If you’re searching for a new pair of Nike sneakers, then you’ve probably heard of the Tanjun and Roshe. These share several similarities and choosing between them can prove challenging. Fortunately for you, we’ve made a full comparison of Nike Tanjun vs Roshe to see which one has the edge.
Here’s an overview of our Roshe vs Tanjun comparison:
- Style.
- Comfort.
- Durability.
- Flexibility.
- Support.
About the Nike Tanjun
In Japanese, “tanjun” translates to “simplicity,” which is what the Nike Tanjun is all about. As a newer addition to its portfolio, this shoe is transforming everyday leisure athletic footwear. It sports a sleek, streamlined design, aiming to elevate your casual, daily look.
The main goal of the Tanjun is to create one of the comfiest experiences possible. It includes a breathable, yet durable upper and an EVA sole for shock absorption.
Sadly, the shoe often flies under the radar of consumers. This is mostly because it just doesn’t offer the same rustic feel as other, more expensive Nike options.
This, however, changed in 2017, when suddenly, the Tanjun shoes flew off the shelves, and continue to do so today. To everyone’s surprise, it became one of Nike’s best selling shoes, even though it doesn’t offer any innovative technologies.
For a closer look at the Nike Tanjun, watch this video.
More on the Nike Roshe
In 2012, Nike released its Roshe shoe. This sneaker set out to be reasonably priced, offering look and comfort.
The Nike Roshe One doesn’t exactly tick all the boxes in terms of embellishments. Similarly to the Tanjun, the emphasis is on simplicity and is best suited for wearers who like minimalistic, everyday shoes.
Since its first release, Nike introduced several other Roshe lines, such as the Golf and Flyknit
- Pressure-mapped outsole provides traction in key zones
- Iconic mesh upper delivers breathability and style
- Injected midsole delivers soft, lightweight cushioning
- Elastic gusset on the tongue helps keep out debris - Pull tabs on the heel and tongue offer easy on and off
- Cupsole-like design offers flexible, low-profile support and a stable feel
Nike Tanjun vs Roshe Comparison
1. Style
The highlight of each shoe is their style, and they’re quite similar, both sporting that minimalistic appearance.
The Nike Roshe is often viewed as a fashion accessory rather than an athletic shoe. Each option only has two colors—one for the upper and a second hue for the sole and Nike swoop.
It has a low-top arch where the back runs a little higher and includes a larger pull strap. One thing that draws it away from being a full athletic shoe is the cylindrical laces. This shape isn’t ideal for activity since it comes untied much easier than flat types.
When it comes to the Tanjun, the design is what elevates it—after all, Nike named it after its appearance. The upper is bare—you won’t see big plastic pieces or tags—even the Nike swoop blends in on most of its color options. Due to its looks, it’s an all-around shoe to include in your wardrobe.
2. Comfort
Both shoes receive a lot of praise for their comfort. The Tanjun, for starters, has gained an excellent reputation among users with wide feet. Its roomy fit and adjustable lace-up design make it a versatile option.
What’s more, it includes full padding on the interior, with cushions on the heel and tongue. The upper consists of a smooth fabric that molds to your feet.
Additionally, Nike includes a removable insole, enabling you to replace it with your orthotics, if required. The Roshe, however, doesn’t have this option. Instead, it comes with a proper supportive insert that also provides a degree of shock absorption.
On the inside, it offers a full-length Phylon foam midsole for optimal cushioning as well as support. This is quite a difference from the Tanjun that has a standard EVA midsole.
For the upper, Nike uses a mix of suede and mesh to create a breathable, yet firm texture to hug your feet. On the outsole, you’ll see flex grooves, delivering a natural feeling when you walk.
3. Durability
We’ll see a slight difference here. To spare weight, Nike combines the outsole and midsole on the Tanjun, which doesn’t aid durability. For indoor training and casual use, you should be fine, but for outdoor exercise, it may not last long.
The Roshe takes a slight advantage when it comes to wear and tear. The combined midsole and outsole on the Tanjun hurt it significantly, and perhaps Nike shouldn’t have prioritized a lighter weight over sturdiness.
