The ZoomX Invincible Run 3 Breaks In The Newly-Renamed Nike Track & Field Center At The Armory

2023 is about new beginnings, for me and you as well as New York’s The Armory, one of the most prestigious track facilities not just in the city but the entire United States.
 
Located on 168th street, in the heart of Washington Heights, The Armory is widely considered to be a mecca for track and field athletes, who — alongside students from all five boroughs — have cultivated their talents along the facility’s 200-meter Mondo track. 

Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory

And for the better part of the past few years, many of these runners were familiar with seeing New Balance’s name sprawled across the time-honored institution’s banners. But as of January 12th, 2023, that is no longer the case, as Nike is now taking over as the official sponsor of The Armory.

Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory

Not just a simple changing of the guard, Nike coming together with The Armory means quite a bit for the world of running, as the community and opportunities created within the legendary track facility’s walls are now beginning to grow further and further.
 
Now named the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory, the institution will continue to foster the talents and skills of children of all ages. 

Together, the two will enhance and expand upon many of The Armory’s existing, acclaimed initiatives — including the CityTrack, Little Feet, and Tiny Feet programs for elementary and middle school kids; the Armory College Prep program for high school and middle school students; and the Great Minds program for those younger.  

Nike and The Armory are very much a perfect fit, a sentiment Jonathan Schindel and Rita Finkel, Co-Presidents of The Armory, certainly share.

Community Panel 

“The synergy between our organization and Nike cannot be overstated,” said Schindel. He then expresses gratitude to the brand, as now The Armory will not only be able to expand its outreach but also ensure that the children of neighboring communities — Washington Heights, Inwood, and Harlem — will continue to have the opportunities to develop both their minds as well as their passion for movement.
 
“Our partnership with The Armory Foundation underscores Nike’s deep commitment to ensuring that communities have access to running and opportunities to play and stay active,” adds Roderick Blaylock, Vice President, NYC, NIKE, Inc. “The Armory is not only one of the preeminent track & field facilities in the world, but it also has a long history of preparing students as young as fourth grade for higher education and college. Rooted in our belief that running and sports have the power to bring people together, we are teaming up with The Armory to champion community and athletes.”
 
The Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory will also be a hub for various events, such as the annual HBCU showcase. What’s more, the Nike Indoor Nationals, too, will be touching down at the facility from March 10th to 12th. The premier championship event of the high school track and field indoor season, the Nike Indoor Nationals will see 3,500 of the top prep athletes compete against one another on the “fastest track in the world.”  

In the spirit of new beginnings, the Swoosh christened the newly-renamed Nike Track & Field Center At The Armory with an early preview of the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3, the third entry into one of the footwear brand’s most popular franchises.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

Quite a bit is new with the Invincible Run Flyknit 3, from the technology and cushioning to the design of the shoe itself. The Flyknit upper, for starters, has evolved since the last installment, with zones of breathability meticulously placed where the foot heats up most. Durability and strength is not at all compromised as a result, either, and billow cables ensure stability and support through the midfoot.
 
Below, the Invincible Run Flyknit 3 boasts a thick slab of ZoomX cushioning that is as wide as it is tall, which contributes to both the bounce as well as the stability of the shoe. What’s more impressive is the bottom’s shape, whose rocker-like design provides support for the three different phases of a runner’s stride. Expect flexibility as your foot lifts off the ground, a smooth ride forward, and a soft landing at ground contact.

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3

And while the wide, exaggerated shape of the forefoot may not be for everyone, it as well as the sole unit is what makes the Invincible Run Flyknit 3 so special. Tim Ramirez, Senior Director of North America Brand Running at Nike, firmly stands by the shoe for these characteristics as well as several others, claiming that the upcoming sneaker is, for him, “the perfect shoe.” Ramirez goes on to state that the model can accommodate a wider range of runners, from overpronators to supinators, as the ZoomX foam will react to the stride itself.

Running Panel 

When comparing the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 to its predecessors, Ramirez — who ran in the previous models — saw noticeable improvements in the underfoot feel. “The transition is just so much smoother,” he mentions, attributing said quality to the runner’s 9mm offset and the contoured, rocker-like shape of the midsole. But if you’re not at all familiar with the prior installments but have a positive experience with the Alphafly or Vaporfly series, Ramirez asserts that you’re likely to love the ZoomX cushioning on offer here. In his words, “focus on the foam.”
 
If you’d like to test out the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit 3 for yourself, the model is scheduled to launch in early February. As we await its release, check out a closer look at some of the upcoming colorways below.