NIKE

Now that the Lunar New Year holiday season is over, you may be all fired up and ready to head back out for your regular training sessions. It’s also the season for new training shoes, and with more options on the scene every year, how do you choose what’s suitable?

We get pointers from running coach David Shum, who has over 15 years of experience working with running enthusiasts and clubs in Singapore.

He explains, “It is important to consider two important factors, which are fit-for-use and workout-specific requirements. Fit-for-use addresses impact protection, gait support and control specific to your anatomy and running style, while workout-specifics refer to your individual training program and racing requirements. Some knowledge goes a long way in making your training and racing journey an enjoyable one.”

High cadence, tempo runs

David Shum says: Lightweight racing shoes that are designed for speedwork and tempo running in the 1500m to 10km usually have less cushioning and a lower heel to toe drop height. Your running pace, body weight, running form and foot structure all play an important part in achieving a suitable fit. With a quick cadence, your feet only touch the ground for a spilt second before lifting off again, so the shoes need to be adapted for such footwork.

Check out: The Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2.

A faster and more responsive version of the best-selling long distance Pegasus, the Pegasus Turbo 2 boasts technology that is a combination of the Air Zoom Pegasus and the ground-breaking Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4%. It pairs a ZoomX and React midsole with a partial inner sleeve from toe to midfoot, optimised for high cadence running.

Long distance running

David Shum: If you regularly cover half-marathons or longer, you will need your running shoes to deliver more protection and support to last the distance comfortably. Areas prone to strain such are the arch and heel of your feet. The protection may come in the form of additional cushioning, stability protection and support. The shoes have to be durable too as they will cover a lot of mileage.  

Check out: The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36.

Nike’s best-selling distance shoe features an optimised blend of cushioning and responsiveness with a full-length Zoom Air unit encased with Cushlon foam in the midsole. Flywire cables combine with the shoelaces for an easily adjusted, customised fit across the upper, so your shoes support you consistently throughout the training runs.

Competitive racing

David Shum: Competitive runners will always be on the lookout for something that can give them that extra bit of speed. Technical details such as mesh density and sections of stretch fabric that can help the shoe feel snug without pinching are important. Recently, the innovation of the carbon fibre midsole plate has allowed for better forward propulsion. Competition shoes design is science, engineering and art combined into one to enhance movement and optimise output.

Check out: The Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%.

A shoe that took in lessons from Eliud Kipchoge’s Nike Breaking2 project in 2017, the Nike ZoomX foam used is capable of providing up to 85 percent energy return. A full-length curved carbon fibre plate in the midsole provides a sensation of continuous propulsion, and a new traction pattern improves forefoot grip, even in wet weather.

Find them all at Nike stores island wide, or online at nike.com.

The thought of injury and the associated downtime is always a bummer, so for many of us runners, staying in good physical shape is top priority. The Nike React Infinity Run is the big news for 2020, and the shoe was developed with feedback from running enthusiasts to help you train injury-free.

Singaporean ultra-marathoner Lester Tan says, ““As runners, the degree of comfort provided by our shoes is of paramount importance. A shoe that’s not comfortable will adversely impact our running gait, thus contributing to a higher risk of injury.”

Caleb Goh, a runner and triathlon enthusiast, says, “I’ve been injured when I wore unsuitable shoes, or over trained. It’s really quite frustrating when that happens as you can't follow the training plans you have, and then have to show up at a race ill-prepared, or even miss the race entirely, which has happened to me. It’s a real downer when after months of planning, an injury stops you from starting a much-anticipated race.”

“For sure, besides user-induced poor posture that can lead to injury, having a non-optimal running form can contribute to problems as well,” says triathlete Chew Yiheng. “A supportive pair of shoes will not make you go faster, but is important to have because as you get tired, you may not be able to maintain a stable form and the shoe can help prevent injuries from poor landings.”

Race and Train with Confidence
Nike’s React, which was launched in 2017, is a proprietary cushioning foam that delivered stable cushioning and energy return.

