Do you want to run faster and want a running shoe that helps you 110%? A shoe that makes training fun, mood higher, and confidence boosted? And shoes that suit all running levels?
Then we have the shoes for you - Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% and Nike Air Zoom Next%, among the absolute best tempo shoes from . Two shoes enhance speed but target different runner types and goals.
Shoes only for elite runners – or?
Maybe you know the shoes and think “I'm not that fast” or “It can't be for me”, you should stick around. There's been much hype about these shoes, putting them on a pedestal where only elite runners and superhumans can use them.
I've tried both models, and it’s a shame. They're two different shoes yet grouped as elite runner only. Of course, they’re fantastic for elites, every detail attended to, so the runner can go faster. But the runner doesn’t need to be elite; they could be recreational or advanced.
(Nike Air Zoom Alphafly Next%)
I won't lie and say both models suit everyone and all runners. There's no doubt that Next% targets elite or advanced runners with strong technique. It's a shoe demanding on muscles, technique, and level. Not everyone will feel comfortable in it.
(Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%)
But where I think the hype around Nike's Next% models is off track is with Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next%. In my view, it's not a shoe only for very experienced runners. It can be, but also suits beginners, recreational, and moderately experienced runners.
Let's delve into the differences between these two models and why you might consider if especially Tempo Next% should be your next .
Comparison Table
Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% is for all runners, while Alphafly Next% is for the few
If you want to feel faster – and actually run faster – in training and races, Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% is a great shoe. Whether you have much or little running experience.
I've tested the shoe for weeks, and even though I've run fast half and full marathons, my form and level are different now (being pregnant). Thus, I confidently say Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next% suits EVERYONE. While I maintain that Next% is the ultimate race shoe for very experienced runners.
Tempo Next% makes everything feel just right
Both Next% and Tempo Next% are two amazing shoes offering speed and outstanding comfort. Alphafly Next% offers extreme speed in a lively package, while Tempo Next% offers speed in a stable package.
This makes Tempo Next% a shoe everyone will enjoy. Whatever your fastest pace is 6:00, 5:30, 5:00, 4:30, 4:00 or faster.
Both shoes uniquely provide clear benefits in helping you run more efficiently, ensuring the right landing and push-off. I've run in many different good shoes lately, yet both gave me a “Yes indeed” experience on runs. They feel incredibly fantastic while running. Everything just feels right. But being pregnant, I currently favor Tempo Next% for its better control.
A unique running experience with Tempo Next%
Tempo Next% is, in my opinion, a “one-of-a-kind” everyday tempo and race shoe, whereas Nike Alphafly Next% is a truly unique race shoe.
I ran my fastest half marathon in the Nike Alphafly Next%, which impressed me deeply, but after trying Tempo Next% I'm completely blown away. I haven’t run my last run in this shoe, quite the opposite. It’s a shoe I’ll use multiple times a week – pregnant or not.
Ultra-light and breathable uppers
Though the midsole is crucial for the running experience, I also find the upper very important. It must fit right and support the shoe’s purpose.
The upper on both models consists of an ultra-light seamless upper with an integrated tongue. Meaning there’s no separate tongue to shift during movement. In both Tempo Next% and Alphafly Next%, the tongue stays put once laced.
Both provide excellent comfort, before, during, and after the run.
Where Tempo Next% differs from Alphafly Next% is an extra internal layer over the midfoot, making it more supportive and stabilizing. I feel Tempo Next% fits even better, helping keep my foot in place. The heel cap is also quite stable, enhancing stability with its snug fit.
A responsive and stable midsole in Tempo Next% - an extremely responsive and lively midsole in Alphafly Next%.
The midsole is where the shoes notably differ – and where the type of runners they suit diverge.
Tempo Next% offers a similar bouncy experience to Alphafly Next%, but not as soft and light. That's where they differ.
The Tempo Next% midsole consists of most responsive, light, and soft ZoomX foam in the mid/forefoot and durable, firmer React foam in the heel. Plus two Air Zoom Pods in the forefoot for a super-efficient push-off. There’s also a full plastic plate (not carbon) through the midsole, further propelling you forward.
It may sound overwhelming and too technical, but it’s not. The midsole’s construction makes the shoe responsive and helps you move forward. Yet, I've found it comfortable, soft without being overly lively. The firmer React foam makes it significantly easier to control, making Tempo Next% forgiving and easy for all.
Unlike Alphafly, with only ZoomX foam, two Air Zoom Pods, and a full stiff , it focuses on efficiency, responsiveness, and maximum softness. It's a shoe that propels you in a soft package. But, ZoomX foam means durability isn’t great, wearing out quickly. A rule of thumb for Alphafly’s durability is about 200km.
Whereas the combination of ZoomX and React foams means Tempo Next% lasts up to 500km.
Tempo Next% has a durable outsole compared to Next%
Lastly, Tempo Next% also has a fullrubber coating on the entire outsole unlike Alphafly Next% which only has partial rubber on the outsole. This obviously means a bit of weight is added to Tempo Next%, but it also makes the shoe more durable. And almost more importantly, it provides much better grip on the surface.
On my few runs and my one half marathon race in Alphafly Next%, I really had to be extremely attentive in turns, on wet surfaces or similar. It is so lively and so hard to control, meaning if you forget to focus, it's incredibly easy to roll.
But I haven't had the same experiences with Tempo Next%. It is very easy to control and navigate. No reason to worry – at all. It stands firm.
Which shoe should you choose – Tempo Next% or Alphafly Next%?
If you are a very experienced runner or elite runner, then I would definitely consider a unique combination with both running shoes. Personally (if I wasn't pregnant), I would use Tempo Next% as my training shoe and Alphafly Next% solely for my races from 10km to marathon.
No doubt that is completely unique for race and I still haven't found a shoe that surpasses it. It is lively, it is incredibly comfortable over distance, it is fast, it is light and it is efficient.
But in my training, I would always pull out Tempo Next% because it has so many similarities with Alphafly Next%, but is just more protective and stable.
But as a pregnant person or if you are a beginner, recreational runner, or moderately trained, I would say that Tempo Next% will be an outstanding running shoe. You will truly have some incredibly mood-boosting runs, where you come flying home – both literally and figuratively. It brings out the best in you, because it provides speed, protection, stability, and good durability.
Next%
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