Nike Tempo Next% Shoe Review

The Nike Tempo Next% is the replacement for the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2. It’s meant to be the training version of the Alphafly Next%. When you look at the Nike Tempo Next%, it looks like…something and nothing we’ve ever seen in the running world.

I’ve been open and honest that the Next% never worked for me and caused Achilles issues, which lead to my stress fracture. Am I sad I’m a nonresponder to these new shoes? Maybe. But each one is slightly different, so I have hope one will eventually work for me.

Compared to the Pegasus Turbo 2, the Tempo Next% is much firmer and should be used more for a fast shoe. I found you could get away with easy runs for the Pegasus Turbo 2, but I wouldn’t for the Tempo Next%.

Nike Tempo Next% Stats:

Weight: 8.9 oz
Heel to Toe drop: 10 mm

I’m surprised at the Nike Tempo Next%’s lack of marketing compared to other Nike shoes. Many Nike shoes, including the Alphafly, Joyride, and Epic, React all had huge marketing plans, but the Tempo Next%  kind of fell short, which is something because it’s supposed to be one of their better shoes this year.

Nike Tempo Next% Fit:

Right out of the box, it feels like a premium trainer, and it should feel premium for $200. I can’t look past how unique they look. People either love or hate the looks. I’m indifferent. Would I wear them on a fancy date? Probably not, but I can’t see myself wearing any $200 running shoe casually.

The Nike Tempo Next% uses a bootie construction consisting of a high-tenacity translucent Flyknit forefoot and midfoot. What does that even mean? It’s breathable and fits like a glove. Under the midfoot, a soft cage holds the foot into place and creates structure, so your feet don’t feel as if they are free-floating around.

The heel collar comes up higher than the average shoe but doesn’t cause any chafing or blisters.

Oftentimes people worry that Nike shoes fit too narrow, but the Nike Tempo Next% fits true to size.

I typically wear between a women’s 10-11 wide, and the size 11 fits well.

One thing the Nike Tempo Next% lacks is the ability to do the “runners knot” or heel lock lacing. I wish all shoes had this feature “just in case,” but the bootie feature helps prevent heel slippage.

Nike Tempo Next% Ride:

The Nike Tempo Next% is a boring name, but it serves its purpose. It’s not called the Nike Next% Easy and is meant to run tempo or hard efforts. Nike has said that it’s supposed to be a daily trainer. That sounds like a jack of all trades shoe that you can run easy or harder workouts. Shoes that come to mind are the New Balance Beacon, Hoka Rincon, or even the Brooks Hyperion Tempo. The Nike Tempo Next% is best for faster runs, which we all know you can’t run fast all of the time.

It rolls nicely from heel to toe but has a much firmer landing than the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2. I would say it’s more similar to the Epic React because of the React foam in the heel.

It’s hard to miss the firm Zoom Air pods, and I was intrigued by the forefoot. The pods don’t compress as you imagine. In fact, I thought it might just pop when out for a run. (Why you shouldn’t run in the air max LOL). I did feel the air pods, and it kind of feels like running on a mini speed bump all of the time.

The faster I run in the Nike Tempo Next%, the more I feel like I’m rolling forward. It’s a fun shoe and different from anything I’ve ever run in. Due to the shoe’s weight and bulk, it doesn’t transition as smoothly as I would like. It doesn’t feel clunky but a lot bulkier.

Finally, the outsole of the Nike Tempo Next% is a lot more durable than I was expecting. I’ve run about 100 miles in the Nike Tempo Next%, and I think I’ll easily get around 300. The traction is also good, and it would be a shoe I would gravitate towards on bad weather days. I am surprised at both the durability and the traction.

For the Tempo, Next% fits into a longer workout or faster run. I wouldn’t run easily in them, and they do feel bulky for racing.

Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% Conclusion:

I like the Nike Tempo Next%, but I have a few issues with it that make the shoe confusing.

First, it’s not an everyday trainer. If you run every run at marathon pace, then sure, it could be your everyday trainer. Doing that will also end up in injury. It’s meant to be a faster shoe for faster days. It’s not meant for easy days.

Second, the Nike Tempo Next% is designed to replace the Pegasus Turbo 2, but it’s really not. I know I keep bringing up the Pegasus Turbo, but the shoe was designed to replace the Pegasus Turbo, and there will be a lot of unhappy people with that.

The Tempo Next% is a great shoe, but it’s not the same. If you prefer the soft and light Pegasus Turbo 2, the Tempo Next% will feel firm and clunky.

Finally, I’m not sure if the Nike Tempo Next% is worth the price of $200, although I find the lighter New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review worth the price and a similar shoe. I like the Tempo Next%, and I’ll continue to run in it, but I think it’s a confusing shoe to talk about.

My Current Shoe Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs Saloman Sonic 3 Balance,  Brooks Glycerin 18,  Mizuno Rider Waveknit 3, Nike Pegasus 37, New Balance 1080 v10, Diadora Mythos Blushield Blushield Hip 5,  Hoka Bondi 7, Asics GlideRide.

Speed Work: Nike Tempo Next%, New Balance Fuelcell TC Shoe Review, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro,

Long Runs: Hoka Clifton Edge,  Under Armour Sonic HOVR 3

Trail Running/Hiking: Hoka Torrent 2, Saucony Peregrine 10, New Balance Hierro v5 

Races: Asics MetaRacer, New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  Saucony Endorphin Pro, New Balance fuelcell TC, Reebok Run fast Pro 

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Looking to learn more about running shoes? In my ebook, I talk about why you need a good running shoe, a shoe’s anatomy, neutral vs. stable, and even myths of running shoes.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Nike Tempo Next%?

What’s your favorite workout shoe?