The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% clears your path to record-breaking speed with a lighter design and faster feel than before. Ready to Race Nike ZoomX foam delivers Nike Running's greatest energy return yet, and NEXT% adds more ZoomX for responsive comfort on race day. Lightweight Ventilation Nike VaporWeave material on the top is an engineered woven mesh that's light and breathable while giving a secure, comfortable fit. All-New Laces Updated laces loop through lightweight side sashes that eliminate the need for an arch band, helping to reduce shoe weight and relieve pressure on the top of your tendons.
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% clears your path to record-breaking speed with a lighter design and faster feel than before. Ready to Race Nike ZoomX foam delivers Nike Running's greatest energy return yet, and NEXT% adds more ZoomX for responsive comfort on race day. Lightweight Ventilation Nike VaporWeave material on the top is an engineered woven mesh that's light and breathable while giving a secure, comfortable fit. All-New Laces Updated laces loop through lightweight side sashes that eliminate the need for an arch band, helping to reduce shoe weight and relieve pressure on the top of your tendons.
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% clears your path to record-breaking speed with a lighter design and faster feel than before. Ready to Race Nike ZoomX foam delivers Nike Running's greatest energy return yet, and NEXT% adds more ZoomX for responsive comfort on race day. Lightweight Ventilation Nike VaporWeave material on the top is an engineered woven mesh that's light and breathable while giving a secure, comfortable fit. All-New Laces Updated laces loop through lightweight side sashes that eliminate the need for an arch band, helping to reduce shoe weight and relieve pressure on the top of your tendons.
The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% clears your path to record-breaking speed with a lighter design and faster feel than before. Ready to Race Nike ZoomX foam delivers Nike Running's greatest energy return yet, and NEXT% adds more ZoomX for responsive comfort on race day. Lightweight Ventilation Nike VaporWeave material on the top is an engineered woven mesh that's light and breathable while giving a secure, comfortable fit. All-New Laces Updated laces loop through lightweight side sashes that eliminate the need for an arch band, helping to reduce shoe weight and relieve pressure on the top of your tendons.
Last updated at 03/21/2026 11:23:51
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 'Ekiden Zoom Pack' | Blue | Men's Size 6.5
Delivery between 23–30 Mar $25
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% Ekiden, UK 6 (EU 39)
Delivery between 25–29 Mar $14.99
originally posted on store.nike.com
I'll be honest, I had my doubts about these shoes. I have run almost exclusively in Newtons for the past 10 years - logging over 12,000 miles in various terrain and countless races. I never saw a reason to switch. Then, as I spectated the Chicago Marathon in October 2019 I watched as the elites went by - all in the Nike Next % - and figured ok, whatever, these are elites/ sponsored and would run in boots if you paid them enough. But then what really caught my attention was when the next ~1,000 runners came by, I would estimate ~90% were wearing Nike Next %. I began to ask myself if there was maybe a technological advantage to the shoe.I know elites have won time and again in this shoe, but I was more curious what it meant for those of us running more human-like ... MoreI'll be honest, I had my doubts about these shoes. I have run almost exclusively in Newtons for the past 10 years - logging over 12,000 miles in various terrain and countless races. I never saw a reason to switch. Then, as I spectated the Chicago Marathon in October 2019 I watched as the elites went by - all in the Nike Next % - and figured ok, whatever, these are elites/ sponsored and would run in boots if you paid them enough. But then what really caught my attention was when the next ~1,000 runners came by, I would estimate ~90% were wearing Nike Next %. I began to ask myself if there was maybe a technological advantage to the shoe.I know elites have won time and again in this shoe, but I was more curious what it meant for those of us running more human-like times in the 3:00-3:30 range? I began to research the shoes – looking both at reviews as well as technical specs - and had a hard time finding any real complaint aside from the price and durability (~$1/ mile on average). While that is fair, when you look at the cost of a marathon, a $1/mile for shoe that actually performs isn’t that bad.At the Columbus Marathon expo I saw the shoes on display and simply wanted to try them on to see how they felt. The salesperson encouraged me to run a bit in them. I put them on, and as soon as I started jogging it felt like springs were pushing me forward. Unreal. No way that is happening. I tried again and this time pushed the pace. Same result. I had to try these shoes. At the expo only the shoes were 30% off, which sealed the deal. Now my question was when to try them out.I hesitantly decided to do a 3 mile shakeout run on Saturday and if all went well, I would try them in the marathon Sunday. The shakeout went absolutely fine – pace was ~25 seconds faster per mile than I was expecting/ planning on, but generally felt comfortable. Sunday, I threw caution to the wind and wore the Next % for the race…and PR’d. Let’s be honest though, I trained for this race and was ready to run. My body felt good and I put in the work. I was absolutely in shape and ready to run sub 3:20. But here’s the wild thing. I ran 3:13, and I negatively split the back half.Will the Next % run a race for you? No. If you don’t train and put in the work, it won’t matter. Will the Next % make you faster? Yes. No question. Will you PR? Who knows – I saw another guy in Next % walking around mile 22, so again it’s not a silver bullet. Was it dumb to run in new shoes for a marathon? Maybe, but it’s been over 5 years since my marathon PR, so to feel this good in a race was fantastic.Verdict: if you can splurge on one thing for a race, make it the Next %.
