Nike Zoom Fly 6 Review

I’ve been putting the Nike Zoom Fly 6 through a variety of runs to see how it handles everything from daily miles to faster speed sessions like tempo runs and interval training.

Nike has positioned this shoe as a race day shoe with a carbon fiber plate and a dual-foam midsole that’s meant to balance bounce, durability, and stability. After logging miles in them, I’m sharing my observations on where they shine and where they could use some refinement.

Let’s get to it…

Key specifications

• Price: $170 at Nike.com / £165 at Sportsshoes.com (UK)
• Weight: 8.5oz / 241g (Men’s US 9)
• Drop: 8mm from heel-to-toe – 42mm (heel) / 34mm (forefoot), the highest stack height among its racing line
• Midsole: ZoomX foam (top layer) over SR-02 foam (bottom layer) with a full-length carbon fiber plate
• Outsole: Thin “web” of rubber that’s lighter yet still grippy with a midsole cutout

How they fit and feel

They fit true to size with a medium width, although the upper is comfortably snug, thanks to the dual-layer woven mesh that provides a reliable lockdown without feeling restrictive across the midfoot.

The toe box does run a bit snug for me but it’s not narrow, so if you usually wear wide sizes, you will probably find it tight. Once on, the shoe feels stable despite its tall stack, and the step-in comfort is great, right out of the box.

Nike Zoom Fly 6 VS Zoom Fly 5

Compared to the Nike Zoom Fly 5 (a shoe that escaped my testing last year), the Zoom Fly 6 is 10% lighter and uses more ZoomX foam, which helps with energy return and an overall snappier feel.

The carbon plate also remains, but it’s a touch more flexible than in earlier Zoom Fly models. Some of that bounce still gets dialed down by the SR-02 foam underneath, so the change in performance isn’t as dramatic as you might expect. Even so, it’s a step forward in terms of comfort and reduced weight.

What’s good

One of the most noticeable improvements is how the midsole balances cushioning and responsiveness in daily runs and speed training.

It’s not as lively as a pure racing shoe, but it’s soft enough to keep your legs feeling fresher after a mid-length run.

The SR-02 foam (one of Nike’s proprietary foams) that sits underneath also contributes to the shoe’s long-term durability by preventing the ZoomX from compressing too fast, so you end up with a midsole that stays consistent in feel over time.

I also like the more stable ride when compared to Nike’s other pure racing shoes; the Alphafly 3 and Vaporfly 3. There’s enough stack height to absorb impact on longer outings, but I don’t feel wobbly due to this smart midsole layering, and a wider footprint / platform.

That stability is helped by the carbon fiber plate, which gives some extra structure when fatigue sets in.

It’s far less rigid than a racing plate (this includes the Vaporfly 3 and Alphafly 3), so the transitions feel more natural underfoot, and I don’t have that overly stiff sensation when I’m running at a moderate pace. This makes is a great option for speed training with.

Another highlight for me is the upper.

The dual-layer woven mesh might look simple, but the fit is reliable and comfortable once you dial in your laces and the outsole traction has proven to be very good.

It feels snug around the midfoot with decent lockdown, and the heel collar offers a secure wrap without pressing too hard on the Achilles thanks to the articulated heel counter design.

The overall package is also 10% lighter than the Zoom Fly 5, a weight differential that will be noticeable in daily training.

It also puts it on par, in weight (and price for that matter), with the awesome Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, and lighter than the not-so-great Hoka Mach X 2 – both competitors to the Zoom Fly 6 in my Best Speed Training Shoes category right now.

Considering it’s priced at $170, it’s more affordable than Nike’s Vaporfly 3 ($260) or Nike Alphafly 3 ($285) and can fit well into your rotation if you want a plated shoe for varied workouts or marathon prep.

What’s not so good

The ZoomX layer, while an improvement, can feel somewhat muted under the new SR-02 foam. If you’re used to the lively pop of something like the Saucony Endorphin Speed 4, you might be left wanting more energy return in faster workouts.

The carbon plate’s flexibility also reduces the propulsive feel when you push the pace, so they’re not the best all-out racing racing shoes but they’re nowhere near as expensive as them either. The noticeable midsole cutout can collect debris if you step off the pavement.

The tongue also has a tendency to slip as there’s no great mechanism for holding it in place, like a tongue loop, for example.

My verdict

Overall, for the price of $170 at Nike.com, the Nike Zoom Fly 6 offers a balanced experience for runners who want a plated trainer that can handle daily mileage as well as fast tempo runs and of course race day efforts at a more affordable price.

It’s stable enough for longer efforts and will feel noticeably lighter than the Zoom Fly 5. While it doesn’t match the energetic bounce found in some competing models, I still consider it a useful option for mid-pace training and marathon prep.

If you’re a fan of Nike’s fit and prefer a bit more durability underfoot, it could be worth considering for your rotation. If you’re chasing maximum responsiveness, however, you may want to look at more lively alternatives or consider a dedicated racing shoe for your speedwork and racing.

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