm, making it an average height by today's standards.

This thickness provides plenty of cushioning for heel strikers, and we think it's a solid choice for a daily trainer.

nike revolution 7 heel stack 21216660 main
Test results
Revolution 7 31.5 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot tells a slightly different story, measuring a bit thinner than average at 21.0 mm. Once you account for the insole and outsole, there's likely less foam than what a forefoot striker might want, particularly for medium and long runs.

This leads us to believe that this shoe is definitely designed with heel strikers in mind.

nike revolution 7 forefoot stack 21216659 main
Test results
Revolution 7 21.0 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

We calculated the drop—the difference in height between the heel and forefoot—to be 10.5 mm.

As mentioned earlier, we're of the opinion that this design subtly leans in favour of heel strikers. It free caters to midfoot or forefoot strikers who favour this specific geometry because it helps offload stress from the posterior chain and provides relief for calf or Achilles tendon pain.

nike revolution 7 drop 21216662 main
Test results
Revolution 7 10.5 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 393 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
-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.

Shifting our focus to the midsole, the Revolution 7 uses Nike's Phylon, an EVA-based midsole that leans towards the firmer side.

We confirmed this through hands-on field tests and by using our Shore A durometer, which gave us a reading of 28.4 HA. This firmness might not be everyone's cup of tea, especially for those seeking a softer, more forgiving ride.

nike revolution 7 midsole softness 21216663 main
Test results
Revolution 7 28.4 HA
Average 21.0 HA
The SOULGOODS x Nike Dunk High Pack Looks to the Past for Inspiration.
Compared to 320 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

Kyrie 1 USA Arriving to Retailers (%)

Phylon is a midsole crafted from EVA foam pellets that are compressed, heat-expanded, and then cooled in a mould. This manufacturing technique ensures superior performance in cold temperatures when compared to the traditional EVA.

Because of that, we found that this shoe only became 9.2% firmer after spending 20 sleek in the freezer, showcasing remarkable resilience. Such outstanding cold-weather performance is especially impressive for a £70 shoe.

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER nike air vapormax 30 flash crimson
Test results
Revolution 7 9%
Average 25%
Compared to 320 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
0%
Kyrie 1 USA Arriving to Retailers
63%

Insole thickness

The insole is unexpectedly thin, measuring just 3.6 mm.

This surprised us, as we're usually accustomed to finding thick insoles in budget-friendly shoes since it's an inexpensive method to enhance comfort and stack height. However, the Revolution takes a different approach.

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER Insole thickness
Test results
Revolution 7 3.6 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 389 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Кросівки nike air force 1 white black | Size and fit

Size

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER is true to size (67 votes).

Nike Air Force 1 Mid GS 'Artisan Teal'?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 367 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Nike Mercurial Victory V FG

Our first measurement in the toebox is ct1149 taken at the widest part, and the Revolution measured an average 95.3 mm, accommodating most runners comfortably.

This is a shoe for everyday miles, so it's no surprise that it registered around the average.

nike revolution 7 toebox width widest part 22460075 main
Test results
Revolution 7 95.3 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 148 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
88.5 mm
Nike Mercurial Victory V FG
102.4 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The shoe features an aggressive taper in the big toe area, measuring 72.1 mm—not ideal for wide feet!

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Revolution 7 72.1 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 148 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
67.9 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.6 mm

Toebox height

The toebox height in the Revolution 7 leans toward a low-profile design, leaving limited room for toe movement. We measured 25.5 mm—well below the average—making it ideal for those who prefer a snug, locked-in feel.

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER Toebox height
Test results
Revolution 7 25.5 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 147 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Revolution 7 really steps up the game in stability, thanks to its firm midsole. It's a fantastic trade-off for those looking for that extra bit of support who don't mind the extra firmness, and it makes the shoe better becoming for those with mild stability issues.

Кросівки nike air force 1 white black | Torsional rigidity

We noticed a bit of resistance when we twisted and bent the shoe, but it was nothing extreme. To us, this earns a solid 3 out of 5, striking a nice balance between stability and comfort.

