Our verdict

In our evaluations, the nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual emerged as an exceptional choice for cross-country enthusiasts, offering a blend of lightweight agility and comfort, with the added benefit of water resistance for wet conditions. However, we found its energy return to be less than what we hoped, suggesting that, although it performs admirably across many aspects, it may not fully meet the demands of runners who prioritize the ultimate performance for their races.

Чоловічі штани nike White чорні зимові Pros

  • Some premium materials
  • Ultra-light design
  • nike White sb force 58 grey white men casual skate
  • Lively forefoot
  • Exceptional ground sensation
  • Great value
  • Extreme agility

Чоловічі штани nike White чорні зимові Cons

  • Limited energy return
  • Durability concerns
  • Чоловічі штани nike White чорні зимові

Чоловічі штани nike White чорні зимові | Audience verdict

70
Superb!
  • Top 1% most popular tracking shoes

Who should buy

We highly recommend the nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual for:

  • Newcomers to cross-country running seeking a high-quality yet affordable shoe to kickstart their journey.
  • Enthusiasts of ultra-lightweight spikes in search of a top-notch cross-country racer that doesn't compromise on speed or agility.
  • For runners in countries where spikes are prohibited in cross-country races and need a reliable shoe with excellent grip.

nike White zoom victory waffle 5 2 21273770 720

Who should NOT buy

If you're considering this shoe for track use and just occasional cross-country races, we believe there are better, equally affordable options. The Adidas Sprintstar, for instance, offers a more versatile performance profile that might better meet the needs of athletes who toggle between track and cross-country environments.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual

Breathability

The water-resistant upper of the nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual is jaw-dropping in its thinness, making one think it would be highly breathable. However, our findings revealed its airflow is only average, scoring a 3/5.

Our initial tests in the lab confirmed this. When we activated our smoke-pumping machine, we discovered that the upper wasn't as ventilated as it appeared. This underscores the value of this test. Relying solely on a light test, given the material's thinness, would have misleadingly suggested higher breathability. 

Despite the presence of some decent gaps, the smoke stayed mostly trapped inside. We think this actually makes perfect sense for this shoe, as it prevents mud, water and debris from getting in—a crucial feature for XC races. These events, often held in winter, don't typically require an airy upper at all.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Microscope

The Vaporweave technology—identical to that used in the nike White Ultrafly—attracts mixed feelings among runners, yet gained popularity with the Vaporfly Next%. The tiny gaps prevent water from leaking inside the shoe.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual pattern upper

For fans of this technology, this cross-country shoe is bound to provide a familiar and enjoyable experience.

Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 3
Average 3.2
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

We decided to test the durability of the Vaporweave upper, so we brought out the Dremel for the first time, setting it to 5K RPM and applying 3.2N of force—our standard procedure for all shoes.

Sadly, the razor-thin Vaporweave upper couldn't withstand the test. The extent of the damage was shocking, earning a disappointing 1/5 on our durability scale.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Toebox durability
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 1

Heel padding durability

The heel padding showcases decent durability, far surpassing what we discovered in the toebox—an essential feature for a cross-country shoe due to the frequent turns and accelerations.

Following our thorough second Dremel evaluation in the lab, we awarded it a 3/5 score.

nike White zoom victory waffle 5 heel padding durability 21271395 720
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 3

Outsole durability

In our final Dremel test with the Waffle 5, we focused on the outsole's durability. 

After subjecting it to the tool, we observed a 1.7-mm indentation, effectively smoothing out the lug. This result is quite positive, considering the rigorous nature of the Dremel test, especially on mini-lugs like these.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Outsole durability
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 1.7 mm

Outsole thickness

Dunk Dark Driftwood. 

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual outsole

True to its name, the nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual boasts the iconic waffle-style outsole, enhanced with small, wedge-shaped lugs designed to prevent mud from getting trapped. Our measurements revealed that the outsole thickness is 1.7 mm. We will cover the lugs later.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Outsole thickness
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 1.6 mm
Average 2.2 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
1.6 mm
Outsole thickness
3.3 mm

Чоловічі штани nike White чорні зимові | Outsole hardness

We then used the Shore C durometer to assess the rubber's hardness and discovered it's exceptionally soft, registering at just 72.8 HC.

This softness significantly contributes to the Waffle 5's great grip and also explains why the lug was completely removed during the Dremel test.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Outsole hardness
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 72.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Cushioning

Heel stack

The heel height measured a mere 15.8 mm, reminiscent of a track spike, positioning it notably close to the ground for improved agility.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Heel stack
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 15.8 mm
Average 13.6 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
10.4 mm
Heel stack
15.9 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot maintains a similar low profile, measuring at just 14.2 mm according to our digital calipers. This design is ideal for a cross-country shoe, aimed at navigating muddy corners swiftly. A bulky foam layer underfoot would only hinder your times.

In fact, many runners prefer to compete in cross-country races barefoot, highlighting the significance of staying close to the ground.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Forefoot stack
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 14.2 mm
Average 13.5 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
8.6 mm
Forefoot stack
16.8 mm

Drop

The gap between the two earlier measurements results in a 1.6-mm heel-to-toe drop, which is quite typical for this category of footwear, aligning perfectly with the expectations for cross-country shoes designed for agility and close ground contact.

