I’ve got a few new shoe reviews coming out soon. Some of my favorite shoes have been updated, but I’ve also branched out to try a few new ones as well.
Anyway, I rarely do a racing flat review, because they are all basically the same. Lightweight, used for racing. With the release of the Nike Vaporfly 4% last year, the running flat game has changed.
That being said, I’ve been a Nike LT Streak fan since it the first version came out. Also known as the Nike Air Zoom Streak LT 4.
Something about putting on a brand new pair of Nike Streak LT has always made me feel fast. The Nike Streak LT is a lightweight, racing shoe, that has been great for both workouts and races. I’ve done everything from 400s to a half marathon and never had any issues. That being said, it’s so important to work yourself into a flat. Don’t go from a trainer to a half marathon because you will get injured.
Quick Facts:
Heel to Toe Drop: 3 mm
Weight: 5 ounces
Nike Streak LT 4 Fit:
Like any racing flat, the Nike Streak LT 4 fits narrow. I wear from a women’s 10-11 wide. Since the Streak LT 4 is unisex, I found the mens 9.5 to fit the best (women’s 11). This year the toe box is slightly wider than usual.
The upper for the Streak LT 4, is a Flymesh upper. According to Nike, the Flymesh makes the shoe more durable as well as breathable. There are also vents along the forefoot and sides to eliminate hotspots.
I appreciate this year, the overlays that give the shoe more overall structure. It’s not like your foot is just free-floating around in a shoe. Of all the versions of the Streak LT, I think the 4th version fits the best. The dynamic fit technology and lacing system allow for the fit not to be as sloppy.
Nike Streak LT 4 Ride:
Next to the Reebok Floatride Run Fast Pro, the Nike Air Zoom Streak LT 4 is one of the lightest racing flats out there. It’s possibly what drew me to this shoe way back when. Lighter doesn’t mean faster (whether it’s bodyweight or racing shoe), especially in distance. The Nike Streak LT 4 hits a good spot with the most amount of cushion for the least amount of weight.
So how is it so light? Nike uses a Cushlon LT midsole, aided further by “Zoom Air Unit” in the shoe’s heel. The cushioning is made for a variety of surfaces including road, track, and XC races. I actually ran a few college XC races in a previous version. The responsive cushioning allows to feel the ground and adapt quickly to the surface. I personally wouldn’t do a fast workout with them on the treadmill, but they should be fine there too.
The Nike Air Zoom Streak LT 4 is a 3mm drop. This is a drastic difference between most running shoes so if you’re using them for the first time, take a few weeks or workouts to get used to them. The lower drop allows the foot to move more natural and there isn’t additional support there. You feel more of the road or terrain.
Another important feature to look for in a racing flat: traction without weight. This is one of Nike’s best “bad weather” racing shoe (unless you race in a trainer). I’ve run races like Shamrock in torrential downpours and slicker conditions and still had traction. Not every racing flat is great in bad weather and both the Nike Zoom Fly and 4% do not perform well in rain.
Nike Streak LT 4 Conclusion:
I like the Nike Zoom Streak LT 4 and will continue to use them. Typically I go through 2 pairs of racing flats a year. They last 100-200 miles (as most racing flats do before your cushioning is gone).
Current Rotation:
Easy Runs: Hoka Cavu, Brooks Glycerin, Saucony Triumph ISO 5
Workouts: Nike LT Streak 4, Nike Zoom Fly
Races: Nike LT Streak 4, (I think the Vaporfly will just be a marathon shoe for me and I have no plans to do another one for a while)
Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook I talk about why you need a good running shoe, the anatomy of a shoe, neutral vs stable, and even myths of running shoes.
Questions for you:
Do you use different racing and training shoes?
What is your favorite racing shoe?