Nike Air Skylon £59.99

This model may still be available on clearance. But we've reviewed a newer version since we published this.

Weight 295g
Evaluation Nike prides itself on innovative shoe-building (for example, the new Shox) so it’s unexpected when the company uses a similar technology to on we’ve seen elsewhere. In the case of the Skylon, Nike’s one-piece midsole/outsole designis very similar to Reebok’s. The Skylon series has a long history of lightweight, flexible shoes; some have been exceptional, others not so great. This new version of the Skylon is not so great. It’s not the design, or its use of the one-piece midsole/outsole which falls short, it’s the midsole foam. The midsole is light and responsive enough, but too firm for a lightweight, cushioned shoe, and the heel-to-transition is not nearly as smooth as the old Skylon’s.
The Skylon feels great when you first try it on: the upper is light and fits like a glove. But the chances are that it will disappoint you. If you’re wondering how it differs from the previous, conventional Air Skylon Triax, it’s lighter and feels quicker, but doesn’t absorb shock nearly so well.
In short It’s not the second-hand technology that’s the disappointment, it’s the fact that the lightweight Air Skylon’s ride is firm and unfriendly. If you want to experience a one-piece midsole/outsole performing properly, you should try the heavier, but infinitely smoother, £50 Reebok Electrolyte.