Nike Women’s Training Shoes Review – Real Value at Budget Price?

Between work deadlines and evening yoga classes, finding training shoes that can actually keep up with our multitasking lives isn’t easy. Last month, while scrolling through budget-friendly options on Amazon, the Nike Women’s Legend Essential 2 at around $57 caught my attention. Sarah here, and as someone juggling fitness goals with a realistic budget, I was determined to see if these could deliver genuine value without breaking the bank. Six weeks of real-world testing later, here’s whether they live up to the hype.

Design, Build Quality & Real-World Performance

Right out of the box, these training shoes immediately felt different from my previous Nike purchases. The first thing that struck me was how incredibly lightweight they are – almost surprisingly so for a Nike product. The black, white, and platinum colorway is clean and versatile, easily transitioning from gym sessions to casual errands without looking out of place.

The synthetic upper construction feels adequate for the price point, though it’s clearly not premium materials. The mesh panels provide decent breathability, which I appreciated during those sweaty HIIT classes. However, I did notice the overall build quality feels lighter and less substantial than Nike’s higher-end training shoes. For someone used to more robust construction, this might feel a bit “cheap” initially, but it’s important to remember we’re talking about a $57 shoe here.

Sizing Reality Check – This is Important, Ladies!

Let me be completely honest about sizing because this is where many women have struggled with these shoes. After reading dozens of reviews mentioning sizing issues, I was prepared, but the reality still surprised me. These shoes run noticeably small – I’d estimate about a half to full size smaller than typical Nike women’s sizing.

I normally wear a size 8 in most Nike shoes, but in these, even an 8.5 felt snug. Several customers mentioned needing to size up significantly, and I can confirm this is accurate. If you prefer any wiggle room for your toes or plan to wear thicker athletic socks, definitely consider going up a full size. The toe box, while not narrow, doesn’t offer much extra space once you’re in your “true” size.

Comfort and Support During Workouts

During my six weeks of testing, I put these through various workout scenarios – from 45-minute HIIT classes to strength training sessions and even some light cardio. The lightweight design becomes a real advantage during high-intensity workouts where foot fatigue can be an issue. I noticed less leg fatigue during longer sessions compared to my heavier training shoes.

The cushioning is adequate for most gym activities, though it’s not comparable to Nike’s premium training lines. For weightlifting and circuit training, they provide sufficient support. However, during high-impact activities like box jumps or intense plyometrics, I could feel the limitations of the basic foam cushioning. One reviewer mentioned these helped reduce shin pain during running, and I can see how the lightweight design might benefit some women, though I wouldn’t recommend these as primary running shoes.

The arch support is minimal, which worked fine for my normal arches, but women with flat feet or high arches will likely need to add their own insoles. Several customers mentioned successfully using custom arch supports with these shoes, which is definitely doable given the relatively roomy interior (once you size up appropriately).

Performance in Various Training Conditions

HIIT and Circuit Training Performance

These shoes really shine during circuit training and HIIT workouts. The lightweight construction means less fatigue during those exhausting sessions, and the rubber sole provides adequate grip on gym floors. During lateral movements, quick direction changes, and bodyweight exercises, they felt stable and secure. The low-profile design gives good court feel, which I appreciated during agility ladder drills and burpee sequences.

However, during rope climbs (for those into CrossFit-style workouts), one reviewer showed significant wear after just one session. While I didn’t test rope climbing extensively, this suggests the synthetic upper might not hold up to the most abrasive gym activities. For typical HIIT classes and circuit training, though, they performed admirably.

Strength Training and Weightlifting

For weightlifting sessions, these shoes actually exceeded my expectations. The flat, stable sole provides good ground connection during squats and deadlifts. Several women mentioned specifically buying these for lifting, and I can understand why. The minimal heel-to-toe drop keeps you closer to the ground, which many lifters prefer for compound movements.

