Nike Air Max Sequent 3 Men’s Review – Detailed Testing Reveals Surprising Results at $79

Sunday afternoon, hunting for reliable running shoes under $100, the Nike Air Max Sequent 3 caught my attention on Amazon. Mike here, and as a guy who’s burned through more running shoes than I care to count, I was optimistic but cautious about this mid-range Nike. That’s why I spent 6 weeks putting these through every test I could imagine, from daily runs to gym sessions. Here’s whether they actually deliver on Nike’s promises.

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, the Sequent 3 feels substantial without being heavy. The mesh upper has that classic Nike breathability, but what caught my attention was the plastic cage system – it’s clearly inspired by the iconic Air Max designs from the ’90s. At 10.8 ounces, these aren’t the lightest runners I’ve tested, but they don’t feel clunky either.

The Anthracite/Metallic Silver/Black colorway is versatile – dark enough to hide dirt during trail runs, but with enough metallic accent to look sharp with jeans. The synthetic leather overlays add durability where you need it most, especially around high-wear areas like the toe box and heel counter.

Fit and Lockdown Performance

Here’s where I need to be real with you guys – sizing is crucial with these. Based on my testing and what I’m seeing from other users, these run about a half-size small. I normally wear a 10.5 in most running shoes, but the 11 was the sweet spot for the Sequent 3. The toe box has decent room once you size up, and the heel cup locks down nicely without any slipping.

The lacing system works well, though you’ll want to snug them up properly – these aren’t slip-ons. I found the sweet spot was tight enough for security but loose enough to allow natural foot expansion during longer runs.

Cushioning and Support Analysis

The foam midsole with the Nike Air unit delivers exactly what you’d expect from this price point. It’s not the plush, cloud-like cushioning of premium models, but it’s responsive enough for daily training. During my 6-week testing period, I put these through everything from easy 3-mile recovery runs to tempo sessions, and the cushioning held up consistently.

At my 175 lbs, the 10mm drop felt natural for heel-to-toe transition. The arch support is moderate – not minimal like some modern runners, but not overly structured either. If you use orthotics, several reviewers mentioned these accommodate them well with the proper sizing adjustment.

On-the-Road Performance

After 180+ miles across various surfaces, here’s what I discovered: these shoes excel at being reliable daily trainers rather than high-performance speed demons. The Waffle outsole provides solid traction on pavement and light trails, though I wouldn’t recommend them for technical terrain.

Breathability and Comfort During Extended Use

The mesh upper performs well in moderate temperatures. During summer runs in 80°F+ weather, my feet stayed reasonably comfortable, though these aren’t the most ventilated shoes I’ve tested. For gym workouts and shorter runs, the breathability is perfectly adequate.

Where these really shine is all-day comfort. I’ve worn them for 8+ hour days on my feet, and the cushioning doesn’t bottom out like some budget options. The foam maintains its responsiveness even after extended wear.

Durability After Real-World Testing

Six weeks in, the construction is holding up well. The mesh shows minimal wear, and the synthetic overlays are doing their job protecting high-stress areas. The outsole wear is even and reasonable for the mileage I’ve put on them.

However, I did notice what some other users mentioned – the sole can be slippery on wet surfaces. It’s not dangerous, but you’ll want to be cautious during rainy conditions or on freshly mopped gym floors.

Performance in Various Running Conditions

Daily Training Runs (5-8 miles)

This is where the Sequent 3 truly excels. For easy-pace runs around 8:30-9:00/mile, these provide comfortable, consistent performance. The cushioning absorbs impact well without feeling mushy, and the 10mm drop promotes a natural heel-to-toe transition.

Tempo and Speed Work

While not designed for racing, I tested these during several tempo runs at 7:00-7:30/mile pace. They’re adequate for moderate-intensity work, though you can feel the weight compared to dedicated racing flats. For most recreational runners doing occasional pickups, they’ll handle the job.

Gym and Cross-Training

Surprisingly versatile for weightlifting and general gym work. The stable platform works well for squats and deadlifts, and they transition seamlessly from the weight room to the treadmill. The ankle support from the higher collar is noticeable during lateral movements.

Does Nike Deliver on Their Promises?

Nike markets these as performance running shoes with lightweight cushioning and heritage style. Let’s break down their claims:

“Lightweight cushioning” – At 10.8 oz, they’re not ultralight, but the cushioning-to-weight ratio is reasonable. The Nike Air unit does provide impact absorption without excessive bulk.

“Mesh upper feels light and airy” – Accurate. The mesh construction offers good ventilation and doesn’t feel restrictive during runs.

“Supportive plastic cage” – This delivers as promised. The cage system provides midfoot support without being overly rigid, and it’s definitely a nod to classic Air Max aesthetics.

“Durable traction with heritage style” – The Waffle outsole provides solid grip on most surfaces, and the retro-inspired design hits the mark for Nike fans.