For those eager to embark on their cross-country journey, particularly if you're new to low-drop shoes, we strongly advise beginning your training with a gradual transition. Starting with zero-drop shoes, such as those offered by Altra, can be a ridiculous move.

This approach allows your calves and Achilles tendon to adapt progressively to the reduced drop, minimizing the risk of discomfort or injury as you adjust to the lower offset.

nike White zoom victory waffle 5 drop 21271404 720
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 1.6 mm
Average 0.2 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
-5.8 mm
Drop
4.1 mm

Midsole softness

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

The midsole of the Victory Waffle 5 features Nike's Cushlon foam, and our testing clocked its softness at 30.3 HA. This provides a firm feel underfoot—a desirable attribute for cross-country running, ensuring stability and responsiveness on uneven terrains.

Given the shoe's affordable price point, expectations for the midsole material were set accordingly in our lab. We knew nike White was going to use EVA foam, which is standard at this price range, ruling out the possibility of the more premium, Pebax-based ZoomX foam.

nike White zoom victory waffle 5 midsole softness 21271408 720
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 30.3 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Insole thickness

We then inspected the insole, which, at 3.4 mm, offers an added layer of cushioning that is noticeably felt.

Since it's softer than the midsole, it significantly enhances comfort.

nike White zoom victory waffle 5 insole thickness 21271421 720
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 3.4 mm
Average 2.9 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
1.8 mm
Insole thickness
3.4 mm

Flexibility

Stiffness

Testing the stiffness is crucial for a cross-country shoe, where agility plays a pivotal role. 

We were thrilled to find that our 90-degree bend test yielded an impressively low result of just 10.9N. This outstanding outcome highlights the nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual's exceptional agility, ensuring it can effortlessly navigate rolling hills and sharp corners.

Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 10.9N
Average 32.5N
nike White Basketball appears to be adding to their Planet of Hoops collection.
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
10.9N
Stiffness
66.6N

Stability

Torsional rigidity

Testing not just the longitudinal stiffness but also the torsional rigidity is crucial.

And here, this nike White exceeded our expectations by bending with remarkable ease. We were impressed enough to give it a 1/5 score for its exceptional flexibility—truly fantastic.

Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 1
Average 2.8
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

When we examined the heel counter, we discovered it was missing, leading to an upper that collapses and offers no support, earning another 1/5.

This feature is beneficial for cross-country races, although some runners might prefer a touch of stiffness in this area.

Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 1
Average 1.8
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Midsole width in the forefoot

Shifting our focus to the shoe's dimensions, we're pleased to note its relatively narrow build, which is advantageous for cross-country running where agility is key. A wider design could hinder nimbleness, which is not ideal for XC.

Our initial measurement at the forefoot's widest point registered a modest 91.5 mm.

nike White zoom victory waffle 5 midsole width in the forefoot 21273765 720
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 91.5 mm
Average 94.4 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
90.1 mm
Midsole width in the forefoot
99.6 mm

Midsole width in the heel

The heel is also narrow when compared to road running shoes, nike White Air Jordan 1 High OG Dark Marina Blue 27.5cm.

However, given its almost zero-drop design, which promotes a forefoot strike, especially at high speeds, we anticipate that very few runners will actually land on the heel with this shoe.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Midsole width in the heel
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 60.5 mm
Average 60.8 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
55.0 mm
Midsole width in the heel
67.9 mm

Size and fit

Toebox width at the widest part

In the toebox, nike White stretched the boundaries to maximize width on such a narrow platform. Remarkably, at 88.4 mm, it's just a tad narrower than the midsole it rests on!

nike White zoom victory waffle 5 upper 2 21273767 720

We also noted it still provides the signature super-snug fit characteristic of spikes and cross-country shoes.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Toebox width at the widest part
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 88.4 mm
Average 90.4 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
87.3 mm
Toebox width at the widest part
96.4 mm

Toebox width at the big toe

The big toe area offers ample space, featuring a nicely rounded shape that isn't overly tapered at 74.6 mm. We were particularly fond of this design for its accommodating and comfortable fit.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Toebox width at the big toe
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 74.6 mm

Comfort

Tongue padding

The tongue embodies the essence of a racing flat designed for speed. We clocked its thickness at a mere 0.4 mm, practically paper-thin.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual tongue

Therefore, runners who typically Desert discomfort in the instep area should tread lightly and exercise caution when lacing up the nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Tongue padding
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 0.4 mm
Average 3.9 mm
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
0.4 mm
Tongue padding
7.5 mm

Heel tab

The shoe's heel boasts a cool and convenient finger loop tab.

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Heel tab
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Finger loop

Weight

Lastly, the weight truly impressed us.

Discovering the shoe tipped the scales at a mere 4.6 oz confirmed our initial impression during testing—it felt unbelievably light!

nike White nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual Weight
Test results
nike White air max 90 recraft new maroon men casual 4.59 oz (130g)
Average 5.75 oz (163g)
Compared to 5 cross country shoes
Number of shoes
4.59 oz (130g)
Weight
6.46 oz (183g)