Our verdict

With its peak effectiveness in and around water, the ACG Watercat+ from Nike has the most appropriate of names. We felt 100% safe stepping on wet rocks, thanks to its phenomenal traction. Also, the way it cuts through watery environments is just amazing. It's also worth noting that, design-wise, we found this outdoor shoe just a pure head-turner (if not a bit quirky).

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  • nike air zoom bb nxt usa men sizes 5 5 7 0 new sport
  • Immensely breathable
  • Excellent abrasion resistance
  • Very light on foot
  • Amazingly grippy on wet
  • Very grounded platform
  • Bends along with the foot
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  • Easy on-and-off
  • Nike Air Force 1 Low Releasing For Kids
  • Bold aesthetics

nike air zoom bb nxt usa men sizes 5 5 7 0 new sport Cons

  • No arch or ankle support
  • Catches debris and small pebbles easily

Audience verdict

85
Great!

Who should buy

We believe that the ACG Watercat+ is a true gem if you are in search of the following:

  • a comfy water-draining shoe for the beach, water activities, and hiking near water bodies
  • nike pg3 team colorways release info
  • a water shoe that's actually sexy (unlike Crocs and Hydro Mocs)

nike acg watercat review 20940844 main

Who should NOT buy

If you have overpronation, flat feet, plantar fasciitis, or any other foot condition that requires supportive footwear, it's better to avoid the Nike ACG Watrcat+. You will find the Nike air max 270 react женские кроссовки р to be a more stable and supportive option. But granted, not as pretty.

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Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ lab test

Cushioning

Shock absorption

The ACG Watercat+ is meant for hopping on wet river rocks and enjoying water activities - it is not the shoe for hiking long distances with a heavy backpack. That's why its shock absorption is limited and showed a below-average reading of 98 SA in our test.

Instead, this Nike shoe offers a firm and grounded platform to help you secure your steps on slippery surfaces and rocky river bottoms.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Shock absorption heel
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 98 SA
Average 104 SA
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
85 SA
Shock absorption
133 SA

Energy return

The Watercat+ also helps you feel more agile with a high energy return of 57%. Its thin sole feels very responsive and lively underfoot.

Test results
ACG Watercat+ 57.0%
Average 50.2%
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
42.0%
Energy return
66.0%

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Stepping in and out of the water, navigating uneven rocky shores, or balancing on a paddle board, you certainly prefer ground feel to impact protection. This is the reason why your foot sits closer to the ground inside the Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ compared to regular hiking shoes.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ water shoe

Using a caliper, we measured the shoe's heel stack height at only 22.0 mm. This is not only thinner than the average of hiking shoes, but is even thinner than the average of outdoor sandals!

We found this Nike shoe to be comfortably grounded as it provided good sensitivity while still protecting our feet from pokes and sharp obstacles.

nike acg watercat heel stack 20940816 main
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 22.0 mm
Average 32.8 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
22.0 mm
Heel stack
39.4 mm

Forefoot stack

As expected, the forefoot stack of the Watercat+ is also pretty minimal. Based on our caliper, it is only 17.3 mm thick which is notably lower than the average.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Forefoot stack
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 17.3 mm
Average 22.0 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
10.7 mm
Forefoot stack
31.0 mm

Drop

Checking the difference in stack heights, we got a drop of 4.7 mm in the Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+. This means that your heel is only slightly elevated above the toes inside this shoe.

Being twice as low as the average, it is actually a good thing for a water shoe. Having a more level foot positioning, we felt more connected to the ground and our feet were able to work naturally to balance in tricky conditions.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Drop
Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+

For contrast, here is what a typical hiking shoe drop looks like (10-12 mm). You can see that there is notably more cushioning under the heel here. This setup provides better impact protection and long-term support, especially when you hike with a heavy backpack.

merrell-moab-3-inside.JPG

Merrell Moab 3

Test results
ACG Watercat+ 4.7 mm
Average 10.7 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
1.5 mm
Drop
16.0 mm

Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

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With a reading of 30 HA, it actually sits at the average of hiking shoes we've tested. So don't think of it as rock-hard either.

nike acg watercat midsole softness 20940817 main
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 30.0 HA
Average 27.0 HA
We use an average of FORCE tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
13.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
39.0 HA

Size and fit

Size

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ fits true to size (75 votes).

Small
True to size
Large

Owners of this shoe, how does it fit?

1 size small½ size smallTrue to size½ size large1 size large

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The shoe's unique woven upper stretched and adapted to our foot shape beautifully. And it did so without any blisters or rubbing!

To give you a better insight into the Watercat's fit, we created a mold of the shoe using a proprietary gel and a freezer.

Once the gel cooled off, we measured the widest part of the mold with a caliper. The tool returned an above-average reading of 97.9 mm which qualifies this water shoe even for wide feet! In fact, its bungee lacing and stretchy weaves can accommodate pretty much any foot shape.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Toebox width - widest part

New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 97.9 mm
Average 94.1 mm
Compared to 29 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
90.0 mm
Nike Training Flex 2.0 Marinblå shorts med stor logga
99.9 mm

Toebox width

The shoe's toebox also comes with a wide and rounded shape that never put pressure on our toes.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Toebox width - big toe

Placing a caliper at the big toe mark, we measured this area at 75.9 mm. Once again, notably wider than average.

