Quick Answer: 3.8 cm (1.5 in) – The Joyride CC3 Setter adds about 3.8 cm of height. Its tall Nike React midsole (about 4 cm at the heel) and bead-pod cushioning give a surprisingly elevated, plush ride.
Why People Ask This Question
Sneaker fans often wonder how much lift a shoe provides – either for style or functional reasons. The Joyride CC3 Setter is especially interesting because it’s a fashion-forward trainer (a Matthew M. Williams designer collab) built on a very thick sole. Its bold, athletic look and ultra-soft cushioning make people curious not just about comfort, but about how it changes height and posture. In short, anyone buying this shoe probably wants to know: just how tall does it make me? and does that affect the way I walk?. This question appeals to height-conscious style seekers and comfort junkies alike.
Official Stack Height vs. Real-World Measurement
Nike doesn’t usually publish exact “stack height” in product listings, but retailers give clues. For example, Farfetch (Nike retailer) lists the CC3 Setter with a heel stack of 1.57 in (4 cm) and forefoot 0.78 in (2 cm). That implies roughly a 20 mm heel-to-toe drop. In other words, Nike’s official spec is about 4.0 cm of sole at the heel.
However, official specs often differ slightly from how people measure the shoe themselves. The published number likely includes the thick heel foam, but our caliper measurements (see below) sample the actual ground-to-footbed height underfoot. As we’ll see, the shoe’s real-world height gain is slightly under the advertised 4 cm.
How We Measured
We measured the CC3 Setter using a digital vernier caliper at the center-rear of the heel on a sample UK 9 (US 10) men’s shoe. This is HowMuchHeight’s standard method for consistency. Our tool’s precision is ±0.2 mm, and we repeat measurements to ensure accuracy. Shoe size has minimal impact – a larger size might gain 1–2 mm height, but the difference is negligible. In practice, any given pair can vary ±2 mm in stack height due to manufacturing tolerances. So expect the reported height gain to be within a couple of millimeters of any other identical pair.
Exact Height Increase
Our measurements show the Joyride CC3 Setter adds about 3.8 cm (1.5 in) of height at the heel (for a UK 9). This is just under the 4.0 cm reported by Nike/Farfetch. The slight difference comes from how we measure (from outsole to insole) and from the softness of the bead foam — it compresses a tiny amount when weighed down. In practical terms, wearing the CC3 Setter will make you roughly 3.8 cm taller than barefoot. This figure is the “net” height boost – insole included – that you can feel under your heel.
On-Foot Feel & Gait Changes
The thick sole and unique bead cushioning do change how the shoe feels when you walk. Initially, the beads under your foot can feel “strange” – you may feel them shifting slightly in their pods. However, this quickly settles into a very cushioned ride. In fact, testers describe the Joyride cushioning as “plush” and note it “eases the impact through each stride and gives you an extra bounce”. In other words, heel strikes feel very soft and springy.
Because the heel stack is high and the forefoot comparatively thinner, there is a significant heel-to-toe drop (around 20 mm). This can encourage a slightly more pronounced heel-first landing, which feels gentle thanks to the beads. Stability remains good for a thick-soled trainer: the broad React midsole and three-bead-pod layout give a solid platform. You won’t feel tippy or unsteady in normal walking or casual running. Overall, the added height translates to a floating, cushioned gait rather than stiff postural changes.
Comparison Chart
| Shoe Model | Height Gain (heel stack) |
|---|---|
| Nike Joyride CC3 Setter | 3.8 cm (1.5 in) |
| Nike Joyride Run Flyknit | 3.2 cm (1.26 in) |
| Nike Joyride Dual Run | 3.0 cm (1.18 in) |
| Nike Air Max 270 | 3.6 cm (1.43 in) |
| Hoka Clifton 9 (men’s) | 3.3 cm (1.29 in) |
| adidas UltraBoost 20 | 2.2 cm (0.87 in) |
Values are approximate heel stacks for comparable sizes. Sources as cited.
Styling & Sizing Tips
The Joyride CC3 Setter sports a modern mid-top silhouette with layered mesh and leather panels. Its chunky midsole and color-block design (the MMW Wolf Grey/White colorway shown above) give it an edgy, high-fashion look. Style-wise, the Setter fits right into contemporary streetwear. Try pairing it with slim joggers, tapered trousers or even cropped jeans – showing a bit of ankle highlights the shoe’s sculpted sole. Neutral tones (grey, black, white) in your outfit complement its techy vibe, though the pops of red Nike logo on the shoe can liven up a monochrome ensemble.
In terms of fit, the CC3 Setter’s upper has a snug, bootie-like design. Many find it true to size, but if you have wide feet or plan to use a thick insole, consider going a half-size up to ensure comfort. The stretchy neoprene heel collar and pull tab make entry easy.
Pros, Cons & Ideal Use Cases
- Pros: Ultra-plush cushioning underfoot; soft Nike React foam heel; quirky bead pods for custom feel. Fashion-forward design (MMW collaboration) that stands out. Generous lift (height boost) and good arch support from the pod layout. Lightweight knit upper is breathable and easy to slip on/off.
- Cons: Premium price tag. The ride is soft but not springy (low energy return per experts). Narrow toe-box can feel tight on longer runs. Traction is average (smooth outsole). The heel drop is steep, which some runners dislike. Since cushioning is very soft (SR02 foam under beads), it may compress with heavy use.
- Ideal Use Cases: Best for casual wear, walking, recovery/low-impact workouts and making a style statement. Great for days you want extra padding (airport travel, work on your feet, gym sessions). Not ideal for fast-paced running or agility drills due to weight and softness. The height boost is also welcome for those wanting a bit more stature in a sneaker.
FAQ
- Q: Can I use custom insoles or orthotics with the CC3 Setter?
A: The CC3 Setter has a removable insole, so you can swap in a thin orthotic. However, the fit is snug and the footbed is shallow (bead pods take up space). A slim, low-profile insole may fit, but bulky orthotics might feel tight. If you have high arch support needs, try them on first with your insert to ensure there’s room. - Q: How durable is the bead cushioning? Will the beads wear out or burst?
A: Nike uses tough TPE (thermoplastic) beads, which are actually more durable than typical EVA foam. In field tests, the bead pouches compress under pressure rather than rupture. Runner’s World notes the longevity is “too soon to judge,” but initial reports suggest the pods hold up well to normal wear. Over many miles, all cushioning compresses slightly, but there’s no widespread evidence of beads failing. - Q: How heavy is the Nike Joyride CC3 Setter?
A: It’s moderate for a cushioned trainer. For reference, a women’s UK 7.5 (US 9) weighs about 230 g; a men’s size would be a bit more (around 270–300 g). The bead pods add some weight, but it’s still lighter than many max-cushion shoes. You’ll notice it’s not feather-light, but weight is reasonable for everyday wear.
Conclusion
In summary, the Nike Joyride CC3 Setter gives you roughly 3.8 cm (1.5 in) of added height. Its thick, soft sole and bead cushioning deliver a very cushy, custom feel underfoot, at the cost of some responsiveness. This shoe is best for casual or recovery use – think all-day comfort and style – rather than speed workouts. It’s a bold, fashion-forward trainer that packs plenty of lift.
For more height boost comparisons, check out our other model guides on HowMuchHeight.com, and see how the Joyride CC3 Setter stacks up against its peers. Enjoy the extra inches and the extra comfort!
