Nike Zoom Fly 3 Shoe Review

September 13, 2019 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running Tags: fitness, nike, racing, run, running, shoes, sports

The Nike Zoom Fly has been a staple since the Nike Fast Shoes like the Vaporfly and Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo came out. Of the three Nike Shoes, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 is the “most affordable.” After enjoying the original Nike Zoom Fly, I wasn’t sure if I would ever get around to doing a Nike Zoom Fly 3 Review.

I choose to get the “Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise” which is a different color of the Nike Zoom Fly 3.

I skipped running in the second generation of the Nike Zoom Fly but was in the minority of people who liked and appreciated the original Zoom Fly.

The Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise Fit:

The most significant change to the Nike Zoom Fly comes in the upper. If you’ve run in previous versions of the Nike Zoom Fly, you’ll notice the new VaporWeave Upper (like the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2)

What is Vaporweave?

VaporWeave is the engineered mesh upper material which is made of plastics, specifically TPU and TPE. (TPE is also used in Yoga mats…neat!) Compared to the previous Flyknit upper material, Vaporweave is much more breathable, lightweight, and doesn’t absorb as much rain or moisture. If you run in a torrential downpour, your feet are less likely to be soggy. The lacing system makes you feel secure in place, and your feet aren’t sliding around.

The Nike Fly 3 Rise Ride:

The original Nike Zoom Fly was a staple workout shoe for me in 2017 and a good portion of 2018. I did a lot of workouts in the Zoom Fly.

The midsole of the Nike Zoom Fly 3 has gone through a few changes with the update. Nike has added more React foam with a higher stack height. What do more React Foam and higher stack height mean? The Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is now slightly heavier but also has a low heel to toe drop (from 10 mm to 8 mm).

The difference between the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 and the Zoom Fly 3 is the lack of carbon plate in the Pegasus Turbo. The full-length Carbon Fiber plate is still there in the Zoom Fly 3 Rise. Together with the Nike React foam, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise feels faster and more responsive. My favorite addition to the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is the rubber traction. You are far less likely to slide around than previous versions.

It’s a great workout shoe, racing shoe, or even a full marathon racing shoe. I could see myself doing any of the three. I’ve run a few hard runs in the Zoom Fly 3 Rise and enjoyed the ride.

Nike Fly 3 Rise Conclusions:

Of the Nike Vaporfly (Next%), Nike Pegasus Turbo 2, and the Nike Zoom Fly 3, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is the cheapest and most durable. It’s designed to either race or train hard. If you are looking for a faster workout shoe, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is a great option. From the durability to the fit, it is definitely an improvement over the previous versions.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: Reebok Run fast Pro

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

What is your go-to fast shoe?

What is your favorite running shoe?

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Shoe Review

August 21, 2019 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running Tags: fitness, marathon, marathoning, nike, run, running, shoe review, shoes, sports 1 Comment

The Nike Pegasus is many people first shoes. (In fact, the Nike Pegasus was my first shoe). With 36 versions, it’s been around for several years. For the last two years, Nike has added a few versions of their Pegasus while still keeping the original Pegasus.

For the 36th version, there is the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 (also known as the Nike Turbo 2) as well as the Nike Pegasus Trail.

Keep in mind, all of these Nike Pegasus are in the zoom series or zoom family and use zoom air as well. It’s just easier to remove the word Zoom, so the shoe name isn’t longer than the review. (How obnoxious would it be to write The Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Turbo?)

The updated Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 is the faster and more workout oriented version of the Nike Pegasus 36. It’s lighter and uses the same foam (The Nike ZoomX Foam and React Foam) as the Nike Next%. All three versions of the Pegasus can be used for daily running and training. Of the three, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo is could also be used for race day or long distance too.

Quick Stats:

Weight: 7.2 oz (size 9)

Drop: 10 mm

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Fit:

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 1 (Nike Pegasus turbo 35), fit almost big. It remains one of the only shoes a women’s size 10 fit well. With the Nike Turbo 2, the fit is similar, and I find myself liking a women’s size ten as well. My usual size in any running shoe is between women’s size 10-11 wide.

For the Nike Turbo 2, the flywire is removed. It makes the shoe a bit wider and less snug through the midfoot. Nike also removed the racing stripe to increase breathability.

The upper has been redesigned to a thin and breathable engineered mesh. Between the brand new engineered mesh upper and removal of the flywire, the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 weighs almost .3 of an ounce lighter. It also fits and breathes better.

Finally, the heel collar is higher, which Nike claims will irritate the Achilles less. I haven’t had an issue with it. Many of the “Nike Fast Shoes” have almost a fin-like heel. Nike claims the angled heel optimizes initial touchdown and helps to provide a smooth transition from heel to toe.

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Ride:

The Nike Turbo 2 midsole is similar to the Nike Zoomx Vaporfly (now Next%) without the carbon plate. The Nike Turbo 2 combines both the Zoom X foam followed by the React Foam. With both foams going the full length of the shoe, the energy return is higher, and the Nike Pegasus 2 absorbs impact better than previous versions.

