All Swift Active 5k Review | Can a $80 Running Shoe Actually Compete With the Big Names

All Swift is entering the running shoes world with models that cost well under $100. But are they actually worth it? We put the All Swift Active 5k to the test to find out.A budget-friendly price tag, clean design, and a promise of all-day comfort certainly caught our attention.

This is the type of shoe that will appeal to newer runners, walkers, or anyone logging lower weekly mileage, or those simply looking for an affordable option to add to their rotation.

But how did the All Swift Active 5k actually perform once we laced it up and hit the roads? Let’s take a closer look.

We’ve done a full round up of our favorite budget friendly running shoes and right now this one probably isn’t making the list. BUT as always, just because it wasn’t a home run for us doesn’t mean you won’t find it a good option for short runs or walks.

All Swift Active 5k Overview

Opening the box, I was a little skeptical about the amount of foam compared to how minimal the upper looked. I mean 40mm is a no joke amount of cushion and that’s exciting, but with a large white bottom it really stands out.

Unfortunately, while I wanted to love the All Swift Active 5k, I’m going to start with the honest truth: it didn’t make it past 2 miles for me.

From a structural standpoint, you’re getting what you pay for.

The upper felt pretty minimal, and I never felt truly secure or locked into the shoe while running.The entire time, I felt like my foot was moving around more than I wanted. I was constantly aware of the shoe underneath me, which is never a great sign.

At times, I was worried about either slipping out of the shoe or rolling an ankle.

Now, I have higher stack cushioned shoes in my rotation, like the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 and Nike Vomero 18, so I’m not a stranger to a taller shoe.

The difference is that those shoes still feel stable and secure. Unfortunately, that wasn’t my experience with the All Swift Active 5k.

The outsole design of the Active 5k has plenty of rubber coverage and traction, which will hold up well on wet sidewalks and light gravel paths.

I think the extra coverage will improve the shoe’s overall durability and protect the foam from wearing down too quickly.

My only concern is the small cutouts in the outsole. They seem like the perfect size for tiny rocks, gravel, or those annoying prickly seed pods to get lodged in there, so that’s something to keep an eye on, depending on where you run.

All Swift Fit

I couldn’t tell if they just run big or it’s how the shoe was designed. But the fit just felt too loosey goosey.

Typically, to help with a more locked in fit, there’s additional eyelet holes to change up the lacing but there’s none of that here so I was pretty stuck.

I also noticed that the laces started to get loose as I moved around so no matter how tight I tied them, it didn’t last.

Running in a shoe that feels too big, not ideal. So if you’re a beginner wearing this shoe or you’re thinking of getting it as a walking shoe, you’ll want to try sizing down by a half size for a better fit.

I guess the one good thing about the bigger fit is that if you’re someone who prefers a wider toebox shoe, this will more than likely be a good match.

There’s for sure a good amount of room in the midfoot as well.

All Swift Feel

When you read more about the Active 5k, it creates the impression that you’re getting a performance-focused shoe with plenty of cushioning and support.

The shoes features a supercritical foam that’s advertised as providing 67% energy return. Naturally, that had me expecting a shoe that felt springy and fun to run in.

Unfortunately, that wasn’t my experience. There wasn’t much pop or bounce underfoot, and the ride felt fairly flat compared to other shoes I’ve tested with a similar foam, like the On Cloudboom Strike or Hoka Mach 6.

This doesn’t mean the foam is bad. In fact, I think the Active 5k works better for walking, standing or general all day wear than it does for running.

If you’re looking for a comfortable shoe to spend hours on your feet, you’ll probably appreciate the firmer feel more than someone searching for a responsive running shoe.

This shoe just wasn’t a good fit for me. That said, every runner is different.

If you prefer a less structured shoe, are not looking for a lot of stability, and enjoy a higher stack of foam underfoot, the Active 5k could be a better match for you than it was for me.

At under $100, it may also appeal to newer runners or those looking for a budget-friendly option for walking or occasional miles.

If you’re looking for running shoes that’ll go the distance but not break your budget, check out our list of some of the best budget running shoes.

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