Test results
Revolution 7 3
Average 3.4
Compared to 372 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Air Max 1 y Air Max 97

The heel counter takes the same approach and free earns a 3 out of 5 from us. It's designed to suit nearly everyone, featuring a semi-rigid piece that adds structure, especially at the lower part of the heel. Plus, the area is well-padded, offering ample comfort.

Test results
Revolution 7 3
Average 2.9
Compared to 356 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
1
Air Max 1 y Air Max 97
5

Midsole width - forefoot

For our next two measurements, we brought back the digital calliper.

We measured 114.7 mm in the widest part of the forefoot, which is in line with what we've seen in previous sections—Nike sticks to an average approach without taking any risks.

nike revolution 7 midsole width in the forefoot 21216665 main
Test results
Revolution 7 114.7 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 394 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
103.3 mm
Midsole width - forefoot
126.9 mm

Nike Stretto Dri Fit Swoosh Run Mid Rise 7 8

In the lab, we found the heel to be a bit wider than usual at 93.1 mm, but it's not a huge difference. However, like we mentioned with the stack height and drop, the Revolution 7 is definitely aimed at heel strikers.

nike revolution 7 3 21221622 main

Designing a shoe is all about making trade-offs. A major one is between the shoe's dimensions and its weight. Our lab data shows that Nike chose to limit the forefoot width to make room for a wider heel, all while keeping the shoe's weight under 10 ounces.

nike revolution 7 midsole width in the heel 21216666 main
Test results
Revolution 7 93.1 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 394 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
73.0 mm
Nike Stretto Dri Fit Swoosh Run Mid Rise 7 8
106.6 mm

Nike roshe one big kids casual shoes arctic pink-arctic pink-sail 599729-617

In our earlier test, where we bent and twisted the shoe, we noticed it was quite flexible. To get precise numbers, we used our force gauge.

It took just 18.3N to bend it to 90 degrees, placing it among the most flexible shoes out there. This flexibility is fantastic for comfort, making the Revolution 7 an excellent everyday, do-it-all shoe, perfect for a variety of activities beyond running.

Test results
Revolution 7 18.3N
Average 28.2N
Nike Air Max Manoa Leather Textile Td Baby Toddlers Boots Black.
Compared to 376 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

discount nike sb dunk (%)

When we tested the shoe in cold temperatures, it changed a bit. After spending 20 sleek in our freezer, it required 23.8N to bend, making it 30.2% stiffer.

Nike Indy Icon Clash Womens Sports Bra.

Test results
Revolution 7 30%
Average 33%
Compared to 376 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
0%
discount nike sb dunk
111%

Weight

The Nike Revolution 6 was surprisingly light, and we thought the 7th version might be heavier based on our test runs and the shoe's overall size.

After weighing it, we found it's just under 10 oz at 9.9 oz (281g). Not bad for a budget-friendly, well-cushioned training shoe, but heavier than v6.

nike revolution 7 weight 21216719 main
Test results
Revolution 7 9.91 oz (281g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 394 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

We kicked off the lab test of the Revolution 7 without a revolution—the smoke test delivered a just-okay result, scoring a 3 out of 5.

The shoe couldn't clear as much smoke as we hoped, leading us to think it might pose minor issues in extreme heat—and this black colorway certainly won't help in such scenario. But it should perform well in every other weather conditions.

Shining a light through the cut-in-half upper helped us assess the breathability of the engineered mesh. Nike seems to have skipped ventilation holes, likely due to the cost of the process, opting instead for a uniform structure throughout the upper.

nike revolution 7 micro 21221426 main

Our microscope work confirmed this. The mesh is consistent throughout, showing no variation.

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER mesh

While there's room for improvement in breathability, we get that it's a budget-friendly option, and compromises are part of the deal.

Examining the upper closely, we noticed it features two layers and the padding all around the shoe is impressive. Nike has clearly put comfort first—not bad for a £70 shoe!

Test results
Revolution 7 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 323 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

After checking out the airflow, we moved on to testing the shoe's durability. We started with the toebox.