The Nike Turbo 2 is designed to run fast. While the Nike Pegasus 36 might be the everyday trainer, the Nike Turbo 2 is designed for workouts, long runs, and fast runs. Instead of wearing out your Nike Next%, use the Nike Turbo 2 for those hard workouts.

I appreciate that there is plenty of traction on the Turbo 2. It’s much better this year in elements like rain and ice. It’s not perfect, but better. The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 is also much more durable than last year. Last year, the Pegasus Turbo probably got between 150-250 miles, but this year the zoom cushioning is lasting to about 300 miles.

I’ve run a few workouts and long runs in the shoe. For me, it does fit best as a “fast shoe” and a shoe I know I want to run well. I wouldn’t use it as an easy run or recovery shoe. Last year, it was hard to justify the Nike Pegasus Turbo 1 over the Nike Zoom Fly, but this year the Turbo 2 is a faster, more quality shoe.

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Conclusion:

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 has been updated well. It’s much more durable than previous versions as well as being more breathable. Of the three Nike “fast shoes” (the Next%, Zoom Fly, and Turbo), I think the Turbo 2 is the best update from Nike Running. Last year I couldn’t justify the $180 price cost, but this year I believe the shoe is worth it.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6, Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races: Reebok Run fast Pro

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Have you tried a new shoe lately?

What is your favorite running shoe?

Nike Streak Lt 4 Shoe Review

January 11, 2019 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running Tags: fitness, nike, review, run, running, shoes, sports

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 4^th 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.

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Beautiful weather for a workout. . 12x400s averaging 6:01 pace with 400 jog in between.

A post shared by Hollie (@fueledbylolz) on Jan 9, 2019 at 8:38am PST

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)

Questions for you:

Do you use different racing and training shoes?

What is your favorite racing shoe?

Nike Pegasus Turbo 35 Shoe Review

October 26, 2018 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running Tags: marathon, nike, run, running, shoe, turbo 10 Comments

The Nike Pegasus is most people’s first running shoe. In fact, way back in 2011, it was my first running shoe. It’s gone through many changes.

This year, it has divided into two, and the current models are both the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 and the Nike Pegasus 35 Turbo. They are two completely different shoes with different fits, feels, rides, and prices. My foot barely fits into the regular width of the Pegasus 35 so I haven’t bothered running in it.

The Nike Pegasus 35 Turbo is a lightweight weight and “faster” version of the Pegasus. It’s essentially the fast shoe of the nike zoom Pegasus. It uses the same Nike ZoomX foam as the Vaporfly 4%. That’s why it comes in at $180 and has a very short life.

I bought the Pegasus Turbo 35 because I was looking for a long run/faster shoe. During previous training cycles, I would have used a less cushioned shoes like a racing flat. I wanted a fast shoe I could use for training runs but need a cushioned ride. Many people use the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo as a daily training shoe, but I prefer something with more cushion.

My only goal of this training cycle is to start and finish the marathon healthy. Among many things, it means adding a lot more cushion into my training shoes. I’m not the type of runner that can get away minimal shoes anyway. I did recently write about racing flats and if they are right for you.

The Nike Zoom Pegasus 35 Turbo has Nike ZoomX foam, which is lighter and provides more energy return than the regular Pegasus. The only shoes that have the ZoomX foam are the Vaporfly Elite, Vaporfly 4%, and now the Pegasus Turbo. You’ll know if your shoe has the foam because they are only available is certain colors and far more expensive than the traditional shoe.

Nike Pegasus Turbo 35 Fit:

The upper of the Nike Pegasus Turbo is very different than the regular Nike Pegasus. The translucent mesh is lot wider. It’s one of the reasons I wanted to try the Turbo versus the normal Pegasus. The Pegasus Turbo fits my foot better.

Of course, I want to run faster, but with the mesh upper the Nike Pegasus Turbo is just a wider shoe. I usually wear a women’s size 10-11 wide and I cannot fit my foot into the regular Pegasus. The flywire cables keep the shoe hugging your arch.

I can, however, wear a women’s 10 in the Nike Pegasus Turbo 35 with no problem. The Nike Pegasus Turbo is one of the few shoes that a standard size 10 feels comfortable to me.

The upper of the Pegasus Turbo generally is a similar to the regular Pegasus but a little more sturdy. One thing worth mentioning is the Racing Stripe on the shoe. It looks cool, sure, but it takes a lot of breathability out of the shoe. To me personally, it seems cheap. It could have been screen printed onto the shoe with no issues with the material. The translucent mesh looks equally as cool but the practicality of the shoe is lacking.

Nike Pegasus Turbo 35 Ride:

Both the Pegasus and Pegasus Turbo look like aggressive shoes. They have a curved heel almost resembling a fin with the heel counter coming up further than most shoes. Nike Running mentions the fin is aerodynamic. Every second matter right?

I like shoes that you can see the technology. In any of the Turbo shoes, you can see where the two layers of react foam meet. You can see the material crush down in both the Vaporfly and Nike Pegasus Turbo.