New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 75.9 mm
Average 72.5 mm
Compared to 29 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
67.3 mm
Toebox width
80.5 mm

Toebox height

Keep in mind, however, that the top of the shoe's toebox sits pretty close to the toes with a vertical measurement of 25.2 mm. But we can't complain about it considering the type of the shoe - you need that one-to-one fit in a water shoe after all.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Toebox height
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 25.2 mm
Average 28.0 mm
Compared to 29 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
24.2 mm
Toebox height
35.4 mm

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What Nike calls a "quick entry lacing system" worked wonders for the overall lockdown! It is essentially a bungee-lacing that is very quick and easy to regulate. 

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ quick lace

Traction / Grip

Forefoot traction

Essentially designed for wet surfaces, the ACG Watercat+ showed a good friction score in our grip test on wet concrete. Its forefoot rubber exhibited a standard traction measurement of 0.31.

Test results
ACG Watercat+

Lug depth

According to our caliper, the lugs on this Nike shoe are not so toothy at only 2.7 mm. However, they do have a clever design.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Lug depth
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 2.7 mm
Average 4.0 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
2.1 mm
Lug depth
5.0 mm

Outsole design

The rounded, beehive-like shape of the shoe's treads offers traction in all directions at once. They also act like suction cups, especially on wet rocks.

As we were crossing a creek, stepping on shaky stones underwater, the shoe quickly adjusted to the scene and never once allowed us to slip.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Outsole design

Flexibility / Stiffness

Having fun around water requires nimble feet and the ACG Watercat+ does not disappoint in that regard.

To put a number on it, we measured how much force it takes to bend this Nike shoe to a 30-degree angle and our shoe flexing tester showed 11.2N. This is one of the lowest readings we recorded in a hiking shoe which is not surprising considering the shoe's unusual design.

This is probably as barefoot as a hiking shoe can get without losing the cushioning.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Flexibility / Stiffness
New test (recommended)
Old test
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 11.2N
Average 18.3N
Compared to 26 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
11.2N
Flexibility Stiffness
29.0N

Weight

Just by looking at the Watercat+, you can guess that it's going to be lighter than most hiking shoes. And it proved to be true on our scale.

Weighing this Nike shoe in a men's US size 9, we got 12.7 oz (359g), which is notably lighter than the average.

But if you only need a shoe for beach and swimming, the Watercat+ might be an overkill. You may prefer lighter Teva sandals like the Hurricane XLT2 (10.7 oz) or the Hurricane Drift (7.2 oz) instead.

nike acg watercat weight 20940833 main
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 12.7 oz (359g)
Average 13.4 oz (380g)
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
11.0 oz (312g)
Weight
17.1 oz (486g)

Breathability

The indigenous-looking upper of the Watercat+ is not just there for looks! Made of woven cords with lots of space in between, this Nike shoe is breathable beyond measure!

We didn't even have to perform our usual smoke-pumping test to rate this shoe with a maximum 5/5 score.

This basket of a shoe works fabulously in the water element. It lets the water out in seconds and is super fast humectation.

What's more, it's got perforations in the sole for underfoot drainage too!

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ drainage ports

Test results
ACG Watercat+ 5
Average 2.4
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
1
Breathability
5

Stability

Lateral stability test

The Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ is a bad choice if you need lots of arch and ankle support.

The shoe's got a nearly minimalist construction and its wickerwork upper is certainly not capable of holding the foot securely in Running.

Thus, we can only recommend this water shoe to people with neutral pronation and no special podiatric requirements. Try the Nike air max 270 react женские кроссовки р if you want to brave the wet element with support.

Torsional rigidity

The Watercat+ is as flexible as a shoe can be!

On a 1-5 scale, where 5 is the stiffest, our manual test showed that this Nike shoe deserves 1! And that is when most hiking shoes score 4 on average.

Certainly not a lot of torsional rigidity for proper arch support.

Test results
ACG Watercat+ 1
Average 3.7
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

Checking the shoe's heel counter, we observe the exact same pliability.

Once again, the Watercat+ receives the lowest possible score for stiffness. This time, it's 1 for the heel counter stiffness.

That's good news for someone with sensitive ankles or one who despises firm ankle hold in footwear.

Test results
ACG Watercat+ 1
Average 3.7
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

Nike Официальное оборудование КлубыФутбольные

Measuring the shoe's midsole width, we got 106.2 mm in the widest part of the forefoot. This is a little narrower than average but is very well compensated by the wide midfoot and heel.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Midsole width in the forefoot
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 106.3 mm
Average 111.3 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
103.0 mm
Nike Официальное оборудование КлубыФутбольные
117.6 mm

Midsole width - heel

The heel part of the midsole actually turned out to be wider than average at 92.0 mm.

