Nike Zoom Fly 5

If you are thinking of making the leap to the carbon plate for your racing days or need a shoe for those speed workouts or controlled paces you have surely noticed how Nike's new model, the Zoom Fly 5, has emerged strongly among runners who trust the American brand. Backed by four good predecessor generations, the fifth shoe in this line breaks with everything established for this model.

The first thing that strikes you when you see the running shoe for the first time is its oversized look. Gone are the models in which the shoe was an extension of the foot and now, with much more lateral and midsole protection , the Zoom Fly 5 can come to look like a "clunky" model, but once on the feet that feeling is practically unnoticed. The shoe aims to act as a flyer with the aesthetics and protection of the brand's more rolling models.

Buy the Nike Zoom Fly 5 at the best price

In addition, once in your hands, it is clearly noticeable that we are not facing a lightweight model if we compare it with previous editions. The justification is found in several points of the construction of the shoe. If we compare the outsole, this new generation incorporates a two-part rubber outsole while in the Zoom Fly 4 the construction of this model era identical in shape to the Vaporfly, which has hardly any reinforcement in the heel. Another reason for the weight increase is the upper construction. In the previous generation we found less protection, a material similar to neoprene that wrapped the foot and a less reinforced outer part in critical wear points than the new Nike Zoom Fly 5

With the good impressions that this model had aroused in its four previous generations and with the intention of getting a reactive shoe for training and competition as a complement to the Nike Vaporfly, I decided to try this model which, as we will detail later, is composed in its midsole by the Zoom X foam.

This is undoubtedly the biggest variation with respect to the past generations. A foam that provides extra reactivity and lightness but that, thanks to the combination of this Zoom X with the SRO2 foam, has a much longer lifespan than other models of the brand with this compound.

What kind of runners are the Nike Zoom Fly 5 for?

This model is intended for runners of low to medium weight, up to approximately 80 kilos. In this Nike model, despite the fact that it is built on a Zoom X midsole, it has less deformity in the footprint than models such as the Vaporfly Next % or Alphafly Next %. The reason? Precisely the Zoom X.

In this fifth generation of the Zoom Fly line, we find the Zoom X Scrap foam, a stiffer compound than that of its big sisters, which offers great stability in the footprint and is made from recycled materials. Finally, that feeling of stability, which as we said is increased compared to its predecessors, has its high point in the SRO2 foam, a material that serves to increase the durability of a midsole that, if it were not for this new addition, would barely exceed 400 kilometers of useful life.

This model is intended for fast paces, days of series or controlled rhythms. Therefore, the best sensations with this shoe are in situations where the kilometer is under 4:00 minutes, above that, it may even be uncomfortable due to the carbon plate.

Its combination with the midsole foam results in a very stiffshoe, to the point of making it difficult to flex with your hand or even with your own stride if you are a light runner and do not generate enough force in your stride to bend the shoe and therefore get the most out of the performance of these Zoom Fly 5.

Personally, I have only found the best feeling of propulsion and comfort below that barrier and as you progress in training mileage. Above those paces, the shoe is not as nice but if you like to have a stiff feel or are of average weight, this is your shoe also for paces up to 4:30 minutes per kilometer.

Main features Nike Zoom Fly 5

Above that barrier there are models that are much better suited to these needs. It does not mean that Zoom Fly 5 are not suitable for higher paces, but that you may not have better sensations than with other models or you may simply not be able to squeeze the features of this shoe, which, by the way, are many and very good.

The same as at medium paces there are better options, when we expose the shoe to high paces it becomes too stable, with too much protection and it doesn't feel as agile as the models designed exclusively for competition. I have only found this sensation in fast series paces, around the 3 watches:00 minutes per kilometer, but without a doubt they are an excellent option for controlled competition paces, in very explosive distances this model has too much stability and control.

For what distances do we recommend the Nike Zoom Fly 5?

Throughout my outings with this new model I have experienced different sensations depending on the distance. Although this model is designed for series or controlled paces, personally I have found the best sensations in longer outings.

