For the longest time, the Nike Roshe Run was the number one shoe in the world but then came the Nike Tanjun and threatened to steal the crown.
I recommend the Nike Tanjun over the Nike Roshe Run for the Tanjun’s new and improved look and the new technologies introduced in the model.
While the Roshe Run is still available and sells well, the Tanjun has taken over as the best-loved shoe in today’s market.
The two models are very similar in most aspects. In fact, most shoe enthusiasts feel that the Tanjun is a revamped version of the original Roshe Run.
Both shoes excel in comfort. It is hard to find better-reviewed shoes than these when it comes to the feel and weight. That’s why the winning factor for the Nike Tanjun, are the changes to the aesthetics of the mid-sole, vamp (top of the shoe over the toes) and eyestay (area where the shoe strings go through).
Nike Tanjun Review
The Nike Tanjun is the latest revolution in Nike’s line of lightweight trainers. True to the Japanese meaning of the word tanjun which is simplicity, these sneakers have a simple, streamlined design, that aims at giving you an elevated everyday look.
Nike Tanjun Upper Info- It is all about comfort
At a glance, you can tell that the Nike Tanjun is geared towards everyday comfort. Its upper consists of a diamond patterned mesh. It has thin yet durable perforated layers that make the toebox so breathable to an extent you can feel the air passing through.
With its excellent breathability, this sneaker is a staple shoe for both summer and spring. You might consider these sneakers not only for running but also for use as off-duty regular shoes and even for work, especially if it involves standing for long hours.
Without forgetting, the toe box has a no-sew design which is incredibly supple. The toe box is also true to width and roomy enough to please anyone with a bunion. The significant benefit to this model is to minimize pressure points. This sounds like a good deal to athletes who do not wear socks with their shoes. The no-sew toebox hugs your foot gently and also allows an enhanced range of motion, to mimic a barefoot experience.
Moving further up, the Tanjun has lots of padding around the collar area for total comfort. What I like here is that the filling is lightweight and breathable. It tends to lock your foot into the shoe thereby offering excellent ankle support while still allowing natural flex. This padding is felt all the way to the front and even on the tongue for an enhanced in-shoe feel.
How does your foot feel inside the Nike Tanjun?
Similar to other Nike sneakers, the Tanjun also has a soft textile interior that has a fantastic plush feel. This lining offers you long-lasting comfort with minimal compression.
Inside, the Tanjun sneakers have an insole that packs a punch in cushioning your feet from shock. What you’ll probably like with these insoles is that they are removable. This means that you can replace them with any other orthotic or over-the-counter insoles of your choice.
Fit and Sizing
The tanjun are sold as true to size and width out of the box. I did not experience any variation with my sneakers. I usually wear number 8, and that is what I ordered.
However, from other buyers’ reviews, the size seems hit and miss. Some claim that their shoes were a half inch bigger than expected while others report that theirs ran small. I would recommend you to order a half-inch up especially if you are wide-footed.
Another notable highlight with the Nike Tanjun is its snug lacing system. Its excellent flexibility gives this model a slip-on design that is an easy eye-grabber for most athletes.
How is the sole?
The Injected Unit (IU) with the Tanjun is undoubtedly what makes them so lightweight. The sole and the midsole are a one-piece unit. It is engineered from EVA foam and has a waffle pattern that makes the sneakers very light. My size 8 weighs only 8oz.
The outsoles also have an above-average grip on different surfaces except for snow. Unfortunately, given the synthetic material used in their construction, the soles lose their traction pretty quickly. Despite being sold as suitable for runners, their lightweight sole and midsole feel are pretty much on the fragile side. With that, I would not recommend them for running if you want them to last long.
Nike Roshe Run Review
The Nike Roshe is a pretty decent and comfortable shoe that comes at a fair price point for its look and comfort.
These sneakers do not tick lots of boxes regarding embellishment, but they are game-changer sneakers for a great deal of minimalist Nike fans looking for a simple, stylish, and fun pair of casual shoes.
Before getting into its details, allow me to make it clear that this is not the best shoe for running. While it makes you feel like you are floating in the air, its sole’s durability is a notable concern, and may not withstand an avid runner for long before ripping off. So let not the ‘’Run’’ in its name deceive you.
Simply Comfortable
The Roshe wins almost every user’s approval on the comfort front. If you are looking for a pair of sneakers that you can stand or walk in for hours, these shoes fit the bill.
The fully padded collar, to begin with, is impressive from the start. It offers you optimum support around the ankle, and is also super protective.
These trainers feature a seamless, breathable mesh for their construction. The mesh is somewhat stretchy and epitomizes a pair of trainers that you can wear with or without socks. In the inside, the Roshe has a plush sleeve that acts as a mid-foot wrap.
By the same vein, these Roshe also feature a removable super comfortable insole. These insoles aren’t what you get with typical running shoes.
The difference with these is that they have some ridges that tend to massage you as you walk. However, these ribs can be a bit tough on your feet and somehow uncomfortable if you intend to wear your sneakers without some socks.
The breathable design of these shoes means that you can comfortably wear them in hot months without getting sweaty and overly smelly.
Unfortunately, this breathability is both a strength and weakness since they are not quite as good in wet weather.
Nike Roshe Run true to size
What we like about these sneakers is that they come in perfect sizes. In comparison, there are way fewer complaints about size with the Roshe than the Tanjun. So that is a big plus for Roshe. This true-to-size feature, combined with the stretchy outer-mesh and air-filled phylon midsole, make these probably the most comfortable shoes you will ever be in.
Cushion Phylon Mid-sole
For those who are new to these terms, phylon is a lightweight, low-profile material made from EVA foam pellets. The compression-mold technology used to make it renders it well as a responsive material that deadens most of the shock as you walk or jog.
This sole’s functionality is accentuated by the waffle-inspired outsole pattern that grips so well on multiple surfaces.
Let us talk Design
Personally, I like the Roshe due to its simplicity. The Nike Roshe comes in numerous colorways. Whether you are more into straight solid colors or combinations, the Roshe has got you covered.
The wide variety of straight bold colors means that you will get a pair or two to match up easily with your workout attire.
On this note too, I really like how my feet feel in these. They are super comfortable and lightweight. I feel like I could get several hundred miles out of them with proper care.
How do the Nike Tanjun and the Roshe compare?
The Nike Tanjun looks pretty much similar to the original Roshe. Some standard features between the two include the no-sew toebox and the breathable mesh all-around construction.
They also sport a cushion phylon midsole that highly contributes to their lightweight design.
How do they differ?
A closer look at the two sneakers reveals that the Nike Tanjun features a seamless fiber construction design all through. On the other hand, the Roshe has several panels stitched together. While the two shoes are intended for the minimalists, the Tanjun seems to have a much lower profile than the Roshe.
The Roshe’s more eye-grabbing silhouette is further accentuated by its metal-reinforced eyelets which the Tanjun lacks. On this note too, the Roshe has an additional set of holes on the tongue that does not contribute much to its functionality, but further steps up its appeal.
The swoosh logo on the Roshe also appears to have been designed from the mesh material itself. On the other hand, the swoosh on the Tanjun is a leather logo that has been firmly attached.
The two sneakers are comfortable to wear. However, the Roshe has 2 pull up loops that make putting them on a tad easier. I do not mean that the Tanjun are not easy to wear, though. In fact, their lacing system makes slipping into the shoes much more comfortable.
Again, the Roshe has slightly raised collars that give it a boot-like design which can be both a pro or a con to different users. For instance, I don’t like sneakers that reach higher up my ankles especially when running. However, for anyone who can get past this, then the Roshe is the ultimate trainer between the two.