originally posted on store.nike.com
I just got these and just took them for a quick 6 miles. For reference, I did a triathlon the day before and was pretty tired before my run. Meant to go out and run easy which I felt I did but my splits were really fast for a training run. I wasn't even breathing hard and I was close to my race pace for a 10k. Totally effortless strides! As for the shoe construction, they were true to size. Super springy and comfortable. The upper material is super thin but is almost sock like around your foot which is cool being that these are not the flyknit material. The heal has this cool pad that gives you a more locked in feel which is great given the minimalist style of the upper, also adds to the comfort. I am not a fan of the tongue as it is very thin but this is just ... MoreI just got these and just took them for a quick 6 miles. For reference, I did a triathlon the day before and was pretty tired before my run. Meant to go out and run easy which I felt I did but my splits were really fast for a training run. I wasn't even breathing hard and I was close to my race pace for a 10k. Totally effortless strides! As for the shoe construction, they were true to size. Super springy and comfortable. The upper material is super thin but is almost sock like around your foot which is cool being that these are not the flyknit material. The heal has this cool pad that gives you a more locked in feel which is great given the minimalist style of the upper, also adds to the comfort. I am not a fan of the tongue as it is very thin but this is just personal preference for me and does not hinder the performance of the shoe in any way. Cushioning is amazing. Reminds me of the Pegasus Turbo but seems slightly better. Laces are ok. They appear to be the same, cloth/nylon type laces used on the SP's which I am not a huge fan of, mostly because they come untied and I am not usually a double knotter. Overall, the shoe is awesome. I was extremely excited to tell my wife how much I loved the shoes but she wasn't having it, knowing the price tag. Look forward to more colors and getting another pair as well as using them to PR at the Detroit Marathon.
originally posted on store.nike.com
I bought these at the end of last season (2019), so only got one race in them before winter. Not much for races this year. Initially, because of price, I was only going to wear them for marathons, of which I usually do 5-6/year. With races being shut down this year, I wore them when long runs hit 18 miles or more while training for a virtual for this fall. I figure I'm about 8sec/mile faster in these than my regular Nike Zoom Fly 3 shoes. They just FEEL fast when you put them on. Their so light and responsive they make me want to run in them all the time.I've got about 270 miles on this pair and would expect to see wear at that point. Actually, they have worn better than my Zoom Fly 3s.They're definitely on the pricey side, but where I'm at in my racing, I feel ... MoreI bought these at the end of last season (2019), so only got one race in them before winter. Not much for races this year. Initially, because of price, I was only going to wear them for marathons, of which I usually do 5-6/year. With races being shut down this year, I wore them when long runs hit 18 miles or more while training for a virtual for this fall. I figure I'm about 8sec/mile faster in these than my regular Nike Zoom Fly 3 shoes. They just FEEL fast when you put them on. Their so light and responsive they make me want to run in them all the time.I've got about 270 miles on this pair and would expect to see wear at that point. Actually, they have worn better than my Zoom Fly 3s.They're definitely on the pricey side, but where I'm at in my racing, I feel they're worth the splurge. For those thinking about dropping the cash, I would encourage you to work first on strengthening your glutes/core first, work on improving your form, and maybe then make the purchase.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% 'Ekiden Zoom Pack' | Blue | Men's Size 6.5
Delivery between 23–30 Mar $25
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% Ekiden, UK 6 (EU 39)
Delivery between 25–29 Mar $14.99
