Cushioning
ZoomX, SR02 and a full-length Flyplate: a very balanced feel with excellent shock absorption.
The midsole keeps the combination of ZoomX, Nike’s highest-performing foam, and the full-length carbon-fiber Flyplate. A second foam, SR02, sits under the plate to support it and add a little firmness.
At first glance, it looks a lot like the Zoom Fly 5, but there are two major changes. First, this is a new, better-performing ZoomX, not the recycled foam used on the Zoom Fly 5. Second, the geometry is completely different, with a more curved and therefore more aggressive profile. The heel bevel is quite pronounced and clearly recalls the one on the Nike Alphafly 3.
The two foams and the plate give a very balanced feel. It is slightly firmer than the Alphafly, with the focus on density for a longer lifespan. At 42 mm at the heel and 34 mm at the forefoot, Nike follows the other brands that go beyond the stack limits set for racing.
Running comfort is excellent, and the strong shock absorption lets you rack up the miles with ease. Training distance has no ceiling, even for heavier runners. What holds it back is the demanding geometry. The 8 mm drop is standard and needs no adjustment.
At 238 g / 8.4 oz in size 42, the shoe is light, and it sheds an impressive amount of weight from the Zoom Fly 5. Switching to the original ZoomX (instead of the recycled version) also explains the clear gain in responsiveness. The more aggressive geometry gives a stronger forward rocker and excellent propulsion, as you would expect from a carbon-plated shoe, and the curved profile keeps transitions smooth and quick.
Built for neutral runners, the shoe has no stability aids. Some testers complained about a lack of stability because of the curved profile and the steep heel bevel (heel strikers especially). In my view, it may not be the most stable shoe out there, but the foam is still denser than on the Alphafly 3, and I had no particular issues.
Lockdown
A lighter dual-layer woven mesh upper: surprisingly comfortable, with a close, secure fit.
Nike redesigned the upper to make the shoe lighter. It is made of two layers of woven mesh, and strategic perforations keep breathability good despite the added plastic. It also gives enough protection in cold weather.
Comfort is surprising for such a light shoe. The padding is not sacrificed and the fit is very pleasant, on par with the Pegasus line. In short, you can keep it on your feet for a long time with no problem.
This version is more race-oriented than the V5, though, and you can feel it in the close fit. Fortunately, the stretchy upper should suit a wide variety of feet. Only a few testers (myself included) noticed a lack of room around the big toe.
Fit: if your big toe needs room, try the shoe on before buying when possible. Otherwise, it fits true to size.
The gusseted tongue stays in place on top of the foot. The heel counter supports the Achilles tendon well. Some testers noted a little slippage there, but I did not. The lacing does its job too. Overall, the lockdown is very secure.
The design is very well done, with a colorway that pays tribute to Eliud Kipchoge and recalls the red-clay tracks and trails of Kenya.
Traction
A thin layer of rubber in key areas: better traction than the previous version, even in the wet.
Criticized on the previous version, the outsole now has a thin layer of rubber in key areas. This gives better traction: even on wet surfaces the grip holds up, and the risk of slipping is lower.
The wide central groove gives good flexibility and leaves the plate exposed. As a training partner, the Zoom Fly 6 can handle ordinary paths, but not technical terrain.
Durability
A sturdy outsole and a quality mesh: the question mark is the ZoomX foam.
The outsole is sturdy and durable, and the high-quality mesh should also last a long time. The question mark is the ZoomX. I noticed a drop in bounce after 100 km (62 miles). The shoe is still usable, but it is a shame. Even so, quality is better than on the Vaporfly and the Alphafly, so the value for money is fair.
Like most new Nike models, the Zoom Fly 6 is part of the Move To Zero initiative to reduce the carbon footprint of its production. It uses some recycled materials (probably a small amount, since the share is not disclosed). The Zoom Fly 6 is not vegan.
Who It’s For
Training at a wide range of paces, and racing for a large part of the field.
The V5 was heavily criticized for being too heavy and not responsive enough. Nike set things right on the Zoom Fly 6: the foam is more responsive, and the curved geometry makes the ride much more aggressive and dynamic. In my view, it is a great compromise for an athlete who does not want a dedicated pair just for race day.
It is versatile enough to cover a wide range of training paces, and its propulsion is more than enough in a race for a large part of the field, even if better-performing carbon-plated models exist, such as the Alphafly 3. With its excellent shock absorption, it also handles any run at a moderate pace, from recovery jogs to the traditional long run.
Some testers find the cushioning limited for heavier runners, but that is not the case for everyone and comes down mostly to personal preference (the stack is still 42 mm at the heel, and few shoes go higher). The real limit is how demanding the shoe is, which may not suit everyone, especially on stability.
Should you buy it?
Yes, if you want one shoe for both training and racing. The Zoom Fly 6 is a significant improvement over the previous version, and this time the balance between the two is clearly there. It stands out as one of the best super shoes, alongside models such as the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4 and the Mizuno Neo Vista.
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