Nike Air Max shoes have long been a popular choice for casual wear and athletic activities. The Nike Air Max Excee is one of the latest models in this iconic shoe line. With its sleek design and visible Max Air units, it looks like it could be a good option for running.
But is it actually suitable as a running shoe? Let’s take a closer look at the key factors to see if the Nike Air Max Excee is good for running or best for more casual use.
Weight and Cushioning
The Nike Air Max Excee is on the heavier side for a running shoe, weighing in at around 13 oz for a men’s size 10.5. Heavier shoes can often feel clunky and slow you down, so lighter weight is usually better for running shoes.
However, the Excee makes up for its weight with very responsive cushioning. It features a full-length visible Max Air unit in the midsole which provides excellent impact absorption and energy return with each stride.
So while not ultra lightweight, the ample cushioning helps prevent fatigue and discomfort that can come with long runs.
Traction and Grip
In terms of traction, the Excee performs quite well on most common running surfaces. The thick rubber outsole includes a waffle pattern with multidirectional lugs that grip nicely on concrete, asphalt, gym floors, and track surfaces.
The flat profile and semi-firm midsole also provide a stable platform for changing directions. The Excee would not have deep enough lugs for trail running across loose dirt or mud.
But the outsole design works great for road running and indoor surfaces. The tread and traction allow for quick cuts and pivots during faster paced training.
Breathability
For peak running shoe breathability, you want lots of mesh fabric rather than leather panels or layers that could cause heat buildup and sweaty feet. The Excee gets high marks here with mesh incorporated throughout the upper.
Both the forefoot and tongue area feature perforations for ventilation. An integrated midfoot panel adds some support while also allowing air flow. With all the mesh, the Excee keeps the air moving for cooler, drier feet over long distances.
Comfort and Fit
In terms of comfort and fit, the Excee gets good but not excellent reviews from wearers. It runs true to size for most in terms of length. But some note the upper design and midfoot panel create noticeable pressure on higher volume feet.
The ample padding around the collar helps prevent ache at the ankle. However, break-in time is longer than typical running shoes to adapt to the snug midfoot and unique tongue design connected under the laces.
So while a comfortable shoe for medium or narrower feet, the Excee may feel too snug across the midfoot for some runners.
Performance and Durability
So how does the Nike Air Max Excee actually perform for running? Overall, it earns above average but not exceptional reviews. The responsive cushioning, grippy outsole, and breathable upper allow for comfortable training runs at moderate paces.
The Excee offers a smooth, stable ride for general aerobic running. However, the weight, break-in period, and snugger fit ultimately hold it back from being ideal for faster speed work or long distances compared to premium running shoes.
In terms of durability, the Excee is quite well constructed to protect against wear in high movement areas. The rubber outsole resists abrasion very well for hundreds of miles of use.
The leather and synthetic leather upper also maintains its structure and support better than many lightweight mesh models over time. So while not the highest performance model out there, the Excee is built to last through lots of miles walking, running, gym workouts or casual wear.
Key Pros and Cons for Running
Some of the main pros and cons of utilizing the Nike Air Max Excee as a running shoe include:
Pros:
- Responsive Max Air cushioning
- Grippy, durable outsole
- Breathable mesh upper keeps feet cool and dry
Cons:
- Heavy compared to top running shoes
- Snug midfoot fit with break-in period
- Okay but not great for speed work or long distances
In summary, the Nike Air Max Excee performs solidly for mid-pace training runs, treadmill sessions, or short road races up to 5K distance. The cushioning and ventilation make it workable for logging base mileage.
However, the fit and weight mean it is not ideal for hardcore runners looking to maximize speed and race times. More competitively priced running shoes can provide a bouncier, propulsive toe-off while shedding ounces off the weight.
So Is the Nike Air Max Excee Ultimately Good for Running?
The bottom line is that the Nike Air Max Excee is a versatile athletic lifestyle shoe that can work for recreational jogging and mid-pace running. It offers ample cushioning in an iconic, on-trend design.
However, the snugger midfoot fit, heavier weight, and limited flexibility hold back its performance versus purpose-built running shoes in the same price range. Less experienced runners will likely enjoy the Excee for general training and casual use.
But elite runners looking to optimize speed and race times would likely gravitate to more performance-focused models in the Nike running line, or options like the Brooks Ghost or Saucony Kinvara for example.
If you want an attractive lifestyle shoe to handle some running, the Excee will get the job done in style. But it does not provide best-in-class performance for faster paced running due to some fit and design limitations relative to dedicated running models.
Check out the Nike Pegasus or Nike React models for examples of shoes in the Nike line with specs more optimized for avid runners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have some questions about using the Nike Air Max Excee as a running shoe? See some of the most common questions and answers below:
Is the Nike Air Max Excee good for walking?
Yes, the ample cushioning and durable outsole also make the Excee a very comfortable and supportive choice for walking, especially for longer distances. The weight is less important for walking versus high intensity running.
How does the sizing of the Excee compare to other Nike models?
The Excee runs true to size in terms of length for most. However, the midfoot may feel too snug for wide feet due to the integrated panel and design. Trying them on first is best to ensure a comfortable personal fit.
How much mileage can I expect to get out of the Excee as a running shoe?
With its durable construction but moderate performance specs, you can expect around 300-400 miles of use for the Excee as a running shoe before cushioning or traction may degrade noticeably depending on your mileage and gait patterns.
Is the Air Max Excee good for workouts like HIIT or CrossFit?
Yes, the Excee offers great cushioning, support, and grip for high intensity gym sessions like HIIT, boot camps, and CrossFit style training where you need an athletic shoe to handle lots of lateral moves, pivots, and jumps.
Does the Nike Air Max Excee run big or small?
The Excee runs true to size in most cases based on the typical Nike sizing chart. However, some note the unique midfoot design results in a more narrow, snugger fit than other Nike models. So gauge fit based on where your feet fall on the width spectrum.
I overpronate – is the Excee a good stability shoe?
No, the Excee would not be the best choice as a pronation control running shoe. It is categorized as a neutral cushioning shoe without targeted stability features. Look at options like the Nike Structure 23 or Brooks Adrenaline GTS for stability running shoes instead.
So in summary, the Nike Air Max Excee can work for recreational runs, treadmill sessions, gym workouts, and walking. But competitive runners will likely gravitate to more performance-oriented running models from Nike or other top athletic brands.
Carefully consider the fit and your running needs before choosing the stylish but not exceptional Excee as your go-to running shoe.