The lightweight design doesn’t compromise stability during heavy lifts, and the snug fit (once properly sized) provides good foot security inside the shoe. For women who primarily lift weights and do basic gym cardio, these could be an excellent budget choice.

All-Day Wearability and Versatility

One surprise benefit was how well these transitioned to everyday wear. Multiple reviewers mentioned using them for work, walking, and general daily activities. The lightweight design and clean colorway make them versatile beyond just gym use. I wore them for a full day of errands and work, and my feet felt comfortable throughout.

The breathability is decent, though not exceptional. During longer wear or particularly intense workouts, they do retain some moisture, but it’s manageable. For busy women who want one shoe that can handle morning workouts and transition to daytime activities, these are actually quite practical.

Does Nike Deliver on Their Training Shoe Promises?

Nike markets these as training shoes designed for gym workouts and cross-training activities. Let’s be honest about what they deliver versus what you might expect from the Nike brand:

What Nike Gets Right:
– Lightweight design genuinely helps during longer workout sessions
– Versatile enough for multiple training activities
– Clean, gym-appropriate aesthetic
– Stable platform for weightlifting
– Budget-friendly price point for Nike brand

Where Reality Differs from Expectations:
– Build quality feels budget-appropriate, not premium Nike quality
– Sizing runs significantly smaller than expected
– Cushioning is basic – adequate but not impressive
– Material quality is clearly cost-conscious
– Durability questions for intensive use

The key is managing expectations. At around $57, these aren’t competing with $120+ Nike trainers – they’re positioned as an entry-level option that carries the Nike brand recognition while delivering basic training functionality.

My Overall Assessment

Detailed Performance Scoring

What Other Women Are Saying

The community feedback reveals interesting patterns. Women consistently praise the lightweight feel and appreciate the versatility for both gym and daily wear. The sizing issue is universally mentioned – virtually every reviewer recommends sizing up. Spanish-speaking customers noted good value for the price (“Buena calidad con respecto al precio”) while also confirming sizing runs small (“corren pequeño”).

Positive themes include comfort once properly fitted, excellent value for Nike brand, and effectiveness for weightlifting. Critical feedback centers on durability concerns, basic material quality, and occasionally disappointing color accuracy compared to online photos.

The consensus seems to be: these are solid budget training shoes that deliver basic Nike quality at an accessible price, provided you size appropriately and set realistic expectations for the price point.

Final Verdict

The Good and The Bad

Who Should Buy the Nike Women’s Legend Essential 2?

These shoes are perfect for women who want Nike brand recognition and basic training functionality without the premium price tag. If you’re getting back into fitness, need a versatile gym shoe that can double as casual wear, or primarily focus on weightlifting and circuit training, these could be an excellent choice.

They’re particularly well-suited for busy women who need one shoe to handle morning workouts and transition to daily activities. The lightweight design and clean aesthetic make them practical for our multitasking lives.

Better Options for Specific Needs

If you need better cushioning: Consider investing in Nike’s higher-end training lines or add quality insoles to these.

If durability is crucial: Look at Nike’s Metcon series or other brands’ training shoes in the $80-120 range.

For serious running: These aren’t running shoes – invest in proper Nike running models like Air Zoom or React series.

For wide feet: These run narrow and small – consider Nike Free or other brands with wider toe boxes.

Final Recommendation

At around $57, the Nike Women’s Legend Essential 2 delivers solid value for budget-conscious women who understand they’re buying entry-level Nike quality. The key to satisfaction is proper sizing (order 0.5-1 size larger) and realistic expectations about durability and cushioning.

For the price point, they’re a smart choice that provides Nike brand credibility, versatile functionality, and adequate performance for most women’s training needs. Just remember – you’re getting exactly what you pay for, which in this case, is actually pretty good value.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Comprehensive Scoring Summary

Bottom Line: A solid budget training shoe that delivers Nike brand credibility and basic functionality for women who size appropriately and maintain realistic expectations for the price point.

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