Nike Quest 1.5

A basic rubber compound makes up the Quest 1.5’s outsole, covering the entire underfoot area to protect against possible wear and tear. It also features an asymmetrical tread pattern that balances the foot and aids in overall performance. The sole’s medial side and toes have a waffle-iron tread pattern several triangular holes carves in between the lugs. The lateral side and heel feature a long series of horizontal lines and shallow grooves, with deep flex grooves running across the heel and down the length of the foot. This design increases the shoe’s level of traction while also making it much easier to move around in. The rubber extends up and curls over the tip of the toes to provide some protection against accidental impact.

Nike’s trademarked Phylon technology is used to create the Quest 1.5’s midsole unit. It’s made by compressing EVA foam pellets that are the heated, expanded, and left to cool inside of a mold. This process allows for a much more durable material than standard EVA that offers more rigid support and greater protection against possible hazards underfoot. A long line of very small and shallow grooves wraps completely around to increase this feature’s overall responsiveness and bounce-back. An insole is also present for added cushioning and comfort.

The Quest 1.5 features a partial bootie construction that works to actively reduce chafing and possible skin irritations. Its collar points up at the back and is tapered slightly, creating a pull-tab that won’t rub against the heel. Jacquard mesh is used as the upper’s primary material, providing constant breathability along with a more durable wear than standard mesh. This is paired with a smoother fabric that also makes up the shoe’s lining, creating a very comfortable in-shoe feel. Another standout feature is its Flywire-based lacing system, with Flywire cables attached to the midsole and pulled through triangular-shaped holes along the midfoot. This acts as a minimalistic internal midfoot cage and allows for a very secure yet customizable fit.

No online listings or reviews mention how much the Quest 1.5 weighs. Even its predecessor’s weight isn’t currently listed on any online retailer or review website. Its overall construction does seem lightweight, yet similar models have weighed anywhere between 8 oz. and 12 oz. depending on their size range. Either way, several reviews have indicated that this model was very easy to move around in and did not feel cumbersome at any point.

Among the many benefits of the Quest 1.5’s jacquard mesh upper is the highly breathable wear that it provides. Aided further by its soft fabric lining and lack of aggressive overlays, air can easily reach the foot chamber and target hotspots from all directions. Its partial-bootie construction, especially the tapered pint at the back of the collar, aids further by not rubbing against the skin and causing excessive sweating and irritations. All of this results in a cooler and dryer wear that keeps that runner’s skin free of blisters and possible infections throughout the day.

Most reviewers seem to be happy with the Quest 1.5’s level of comfort. Its full-length Phylon midsole gives long-lasting cushioning and responsiveness, protecting the underfoot from the pain and fatigue that comes at the end of the day. Its Jacquard mesh upper comes complete with a highly breathable wear, soft fabric lining, and partial bootie construction. All three of these qualities work together to keep the foot properly supported, comfortable, and free of any possible skin irritations or odor. With that said, there are some who feel that it lacks arch support. Others have stated that it doesn’t exactly fit true to size.

The Quest 1.5 has retained the same sleek and stylish look as its predecessor, except with a more form-fitting upper. It features no aggressive overlays or fabric pull tabs, relying instead on layering, Flywire cables, and a partial-bootie construction that makes for easier insertion and more accurate ankle support. The Nike logo is featured prominently on the medial forefoot and lateral heel. Overall, its design allows it to pair incredibly well with a number of different athletic or casual outfits. Black and grey seem to be the most common color options sold in this model, although a red version is also quite popular with buyers.

Although reviews don’t seem to touch on the Quest 1.5’s level of durability, this can easily be determined by looking at its materials and overall build. The rubber compound is made to hold up well against constant use of road surfaces. Its Phylon midsole is much sturdier than standard EVA foam, allowing it to cushion the runner for longer and hold up against more aggressive activity. The same can be said for its Jacquard mesh upper, which features a highly adaptive wear that allows it to better resist wear and tear. The Flywire cables are arguably this shoe’s strongest feature, and they have to be in order to maintain the lacing system and hold the foot in place.

Runners after afforded a decent amount of protection from everyday hazards whenever they wear the Quest 1.5. The asymmetrical tread pattern on its outsole keeps the runner balanced and allows them to grip the surface underneath for a secure run. It also curls over the tip of the toes for a bit of protection against accidental impact. Its full-length Phylon midsole gives a responsive wear that reduces overall pain and fatigue. While the Jacquard mesh upper’s breathable wear staves off odor and infections, Flywire cables and a partial bootie construction ensure that the shoe doesn’t accidentally fly off.

