The Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit released less than two weeks ago and with it comes a combination of innovative technology from Nike not previously seen below the $200 mark. Does the Zoom Fly Flyknit eclipse its predecessors out of the box? Let’s find out.
The Zoom Fly Flyknit swaps mesh for a Flyknit upper construction, upgrades the midsole cushioning from Lunarlon to React foam, and exchanges a carbon-infused nylon plate for the same full-length carbon fiber plate used in the Nike Vaporfly 4% — all that for only $10 more than the retail price of the original Zoom Fly SP.
Taking the retail and/or sales prices out of the picture, is the Zoom Fly Flyknit simply a better runner than its not-so-premium counterparts? So far, I say absolutely, but time will tell how much I really like this sneaker.
For fit, the Flyknit was about as perfect as I could ask for. The one-piece knit provided just enough stretch to wrap my foot comfortably for a one-to-one fit. The texture of the knit is somewhat scratchy but still comfortable and breathable, so go TTS.
The React Foam used in the Zoom Fly Flyknit is noticeably more plush than the Lunarlon of the Zoom Fly SP. Some may be drawn away from this in a runner, but from my experience with React in this model and others before, I think I would still choose it over the firmer Lunarlon setup for running; something about it is different with the more work you put into it (more on that to come as weartesting continues).
Lastly, the prominence of the carbon fiber plate does seem to cast a shadow over the nylon plate used in the previous Zoom Fly models. I won’t be so quick to blame this on the plate itself, as I feel the firmer Lunarlon setup may take away some of the feel of the nylon plate. However, the carbon fiber plate with React foam is for real, which I didn’t quickly buy in to. The strength of the carbon fiber and resilience of React does create a slight feeling of propulsion and makes the task of running kind of fun — and that’s coming from a guy that does a lot of it but hates it at the same time.
Thus far, the Zoom Fly Flyknit has impressed me during the miles I have put into it. And while this sneaker does not feel like it serves much purpose beyond long-distance race day running/preparation (as it is marketed), I am excited to put the shoe through a few different types of runs over the next few weeks and see how it holds up. Stay tuned for the performance review.
The Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit is available now at Eastbay and Foot Locker for $160.
Have you tried out the Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit? Be sure to leave a comment below on how you feel the shoe performs or anything else you feel about the shoe.