I'll be honest, I had my doubts about these shoes. I have run almost exclusively in Newtons for the past 10 years - logging over 12,000 miles in various terrain and countless races. I never saw a reason to switch. Then, as I spectated the Chicago Marathon in October 2019 I watched as the elites went by - all in the Nike Next % - and figured ok, whatever, these are elites/ sponsored and would run in boots if you paid them enough. But then what really caught my attention was when the next ~1,000 runners came by, I would estimate ~90% were wearing Nike Next %. I began to ask myself if there was maybe a technological advantage to the shoe.I know elites have won time and again in this shoe, but I was more curious what it meant for those of us running more human-like ... MoreI'll be honest, I had my doubts about these shoes. I have run almost exclusively in Newtons for the past 10 years - logging over 12,000 miles in various terrain and countless races. I never saw a reason to switch. Then, as I spectated the Chicago Marathon in October 2019 I watched as the elites went by - all in the Nike Next % - and figured ok, whatever, these are elites/ sponsored and would run in boots if you paid them enough. But then what really caught my attention was when the next ~1,000 runners came by, I would estimate ~90% were wearing Nike Next %. I began to ask myself if there was maybe a technological advantage to the shoe.I know elites have won time and again in this shoe, but I was more curious what it meant for those of us running more human-like times in the 3:00-3:30 range? I began to research the shoes – looking both at reviews as well as technical specs - and had a hard time finding any real complaint aside from the price and durability (~$1/ mile on average). While that is fair, when you look at the cost of a marathon, a $1/mile for shoe that actually performs isn’t that bad.At the Columbus Marathon expo I saw the shoes on display and simply wanted to try them on to see how they felt. The salesperson encouraged me to run a bit in them. I put them on, and as soon as I started jogging it felt like springs were pushing me forward. Unreal. No way that is happening. I tried again and this time pushed the pace. Same result. I had to try these shoes. At the expo only the shoes were 30% off, which sealed the deal. Now my question was when to try them out.I hesitantly decided to do a 3 mile shakeout run on Saturday and if all went well, I would try them in the marathon Sunday. The shakeout went absolutely fine – pace was ~25 seconds faster per mile than I was expecting/ planning on, but generally felt comfortable. Sunday, I threw caution to the wind and wore the Next % for the race…and PR’d. Let’s be honest though, I trained for this race and was ready to run. My body felt good and I put in the work. I was absolutely in shape and ready to run sub 3:20. But here’s the wild thing. I ran 3:13, and I negatively split the back half.Will the Next % run a race for you? No. If you don’t train and put in the work, it won’t matter. Will the Next % make you faster? Yes. No question. Will you PR? Who knows – I saw another guy in Next % walking around mile 22, so again it’s not a silver bullet. Was it dumb to run in new shoes for a marathon? Maybe, but it’s been over 5 years since my marathon PR, so to feel this good in a race was fantastic.Verdict: if you can splurge on one thing for a race, make it the Next %.
I just got these and just took them for a quick 6 miles. For reference, I did a triathlon the day before and was pretty tired before my run. Meant to go out and run easy which I felt I did but my splits were really fast for a training run. I wasn't even breathing hard and I was close to my race pace for a 10k. Totally effortless strides! As for the shoe construction, they were true to size. Super springy and comfortable. The upper material is super thin but is almost sock like around your foot which is cool being that these are not the flyknit material. The heal has this cool pad that gives you a more locked in feel which is great given the minimalist style of the upper, also adds to the comfort. I am not a fan of the tongue as it is very thin but this is just ... MoreI just got these and just took them for a quick 6 miles. For reference, I did a triathlon the day before and was pretty tired before my run. Meant to go out and run easy which I felt I did but my splits were really fast for a training run. I wasn't even breathing hard and I was close to my race pace for a 10k. Totally effortless strides! As for the shoe construction, they were true to size. Super springy and comfortable. The upper material is super thin but is almost sock like around your foot which is cool being that these are not the flyknit material. The heal has this cool pad that gives you a more locked in feel which is great given the minimalist style of the upper, also adds to the comfort. I am not a fan of the tongue as it is very thin but this is just personal preference for me and does not hinder the performance of the shoe in any way. Cushioning is amazing. Reminds me of the Pegasus Turbo but seems slightly better. Laces are ok. They appear to be the same, cloth/nylon type laces used on the SP's which I am not a huge fan of, mostly because they come untied and I am not usually a double knotter. Overall, the shoe is awesome. I was extremely excited to tell my wife how much I loved the shoes but she wasn't having it, knowing the price tag. Look forward to more colors and getting another pair as well as using them to PR at the Detroit Marathon.