During long runs, it’s much softer than the regular Pegasus and resembles the squishy of the Vomero but fast…very fast. All of my long runs have been productive in the shoe. Is it the shoe? Is it my training? I’m able to get good leg turnover in the shoe. Nike claims it brings record breaking paces and my long runs have been raster.

Finally, unlike the Nike Vaporfly 4%, there is a rubber outsole and traction during inclement weather. I am much more likely to run in the Pegasus Turbo (versus Vaporfly) in bad weather.

Conclusion:

I think the Nike Pegasus Turbo is a good shoe, however, there are a few things that I think need to be mentioned. I’ll continue to run in it and get faster long runs, but do I think it’s worth all of the hype? That I’m not sure.

The shoe is not durable. Similar to the VaporFly, you aren’t going to get “a lot” of mileage in them. The foam tends to break down in the Turbo around 150 miles. Why don’t people talk about this? The Vaporfly is only designed to last 2 or so marathons?
The price. $180 is a lot for a neutral, low cushioned, shoe.

I don’t think it’s a bad shoe, but for me, it serves its purpose as a long, fast, run shoe. I’m not going to take it out for a leisurely jog or add additional mileage in it.

If your foot is a more narrow width, I would probably suggest getting the regular Pegasus, as it’s significantly cheaper and you get more mileage out it. I know I’m in the minority, but I think it’s more of a social media shoe than anything. Obviously, most people love it, since it sells out so quickly!

Current Shoe Rotation:

Long Runs: Nike Pegasus Turbo, Hoka Cavu

Easy Run/Daily Runs: Brooks Glycerin, New Balance 1080, On Cloudace

Workouts: Nike Pegasus Turbo, Nike Zoom Streak or Saucony Type A

Questions for you:

What was your first running shoe?

What shoe do you race most often in?

Nike Zoom Fly Review

November 29, 2017 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running, Running Reads Tags: fitness, health, nike, review, run, running, shoes, sports

Nike Zoom Fly Shoe Review

Keep in mind, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 is now out which is an all-around better version of the zoom fly.

When Nike created the “breaking 2 project”, they created two shoes: the Zoom Fly and the Nike Zoom Vapor Fly 4%. The Nike Zoom Fly retails at $150, while the Zoom Fly 4% comes in at $250. That is, if you can find a pair of Zoom Vapor fly 4% in your size.

The Zoom Fly Shoe is a bit heavier and made for the everyday runner (or any runner not trying to break 2 hours in the marathon).

The Zoom Fly made more for training. When we first brought The Nike Zoom Fly into work, I wanted to try them because “everyone was”, however, I had plenty of shoes in my rotation. Waiting enough time also gave me the option to buy a flashy red colorway too.

The Nike Zoom Fly Fit:

The Nike Zoom Fly is more narrow than many of Nikes training shoes including the Pegasus and Vomero. The upper of the Nike Zoom Fly is seamless, so it’s able to fit wider feet. They don’t make either in a “wide”. I bought a women’s size 10 which is fine, but I do believe a 10 wide would be a slightly better fit. The flymesh upper makes it more forgiving.

The Nike Zoom Fly Ride:

The Nike Zoom Fly weighs about 8.75 ounces for men and 6.5 for ladies. While the Nike Zoom Fly is not the lightest, it’s a lighter shoe.

The Nike Zoom Fly has 10 mm heel-toe drop so it isn’t minimal either. The focus of The Nike Zoom Fly is for “everyday” training. The Nike Zoom Fly is not the shoe meant to run sub 2 hours in a marathon but the shoe to keep you healthy during training. Nike is in the process of changing many of their running shoes to the new technology you see in the Nike Zoom Fly and Zoom Vapor Fly.

I’ve run just over 100 miles in the Nike Zoom Fly and I like the fit and feel a lot. The Nike Zoom Fly is soft and cushioned but not too squishy. It’s responsive enough that I like to do workouts in it without my feet feeling too beat up. I was doing workouts in either the Saucony Type A or the Altra Escalante but have found the extra cushion to be nice and better to recover faster.

One thing I will say is, similar to the Nike Lunarglide, there isn’t a whole lot of traction at the bottom. On a rainy day or mud, be prepared not to feel as much contact with the ground.

Finally, something I shouldn’t comment on, but I will is these are a good looking pair of shoes. It’s always fun to run in a shoe that you’re like…wow these are sharp.

The Nike Zoom Fly Conclusion:

Personally, I see the Nike Zoom Fly as a tempo, speed, or racing shoe. While I know many people who do the bulk of their mileage in the Nike Zoom Fly, I personally need more cushion.

Current Rotation:
Saucony Freedom (daily runs, easy runs)
Brooks Glycerin (daily runs, easy runs)
Brooks Levitate (easy runs)
Hoka Clifton 4 (daily runs, easy runs)
Nike Zoom fly (workouts)
Altra Escalante (workouts)
Saucony type A/Endorphin (racing)

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:
Did you watch the Nike Sub 2 hours documentary?
What is your current favorite running shoe?

FueledByLOLZ

Running and Laughing through the Garden State

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