Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
7/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Nike Zoom Midsole Foam• Blown rubber outsole keeps the shoe light and responsive• Arch bands along the midfoot of the upper help keep the foot in place• Crash rail along the toe box keeps the toes safe inside the shoe
Upper
The upper of the shoe designed using a breathable mesh. This open mesh design keeps the foot cool and dry by providing maximum airflow to the foot. Runners loved that the breathable mesh upper moved freely with their feet and never made them feel stifled and restricted. The upper also features arch bands around the midfoot of the shoe. This helps keep the foot stable during fast and aggressive movement and in various workouts that require frequent changes in direction. Runners also appreciated the lacing system and were quick to praise how they stayed tied even on the faster runs and races.
Midsole
The midsole foam of the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 runs the entire length of the shoe. This shoe uses Nike’s patented Nike Zoom unit. It provides added cushioning in the heel to improve the overall responsiveness of the shoe. This midsole adds a nice level of cushioning to protect the runner, but it is not overly plush or padded that it weighs the shoe down and impedes the runner’s ability to move quickly. The high level of energy return and responsiveness that the runner receives from the Nike Zoom Midsole unit makes this a great shoe for fast training and shorter races.
Outsole
The outsole of this shoe uses a blown rubber material as opposed to a more traditional carbon rubber. Generally speaking, blown rubber tends to be more flexible, lighter in weight and softer compared to carbon rubber. The shoe features a unique waffle design that is perfect for added traction. This design helps the shoe grasp onto the road and track below it. This is one of the key reasons that runners loved this shoe for track workouts. Due to the added traction, they also trusted this shoe to take them up and down bleachers for an intense cardiovascular workout.
Breathability
Just by looking at this shoe right out of the box, you can tell that it features superior breathability. These shoes allow for maximum airflow, keeping them dry and cool even on hot runs. The excellent breathability also aided in preventing runners from getting blisters.
Comfort
Runners loved the adaptive fit of these shoes. The use of a breathable, open mesh in the upper gave the runner a feeling of security and snugness without being restrictive. The snugness can be attributed to the arch bands that support through the midfoot and help keep the foot in place during speedy workouts. Another comfort element is the Zoom Nike midsole. This is not a shoe that is designed for the runner looking for an excessively plush ride, but it does provide just enough cushioning to keep the runner safe, but not so much that it impedes the responsiveness or the speed of the runner.
Style
Everything that Nike makes has a distinct, fashionable look and feel to it. Nike gives a rare combination of fashion that is also functional. The Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 is designed to be fast and efficient, but the look of the shoe is bright and stylish as well. Runners loved this shoe for racing and training, but they also commented that the shoe looks great with casual outfits. Many runners picked up this shoe as a pair to wear daily.
Durability
This shoe offers as much durability as a shoe this weight can. The choice to use a blown rubber as opposed to a carbon rubber saved ounces but it also reduced the overall durability of the shoe. The upper is also extremely lightweight which runners commented can lead to wear and tear, especially in the form of fraying along the collar of the shoe.
Protection
The key protective element of the shoe can be found in the crash rail that comes along the toe box. This is designed to keep the toes from bumping up against the shoe and causing damage to the toenails and potentially blisters. Another protective element that runners appreciated was the extra traction added to the outsole. This provided a grippy surface and runners reported that they even felt safe running at higher speeds in the rain.
Responsiveness
One of the update from the Zoom Streak LT 2 to the Zoom Streak LT 3 is the level of responsiveness that the newer version provides to the runner. The overall design of the shoe promotes a springer more responsive feel. The newer model comes with a redesigned forefoot. The Nike Zoom midsole combined with a thinner outsole and low drop allows the runner to feel the road below them and make some efficient changes in speed and direction.
Support
In terms of support, runners can expect to find it in two key areas. The first is in the arch bands that are found along the midsole of the shoe. This is a new addition to the Zoom Steak LT 3 and came in response to runners loving the flexibility of the Zoom Streak LT 2, but still wanting a bit more support. These bands help keep the foot in place and reduce unwanted side to side or front to back movement that can cause injuries. The other, and this may seem less impressive, is in the interlocking design of the laces. Not only do these laces support the runner by reinforcing the fit of the shoe, but they also support the runner by staying tied mile after mile.
Terrain
Runners love this shoe for a variety of different urban running surfaces. The most obvious terrain for this shoe is the road. This is a great shoe for the shorter distance runs, and athletes loved this as a 5k or 10k racing shoe. Another place that runners love to use the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 is on the track. Due to the superior responsiveness and support, this is a great shoe for speed drills and sprinting workouts. The lower drop and breathable upper also make this a great cross trainer to bring to the gym. Runners love this shoe for CrossFit and other class exercises because it is low to the ground and allows runners to stay spry on their feet.
Price
The price on this shoe can’t be beat. While many runners love Nike but are sometimes put off by the higher price tag associated with the brand, the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 is a very affordable shoe. Runners loved that they could get such a quality brand as such an affordable price.
Drop
The drop on this shoe is a mere 4 millimeters. That is low enough to bring it officially into a minimalist running category. Runners liked the low drop for how much it helped them with their speed and responsiveness. Runners reported that they felt more connected to the road below them due to the low drop and the thinner outsole and light cushioning of the midsole. Runners loved how the low drop allowed them to run in a natural gait cycle and didn’t feel bogged down by added stability features of unnecessary cushioning.
Stability
The Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 is not a stability shoe. This shoe was not designed to help with pronation issues, but it does provide more arch support than its predecessor, the Nike Zoom Streak LT 2. There are many solid stability shoes on the market today, but this is not one of them. This shoe is will support the natural movement of the foot instead of working to create an improved gait for the runner.
Flexibility
This shoe comes with a high level of flexibility. The outsole of the shoe features a blown rubber as opposed to a carbon rubber. This material is known to be more lightweight and more flexible than a traditional carbon. The Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 promotes a natural gait cycle from start to finish. Additionally, the upper of the shoe is made using a lightweight, breathable mesh that moves with the foot and doesn’t restrict it.
Traction
The outsole of this shoe provides the runner with a higher level of traction than they were expecting for a fast racing shoe. The design of the underfoot is a series of rectangular grips along the front and heel of the shoe which provide the runner with superior stickiness throughout the entire gait cycle. Runners even reported that they felt safe and protected and didn’t experience any slippage while running on wet or slick surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 is a shoe for the runner who is looking to go fast, save some money, and look good while doing it all. Nike is a brand that can be trusted to provide the runner with superior quality and style. They took the Zoom Streak LT 2 and made key improvements to the fit, especially in the midfoot and toe box. The new Zoom Streak LT 3 features a roomier toe box and a midfoot that is designed to provide more arch support to the runner. Runners commented that the shoe doesn’t provide enough cushioning to take them on long runs, but it is a perfect fit for the fast-paced, shorter races and training workouts. Runners love the affordability of this shoe too and were pleased to get Nike quality and their signature look for a fraction of other shoes.
