One thing Nike has to keep on top of is budget running. You can make all the LeBrons, Kyries, and Kobes you want, but the under-$100 running line is the bread winner. One way to keep on top of that segment is to produce classically attractive lines and designs, which brings us to the Nike Zoom Strike.
Based on its appearance, which utilizes contrasting Flywire cables and a nice outline-only Swoosh, the Nike Zoom Strike strikes us as minimally designed. Taking the place of the Flyknit Racer in the sub-$100 segment, the Nike Zoom Strike features the same last as the Racer, but with an upper made of single-layer mesh for a tailored shape.
The heel cup is a T-mold, much like you find in track spikes, and it should offer a fast feel. The cushioning is full-coverage heel Zoom and dual-density foam carriers in the heel and forefoot (around the heel Zoom).
One thing Nike gets right is its Dual Density series — a soft foam for cushioning feel and a stiffer carrier around it for stability, all in a budget model. Here, we get Injected Urethane in the center for response and an Injected Phylon as the carrier for stability.
The Nike Zoom Strike also features a traditional waffle traction pattern with minimal rubber coverage for additional flexibility, and quotes from Bill Bowerman on the insoles.
The Nike Zoom Strike should release sometime during Holiday 2017. Retail is $80, hitting that weekend runner/after court market. As always, stay tuned to WearTesters for the full release information as we get them.
