Nike Zoom Fly 5 Review

The Nike Zoom Fly has always had a decent fit. Usually Nike shoes are known to be narrow and tight fitting, but the Zoom Fly has always run a little bit wider and more true to size. For a "fast shoe", it fits a lot more foot types versus most other carbon-plated shoes that fit tight and narrow.

This year, the Zoom Fly 5 changes from the bootie construction to a modern traditional upper. It also has a detached tongue.

Honestly, I miss the previous versions' booties. I thought the bootie construction in the Zoom Fly was one of the few shoes that wasdone well. It felt like a racing shoe fit without being too tight and narrow. Many brands have tried a bootie construction and just feels uncomfortable. While I do miss the previous year, I do LOVE Nike has started to take the initiative to use recycled materials.

I firmly believe the best-running shoe uppers disappear off your feet; for the most part, the Nike Zoom Fly 5 does that. It is wider than previous versions. The new upper does run warmer but not too hot. Running in them, I haven't overheated yet in the Mojave Desert. I'm also a big fan of the plusher heel counter to prevent rubbing and chafing against the achilles. 

I usually wear between a women's size 10-11 wide in running shoes. I've found the women's size 11 of the Nike Zoom Fly to fit the best. Due to being wider, this year's version has provided the best.

The Zoom Fly features two different foam densities in the midsole. The ZoomX: Located in the core and the same foam as Structure 24. However, it's also recycled (which, YAY). This means these recycled pieces have been crushed together, making the ride firm. The ride isn't bad, just very firm. I've found, any Nike shoe with recycled materials rides much firmer. It's been polarizing whether people like it or not. I personally do, but I doubt I could run all of my miles in the shoe. I need something softer for recovery days.

You'll be sorely disappointed if you were hoping for something soft and bouncy like Nike's carbon fiber plate offerings. I don't think the Nike Zoom Fly 5 ride even bares a resemblance to having ZoomX because of how firm and unresponsive it is.

So what Is the "good thing" about the Nike Zoom Fly 5? It does have more cushion and makes running longer and more comfortable. Plus, it rolls well from heel to toe. The tipping sensation you'll feel in many Nike shoes is less intense in the Nike Zoom Fly 5. So if you want to feel like you're being propelled forward without changing your stride too much, you'll enjoy the ride of the Zoom Fly 5.

Because of the extra cushion and bulk, I always forget there is a carbon plate in the Nike Zoom Fly. I shouldn't because the firm midsole with the firm carbon plate, makes this feel...well you guessed it...very firm. If you like any sort of softness or plushness in their running shoe, this is probably not the shoe for you. I cannot emphasize enough how firm this shoe is!

The BEST PART of the Nike Zoom Fly 5: A rare section I add to shoe reviews, the base is wider (WOOOOOO). This means it's more stable than previous versions. Is the Zoom Fly 5 a stability shoe? No, not at all, but it is more stable than previous versions.

Durability and Traction: The Nike Zoom Fly 5 has better durability and traction than other Nike shoes for a carbon-plated shoe. This shoe used to lack traction, and I spent a few rainy days in New Jersey sliding around. The grip has been improved, but you'll notice the midfoot lacks rubber. Adding more rubber is another polarizing topic with brands. If you add more rubber, the shoe will be heavier but more durable. Without the rubber, you'll find the shoe doesn't last as long as you like. 

The lack of rubber means a lack of durability and traction in the midfoot. If you land on the midfoot, you might find the Nike Zoom Fly 5 does not last as long as you want. As a midfoot/forefoot striker, I find the shoe to last about 200 miles. You also might find that it doesn't have enough traction. If you heel strike, you'll likely find it to have plenty of traction and durability. Once again, I am not saying there is a right or wrong way to run, but how you run will affect how the shoe wears for you.

I was curious about what kind of shoe the Nike Zoom Fly 5 would be for me. Would it be a workout shoe? A racing shoe? Easy run? In the past, it's been a good workout shoe for me. I appreciate the extra cushion and have found the Nike Zoom Fly 5 best for longer and faster runs. I prefer something softer for easy recovery runs. I also find for actual workouts; I want something lighter. It's been a good shoe for long runs. It's hard to find a real place for the shoe in my rotation, mainly because it feels heavy for workouts and so firm for easy days. It's fine, but there are other shoes I prefer more. 

The Zoom Fly 5 has gotten a big update. While yes, it shares the same name as previous versions, nothing else is the same. It's become better for up pace long runs versus "fast-paced workouts." The shoe in general is fine, but as mentioned it's hard to find a place for it in my rotation. I'll continue to use the Zoom Fly 5, but I'll almost always choose the Tempo Next before it.

I struggle to find why the Nike Zoom Fly 5 is "better" than other shoes similar to this. The Saucony Endorphin Speed 3 is a faster shoe with a nylon place for the same price. The Tempo Next is more expensive but softer and more comfortable.

The good thing, at least, is the wider base, so the Nike Zoom Fly 5 will fit more people. Like the Saucony Kinvara, I feel the earlier versions of the Zoom Fly were better.