I bought these at the end of last season (2019), so only got one race in them before winter. Not much for races this year. Initially, because of price, I was only going to wear them for marathons, of which I usually do 5-6/year. With races being shut down this year, I wore them when long runs hit 18 miles or more while training for a virtual for this fall. I figure I'm about 8sec/mile faster in these than my regular Nike Zoom Fly 3 shoes. They just FEEL fast when you put them on. Their so light and responsive they make me want to run in them all the time.I've got about 270 miles on this pair and would expect to see wear at that point. Actually, they have worn better than my Zoom Fly 3s.They're definitely on the pricey side, but where I'm at in my racing, I feel ... MoreI bought these at the end of last season (2019), so only got one race in them before winter. Not much for races this year. Initially, because of price, I was only going to wear them for marathons, of which I usually do 5-6/year. With races being shut down this year, I wore them when long runs hit 18 miles or more while training for a virtual for this fall. I figure I'm about 8sec/mile faster in these than my regular Nike Zoom Fly 3 shoes. They just FEEL fast when you put them on. Their so light and responsive they make me want to run in them all the time.I've got about 270 miles on this pair and would expect to see wear at that point. Actually, they have worn better than my Zoom Fly 3s.They're definitely on the pricey side, but where I'm at in my racing, I feel they're worth the splurge. For those thinking about dropping the cash, I would encourage you to work first on strengthening your glutes/core first, work on improving your form, and maybe then make the purchase.
As a runner that averages more than 60 miles a week, I must say that I was skeptical about these. I really wanted to like the Vaporfly 4%, but I couldn't justify how much I spent on them because of all the issues I had with them. They weren't durable (after even the first run, the outsole was shredded), they fit a little strange, and I felt like $250 was too much for them. So when I saw these announced, I wasn't sure if I would buy them. It looked like Nike had fixed every complaint I had with the 4%, but looks can be deceiving. I caved, though, and bought them. Very first run, 11 miles at 6:00 pace, I absolutely loved them. The outsole is already holding up a million times better than the 4%, the fit is completely flawless thanks to the new upper material and ... MoreAs a runner that averages more than 60 miles a week, I must say that I was skeptical about these. I really wanted to like the Vaporfly 4%, but I couldn't justify how much I spent on them because of all the issues I had with them. They weren't durable (after even the first run, the outsole was shredded), they fit a little strange, and I felt like $250 was too much for them. So when I saw these announced, I wasn't sure if I would buy them. It looked like Nike had fixed every complaint I had with the 4%, but looks can be deceiving. I caved, though, and bought them. Very first run, 11 miles at 6:00 pace, I absolutely loved them. The outsole is already holding up a million times better than the 4%, the fit is completely flawless thanks to the new upper material and lacing setup, and they overall are just built better. I feel like the Next% is what the 4% should've been. So, after one run, I feel like the Next% are worth every penny. 10/10 excellent job, Nike.
