ShoesandFitness.com is supported by our readers. We may earn a commission when you purchase through links on this page. Our content is checked for factual accuracy by our editorial team before being published.
Most brands of running shoes are really churning out new products in overdrive. Whilst some of the top tier models in the big brands can set you back a few hundred dollars the mid and entry tier models can be an excellent addition to any running shoe collection.
Within the never-ending release of new top-tier models, those entry-level models have always been an afterthought for the heavy-hitting running shoe brands.
Historically, entry-level pricing meant poorer quality materials and technology (compared to top-tier models). Thankfully, in recent years this has changed for the better.
Looking great, feeling comfortable, and most of all affordable are not usually all found in the same sentence when describing running shoes. Until now.
If you’re looking for a running shoe that ticks all of the above boxes then it would be worth looking into the Nike Quest 3. These running shoes have all the hallmarks we’ve come to expect from the Nike brand, but are a bit lighter on the wallet. Interested? Read on and see what we had to say about the Nike Quest 3!
In this article, we take a deep dive into all things Nike Quest 3 including comprehensive ‘pros and cons list’, ‘general overview’, and ‘at a glance’ sections if you’re reading this on the go (hopefully not whilst running).
Nike Quest 3
Nike Men’s Quest 3 Running Shoes
Nike Women’s Quest 3 Running Shoes
At A Glance
Featuring a modern upper design that delivers a secured feeling and fit throughout the midfoot containment. The Nike Quest 3’s have a layer of mesh fabric woven into the chassis, meaning they’re lightweight and breathable.
They also have a textured foam midsole that enhances durability where you need it most. The stacks on the shoe are higher than usual, adding soft cushioning with each tread.
The Nike Quest 3 is a lightweight, neutral trainer best suited for easy days on the road. They are surprisingly durable considering the price tag!
General Overview
The Nike Quest 3 are an upgraded version of the Nike Quest 2 (released in summer 2020). Until the release of the Nike Quest 4, the Nike Quest 3 remained the most recent model in this Nike Series. Whilst having a newer version on the shelves, the Nike Quest 3 still has a great deal to offer.
There are two main areas that are worth mentioning right from the beginning: 1. The Nike Quest 3 running shoes are marketed towards those of us on a tight budget and 2. Despite the lower price tag, these shoes do not compromise on most of the essential qualities needed in a running shoe.
Most modern workouts in any given week involve a mixture of exercises. There are people who stick to running, but also those who hit the gym as well as the road. The Nike Quest 3 shoes are designed with versatility in mind, meaning they are suitable for several activities and training paces.
Another thing of note with the Nike Quest 3 is that they have excellent arch support. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer from flat feet, the Nike Quest 3 might offer you some relief from conditions like plantar fasciitis, which is a common complaint with runners who have flat feet.
The Nike Quest 3’s design is very basic but still aesthetically pleasing. Unlike the Quest 2’s which some described as looking like big square bricks, the Quest 3’s are easier on the eyes.
Whilst wearing them we felt like they looked more lean and dynamic. Don’t get us wrong, they don’t have the most innovative appearance available in a running shoe but all things considered, we thought they looked lovely.
Technical Specs
- Phylon Midsole – structured to give extra thickness and durability, the phylon midsole adds a springy cushion with each tread.
- Rubber Outsole – the new zonal waffle pattern offers increased traction when you need it.
- Effective Upper – high support during your workout thanks to the Nike Quest 3’s advanced heat-sealed midfoot carriage. Combined with the shoe’s lace closure gives that secure
lockdown feel. - Engineered Mesh – the chassis of the Nike Quest 3 is composed of a highly flexible and breathable engineered mesh, meaning they’ll keep your feet cool.
- Heel Drop – the Heel Drop on the Nike Quest 3 is roughly 9 to 12mm, which puts them in the traditional running shoe category.
- Stitched Heel Design – ensures the shoe fits as close to your foot as possible for a secure feel.
Pros And Cons
Whilst we always try to keep our Pros and Cons section as brief as possible, we also don’t want to miss important details. As such we have included the most important aspects of the Nike Quest 3 and what they mean for the wearer.
Pros
- Stong Upper – we found that the Nike Quest 3 has one of the most comfortable uppers we’ve experienced in a while. They were so comfortable in fact, that we put this at the top of our Pros list. The tongue doesn’t allow for any lace pinch because it is well-cushioned. At the top, the collar is well padded but not overly so.
- Lightweight – The average running shoe weighs between 9.04oz/286g. The Nike Quest 3’s sit at a comfortable 9oz/255g making them on the lighter side, plus they feel lighter than they are.
- Foot Locking – We didn’t need to overtighten the Quest 3’s to feel them holding the foot comfortably, thanks to the collar on the heel slip. The Nike Quest 3’s tongue has gussets running down the inside to prevent foot shifting.
- Reliable Grip on Dry Surfaces – when hitting the road, the Nike Quest 3 held to the road very well. We weren’t unsure about the Nike Quest 3’s at any point during our test. They held up on concrete paths, dry trail running, and gravel tracks too.
- True To Size – an important factor when it comes to buying any shoe is how it fits, especially when purchasing online. The Nike Quest 3’s are true to size with adequate toe room.
Cons
- Might not be suitable for longer distances – whilst the Nike Quest 3’s make for excellent road running, we did feel that after around the 5K mark these shoes might not hold up.
- Lack of Energy Return – this was something we weren’t expecting from the Nike Quest 3. Whilst they don’t make you feel slow, they don’t feel very fast on the road. We didn’t feel like energy transfer was all that great on the Nike Quest 3’s.
Key Terms Defined
If you’re a complete newbie to the technical terms used in the world of running shoes, don’t panic! Below is a breakdown of the key terms we use in this article.
- Heel Drop – On any shoe, the heel drop denotes the difference in cushioning between the heel and toe of the shoe. Usually measured in millimeters, the lower the heel drops the more the shoe promotes a midfoot strike.
- Foot Lock – Sometimes known as the Heel Lock, Foot Lock means how well the shoe holds your foot and prevents heel slippage.
- Midsole – The center point of the shoe’s cushioning system. Usually made out of EVA (Ethylene – Vinyl – Acetate) blended with a particular brand’s cushioning technology.
- Upper – In terms of Running Shoe Anatomy, the upper is the fabric part of the shoe that holds it to the foot. Found at the topmost part of the shoe. The upper is usually either sewn or heat bonded with glue to the midsole.
- Energy Return – The amount of energy a running shoe is able to hold on to when force is applied by the runner’s stride. A good cushioning system, allegedly, should provide just enough give between stiffness and compliance which creates a springboard effect.
- Overlays – Durable pieces of material that are sewn to the upper. The Overlays provide the shoe with its shape and structure. The number of overlaps directly influences how snug a shoe is, and how much stability they offer.
You can find some Nike Air Force One Alternatives here.
Why not take a look at my top picks for Vans Alternatives
Rounding Up
All in all, if you’re looking for a pair of running shoes that can stand up to moderate distances (5K max) then the Nike Quest 3 is a strong contender in the market.
Whilst they might not be the latest release, the design of a year ago doesn’t change all that much with new generations of running shoes. Whilst some might state that they lack a certain aesthetic, we feel they more than makeup for this in comfort and durability.
They are, ultimately, a decent and well-rounded running shoe and competitively priced considering the quality.
About The Author
