LTF is a fan of Nike running gear and today, we will share some of our favorite running shoes. We've tested them for over 200 miles each and are super excited to describe what we've discovered!
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35 & 36
These are our tried-and-true running shoes! The Nike Pegasus are the shoes we encourage most of our runners to try, because they have proved to provide comfort, durability, and versatility. First, the shoes have a relatively wide toe box, which allows a runner's toes to breathe and spread to push off properly. They also contain full-length Nike Air Zoom technology paired with Cushlon. This creates a responsive, soft, yet resilient system that makes the ride comfortable and stable for all types of foot-strikes. It is worth mentioning that these shoes are also durable, lasting a minimum of 350 miles and can probably go an additional 50-100 miles. Our favorite Pegasus 35/36 attribute is that they’re perfect for the 5k runner all the way to the marathoner. They're good as "everyday" trainers, particularly fitting for easy and long runs as well as for those tempo runs and speed workouts. While they're only mildly responsive, they're fairly comfortable, so many runners also like to race in these.
What's the difference between the 35 and 36, you ask?
Well, there isn't much of a difference. The Pegasus 36 was made with more breathability at the net upper, a more comfortable tongue fit, and a slightly better fit around the ankle. The new Pegasus 37 were released for sale on 04.30.20, and we can’t wait to share our thoughts!
Summary:
- Comfortable, cushiony shoes
- Last at least 300 miles
- Excellent "everyday" trainers
- There isn't much of a difference between the 35 and the 36, but the 35 can usually be found at a much cheaper price!
Nike Epic React Flyknit 1 & 2
The Epic React Flyknits are some of the most good-looking running shoes out there! These shoes were marketed as bouncy, pillow-like shoes by the famous gymnast Simone Biles, and they did not disappoint. They provide a light, springy ride that makes you feel fast. LTF generally recommends these for the 5k-10k runners. The toe box isn't narrow, but the Flyknit upper can feel snug in longer distances as the foot swells. For this reason, we don't recommend these for longer distances than 13 miles. These shoes are pretty versatile and feel good in both easy and hard runs. We will note that they also feel particularly great on the track.
But again, what's the difference between the 1st and 2nd iteration?
Like the Air Zoom Pegasus 35 and 36, the Epic React Flyknit 1 and 2 aren't much different. In our best educated opinion, the main update in the second iteration was the plastic heel clip that is on the upper. With the heel adjustment, the Flyknit 2 feels more stable. But overall, they feel quite similar! If you want to look stylish and feel bouncy in your run, this is your shoe!
Summary:
- Super stylish shoes
- Light, springy shoes
- Perfect for 5k-10k runners and runs under 13 miles
- The Epic React Flyknit 2 feels a little more stable than the first iteration
Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit
The Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit is one of our favorite FAST shoes. It is extremely responsive, light, and comfortable. The shoe has a bouncy midsole made of react foam and contains a full-length Carbon fiber plate, which propels you forward and helps with a faster turnover. It is also very light, weighing only 8.7 oz (men's) and 6.8 oz (women's), making it a great shoe for fast running. (For reference, an average running shoe weighs 11-12 oz!) The upper is made of snug yet flexible Flyknit material that allows you to drive your toes up comfortably for a higher and more efficient knee drive. Additionally, this shoe doesn't have a firm heel, so it is truly meant for the runner with a mid to forefoot strike who can power off and benefit from the additional propulsion of the carbon-fiber plate (which is more efficient anyways! We can work on that at our next #TrackTuesday! 😉). The only downfall about the fit of this shoe is that it runs a bit narrow. It is not recommended for the runner who requires stability. However, the new Zoom Fly 3 has a wider fit and is just as fast (but it is not Flyknit)! Plus, it's easier to come by nowadays since the Zoom Fly Flyknit is only found at discount retail stores. Lastly, while this shoe is marketed for racing, it is also an excellent shoe to have in your rotation for speed workouts! Overall, it's honestly our favorite affordable fast shoe for the more serious runner!
Summary:
- Light, responsive shoe
- Runs a bit narrow and Flyknit is flexible - not ideal for runners requiring stability
- Not ideal for heel-strikers
- Great for racing and speed workouts
- Our favorite affordable fast shoe!
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit
Last, but definitely not least, the Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit shoe!! This shoe “was designed to help reduce injury.” We have found this shoe to have excellent shock absorption, stability, a wide toe box, arch support, and even good traction. At first, we thought this shoe would be ideal for recovery runs, but we have found it to be so versatile. The midsole has a curved shape, similar to the Vaporfly 4%, that encourages better running mechanics by providing the runner with a slight forward lean and a feel of propulsion. This makes the shoe feel more speedy than other max cushion shoes in the market. Probably the most notable attribute of this shoe is the stability it delivers. The React foam, wide toe box, and great arch support make this a high-mileage shoe that is suitable for most runners, even those that deal with pronation. Finally, this shoe can probably be used in a long distance race by most, but for the more experienced, faster runner, this is probably better suited for recovery and moderate effort runs. Overall, this is our favorite versatile shoe out right now!
Summary:
- Excellent stability and shock absorption
- Encourages good running mechanics
- High-mileage shoe
- Versatile, but for the experienced runner, it is better suited for easy to moderate runs
Coach Lils' Favorite Nike Shoe Rotation:
- Easy Runs: React Infinity Run Flyknit or Air Zoom Vomero 14 (not mentioned above)
- Tempo Runs & Speed Workouts: Zoom Fly Flyknit or Zoom Pegasus Turbo (not mentioned above)
- Long Runs: Air Zoom Pegasus, Zoom Fly Flyknit (if it's a long but fast run), and probably React Infinity Run Flyknit (haven't tried!)
- Races: Zoom Fly Flyknit or Vaporfly 4% Flyknit (also not mentioned above!)