The Quest 1.5’s Phylon midsole is made by compressing and heating EVA pellets before letting them cool down in a mold. This process gives the material higher levels of shock absorption and energy transfer that keep the runner safe and stabilized as they run and train. A line of very small grooves can be seen wrapping around the side of the midsole, enhancing its responsive qualities even further and allowing the runner to stay powered up for even longer. The upper’s mesh material also offers some responsiveness, completely adapting to the foot’s every bend and flex.

The Quest 1.5’s Phylon midsole gives the runner long-lasting and continuous support as they run and train, thanks to its articulated design and responsive nature. Its Jacquard mesh upper and Flywire cables add to this quality on its own by wrapping completely around the foot while adapting to its every move, ensuring a fit that truly feels like a sock. Even the shape of its collar allows more much more accurate ankle support. However, there are some reviewers who claim that this model doesn’t provide enough when it comes to the underfoot area, particularly in the arches.

The Quest 1.5’s traction and supportive features allow it to be used for both road running and indoor workouts. Its tread pattern keeps the runner moving along steadily across concrete and asphalt, and it also works to keep them steady as they train. Its Phylon midsole and Jacquard mesh upper keep the top of the foot supported and steady during these activities, and the breathable mesh becomes especially useful during warmer weather and more intense training. Of course, its fashionable design also makes it ideal for much more casual settings.

The Quest 1.5’s price really depends on which site the buyer chooses to purchase it from. Amazon has this model listed for anywhere between $100 and $140, which is definitely within the range of what Nike would charge for this type of running shoe. On the other hand, a number of discount and second-hand sites are selling it for as low as $65. Although this shoe’s style, versatility, and overall level of comfort would make this price point an incredible bargain, it’s best to purchase from a reliable source to know that you’re truly getting a great product.

The Quest 1.5’s unusual, asymmetrical tread pattern allows for more stable traction throughout the day. The toes and medial side feature a waffle-iron design that grips onto the ground below, be it dirt or concrete. It also steadies the runner and helps to power them forward during the toe-off phase of the gait cycle. On the other hand, the horizontal lines that run down the outsole’s lateral side and heel aid greatly in both braking and controlling the landing phase. It should be mentioned, however, that there’s no indication of how well this model performs on wet surfaces.

While the Quest 1.5 seems to be designed more for training and workout, meaning it focuses a lot more on stability, its design still permits some ease of movement. The outsole features deep flex grooves that run down the length of the foot and across the heel, allowing the runner’s gait to be smoother and more balanced. The lightweight nature of its Phylon midsole also allow it to be more pliable. Of course, the shoe’s Jacquard mesh upper gives the most flexibility thanks to its highly adaptive wear and lack of aggressive overlays.

The design of the Quest 1.5’s outsole helps to stabilize the runner’s gait cycle by enabling easier braking via the lateral side and heel and a stronger overall grip thanks to the medial side and toes. The deep flex groove that runs down the foot, following its natural curve, allows for better balance and a more controlled gait cycle. Though the Phylon midsole gives lightweight cushioning, its compression-mold construction makes it noticeably stiffer than injection-molded materials. This, in turn, keeps the runner’s foot from over-flexing and making other accidental movements. Its Jacquard mesh upper wraps around the foot to stabilize its various tendons, and Flywire cables make up the base of the lacing system to further lock the foot into place.

The Quest 1.5 features the average heel-to-toe drop height measurement of 10mm. Most running shoes have this particular height as it gives the runner a decent amount of heel cushioning without interfering heavily in their natural gait cycles. Although product listings and reviews don't list this model's exact platform height, photos still indicate that buyers are offered plenty of support and control over their movements.

-Rubber compound outsole
-Full-length Phylon midsole
-Synthetic mesh upper
-Bootie construction
-Flywire cable lacing system

Although it’s not exactly a best selling model, Nike’s Quest 1.5 still offers runners of all levels an incredibly supportive wear that works just as well on the roads as it does in the gym or out on the town. Those who have purchased this shoe, and are familiar with its predecessor, would be very happy to see that it remains almost entirely unchanged. Its Phylon midsole and Jacquard mesh upper work together to provide a highly supportive and comfortable wear that gives stability and plenty of airflow, aided by its construction and the use of Flywire cables. And its design allows it to fit in seamlessly almost anywhere that they are worn. It’s not without its flaws however, as some reviewers claim that it lacks support and does not always fit true to size. With that being said, it versatile wear would make this an excellent addition to any athletic shoe collection.