Find them on Sale
George 2:41 · Jul 2, 2019
4/5
Overall
I attended a technical symposium on research in shoe cushioning and other factors leading to "the sub 2 hour marathon," and the researchers presented data on shock absorption in the most recent shoes from Nike, Adidas, etc.
It had been a few years since I kept close attention on these technical details, as I have been sidelined from actual running until 2 years ago (chronic knee pain/worn out knees from over 140,000 total running/racing miles including more than 130 official marathon finishes and another 50+ ultras from 50k to 100 miles). Now that I am back to (pathetically slow) actual jogging again, these results of BETTER cushioning are even more important.
The data presented were compelling for the newest combination of super cushioning foam AND the carbon fiber "spring plate." I found these Zoom Fly shoes (MSRP $150) on sale at $60 both at the Nike Outlet nearby and at some of the brick and mortar traditional sales points. I now have 3 pair!
The feel on footplant is clearly superior in terms of protection. I do have a "shoe fetish" from many years as a free shoe recipient over 30 years ago writing for "Running" when it was a low-key publication out of Oregon. Later I also contributed equipment reviews for the Sacramento Bee. Anyway, now in my advanced senior years, I still enjoy new running shoes, even while paying for them myself. These Nike Zoom Fly models are my "go to" choice for my efforts at quicker (for me) workouts.
The only niggle on the shoe is the very lightweight upper with no "toe wear protection" area has already been abraded within the first 50 miles or so of use. I have used superglue and duct tape inside to protect this from further degrading. I have also pulled out the insoles and built up the arch support to a higher level, as I have high arched feet and this modification helps distribute impact force better over the whole mid-foot and reduces pressure on the metatarsals.
Sole wear seems quite good so far, and basically I am MUCH IMPRESSED with this tech.
(Note: I also have Adidas Boost shoes (2 different models), NB Soft Foam and Puma which appear/feel to be similarly cushioning, along with a recent addition of an Under Armor tech shoe that felt similar in the store (and was on big discount sale pricing))
- Comfort
- 5/5
- Cushioning
- 5/5
- Durability
- 4/5
- Appearance
- 4/5
- Value
- 3/5