Nike Motiva - Women's Review

The Nike Motiva has a lot going for it. The midsole cushioning is plus and offers an excellent energy return. On the other hand, the pronounced rocker may not be suitable for every use, and we found that overheating may be a concern in warm environments.

Comfort

The Nike Motiva presents an interesting comfort story. Right out of the box, I noticed the shoe's defining characteristic - an aggressive rocker design that significantly influences how you walk. During the first 1,000 steps of my walking test, I found myself naturally adjusting to a more pronounced heel-strike pattern as the rocker guides you through to toe-off. While this took some getting used to, the shoe prevented any hot spots, despite having a relatively narrow toe box—a testament to the well-designed upper materials that provide just enough give.

The fit runs true to size and accommodates regular-width feet well, though it's worth noting this shoe only comes in one width option. The heel collar features substantial padding, which enhances comfort but occasionally pulls socks down during extended walks. For ease of entry, you can slip these on if the laces are loose; however, this compromises the secure fit that most walkers will want. I found the optimal setup requires traditional lacing and adjustment.

Support

When it comes to support, the Motiva impressed me with its rock-solid foundation. During my rigidity test, the sole showed minimal flex except at the toe - exactly what we look for in a supportive walking shoe. This stiffness, combined with excellent lateral stability, creates a very secure platform. While testing on stairs and varied terrain, I experienced no issues with ankle stability, despite the pronounced rocker design.

The lacing system deserves particular praise. I could achieve a customized fit by adjusting pressure across different zones of the foot, and the laces stayed securely tied throughout my walking tests. The twist test revealed minimal torsional movement, indicating good structural integrity; however, I did notice a slight medial roll during my gait analysis. This suggests the Motiva may not be the best choice for severe overpronators, though neutral walkers and mild overpronators should find adequate support.

Traction

The Motiva features Nike's signature waffle pattern grip on the toe and heel sections, complemented by a wavy lug pattern across the midfoot. This configuration performed admirably in my multi-surface testing, scoring particularly well on concrete and tile. Even in wet conditions, the dense rubber compound maintained a reliable grip on the pavement. The gravel performance was surprisingly decent, though not outstanding.

Weight

The Nike Motiva weighs in at 8.2 ounces, making it one of the heavier walking shoes we tested. Despite the added bulk, the Motiva's weight doesn't seem to hinder its performance during use. In fact, the substantial midsole and sturdy construction contribute to a very stable, supportive ride that feels confidence-inspiring, even when tackling stairs or uneven terrain.

Durability

Construction quality appears solid, with reinforced eyelets and clean stitching throughout. After extensive testing, I noticed some wrinkling in the midsole foam, although this hasn't impacted performance. For maintenance, Nike recommends hand-washing rather than machine-washing. The knit upper cleans easily with a damp cloth and hasn't shown any significant wear points during our testing period.

Should You Buy the Nike Motiva?

The Nike Motiva is an excellent choice for walkers seeking a stable, well-cushioned shoe who don't mind adapting to a pronounced rocker design. Its combination of support and comfort makes it particularly suitable for those spending long hours on their feet on hard surfaces. The shoe excels at encouraging proper heel-to-toe movement, although this same feature may feel intrusive to those who prefer a more natural gait. Given its stability and cushioning, it's best suited for neutral walkers or those with mild overpronation who prioritize impact absorption.

What Other Walking Shoes Should You Consider?

If the Motiva's rocker design feels too aggressive, consider the Brooks Ghost Max Cushion, which offers similar cushioning with a more traditional feel. For those seeking a more minimal walking experience, the Altra Experience Flow provides excellent ground feel with a wide toe box. And if maximum stability is your priority, the Hoka Transport offers superior motion control with its structured support system.