It was a real wake-up call. The Revolution 7 just didn't stand a chance against the tool, scraping by with a teeth-grinding 1 out of 5 for pretty terrible performance. The hole left behind tells the whole story.

nike revolution 7 toebox durability 21216556 main
Test results
Revolution 7 1
Average 2.5
Compared to 257 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
1
Toebox durability
5

If a pair of Nike Cortez are on your radar

But then, we found a complete turnaround when we got to the heel—something the Revolution 7 desperately needed.

In this area, the Dremel barely made a dent, managing only minor damage. As a result, the shoe scored an impressive 4 out of 5.

This marked a significant improvement, giving us a glimmer of hope that the Revolution 7 has some strong suits after all. The heel's resilience made us curious about what other surprises it might hold.

nike revolution 7 heel padding durability 21216558 main
Test results
Revolution 7 4
Average 3.2
Compared to 253 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
1
If a pair of Nike Cortez are on your radar
5

Outsole hardness

To dig into those surprises, we turned our attention to the outsole, arguably the most crucial part when it comes to durability, especially for a budget-friendly shoe.

nike revolution 7 outsole 21221431 main
The outsole design caught our eye with its unique design. It combines a waffle-style pattern with exposed foam in the midfoot.

We began by measuring the rubber hardness, which clocked in at 89.5 HC. That's quite hard, signalling to us that Nike is laser-focused on boosting durability, even if it means compromising on other aspects like grip.

nike revolution 7 outsole hardness 21216658 main
Test results
Revolution 7 89.5 HC
Average 79.8 HC
The SOULGOODS x Nike Dunk High Pack Looks to the Past for Inspiration.
Compared to 374 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Given the hard rubber, we were anticipating a strong performance in our Dremel test.

Sadly, things didn't go as planned. A 1.0-mm indentation isn't terrible, but considering the rubber's hardness, it's a tad disappointing. That said, the rubber does achieve its goal—we're confident it will hold up for as long as you're willing to run with the Revolution.

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER Outsole durability
Test results
Revolution 7 1.0 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 235 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

In our comprehensive final evaluation of the outsole, it became clear that Nike chose a cautious approach by incorporating an ample amount of rubber beneath the midsole. To ensure accuracy, we conducted multiple measurements, each confirming a consistent thickness of 3.7 mm.

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER rubber
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We think this strategy by Nike suggests again a deliberate choice to prioritise longevity and wear resistance in the design of this shoe.

nike revolution 7 outsole thickness 21216657 main
Test results
Revolution 7 3.7 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 391 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Reflective elements

For £70, we don't expect anything extraordinary, so it's fine if the Revolution 7 doesn't have reflective elements. It's a fair deal.

nike revolution 7 reflective elements 21216710 main
Test results
Revolution 7 No

Tongue padding

The first time we tried on the Revolution 7, we noticed the tongue was extremely plush. Our measurements confirmed it at 10.1 mm thick. 

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER tongue

We believe Nike uses this thick padding because it's an inexpensive way to enhance comfort, making this shoe stand out in the budget-friendly price range. 

It's a clever strategy, but we think a bit less padding, maybe around 7 or 8 mm, would be better since we don't see the advantage of going thicker than that, and it adds heft to the shoe.

nike revolution 7 tongue padding 21216717 main
Test results
Revolution 7 10.1 mm
Average 5.8 mm
Compared to 391 running shoes
женские шлепанцы nike черные
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Nike KD 8 Elite Hat

An unexpected bonus of the Revolution 7 is its gusseted tongue—a feature often found only in high-end shoes from most brands.

This design keeps the tongue securely in place during all runs, even when picking up the pace. Quite impressive!

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER Nike KD 8 Elite Hat
Test results
Revolution 7 Both sides (full)

Heel tab

Nike Air More Uptempo 96 Renowned Rhythm White Varsity Red more affordable running shoes. If it allows for investment in other areas like a better upper or midsole, why not?

Nike NIKE AIR MAX ALPHA TRAINER Heel tab
Test results
Revolution 7 None

Removable insole

The insole is removable, easy to take out if needed. Plus, since the shoe's dimensions are pretty standard, most over-the-counter insoles or even those from other shoes fit nicely without any hassle.

nike revolution 7 removable insole 21216718 main
Test results
Revolution 7 Yes