The Nike Downshifter 14 is a budget daily running shoe with fairly modest ambitions. It takes its name literally, stripping things back to deliver the bare minimum. It replaces the Nike Downshifter 13 and uses the same basic EVA midsole that focuses more on affordability than lively underfoot performance, with a firm ride and terrible energy return. Its impressively stable platform makes it a decent option for beginners who want one shoe to handle running, gym work, and walking, though runners seeking deeper protection or a more modern ride will be better served elsewhere.
Our Verdict
The Nike Downshifter 14 is a poor choice for marathon racing. While the stable platform helps keep the ride controlled, the inadequate cushioning provides sub-par protection, and the firm EVA midsole offers awful energy return. The shoe's weight makes it a slog over longer distances, too.
EVA midsole provides poor energy return.
Too heavy for marathon distance.
The Nike Downshifter 14 is a sub-par option for 5K and 10K races. Though the firm forefoot helps keep the ride stable under load, the EVA midsole provides awful energy return, and the shoe's weight makes it difficult to pick up the pace.
Firm forefoot helps keep the ride stable.
EVA midsole provides poor energy return.
Too heavy for faster efforts.
The Nike Downshifter 14 has awful energy return. The EVA midsole gives very little back, resulting in a flat, lifeless ride that is more suited to walking than running.
Heel returns almost no energy.
EVA midsole is firm and dull.
The Nike Downshifter 14 has poor cushioning. The forefoot provides inadequate protection from impact, and while the heel performs slightly better, it remains sub-par. It drops off considerably as more force is applied, making the shoe best suited to short runs or walking rather than consistent mileage.
Thin forefoot offers poor protection.
Heel cushioning is sub-par.
The Nike Downshifter 14 has impressive lateral stability. The wide outsole platform, firm midsole, and lower stack height keep the ride controlled. That said, there are many better options available for beginners who value stability and want a more protective, lively ride.
Wide outsole adds stability.
Firm midsole keeps the ride controlled.
The Nike Downshifter 14 fits mostly true to size. The length is spot on, and the forefoot has good width, but the arch runs very narrow. Runners with a wider midfoot or taller toes may find the fit restrictive.
Length is spot on.
Forefoot width is good.
Arch runs very narrow.
Performance Usages
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Nike Downshifter 14 in men's US size 9, as indicated on the label of our pair. The color featured on the shoe we tested is White/Glacier Blue/Green Strike/Black, but you can also get the shoe in other colors, depending on the region. This shoe isn't available in wide widths. The design section applies only to the exact model we tested, but we expect other sizes to perform similarly.
Popular Running Shoe Comparisons
The Nike Downshifter 14 is a bare-bones budget shoe. It's good for beginners who want something stable for short runs, but it suits walking and gym work about as much as running. Compared to other no-frills daily trainers like the Brooks Launch 12 and Topo Phantom 4, the Downshifter is heavier, less cushioned, and much less responsive.
Within Nike's lineup, the Downshifter 14 sits on the bottom rung of the ladder. The brand's core running families: the Nike Pegasus 42, Nike Vomero 18, and Nike Structure 26 sit at the top, using more premium foams and offering better performance overall. The Downshifter focuses on the basics, closer in spirit to the Nike Revolution 8, though the Revolution is a step up, as it's lighter, more responsive, and performs better as a running shoe overall.
For more options, check out our recommendations for the best beginner running shoes, the best Nike running shoes, and the best running shoes.
The Nike Downshifter 14 and Nike Revolution 8 are both entry-level trainers, but the Revolution 8 is the better running shoe. It's lighter, more responsive, and performs better over every distance. The Downshifter 14 only makes sense if you prefer its fit or find it at a better price.
The Nike Downshifter 14 and Nike Downshifter 13 are extremely similar shoes. The newer model is slightly lighter, slightly more cushioned, and a bit more stable, but the differences are minor. If you can find the previous model cheaper, it's the better pick.
We buy and test running shoes with a very data-oriented approach. While we're just getting started, our methodology already has dozens of tests to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs. Not only do we use high-end equipment to gather objective data, but we also order multiple sizes of the same shoes so team members can log in miles. This real-world testing is conducted at various paces and conditions, across different types of workouts, to cover all the bases. This allows us to verify our results and ensure they align with what you might feel with a specific pair.
Test Results
