Nike's Roshe Runs have become synonymous with the minimalist sportswear explosion popping up everywhere from city sidewalks to backyard high school bashes. The Roshes are now ubiquitous in the youth wardrobe for blurring the lines between casual wear and the sleek sporty look that Nike has so readily embodied for decades. Hailed as a go to staple for affordability and comfort, the Roshe Run has quickly grown into a contemporary classic yet it could be usurped by one of Nike's own creations.
Introducing the Kaishi Run.
The Look
Borrowing the Roshe silhouette, the Kaishi Run adds velvet tips at the heel, the signature Nike tick on a raised felt platform and webbing around the mid-sole of the shoe to sport a more refined and structured look. On first glance, the Roshes definitely still retain the sleeker casual look yet the Kaishi offer the unique versatility of adding a discreetly more sporty exterior to your outfit.
The Feel
The added support means more comfort than the typical Roshe and a body that will mould significantly easier to your feet creating a greater sense of uniform comfort. Additionally, the iconic raised white sole of the Roshe makes a return and ensures a smooth ride on flat and soft terrain but obviously is not one for hiking. It's simple ribbed inner lining is sufficient for light daily wear and won't strain your feet even after all day use. However this is by no means a replacement for a proper gym/sports/workout shoe so ensure that this remains firmly in the casual wear and lifestyle category. Finally, the all mesh upper also makes for nice breathability that allows the Kaishi to easily transition into a no socks summer pairing but do note that it is equally susceptible to heavy water retention in those all to common winter puddles if you're not too careful.
The Durability
As to be expected with a starkly white sole borrowed from the Roshe, the white bottom will require frequent cleaning if you want to retain it's initial gleaming colour scheme. However, it's typically only the bottom of the shoe that will start resembling the walls of industrial factory so if all you're concerned about is style then the Kaishi remains a low maintenance shoe.
At the $90 AUD price tag, build quality is suitable (as expected) but leaves some questions unanswered when the Nike logo on the in-sole has completely disappears after two outings. Then again, any Nike shoe comes with an inflated price tag for the iconic swoosh and that's something many would be willing to overlook.
The sole itself, despite the rapid grime collection, has held up well during daily use and despite a few loose ends is acceptable for the price tag but nothing to write home about.
Our Verdict
Ultimately, it's definitely a value for money shoe and a reliable style choice within Nike's ever expanding footwear catalogue. Yet, don't get us wrong, it's not the best shoe on the market in this price bracket but for effortless sportswear style for less than $100-you can't go too wrong with the Kaishi Run.
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- Saturday, July 04, 2015
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