I want to start off by saying that both the Next% and 4% are light years ahead of anything else on the market by "far." When I read reviews elsewhere I found it hard to believe how revolutionary they were until I realized the benefits myself in "substantially" increased performance. I own both the 4% and the Next%. I started with the 4% and found them incredibly comfortable and fit like a soft glove with how the mesh surrounds your foot. The limitation is the durability in terms of life expectancy. I found running on hard terrain tore up the bottoms relatively quickly. But I would trade off the durability and buy additional pairs rather than go back to a lesser shoe. When I moved to the Next% I wondered how much better it could get. I find them faster, more durable ... MoreI want to start off by saying that both the Next% and 4% are light years ahead of anything else on the market by "far." When I read reviews elsewhere I found it hard to believe how revolutionary they were until I realized the benefits myself in "substantially" increased performance. I own both the 4% and the Next%. I started with the 4% and found them incredibly comfortable and fit like a soft glove with how the mesh surrounds your foot. The limitation is the durability in terms of life expectancy. I found running on hard terrain tore up the bottoms relatively quickly. But I would trade off the durability and buy additional pairs rather than go back to a lesser shoe. When I moved to the Next% I wondered how much better it could get. I find them faster, more durable and the center of gravity a bit further forward, which seems to provide enhanced performance. It feels unusual though with the tongue material which is like a "flap" and offset of the laces. When I step into the 4% they feel as comfortable as can be and it doesn't get any better. The Next% is a bit uncomfortable and takes getting used to but once running a couple of miles you forget about it. I should clarify uncomfortable as compared to the 4% but still much better than most other shoes. These shoes are worth every penny of the price. I would love to see a combination of technologies of the 4% vaporfly mesh with the foundation of the Next%
I've never been of the opinion that a shoe can actually make me faster or jump higher. A lighter shoe can make me think I'm faster, so mentally faster but not physically faster.But this shoe makes someone faster. It's unfair almost, it's like a cheat code, like getting 30 extra lives on the old nintendo game contra.I'm trying to qualify for Boston this year. I ran a marathon in 2013 and qualified back then with a 3:03:40 time, 7 minute mile pace. I had some Adidas race shoes that I really enjoyed, super light, I think they were called featherlite's. Did they make me faster? Mentally yes, but my training times in those and in my Nike Pegasus 29's from 2013 didn't change much.Fast forward to 2020. I never thought I'd do another marathon again. Family, more work, ... MoreI've never been of the opinion that a shoe can actually make me faster or jump higher. A lighter shoe can make me think I'm faster, so mentally faster but not physically faster.But this shoe makes someone faster. It's unfair almost, it's like a cheat code, like getting 30 extra lives on the old nintendo game contra.I'm trying to qualify for Boston this year. I ran a marathon in 2013 and qualified back then with a 3:03:40 time, 7 minute mile pace. I had some Adidas race shoes that I really enjoyed, super light, I think they were called featherlite's. Did they make me faster? Mentally yes, but my training times in those and in my Nike Pegasus 29's from 2013 didn't change much.Fast forward to 2020. I never thought I'd do another marathon again. Family, more work, it just takes a lot of time and sacrifice to qualify for boston. Training six days a week, 1.5 hours to 2 hours a day with running/exercises/recovery.But Coviid gave me the chance. Working from home has provided me a window to train and try to qualify for Boston again. I've started an 18 week training program (Haonson's Marathon method, so good for any potential marathoners out there, I did it in 2013 and am following it again)So I'm in week 5 of training. I've been doing tempo runs, which are runs you try to run at Marathon pace. I am trying to run a 3 hour marathon, which is a 6:53 pace. My first tempo 6 mile run I ran at a 7:08 pace, just running in my Nike Pegasus 34's. My second tempo 6 mile run a week later and 6 workouts later I ran at a 7:04 pace, with the Peg 34's. Today was my third tempo run. Yesterday I bough these shoes at a Nike outlet (last pair left, and in my size! Got them for $130, on sale at $160 and then extra 20% off. Never paid this much for a shoe, and thought forever about biting the bullet, but I bit it. I'm a penny pincher, can't imagine paying $250 and hurt to pay the $130).So today was my last tempo 6 miler before I bump it up to 7 miler next week. It was my first run in these shoes. Just putting them on they felt different. I felt taller. I felt like I was in high heels. I felt like I was in moon boots. All at the same time. The amount of cushioning/padding is insane. I could definitely feel the springiness. I wouldn't say there the most beautiful shoe ever made, and I'll never wear them outside of running. But it's not what they were meant for. They were meant for one thing, and that was to go fast.I was hoping for a 7:00 pace over 6 miles today, knock another 4 seconds off from last week. I ran it at 6:53! I couldn't believe it. Hit my Marathon pace in only week 5 and 11 seconds faster than last week! And I felt good! I wasn't dog tired, last week when I hit 7:04 I was hunched over for the last mile and just giving my all to finish. For the last mile, this week I had the same running posture in mile one as mile 6. If I really pushed myself I think I could've even been a couple seconds faster. It felt unreal. I can't wait to continue to train in these, and can't wait for my August 29 marathon. I was thinking 3 hours to safely qualify for Boston. (I'm 38) I'm now thinking I might could shave another 5-10 minutes off with these bad boys and be in 2:50 to 2:55 range.Does it give an unfair advantage? Yes and one thing I've always liked about running is that technology doesn't give an unfair playing field like other sports, but that may no longer be true. This gives an unfair advantage to those who have it. It truly makes you faster. If you're going for a time and are borderline, these will push you over the edge.So Nike, send me whatever you want my way for this awesome review. These are unreal!!!!!!!!!!!
