Nike Motiva: The ultimate all-day walking shoe that doesn't sacrifice style

Finding a shoe that seamlessly transitions from morning workouts to brunch with friends to nights out exploring new cities can be a challenge. Enter the Nike Motiva, the perfect blend of comfort, support, and, most of all, style.

Whether you’re hitting the gym at dawn or enjoying an evening with friends, the Motiva fits into every aspect of your daily life, effortlessly. After thoroughly testing these shoes myself, I can confirm the Nike Motiva deserves a spot in your regular rotation and in your suitcase whenever you travel.

The Motiva is effortlessly versatile. (Photo: Rachael Schultz)

Starting the day right

Like most of us, when I head out the door in the morning, I am on the move until it’s time to change back into evening house slippers and hit the hay. One of the things I loved most about the Motiva during testing is that I could slide my feet in at the sound of my morning alarm and trust that I’d be both supported and styled for whatever the day ahead held.

Nike’s Motiva are crafted with a knit upper to create a super malleable and spacious encasing around your foot. They’re also designed with a widened forefoot, arch, and toe box, which, combined with the spacious upper material, offers plenty of room for feet of all shapes and sizes. (I, personally, normally find Nike’s too narrow in the forefoot but love the shape of the Motivas.)

The Motiva is designed with a widened forefoot, arch, and toe box. (Photo: Rachael Schultz)

Underfoot, a tall foam stack provides stability. But, like a pillowtop bed, this support is overlaid with a super-high cushioning to cradle your feet and soften every step. In my experience, this creates a spongy bounce — which, trust me, is something you want.

Whether it’s a brisk walks or a calming yoga session, running out the door in the Motivas has you supported for whatever’s in store in the day ahead.

Keeping up the momentum

Once my workout is done, the day is just beginning. I try and hit 10,000 steps everyday between regular walking breaks from work and running errands around town. Whether you’re in and out all day like me or on your feet all day at work, Nike Motiva are designed to maintain your energy levels and keep you comfortable all day long.

The iconic wavy pattern on the outsole does more than just deliver aesthetics: The design helps to absorb shock and bumps as you walk around throughout the day. The shoe is also crafted with an exaggerated rocker that helps to physically propel you forward so you can go for longer with less effort.

The Motiva will keep you comfortable all day long. (Photo: Rachael Schultz)

At just 10.8 ounces, these lightweight walking shoes won’t weigh your feet down, either. All together, these features save your lower limbs precious energy on long days out.

Another standout feature of the Motiva is the balance between support and flexibility. The knit upper not only provides a comfortable fit hour after hour, but also adapts to the shape of your foot, reducing pressure points and allowing for natural movement.

Unwinding with style

As the day winds down and you’re ready for relaxation, Motiva has you covered, whether headed to dinner with friends or for a casual stroll to score some quality time outside.

The clean lines, playful outsole wave, and crisp colors make Motiva universally stylish. (Photo: Rachael Schultz)

Motiva’s most prominent feature is its sleek and stylish design — which means you don’t have to sacrifice style for comfort as you move into the evening. The clean lines, playful outsole wave, and crisp colors make Motiva an universal and versatile accessory. Pair these shoes with a workout set or a button down and jeans and you’ve hit the sweet spot of fashion and function.

The Perfect all-day companion

If you’re looking for a sleek, stylish, and incredibly comfortable walking shoe to keep your feet supported all day, no matter what you have in store, Nike Motiva is the holy grail. They may not be perfect for everyone — but they’re a great shoe for most.

Pros

Comfortable Knit Upper: The knit upper is malleable and spacious, providing plenty of room for your toes while ensuring durability and containment.

Widened Toe Box: While most Nike shoes run narrow, the Motiva is designed with a spacious toe box to give your toes room to splay and grip more naturally.

Balanced Midsole: The combination of a rigid midsole cushioned by foam offers both stability and comfort.

Pronounced Heel Cup: Adds to the overall support and keeps your heel secure.

Versatile Design: Sleek and stylish, suitable for both workouts and casual outings.

Durability: Despite its soft upper and squishy midsole, the shoe is built to last.

Cons

This shoe caters toward neutral arch types and might not be supportive enough for high arches. That said, the insole is removable and can easily be replaced with better arch support.

After just a few wears, the foam sole of my Motivas has already developed some crinkles. Overall, I don’t think this detracts from the killer aesthetic, but those who like their walking shoes in pristine condition may feel differently.

Final thoughts on the Motiva

In the realm of walking shoes, the Nike Motiva stands out for its ability to blend comfort, support, and style. The structured yet soft feel underfoot, coupled with a versatile aesthetic and functional energy-return design all make it a fantastic option for anyone looking for a shoe that can handle a dynamic and active day.

While the arch support may not be ideal for everyone, that’s easily remedied and the overall comfort and durability of the Motiva make it a worthy addition to your footwear collection. Whether you’re starting your day with a workout or ending it with a night out, Motiva is a great-looking all-day companion.