The claims largely hold up, though “lightweight” is relative in this category. These deliver on being reliable, comfortable daily trainers with classic Nike styling.

My Overall Assessment

After 6 weeks and 180+ miles, the Nike Air Max Sequent 3 earns solid marks as a dependable daily trainer. They’re not groundbreaking, but they execute the fundamentals well at a reasonable price point.

Detailed Scoring Breakdown

What Other Runners Are Saying

The community feedback aligns with my experience. Positive themes include comfort, reliability, and good value. Multiple long-term users mentioned buying the same model repeatedly, which speaks to satisfaction. Spanish-speaking customers consistently noted “excelente calidad” (excellent quality) and durability.

The main complaints center around sizing inconsistency and the need to order a half-size larger. Some users mentioned sole wear on concrete, though my testing didn’t reveal excessive wear patterns.

Value Assessment

At $79, the Sequent 3 sits in the sweet spot for daily trainers. You’re getting genuine Nike Air technology, solid construction, and versatile performance without premium pricing. Compared to $120+ options, these deliver 85% of the performance at 65% of the cost.

For runners putting in 15-25 miles per week, these represent excellent value. Higher-mileage runners might want to invest in specialized models, but for the majority of recreational athletes, the Sequent 3 handles daily training admirably.

Final Verdict

Who Should Buy the Nike Air Max Sequent 3?

Perfect for:

• Recreational runners doing 15-30 miles per week
• Gym-goers who want running/lifting versatility
• Nike fans seeking classic Air Max styling
• Budget-conscious athletes wanting reliable performance
• People needing comfortable all-day shoes
• Those who prefer traditional 10mm drop shoes

Look elsewhere if:

• You need ultralight racing shoes
• Wide feet require accommodating fit
• You run primarily on wet/slippery surfaces
• Zero-drop or minimal shoes are your preference
• You’re a high-mileage competitive runner

Better Options for Specific Needs

For racing: Nike Zoom Pegasus or Adidas Boston series
For wide feet: New Balance 1080 or ASICS Gel-Nimbus
For maximum cushioning: HOKA Clifton or Nike Air Zoom Vomero
For trail running: Nike Pegasus Trail or Salomon Sense series

Final Recommendation

The Nike Air Max Sequent 3 earns a solid recommendation for daily training and versatile athletic use. At $79, it delivers reliable performance with classic Nike styling. Remember to size up half a size, and you’ll have a dependable training partner for 300-500 miles.

For the vast majority of recreational runners and fitness enthusiasts, these provide excellent value without compromise. They’re not revolutionary, but they execute the fundamentals expertly – which is exactly what most of us need from our daily trainers.

🛒 Get the best deal:

Frequently Asked Questions

Do the Nike Air Max Sequent 3 run true to size?

No, based on my testing and community feedback, these run about half a size small. I recommend ordering a half size larger than your normal running shoe size. The fit becomes much more comfortable with this adjustment.

How much do the Nike Air Max Sequent 3 weigh?

Men’s size 9 weighs 10.8 ounces. They’re not ultralight by modern standards, but the weight feels balanced and not overly heavy during runs. The cushioning justifies the additional weight.

Are these good for wide feet?

The Sequent 3 has a relatively narrow fit, even when sized up properly. If you have wide feet, you might want to consider New Balance or ASICS models that offer wide width options. Some users reported success with foot stretchers, but it’s not ideal.

How long do Nike Air Max Sequent 3 last?

Based on my testing and user reports, expect 300-500 miles of running use, or 12-18 months of regular daily wear. The build quality is solid for this price range, with even wear patterns and good material durability.

Can you use these for gym workouts?

Absolutely. These work well for weightlifting, general gym activities, and cross-training. The stable platform is good for squats and deadlifts, while the cushioning handles treadmill work effectively.

Are Nike Air Max Sequent 3 good for plantar fasciitis?

The moderate arch support and heel cushioning can help, but they’re not specifically designed for plantar fasciitis. If you use custom orthotics, these accommodate them well when sized up appropriately. Consult your doctor for specific medical advice.

What’s the heel-to-toe drop?

The Sequent 3 has a 10mm drop (24mm heel, 14mm forefoot). This is traditional for daily trainers and promotes natural heel-to-toe transition during runs.

Are these shoes good for marathon training?

They work well for easy miles and general aerobic runs during marathon training, but I’d recommend lighter, more responsive shoes for tempo runs and long runs over 15 miles. They’re excellent for recovery runs and easy training days.

How’s the breathability?

The mesh upper provides good ventilation for most conditions. They handle moderate temperatures well, though they’re not the most breathable shoes available. Perfect for gym use and running in temperatures up to 80°F.

Do they work for trail running?

Light trail use only. The Waffle outsole provides decent traction on packed dirt and easy trails, but these aren’t designed for technical terrain, rocks, or muddy conditions. Stick to roads and light paths.

Review Scoring Summary

Get the best price on Amazon: