Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature Review

Images of the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature leaked a few weeks back and our running audience has asked one question over and over. Is the Alphafly Next Nature a running shoe or a casual shoe?

The short answer is the Alphafly Next Nature is meant to be a performance running shoe. In this case, one focused on long distance racing just like the previous Alphafly and Jordans. I do have a couple areas where I’m not sure if the Next Nature will perform as well as the regular version of the Alphafly, but I’ll get into that. If you need a refresher, click here to read the performance review of the original Nike Alphafly Next%. Now, let’s talk about the new Alphafly Next Nature

First Impressions

The Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature packs all the same cushioning tech as the Alphafly Next%. A ZoomX midsole, full length carbon fiber plate and two large volume forefoot Zoom Air Bags. The high performing rubber outsole is the same as well. The basics that made the Alphafly the shoe to help Eliud Kipchoge break the 2 hour marathon barrier are all there. But it has some differences as well.

The insole (or sockliner) is now made with recycled ZoomX. We’ve seen a similar type of insole previously on the Nike air max 2021 USA Medal Stand and the Space Hippie line. The problem with the ZoomX insoles is they’re very slippery, and so far, haven’t been performance-oriented. It also takes a long time to get them to mold to your foot shape. Hopefully Nike did something to the top side to nullify the slick coating that’s usually present on the recycled ZoomX. And from the pictures, the top of the insole doesn’t look like raw ZoomX so I’m hopeful this got done.

But all that recycled ZoomX is not a bad thing. The Alphafly Next Nature is 50% total recycled content by weight. That absolutely blows away Nike’s record for a performance model using recycled materials. The previous record was set by the Nike Cosmic Unity basketball shoe with 25% total recycled content by weight. That’s a big jump. And even if you believe Nike just does its recycling efforts for cost savings or marketing, they’re moving fast to create less waste. And that’s a really good thing in a world where the climate crisis is showing up in our lives almost daily.

The last big change from the Alphafly Next% to the Alphafly Next Nature is the upper material. The Alphafly Next% used Atomknit, a steamed and stretched version of Flyknit. The Alphafly Next Nature uses a hybrid Flyprint and Flyknit upper. And the Flyprint is made partly from leftover Zoom Air pod waste. Flyprint is a way to make textile uppers stronger in all the right places. So theoretically, this new upper could provide as support that’s just as good as Atomknit but be more comfortable due to regular Flyknit getting used alongside the Flyprint.

Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature Conclusion

While there’s a couple of things I want to feel on foot first, namely the ZoomX insole and the new upper, the Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next Nature is clearly a true race day running shoe despite the 50% recycled material. We’ll see if it can perform quite as well as the original recipe Alphafly, but even if it doesn’t match those lofty standards, it’ll get very close. And if shoe companies can keep using more and more recycled materials and get performance that’s basically the same? That’s a win for all of us that want the sneaker industry to be more sustainable.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Performance Review

After plenty of miles in the Mizuno Wave Rebellion, we’re just as intrigued as when we first opened the box. The industry standard “plate plus bouncy foam” combo is now available in a Mizuno. Many Mizuno shoes featured plates since the 1997 introduction of the Wave Plate. With the introduction of Enerzy Lite, Mizuno has a space age foam to complement its plate technology.

How’s it all work together? Pretty darn well.

This review is cowritten by Tyler Herrin. He’s an Atlanta native who primarily runs (mid-pack) for an excuse to buy shoes. He’s a sneakerhead when the silhouette is right and an eBay fanatic since 2004. Follow his running shoe centric Instagram account @chimpnamedenid.

Pros

Tyler: I haven’t worn a pair of Mizuno running shoes since the Kyrie 8 back in 2009-2010. I don’t remember much about them except for a lot of mesh overlays and plastic accents.

The Wave Rebellion removed all of my preconceived notions of current-day Mizuno running. It’s Mizuno’s first entry into the “super shoe” world of a plated, cushioned, neutral offering and it does a mighty fine job.

I find this to be a true runner’s shoe. If you’re looking for an extremely cushioned, plated shoe that keeps the legs fresh during and after a workout, this isn’t quite as forgiving as other shoes. But the responsiveness/ground feel and ability to really pick up the pace is easy and rewarding.

The shoe is straightforward in design and execution with no frills and that’s what makes it so desirable. The Enerzy Lite midsole is a strong balance of pop and cushion, while the plate remained unnoticed during each wear. Turnover was easy and effortless. I wasn’t constantly thinking about the shoes which is always a good sign.

But, in my opinion, the real star of the show is the G3 outsole. On top of its fantastic grip in varying conditions, I’ve seen absolutely no wear in the 30+ miles I’ve run so far. For someone who likes to keep their running shoes clean, that’s the icing on top.

Drew: The last Mizuno shoe I tested, the Mizuno Wave Sky 5, showed me the promised of Enerzy foam. It also showed me Mizuno is currently making some very comfortable shoes. The Mizuno Wave Rebellion continues the evolution with a midsole/outsole combo I absolutely loved.

The midsole made of Mizuno Enerzy Lite is light and bouncy. It’s easily Mizuno’s bounciest foam to date. It’s perfect for speeding up a run as it responds and assists in getting those feet moving faster. The G3 outsole is at first jarring because there appears to be a layer of mesh between the foam and the rubber. I’m assuming that layer is there because glue doesn’t stick well to the Enerzy Lite. But as different as it looks, the grip and durability are great. That the outsole shows no wear after ample testing is impressive and rarely happens at WearTesters HQ. You won’t find many midsole/outsole combos that perform this well.

Cons

Tyler: My complaints are minimal: the tongue and the eyelets. The tongue is enormous, flat and has a lot of room for improvement. If I wore ankle socks, I’d be even more annoyed by the tongue.

The eyelets need some adjustment. I rarely lace into the top eyelet (as many do for a runner’s knot), but found that the lockdown felt much more normal when using it. If you’re like me, and usually have an empty top eyelet, you’re going to feel a lack of lockdown. While we’re here, I’d also call out that the shoelaces are way too long, but I find this among a lot of brands, so it’s not a showstopper.

When it comes to price, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion comes in at $180. Whew, that’s a good bit of money for this shoe. Unlike other brands, which may have deeper pockets for advertising, I think Mizuno has the opportunity to reintroduce itself to runners who have either abandoned the brand or are new to it. $180 just seems aggressive. Considering how straightforward the jordan 2021 is, I think a $130-$150 price point would be more enticing. Mizuno could up instead up their marketing budget to reinforce its message and then the $180 price tag may not seem so expensive. (I’ve fallen victim to buying a $180 plated shoe that should be $140, but the Instagram ads and digital advertising really got me – I’m looking at you, Hoka.)

Drew: Tyler’s right, the price is a bit high. I think at $160 it would match up really well with competitors like the Saucony Endorphin Speed. I also agree with him on the lockdown. You’ll need to use that top eyelet to keep your heel in place. I rarely have to do that on my shoes but it didn’t feel weird at all. It’s just something to note before you purchase.

The only other thing I didn’t like was the upper. It’s too bulbous and roomy. I had too much room above my toes and to the sides of my feet. Ultra wide footers will be delighted. This is one of the wider shoes I’ve ever reviewed. And that’s ok, but it fits completely different from other Mizuno running shoes. I feel like Mizuno fans coming over to the Wave Rebellion are going to wonder if they accidentally picked up a different brand. This is a shoe that should be tried on at your local running store to make sure you enjoy the roomy upper.

Mizuno Wave Rebellion Summary

Tyler: As a larger runner (6’1″/205lbs), this is a shoe that I would prefer for faster workouts, uptempo runs, and most likely distances up to 10K (possibly a half marathon distance, based on my conditioning), but I do think that I would feel the effects post run. That’s not to say it couldn’t handle more, but I think the Mizuno Wave Rebellion will reward an everyday, mile-racking runner much more than a weekend warrior.

If you’ve been a regular in the Mizuno running line, I think this max 2021 is a terrific evolution, has the firmer ride that you’ve been used to, but propels (see what I did there?) into the mix of today’s super-shoe world. While a V2 definitely has room for improvement, this is a solid offering that should not go unnoticed.

Drew: I’m really impressed by the midsole and outsole Mizuno created. It’s a winning combo and I really loved uptempo runs in them. If the upper fit better, the Mizuno Wave Rebellion would be in my non-testing rotation (an exclusive group). If you like the upper’s fit, you’ll really enjoy this shoe. It’s a shoe that shows Mizuno is just as capable as the other brands of making the bouncy plated shoes that are so popular these days.

 

Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max Performance Review

The Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max is an ultramarathon and long distance trail running shoe that utilizes a new Graphene-enhanced foam called G-FLY.

Inov-8 has utilized Graphene-enhanced rubber on its shoes since 2018. Recently, I tested the Inov-8 Terraultra G270 and the traction was amazing. Because of that testing experience, I’m a believer in Graphene. Graphene was only first isolated in 2004. Inov-8 got interested in 2016 due to Graphene’s ability to increase the strength, elasticity, and durability of other compounds.

For me, the question is, will Graphene help foam as much as it does rubber? Keep reading for my full performance review of the Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max.

Cushion

In my first impressions post, I said the nba x af1 may be the best cushioned trail runner on the market. There’s no maybe anymore. It’s the best cushioned trail runner on the market. Graphene’s inclusion in the G-Fly foam compound creates something slightly bouncy but still stable enough for trail use. That’s not easy to do. I understand why Inov-8 and others revere Graphene as space-age wonder material.

Graphene does have an intense smell right out of the box but it’s worth it. A few runs minimize the powerful tire rubber-esque smell and then you can focus on the positives. Graphene saves your joints while still allowing you to feel the trail. If you run a lot of trails, you’ll want this shoe in your rotation for the cushion alone.

Traction

Graphene Grip rubber is a beautiful thing. I said in the G270 review that it made me feel like Spiderman. That feeling’s still present.

And the incredible durability is back as well. It hardly looks like I’ve put any miles on these despite running a bunch miles including some on pavement. Even the texture on the lugs is hanging around except where I toe off. I test a lot of shoes and that just doesn’t happen. It’s the kind of traction that puts your mind at ease on even the slickest of trails.

Support

The fuse does the majority of the work keeping your foot on the footbed. You don’t really sit below the rim of the midsole foam like in a lot of shoes. And there’s not really a heel counter in the back. But the lacing structure works well to lock you down.

The 6mm drop makes it easy to stay upright. With a stack height of 24mm in the forefoot and 30mm in the heel, I was worried the height would be iffy if I hit a root the wrong way. But on my trail runs, I didn’t notice any instability when tackling root-filled sections. The combo of the upper, lacing system, and extremely grippy traction kept me upright.

Fit

In my first run, the Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max felt a little short lengthwise but that went away on the second run. I’d recommend going true to size. Wide footers will have plenty of room due to Inov-8’s generous last and toe box. The shoe clamps down well on more narrow feet as well. The extra room doesn’t compromise stability, comfort, or fit.

Materials

I’d still like Inov-8 to figure out a way to get the same amount of stability with less fuse. And while the G 300 Max has less fuse than the G270, it’s still a little too plasticky for $190. To some, this won’t matter, but people do ultramarathons in these bad boys. Fuse just isn’t the best material when you spend that much time on your feet. I understand they use it for durablity but hopefully once G-Fly foam decreases in price we can get a supportive but more comfortable upper construction.

