Nike Air Max Impact 4 Performance Review From The Inside Out

Summary

The Nike Air Max Impact 4 offers a surprising balance of comfort, breathability, and durability at an affordable price. The shoe features padded uppers that break in over time, providing a snug, cushioned fit. With a responsive midsole, lateral support, and a wide outsole tread, it's stable for outdoor play, though it may wear down faster on certain surfaces. The fit may feel tight for wider feet, and heel slippage can occur after break-in. Overall, it's a solid, nimble workhorse shoe for side-to-side movement, especially suited for outdoor courts.

Takeaways

• 👟 The Nike Air Max Impact 4 is surprisingly well-made for its price point, offering a decent playing experience despite initial low expectations.
• 👕 The upper part of the shoe is extremely padded, offering a snug, puffer-coat-like fit, though this requires some break-in time.
• 🌬️ Breathability is decent once the shoes are broken in, with the fog test indicating airflow after some initial resistance.
• 🔒 The shoe offers excellent lockdown and containment, with a reinforced lace line and an aggressively gusseted tongue.
• 👣 The midsole features a thick foam slab under the forefoot, paired with a top-loaded shank and an Air Max unit in the rear for responsive crash landings.
• 🏀 The outsole has a wide, straight-lasted design and a mix of herringbone and razor patterns, offering good grip on outdoor courts but requiring some warming on indoor surfaces.
• 🧱 The upper durability is questionable, especially for players who drag their feet, as the exposed midsole foam may wear down quickly.
• 👟 Fit may be problematic for some, as the shoe is shorter in length and the materials can cause cramping, particularly for those with wider feet.
• 🚀 While not the fastest shoe, it performs well in side-to-side movements and offers confidence in lateral containment without feeling too bulky.
• 💸 Overall, the Nike Air Max Impact 4 is a solid budget option for players seeking a durable, workhorse shoe with decent cushioning and side-to-side agility, especially on outdoor courts.

Q & A

What was the reviewer's initial expectation of the Nike Air Max Impact 4 based on its price?

The reviewer expected the Nike Air Max Impact 4 to feel and perform poorly, like 'bricks,' due to its budget-friendly price.

How does the upper of the Nike Air Max Impact 4 perform in terms of breathability?

The upper of the Nike Air Max Impact 4 is surprisingly breathable despite its padding. While the shoe heats up to 111.6 degrees during breathability testing, the fog from the breathability mapping finds its way out eventually, indicating airflow.

What issue does the reviewer mention regarding the durability of the upper?

The reviewer points out that the dragging and sliding durability of the upper is questionable. While the meshing helps with breathability, it may wear down quickly, especially for players who drag their feet frequently.

What is the fit like for the Nike Air Max Impact 4?

The Nike Air Max Impact 4 has a snug, intimate fit, with the foot in close contact with the materials. The shoe is shorter in length, and its thick, padded materials make it feel somewhat cramped, especially for those with wider feet.

What potential issue can arise after the shoe breaks in?

After the shoe breaks in, heel slippage can become more noticeable. The reviewer warns that while the shoe provides good lockdown initially, it can loosen around the heel over time, causing the foot to lift out of the shoe.

How does the midsole of the Nike Air Max Impact 4 perform?

The midsole has a large slab of foam under the forefoot and a top-loaded shank, making the shoe responsive and comfortable for heel landings. Although it is not the most explosive shoe, the midsole provides decent support and protection for its price point.

How does the outsole contribute to the shoe’s performance?

The outsole offers stability with its wide lateral flange and quasi-herringbone pattern. It grips well on outdoor courts, but may require some warming up to perform effectively on indoor hardwood courts.

What does the reviewer say about the shoe’s speed and nimbleness?

The Nike Air Max Impact 4 is not the fastest shoe in terms of forward motion, but it performs well for side-to-side movements. The shoe feels bottom-light and provides confidence when making quick lateral movements.

Who is the Nike Air Max Impact 4 best suited for?

The shoe is well-suited for players who value side-to-side containment and need a durable, budget-friendly shoe. It’s also recommended for players with narrow to medium-width feet, although wide-footed players may struggle with the fit.

What are the main drawbacks of the Nike Air Max Impact 4?

The main drawbacks are its shorter length and cramped fit, especially for wider feet, heel slippage after breaking in, and the durability of the upper and outsole, particularly for players who drag their feet frequently.