Therefore, I think it is an ideal shoe for medium distances, from ten kilometers to half marathon and even longer distances for those runners with low weight and good technique. In short series, as I mentioned before, that extra stability that is appreciated at comfortable controlled paces penalizes when the efforts are very intense and in short distances. Despite this, this model more than fulfills its purpose and you won't miss not having an exclusive racing model under your feet.

What we liked best about the Nike Zoom Fly 5

Undoubtedly what I liked and surprised me most about this model is its ability to offer response in outings of more than ten kilometers and the reactivity of the midsole, which without being the same as that of its older sisters, is more than acceptable for a shoe whose initial RRP does not exceed 160€.

Compare Nike Air Zoom Fly 5 prices

In addition, the feeling of protection in the footprint is a safe valor for longer runs. The reactivity of the sole is very competitive in the market thanks to the Zoom X and the carbon plate and, although we will have to wait to see how it degrades as the kilometers go by, the sensations improve with each kilometer until it becomes a very pleasantshoe to use, eliminating the feeling of extreme stiffness of the first outings.

Another strong point is the fit. The protection in the heel area is maximum, and the fit, one of the must-haves of the fourth generation, is perfect. This support is complemented by the instep area, consisting of a classically cut and padded tongue, which holds the foot perfectly inside the shoe and secures it so that it does not move during the race. Another positive point is that in the metatarsal area there is more space than in previous editions and the feeling of pressure in that part of the foot disappears.

Opportunities for improvement in the Nike Zoom Fly 5

But not everything is positive in this model. Undoubtedly the point that needs the most work is the outsole. The new composition, similar to the one we can find in the Nike Zoom X Invicible Run Flyknit 2, does not offer security when the ground is wet or in rainy conditions.

The shoe slips and, in series in which the speed is high even generates situations of insecurity in curves or sharp turns when running on asphalt, something that does not happen in models of direct competition. When our race is dry I have not had problems with this point, so if you live in an area with little precipitation is a very interesting option to complete your closet.

The direct competition of this model is undoubtedly the Boston 10 and 11 model from Adidas, although it is not the only shoe in which the German brand has to look at to analyze the direct competition. ASICS has a model with similar characteristics, the ASCIS Magic Speed 2.

With which models can we compare the Nike Zoom Fly 5?

These Nike Zoom Fly 5 we can compare them with such outstanding models on the market as:

adidas Adizero Boston 11

ASICS Magic Speed 2

HOKA Carbon X 3

Saucony Endorphin Speed 2

Final conclusions of the Nike Zoom Fly 5

The Nike Zoom Fly 5 is undoubtedly a more versatileshoe than previous generations. The shoe has gained stability thanks to the increased width in the metatarsal and heel area. This increase provides a very pleasant sensation in paces between 3:20 and 4:00 minutes per kilometer and allows runners who do not have a refined running technique to also enjoy the performance of this model.

Regarding the midsole, it was clear to me that this Zoom X was not going to be as reactive as the racing shoes, and I was pleasantly surprised in this aspect. The combination with the carbon plate results in a very stiff shoe, more than other models of the company, which as you advance in mileage softens to result in a very pleasant shoe in the tread at high paces. In addition, the combination of foams means that the characteristic deformation of the midsole does not exist and this allows to cover a wider range of athletes.

Personally I think it is a great option for days of kilometers at controlled paces and competitions in which you are looking for sensations similar to those of race day. For days of short and explosive series it is possible that at times you may notice a somewhat heavy and not very agile shoe.

In conclusion, I think that the new Nike Zoom Fly 5 is a less flighty shoe than the previous editions and it has gained in comfort for runs at fast paces. The biggest negative point is undoubtedly the outsole in rainy or wet conditions. Nike should focus on this aspect if they want to compete with other competing models whose strong point is precisely the good grip.

RUNNEA tester's rating

• Lightweight: 8
• Responsiveness: 9
• Cushioning: 10
• Stability: 95
• Flexibility: 7
• Grip : 6