Overall

The Inov-8 Trailfly Ultra G 300 Max is the first shoe to feature the Graphene enhanced G-Fly foam and it’s one of, if not the, best trail shoe on the market. The Jordan of amazing cushion and superior traction just puts these above the crowd.

Is $190 a high price? Sure, but that happens when you’re an early adopter of new tech. Could Inov-8 innovate a bit more with the upper? Yep. But that’s minor quibble. This shoe gets the biggest, most important stuff right and will make a lot of trail runners very happy.

The Zion 1 is Made to Move Different

On January 22, 2020, Zion Williamson’s first NBA basket was a quiet one. He scored off a put-back, swimming around the box-out with ease, grabbing the rebound off two feet before taking two quick power dribbles and banking off the glass. But those are the kind of contrary descriptions — the nonchalant power, the agility on a whim — that make designing for an athlete of Williamson’s caliber so intriguing. That, and the fact that he would christen his opening shot by scoring 17 straight points in the fourth quarter, ending the night with the most points per minute in an NBA player’s debut in the shot-clock era.

The Zion 1, Williamson’s first signature shoe with Jordan Brand, was designed for the transcendent athletic possibility of the power forward's game.

Williamson signed with Jordan Brand in July of 2019. Not long after, the work on his shoe began, adding to a signature roster that included the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. Generationally, Williamson bridged a new, youthful signing roster that grew seemingly overnight. The new arrivals ushered in a fresh era for Jordan performance footwear in creating for players who, like Williamson, don’t just abide by a legacy of excellence, but create a new definition of it.

The forefoot, contained by a two-loop internal strap, sits above a new cushioning combination: a full-length Air Strobel unit with an additional stacked, bottom-loaded Zoom Air unit. The extended construction of the shoe’s base, inspired by the massive tires on Williamson's truck, provides extra stability to help keep the foot over the platform.

A herringbone pattern radiates around the pivot point of the forefoot.

Another look at the extended construction of the shoe’s tooling.

The Gen Zion colorway of the Zion 1, commemorating Williamson’s ascension to the spotlight and representation of the game’s next generation, releases beginning April 23.

“From the time he was in high school, Zion keeps you right on the edge of your seat,” says Howard “H” White, VP, Jordan Brand Affairs. “You know that anything can happen. It’s like looking at a famous painting. No one’s really arguing about how special it is. All you can do is be in awe at what he does.”

In creating the Zion 1, Jordan Brand designers were taken by Williamson’s unique blend of star power. They looked to design a silhouette that both enabled his immense physical tools on the court while also illustrating personal traits that make him a one-of-a-kind superstar — and they didn’t have to look far. All they needed was to say his name.

“We knew that one of Kyrie 8 main inspirations for the look of the shoe was superhero armor. But when we thought about an icon or symbol that could clearly draw out the shoe’s benefits, the “Z” made perfect sense to us,” says Vianney de Montgolfier, Senior Footwear Designer, Jordan Sport. “It’s the letter for speed, it has the base for power, and it’s maybe the most distinguishable letter in the alphabet. There’s nothing else like it.”

Howard “H” White on Zion’s Aura

“The early times that I spent with MJ ...it was so different, the unstoppableness. And with Michael, whether it was the price of admission to catch him on television, to go to a game to see him — that's what you see with Zion. Everybody wants to see him perform. I mean, because at any moment, he just might do something that you will talk about for decades.”

“The white and black colorway is important for me,” says Williamson. “Growing up, I was taught that your home base is your foundation. Whether it’s your family or your brothers, you need a solid base to start from, and that’s what the white and black colorway represents for me. If you can master the simple things, your potential is limitless.”

Williamson’s athletic force brings together speed and power to a level that, for White, puts him in rarified air. But Zion made an important impression on H and the brand in another way: his superstardom was joined by a down-to-earth nature rooted in values like love for his family, accountability to those who relied on him and a legacy of impact that should supersede any viral dunk montage viewed millions of times online. As the first Gen-Z athlete in Jordan Brand’s history, Williamson’s commitment to personal values has the cool poise of a veteran leader.

