Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% Flyknit Review Analysis (2021)
Last update: October 2023
The Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% Flyknit is a very good, comfortable, and versatile high-stack trainer with a nylon plate.
The Consensus
What immediately grabs the attention is its massive sole (46 mm stack under the heel!) with a curved shape that looks like an arch. Another important point is its nylon plate. It improves propulsion by ensuring a smooth transition while running. The big difference compared to a carbon plate (like the one on the Alphafly) is its firmness: carbon is lighter but firmer than nylon. Thus, the blade on the Tempo is softer, which makes it less noticeable.
In terms of running sensation, runners found the cushioning of the shoe very comfortable while being rather firm underfoot. This configuration makes the platform relatively stable despite the impressive stack height. As a result, the shoe is more stable than other models equipped with ZoomX foam. According to them, this is the work of the React foam under the heel. They also found the ride pleasant and responsive even at a slow pace, which is not always the case with propulsion plate running shoes as they are primarily intended for racing and fast speeds. Nike seems to position the Tempo as a fast and versatile trainer with its medium weight (252 g) and nylon blade, and the Alphafly as a competition shoe with its carbon plate and featherweight.
Moving on to the upper, Flyknit is quite breathable despite its somewhat “plastic” appearance. It is not very stretchy for a more precise foot lockdown without reducing comfort. The shoe remains spacious overall, especially in the toe area. However, some runners have found it too narrow in the midfoot, which may not be suitable for everyone.
Overall, the Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT% Flyknit is a very good, comfortable, and versatile trainer with high-stack yet firm cushioning and a nylon blade.
- Great comfort
- Very responsive cushioning
- Good versatility: shoe adapted for all speeds
- Snug foot lockdown with a spacious enough toe box
- The upper is a little narrow around the midfoot
- Stability is acceptable considering the maximalist stack height but not as good as with a “regular” running shoe
Facts
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 10 mm |
| Heel stack height | 46 mm |
| Forefoot stack height | 36 mm |
| Features | Maximal cushioning, Nylon plate |
| Weight (men) | 252 g/8.9 oz |
| Release year | 2020 |
| Athletes | Eliud Kipchoge |
Cushioning
| Softness (1-5) | 2 – Firm |
| Bounce (1-5) | 4 – Bouncy |
Technologies
| Outsole | Durable rubber, wave-shaped tread pattern, exposed foam |
| Midsole | ZoomX, React, Zoom Air, nylon plate |
| Upper | Flyknit, embroidered overlays |
Use
| Speed | All |
| Distance | Short, mid, long, 5k, 10k, half marathon, marathon |
| Workout | Daily runs, recovery, speed |
Reference: Nike’s official site
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This shoe uses a standard sizing system. Athletes who have tried it confirm that it fits true to size. Therefore, you can order your usual size for sports shoes. However, if this is your first Nike model, a visit to the store can be a good idea to make sure you choose the best size possible.
This model is a neutral running shoe, which makes it suitable for all athletes regardless of their type of pronation. It doesn’t feature stability features to prevent the foot from deviating to one side while running. In any case, stability shoes for overpronation are no more effective than neutral shoes in reducing the risk of injury. Thus, we recommend that you go for running sneakers that you find comfortable as this is the most important criterion. In short, you can choose this model independently from your type of pronation, as long as it is comfortable.
To our knowledge, only one scientific research study so far has looked at the link between stack height, risk of injury, and weight. According to the conclusions of this study, shoes with a very thin sole (minimalist) may increase the risk of injury for athletes who weigh more than 71 kilograms/157 pounds. The Air Zoom Tempo Next% Flyknit is a very high-stack running shoe, and it should be suitable for most runners.
This Nike road shoe is perfectly suited for all types of workouts and distances. It will be a good choice for your daily workouts, whether they focus on distance or speed. As for the marathon, the most important thing is to focus on your experience. : if you find this shoe comfortable for your long runs, then it should be a solid contender for your race. Besides, its nylon plate and thick sole make it a good choice to speed up comfortably.
