Looking for a pair of casual sneakers? Sharing my honest thoughts on Nike Waffle Debut Womens Shoes for anyone considering this style.
Last fall, I was on the hunt for a pair of sneakers I could wear with leggings or jeans, and maybe even a skirt depending on my mood. Something casual, not necessarily fitness-forward, but comfortable. If you’ve ever shopped for sneakers, you understand that’s a tall order. The catch? I also wanted them to be colorful. Another tall order in a world of neutral tones. I digress. I was browsing the internet one night and I saw a woman wearing green sneakers and I thought…I love those! I ordered the Women’s Nike Waffle Debut style immediately and I’ve been wearing them ever since.
My Honest Nike Waffle Debut Womens Shoes Review
Nike Waffle Debut sneakers are a modern iteration of the iconic Waffle racing flat, originally introduced by Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman in the early 1970s. The Waffle Debut pays homage to the brand’s rich heritage while incorporating contemporary design elements and honestly, they remind me of the iconic black and white sneakers Joe Paterno wore. Nike offers the Waffle Debut sneakers in a variety of colorways to suit different style preferences, ranging from bold and vibrant hues to more understated options and they are available for both men and women.
My only hesitation in ordering the sneakers was that I worried about keeping the suede and nylon clean. More on that in a bit! I was so excited I shared a snap on my Instagram stories…
Nike Waffle Debut Sizing + Fit
I am always a little worried about shoe sizing, especially when it comes to sneakers. For running, I definitely size up half a size, but I wasn’t intending to run in these and so I ordered my regular size. In my opinion, they fit true to size. I would not stray too far from what you’d normally wear.
The first thing I noticed when I put them on is just how comfortable they are. They don’t rub my bunions (#realtalk) or squish my feet. Nike shoes typically run narrow and I do not have narrow feet (quite the opposite to be honest), and I don’t have any issues, even after more than 6 months of consistent wear. The shoes do not have a ton of arch support, but for a normal arch (like mine), I don’t have issues.
Nike Waffle Debut Review After 6 Months of Wear
One of the aspects that immediately caught my attention was the color availability. Nike has truly outdone themselves in this department, offering a diverse range of hues to suit every taste and style preference. From vibrant pops of color like electric green and vivid pink to more understated options like classic black and white, there’s something for everyone in the Waffle Debut lineup. I obviously opted for green and I can honestly say that every time I wear them, someone asks about them or makes a compliment. As the seasons change, I have noticed that Nike keeps introducing more colors. I’d love to see a royal blue!
Like I mentioned above, as I slipped my feet into these sneakers, I was struck by just how comfortable they felt, and I still feel that way even after consistent wear. They still have the plush cushioning I felt the day I put them on, which is kind of amazing. While I didn’t buy them with the intention of working out, I’ve definitely worn them for all-day walking, dog adventures, running errands, and for going out with no issues. They hold up very well!
Of course, no discussion of footwear would be complete without mentioning the price. Thankfully, Nike has managed to strike the perfect balance between quality and affordability with the Waffle Debut sneakers. Mine were around $80 (sometimes they go on sale) and other colors are cheaper. Just keep your eyes open for sales!
One of my concerns for the upkeep of these sneakers was maintaining their vibrant color – would the suede look dull? The nylon stain? I will admit, I am careful about when I wear these, like if I know it will rain or snow is coming, but I’ve definitely gotten caught outside in the rain while wearing them and they have held up beautifully! To clean the soles and nylon, I use a damp cloth, and to clean the suede, I use a brush. If this is what is holding you back from buying them – don’t.
The biggest complaint I see about these shoes is that the tongue of the sneakers where the logo is shows exposed yellow foam. And it’s true – you can see the foam insides – but honestly, that doesn’t bother me at all. Maybe it’s the color I have, but I don’t find it to be visible or even really bother me (it plays into the retro feel), and it’s not something I really even noticed, but my mom got a pair in purple and it really bothered her, so it’s something to consider.
All in all, these shoes were a great purchase and I would absolutely buy them again.
If you liked this post, you may also enjoy My Thoughts On Lake Pajamas or A Review of UpWest Clothing