The Jordan x Zion apparel collection blends performance-inspired designs, materials and mobility with the comfort and versatility of everyday streetwear.

“I remember talking to max 2021 when he was close to the draft, when he said that he needed to go back to class,” says White. “He said that he was in the middle of a few projects with his classmates and that they depended on him. He couldn’t leave them hanging. Boy, that sounds a lot like the Black Cat, doesn’t it? We all have a responsibility to a certain standard. When a mountain of a man stands with the common man, that’s when phenomenal things happen.”

Tarmak Elevate 900 NBA Licensed Sneaker Performance Review

The Tarmak Elevate 900 was way better than I expected, in every way.

Decathlon is a sports store, similar to Dicks Sporting Goods, that operates all around the world with the exception of the USA. When I saw that a sports store put out its own, officially NBA-branded sneaker I was intrigued…not excited, but intrigued.

When I picked them up, I expected a goofy “Walmart” sneaker that was way more gimmick than sneaker. When I got them in my hands, I was surprised. The uppers materials weren’t amazing but they seemed to be your standard low weight, high-performance textile we are more than accustomed to seeing. The NBA branding wasn’t annoying and the midsole was plush and squishy. To be honest, they actually looked and felt like a LeBron. They passed the eye test, but how would they perform on court? I was able to play in these only outdoors, but this is how it went:

Traction

The traction was great. The shoe features a semi-translucent rubber outsole with a concentric circle traction pattern that offered great multidirectional coverage. The rubber was grippy and responsive and I had virtually zero issues with the traction. I need to test these indoors to confirm how good the traction is, but outdoors, they are good to go.

Cushion

The Cushion is a double-density foam setup.

To gauge how good they actually were, I brought along a pair of the adidas yeezy 350 to compare it to a good foam-based cushioned shoe. And I have to say…I couldn’t tell which I liked better.

I love the Dame 2 and the Tarmaks were right there with them. The foam is more responsive than it is plush, but if you like that type of setup (which I do) then you will like these.

Materials

Materials are basic. The upper consists primarily of a resilient mesh, which reminds me of the upper on the Puma Clyde All-Pro. The shoe is a bit difficult to get on, as the shoe features no tongue and has a textile booty you have to squeeze into.

The shoe requires a little break-in time, but that’s due in large part to the stiff torsional support that we will talk about a little further ahead.

Fit

When buying the Elevate 900, go true to size. They might feel a tad snug at first, but the textile upper soon molds to your foot. The lockdown was pretty good as well. The build stretched just enough to keep you comfortable. You’re secure from the ankle to the forefoot. There are several fuse overlays in high wear areas and a couple of flywire-esque cables that also help keep your foot in place as you play.

Support

The shoe features what Tarmak calls its “Dynalift“ dynamic system. This is a rather stiff Pebax plate that runs the length of the shoe in two sections. For me, it was a bit too stiff. Once you play in them for a while it begins to soften up but it still might make your foot cramp a bit. The base of the shoe is extra wide and cradles the foot nicely.

Overall

I was pleasantly surprised by the Tarmak Elevate 900. Esthetically, I expected a novelty item and performance-wise an uncomfortable dud of a shoe. What I actually got was a solid performer that was way more satisfying than a “not a dud” sneaker. Its on-court performance was comparable to some top-notch kicks. It wasn’t a perfect shoe by any means, but what shoe is? Aesthetically, I have to admit I couldn’t shake feeling a bit goofy wearing a Miami Heat branded shoe, but that’s on me. If you didn’t know it was a Decathlon shoe you might think you were looking at a LeBron or maybe one of air max 2021 top-tier models. The best thing was that I felt zero remorse about beating these things up outdoors. They matched my pace with ease.