Overall, we had a very surefooted experience in the Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+. Its platform was wide enough to balance on unpredictable terrain around the water bodies. But at the same time, it wasn't too wide to feel bulky or clumsy.

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Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Midsole width in the heel
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 92.0 mm
Average 87.9 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
79.2 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.3 mm

Durability

Toebox durability

Even if you only use the Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ for water sports, there is still a chance of bumping into sharp rocks, corals, or protruding roots on the river banks. Although we don't have all these hazards in the lab, we do have a relentless Dremel.

Applying the tool to the shoe's topmost cord for 12 seconds, it failed to even cut the cord in half! Wow, that's truly impressive, especially compared to a typical single-layered upper (like the shoe on the right).

nike acg watercat toebox durability vs salomon outpulse toebox durability 20940827 main

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Feeling intrigued, we also peeked at the shoe's weave pattern through a microscope. What we saw was an impressively thick intertwining of extra-thick cords.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ microscope upper

Test results
ACG Watercat+ 5
Average 3.7
Compared to 29 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
1
Toebox durability
5

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Nike took really good care of the shoe's collar by placing a molded, soft plastic/rubber piece at the heel. It worked very well to keep our ankles free from chafing and turned out to be pretty wear-resistant itself!

We let the Dremel work for 4 seconds and found that it only scratched the surface of this rubber piece! Given how much this test normally messes up mesh/synthetic-lined collars, this shoe's heel padding durability deserves a maximum 5/5 score.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ vs. Adidas Terrex Swift R3 GTX Nike Air Force 1 Low 07 White 44

Test results
ACG Watercat+ 5
Average 3
Compared to 28 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
1
Nike Air Force 1 Low 07 White 44
5

Outsole hardness

Because the Nike Watercat+ is intended for pretty abrasive surfaces, we expected nothing less than a hard-wearing outsole.

Because rubber durability often correlates with hardness, we used a durometer to measure the shoe's outsole firmness. Seeing 83.0 HC on the tool, we found that the shoe's rubber is just as hard as the average hiking shoe.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Outsole hardness
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 83.0 HC
Average 85.1 HC
We use an average of FORCE tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 33 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
80.5 HC
Outsole hardness
94.1 HC

Outsole durability

To further scrutinize the shoe's outsole strength, we applied a Dremel to it for a whole 22 seconds. We made sure that the pressure (3.2N) and speed (10K RPM) were consistent.

And the end result was very uplifting! The tool only bit 0.8 mm of the rubber! This is even less than the average damage among hiking shoes.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Outsole durability test
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 0.8 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 28 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

We also used a caliper to measure how thick the shoe's rubber layer is. Without lugs, the outsole turned out to be 2.5 mm thick, which is typical for a hiking shoe.

To sum it up, we expect a long life from the Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+'s rubber bottom! Don't be misled by the shoe's unconventional design because its outsole has the full capacity of a traditional hiking shoe.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Outsole thickness
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 2.5 mm
Average 2.5 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
1.6 mm
Outsole thickness
4.0 mm

Misc

Insole thickness

The main reason why the Watercat+ doesn't necessarily feel firm underfoot is its miraculous insole. It has a much plusher nature than the primary foam and is also twice as thick as the average insole!

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Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Insole thickness
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 8.6 mm
Average 5.3 mm
Compared to 34 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
2.6 mm
Insole thickness
8.6 mm

Removable insole

The shoe's insole can be removed but you probably wouldn't want to do that because it comes with drainage holes and is much thicker than average.

Inserting a sockliner that's thinner than 8 mm will create more room inside the shoe but you don't want that in the already spacious Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Removable insole
Test results
ACG Watercat+ Yes

Reflective elements

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nike acg watercat reflective elements 20940821 main
Test results
ACG Watercat+ No

Tongue padding

You might be wondering how a wickerwork shoe like that feels against the foot from the inside. In a word...Marvelous!

The cords are pretty soft and the tongue is lightly padded (5.3 mm), making this Nike shoe feel amazing against bare feet! No lace bites, pressure, or discomfort.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Tongue padding
Test results
ACG Watercat+ 5.3 mm
Average 10.2 mm
Compared to 35 hiking shoes
Das Nike Air-Branding
5.0 mm
Tongue padding
17.0 mm

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The Watercat's tongue is not gusseted but given the shoe's unique upper design, it was never an issue and the foothold was never missing.

The woven upper wrapped comfortably around our feet from the start. It has a subtle texture inside which kept our feet from sliding throughout the hike.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Жіноча вітровка nike tech hyper mesh bomber куртка
Test results
ACG Watercat+ None

Heel tab

The shoe comes with a pull tab on the tongue but we just ended up grabbing the whole tongue and the little rubber piece on the heel to get the Watercat+ on.

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ pull tab

Don't let the look of the shoe intimidate you - it took us mere seconds to slip inside!

Sneakers123 nike air structure cw1646-100 sz+ Heel tab
Test results
ACG Watercat+ Pull tab