The Invincible Run series is designed to be Nike's most cushioned, plushest trainer. It uses the softest and bounciest midsole foam that Nike has at its disposal and it delivers a unique ride unlike any other.
This comparison will tell you if the Invincible Run 3 or the Invincible Run 2 is the better shoe for you.
Both versions have a thick slab of ZoomX in its midsole. ZoomX provides a really bouncy, trampoline-like ride which propels you forward and upward.
The biggest difference between the 2 designs is that the The Invincible Run 3 has a strobel lining underneath its insole which the Invincible Run 2 doesn’t have. The strobel lining prevents your feet from sinking down into the foam, giving it a firmer ride.
The firmer Invincible Run 3 is better for shorter and faster runs while the softer Invincible Run 2 is better for easy and longer runs. In the Invincible Run 2, the ride is more squishy and it also feels more bouncy so it’s more comfortable during long distance runs.
The ride of the Invincible Run 3 is more stable due to the firmer ride. It also has a wider base so foot strikes feel more planted.
On the outsoles, the Invincible Run 2 has full outsole rubber coverage whereas the Invincible Run 3 has some exposed midsole foam which can be scratched and pierced. The setup makes the Invincible Run 2 more durable in the outsole department.
The upper of the Invincible Run 3 feels less padded and more streamlined than the Invincible Run 2 upper. The material the upper is made from is also thinner and more breathable than the Invincible Run 2 so it’s better for warm climates. The Invincible Run 2 upper is more comfortable because of the extra padding.
One of the main upper differences is that the Invincible Run 3 has a longer heel clip which extends into the midfoot. If you have flat arches or a wide midfoot, you can feel the heel clip on the sides of your feet which you may find annoying. The Invincible Run 2 doesn’t have this issue.
Heel lockdown is better in the Invincible Run 2 because the heel tab comes up higher and the Invincible Run 2 fits a half size too big while the Invincible Run 3 is true to size.
If you prefer a firmer ride for faster paced runs, the Invincible Run 3 is the better shoe for you. It’s better for shorter distances and it also has more stability but its ride is less bouncy.
If you want a softer, more bouncy ride for slow paced runs and long runs, the Invincible Run 2 is the better shoe for you. It has a plusher ride so it feels more comfortable during long runs. It has the more durable outsole and it also has the superior upper which feels more comfortable.