I am not a fan of these shoes. They are very unstable. I have never had stability problems, but had a lot of issues where I almost hurt my ankle in these shoes. You have to carefully watch where you are putting your foot down, put the heel into a hole or anything uneven, and the heel collapses and you will twist or break something. The shoes were reasonably fast, but I did not feel like they are worth the price, especially for how twitchy the stability felt.I also ran these on an indoor track, they were very tough in tight turns. My track requires 50+ turns per mile, so very tight. On a 400m track they should be ok, but in tight turns on the road, I would again be very cautious.Also I put about 50 miles on these, and there is already significant breakdown of the ... MoreI am not a fan of these shoes. They are very unstable. I have never had stability problems, but had a lot of issues where I almost hurt my ankle in these shoes. You have to carefully watch where you are putting your foot down, put the heel into a hole or anything uneven, and the heel collapses and you will twist or break something. The shoes were reasonably fast, but I did not feel like they are worth the price, especially for how twitchy the stability felt.I also ran these on an indoor track, they were very tough in tight turns. My track requires 50+ turns per mile, so very tight. On a 400m track they should be ok, but in tight turns on the road, I would again be very cautious.Also I put about 50 miles on these, and there is already significant breakdown of the foam. These will not last you hundreds of miles.
Running for over 30 years with some elite racing experience & the Nike ZoomX Next % is the most comfortable racer/trainer for fast days, ever! Cut 10 seconds off half mile fast start split at 85% effort then pushed a fast interval tempo run at 80% and knocked 2 minutes off 5K training run time. Unbelievable! Less exhausting 1/4 mile cool down without a gait shift to accommodate a slower pace and without aches during an entire tempo run with fast intervals and a cool down 1/4 mile. First time out, I needed to adjust to the spring factor, balance of a more narrow landing area & shape difference. Recommend a slower pace when first wearing until completely adjusted to the technology. Second time out, I was adjusted to the shoe & had amazing outcomes: Faster interval ... MoreRunning for over 30 years with some elite racing experience & the Nike ZoomX Next % is the most comfortable racer/trainer for fast days, ever! Cut 10 seconds off half mile fast start split at 85% effort then pushed a fast interval tempo run at 80% and knocked 2 minutes off 5K training run time. Unbelievable! Less exhausting 1/4 mile cool down without a gait shift to accommodate a slower pace and without aches during an entire tempo run with fast intervals and a cool down 1/4 mile. First time out, I needed to adjust to the spring factor, balance of a more narrow landing area & shape difference. Recommend a slower pace when first wearing until completely adjusted to the technology. Second time out, I was adjusted to the shoe & had amazing outcomes: Faster interval split times; balance on point during turns; ability to feel the road in check; no surprise aches or any pain; & less exhaustion. To manage durability issues: keep on the balls of my feet after a run with a gentle marching cool down & change out to other trainers for yoga post workout & pre-workout of general strength workout prior running only to slip on the fancy shoes for dynamic flexibility drills & strides prior to the run/future races.