That’s not to say the Roshe is the most durable shoe out there either. Nike also labeled this as a “lightweight” option, which has affected the outsole. It’s not ideal for road-running, but it’s suitable for workouts.
4. Flexibility
Flexibility is where both the Tanjun and Roshe shine. Because of their lightweight nature, they fluently flex easily to your movements.
However, the Tanjun takes the edge here. Unlike the Roshe, the Tanjun consists mostly of an elastic mesh upper. And, because there’s no rubber on the outsole, it bends effortlessly. This allows it to move with your feet as you walk or train.
5. Support
Because of the minimalistic design of the Tanjun, it lacks support. It doesn’t have a snug heel counter or a lace cage, only cushioning, which isn’t enough for assistance. If you have flat feet or high arches, it’s not the option for you unless you replace the insoles. We recommend reading our Nike insole review.
As for the Roshe, it includes support both in the heel and sides, which makes it a more attractive athletic option.
6. Fit
When it comes to fit, we see a slight difference. The Tanjun runs true to size, which is probably due to the flexible materials that shape according to your feet. As we said earlier, it’s a sensible choice for wide feet.
The Roshe, however, has received a few complaints from consumers. The sizes seem to run larger, and you may require half a size smaller than your regular fit. If you want more information on sizes, you can read our comparison guide: Adidas vs Nike sizing.
Which Is Better for Running?
Both aren’t ideal for avid runners. The Roshe, for instance, is designed to mimic a running shoe, but that’s not its primary purpose. It’s nonetheless one of Nike’s most functional options, suitable for various activities, including casual running on treadmills.
The same goes for the Nike Tanjun—the outsole isn’t suitable for road running. It also doesn’t offer enough shock absorption to protect your legs from the hard surface. Still, you can easily use it for exercise, like treadmill running and weightlifting.
Both are, however, good walking shoes that you can get several miles out of. Because of their lightness, they don’t have a significant impact on your feet, and the cushioning will keep you comfy. If you’re looking for footwear for walking, read our review of the best Nike walking shoes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is Nike’s Most Popular Shoe?
Since its start back in 1964, Nike has created several shoes that made it to the most popular charts. Its name echoes around the world, where many of its creations have become prized collectibles. But out of everything, some of its most popular shoes are the Air Max, Air Jordan and Air Force 1 collections.
Are Nike Tanjun Good for Standing All Day?
The Nike Tanjun offers a lot of cushioning and padding. This could make it a great work shoe or one that you wear all day.
If you do decide on the latter, avoid using it every day. Wearing the same shoes daily isn’t recommended, especially if you’re on your feet most of the time. Invest in another pair and rotate them.
Is Nike Tanjun Waterproof?
The Nike Tanjun is water-resistant. The upper material works well at wicking away water if you’re going for a walk in the rain. However, if you decide to jump in puddles, it won’t keep your feet dry.
Nike also offers a Tanjun boot. The Tanjun High Rise is a sporty winter boot featuring a waterproof upper and traction outsole. It includes a fleece lining to keep your feet warm and comfy.
Do You Wear Socks With Roshes?
The Roshe shoes are very versatile—Nike designed them to be used with or without. Users say that they’re quite comfortable, even with no socks on. In saying this, if you’re prone to excessively sweaty feet, then it’s best to wear socks.
If you do decide to wear something with the shoe, be careful so that they won’t sit too snugly around your feet. Pair your Roshes with a thin pair of athletic socks.
Final Verdict
When it comes to Nike Tanjun vs Roshe, the differences aren’t huge, even though there are three years between them. Nike designed them to be lightweight, minimalist athletic and leisure shoes, and they’re both worth a look.
The Tanjun is an exceptional shoe with its fully breathable upper and flexible makeup—it’s excellent for workdays. If you prefer an athletic option for the gym, then the Roshe is your best bet. It offers a touch more support, which is imperative when working out.
We hope you found your answer. If so, please share our comparison guide and leave us a comment in the section below.
