Article by Derek Li
Nike Zoom Air Tempo Next %
Update: Read Derek's full written review HERE
RTR Contributor Derek LI from Singapore, a 2:41 marathoner, shares his first runs review of the Tempo Next % with discussion of fit and ride and with comparisons to ASICS Glideride, Saucony Endorphin Shift, Nike Zoom Fly 2.
His pair of US9.5 weighs 259g / 9.1 oz so a US 9 should weigh a bit under 8.9 oz / 250g. We will be confirming the stack height but it is big and clearly positioned as the training compliment to the Alphafly Next %
The Tempo Next % has released in China and Hong Kong and is expected to release in the US in August. It is expected to retail for $200.
Stay tuned for Derek's full written review at www.roadtrailrun.com
WATCH DEREK'S INITIAL VIDEO REVIEW (7:03)
The product reviewed was a provided at no charge. The opinions herein are the authors'.
Comments and Questions Welcome Below!
Please let us know mileage, paces, race distances, and current preferred shoes
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8 comments:
It's wild that in the past year or so we've started to see the normalization of $200 trainers.
Should have been compared to the Saucony Pro. I know stack height similar to shift, but the Pro is its more accurate rival.
I would suggest the Saucony Speed is more its rival- both are meant to be tempo and work out shoes with nylon plates
Should compare it to the speed, at 40 dollars cheaper there is absolutely no way this shoe is 40 dollars better than the endorphin speed.
I understand why it would be difficult to publish but it would be interesting to see a thoughtful critique of the running shoe industry's "jumped the shark" moment. Some rough ideas I think it would be fun to analyze:
What proportion of these recent, ludicrous price increases are symptomatic of relentless inflation coupled with years of outsourcing nearly the entire supply chain versus the result of an "innovation" arms race?
What is the point of diminishing returns for a brand producing products that alienate potential customers based on affordability?
Is there an inflection point where recreational running’s popularity declines due to costs?
Can a brand succeed in offering an alternative, less complex shoe at a more reasonable price without things like a 'subscription' model?
Hi Unknown,
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
I am not an insider when it comes to manufacturing costs, margins, etc.. in the running shoe business but I have been in business and marketing for many years in a variety of other industries.
Running is a joy. To get out in all weather, to enjoy nature, to join friends, and to of course compete when we will be able. A part of the joy these days are clearly a quantum jump in the design and materials leading to lighter faster more protective shoes. Obviously the Vaporfly was the impetus but it really started with Hoka around 2009. I have been running for almost 50 years and started when the first Nike came with my first racer the very minimal even by "Born to Run" standards Tiger Marathon.
There is no question in my aging mind and body that the new foams, plates, engineered uppers from multiple brands are making a quantum leap in performance and comfort unseen since the 1970's if not injury prevention but that of course is almost always due to overdoing it and being over repetitive.
As to the escalating costs in part they may be due to the new materials and in part of course because they can get the price.
When people bring up shoe costs I always bring up two things: and what did it cost you to sign up, travel, lodge, eat at a far away race? I rarely if ever travel more than an hour to a race. I also mention cycling equipment where costs are through the roof with minute gram differences adding thousands of dollars to bikes.
Most of the brands offer $100=$110 shoes that are superb: NB Beacon Propel and Prism, Brooks Revel and Divide, Reebok Forever Energy, and many others. For me it is the shoes "between" those and the super shoes where value can be more questionable although there are exceptions of course.
Sam, Editor
Unknown, there will always be inexpensive choices for good quality shoes. Between closeouts of previous year models, and coupon codes for current model years, my last shoe purchases have been $32 (adidas Boston 7, $120 retail, outlet store purchase), $63 (adidas Terrex Agravic Flow $130 retail and current product), and $70 (adidas Terrex Two $100 retail and current product, as good a trail shoe as any... and saw it for $60 last week).
hey how did derek get a pair in singapore
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