I've finally moved on the Next %, despite still having 4% Flyknits in my rotation, I could no longer resist getting a pair to see for myself if the well known shortcomings of the Flyknits were addressed. The answer is a resounding, yes!To my amazement, even the comfort of the flyknit fit (IMO, it's strongest characteristic) was matched with the new upper. The fit in my normal shoe size is perfect on my foot, but I wouldn't want the shoe even the tiniest bit smaller. The outsole is such a huge improvement and while I haven't experienced first hand yet, I'm thoroughly convinced that water retention will be less in these shoes than the 4% flyknits. I'm not really convinced there's any real advantage to the offset lacing, but nor do I find anything negative about it ... MoreI've finally moved on the Next %, despite still having 4% Flyknits in my rotation, I could no longer resist getting a pair to see for myself if the well known shortcomings of the Flyknits were addressed. The answer is a resounding, yes!To my amazement, even the comfort of the flyknit fit (IMO, it's strongest characteristic) was matched with the new upper. The fit in my normal shoe size is perfect on my foot, but I wouldn't want the shoe even the tiniest bit smaller. The outsole is such a huge improvement and while I haven't experienced first hand yet, I'm thoroughly convinced that water retention will be less in these shoes than the 4% flyknits. I'm not really convinced there's any real advantage to the offset lacing, but nor do I find anything negative about it other than it being a little awkward.I can't speak to performance (or durability) yet, as I've only worn the Next %s on a brief break-in run to check for any obvious issues. I've run 7 marathons in the Vapor Fly Flyknits and I estimate I've experienced about a 1-2% improvement in finish times as a result of wearing the magic shoe. I don't really expect to see much of a performance difference between the 4%s and the Next %s, but 15% more foam obviously means more cushioning. As well, the shoe weight dropped, even with the additional foam. Performance enhancement is often the main talking point about these shoes (and a nice feature!), but honestly, the immense amount of cushioning per unit weight is what truly makes this the best marathon shoe I have ever worn by a wide margin.BUT, there's just one thing.....NIKE... PLEASE make a colorway that isn't so polarizing. As much as I wanted to buy these shoes, I debated it for days, trying to convince myself I liked the Hakone because I sure wasn't going with hot pink. Reluctantly, I bought the Hakones- but to be blunt, I find them to look like a pair of mismatched, pastel clown shoes. There's no longer a need to make extreme colorways so everyone knows that all the front pack elites have a pair on at the marathon majors. The secret is out, everyone knows these are the best!
Okay so I was skeptical back when the %4 dropped plus the price being high. Ive been training/running for NYC Marathon consistently since 2005. I picked up a pair in 13, I sized up based on my research. I put it on in the store and took it for a quick lap and I was like WOW! incredibly light and propelling you forward! So I took it out for 3 miles with a bunny hill out of the 10 I ran this morning. Great shoe, projectile technology is great. Upper is so thin almost like a windbreaker, Its like nothing I have tried before (trust me I have tried many different running shoes). I plan on using them next Sunday in NYC. Great cush in heel, midfoot and toe off. Worked well at different paces like just easy and light and then for quick sprints, I could see this shoe being ... MoreOkay so I was skeptical back when the %4 dropped plus the price being high. Ive been training/running for NYC Marathon consistently since 2005. I picked up a pair in 13, I sized up based on my research. I put it on in the store and took it for a quick lap and I was like WOW! incredibly light and propelling you forward! So I took it out for 3 miles with a bunny hill out of the 10 I ran this morning. Great shoe, projectile technology is great. Upper is so thin almost like a windbreaker, Its like nothing I have tried before (trust me I have tried many different running shoes). I plan on using them next Sunday in NYC. Great cush in heel, midfoot and toe off. Worked well at different paces like just easy and light and then for quick sprints, I could see this shoe being used for track work as well. What I like the most was that I didn't have to think where to strike my foot, it was like the sneaker did it for me. Durability probably is only going to be tops 150-200, so I would use it occasionally in training rotation on those long slower runs. I think it works great for any stride lengths and even for mid packers(my speed is 5mph during a marathon for 6-4 185 lbs). Do I think they will help, I do because of the Zoom X is awesome. I used to use the Zoom streak models, I used the streak 6 last year great material under foot! BTW Nike will the zoom streaks be on sale or are the being discontinued? So stoked about running NYC next Sunday and going with the NEXT % is innovation at its best!