The latest evolution of this material can be found in the Nike React Infinity Run, where it provides a soft, responsive platform and delivers it with a widened midsole. The shoe also has a rocker-like bottom, inspired by Nike’s ground-breaking 4% running shoe, which yields a more fluid transition from foot strike to toe off.

The result is a fine-tuned combination of efficiency and cushioning for a shoe that Nike’s engineers have noted offers a more democratic solution to stability, and an advance from traditional motion-control designs.

The Nike React Infinity Run is designed as an ideal for middle-mileage, moderate efforts. An external study by the British Columbia Sports Medicine Research Foundation (BCSMRF) on 226 runners in the Nike React Infinity Run and the Nike Structure 22, a traditional motion control shoe, showed that runners in the Nike React Infinity had a 52 per cent lower injury rate than in the motion control shoe, with wearers confirming that they felt less pain in their knees and feet.

The rocker-geometry of the React Infinity Run puts the shoe in a slight forward lean, moving a runner’s foot strike from heel to midfoot, or even forefoot. This creates a natural forward feel of propulsion. The wider platform and the supportive foam that accompanies it provides a reassuring feel as the shoe guides the foot in a smooth, straight line, reducing side-to-side wobbling and movement.

“Everyone wants to be able to train regularly and not have to worry too much about injury,” adds Caleb. “Having a shoe that can help to support the way we land, correct for small variances and encourage good form is a great assurance.”

Check out the Nike React Infinity Run yourself! Find it at Nike stores, or order online at nike.com.

William Leow is a stickler about the shoes that he races and trains with. The Singaporean running and XTERRA enthusiast tells us why he chooses to race and train almost exclusively with Nike shoes.

“I’ve been involved in multisport activities for many years, though now I am an active participant in XTERRA racing,” he says.

“XTERRA is an off-road triathlon comprising typically of a 1.5km swim, 30km mountain bike ride and a 10km trail run with lots of elevation. I first heard of it in 1998, but never got a chance to attempt one back then as I lost interest in triathlon after my National Service. I only came back into the sport in 2016.”

In that same year, William found out that Langkawi was hosting the Asia-Pacific XTERRA Championship and he signed up for it without hesitation. His ultimate aim was to qualify for the XTERRA World Championship, which takes place annually in Maui, Hawaii. Despite good preparations, a troubling old knee injury slowed him down and he finished fifth in his age-group in Langkawi 2016, two spots away from the qualification cut-off.

He eventually had his chance and took part in the 2019 XTERRA World Championship after qualifying for it through XTERRA Taiwan in 2018.  “What draws me to XTERRA over the conventional triathlon is the challenging terrain, dirt, and the friendly competitors. I’ve made so many friends from different parts of the world,” William adds.

His shoes of choice? The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Trail 36 for trail running, and the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 for training on tarmac.

William has also recently started using the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit for pre and post-race recovery running, and he thinks it’s the most exciting innovation to hit the running shoe scene in a while.

The beanbag chair-inspired Nike Joyride system was launched in late 2019 after months of intensive testing. In the Joyride Run, four separate, zonally tuned pods are packed with thousands of TPE beads, and the effect feels a little like running on bubbles.

Just how does the supposedly more comfort-orientated Nike Joyride Run Flyknit fit into his overall training regime? William elaborates, “The first thing I noticed when I put on the Joyride Run was the comfort. The cushioning is amazing and the shoe fits like a glove. The little things matter, and I find the loop at the back of the shoe a thoughtful design for putting them on quickly. Because they feel comfortable, I wore them through the Maui XTERRA race week as an everyday shoe.”

The Nike Joyride Run Flyknit is designed to be especially supportive and forgiving as your foot is separated from the Joyride beads by only the thin, embedded sockliner. This delivers a personalised underfoot experience with great impact absorption in a surprisingly light, energy-returning package that has been tested to be as springy as the Nike React foam on rebound.

William generally prefers the familiarity of using just two pairs of shoes, noting that it is important to test the shoes that you want to use in a race during training.

“Comfort, support, and grip are of prime importance. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus Trail 36 and Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 are my favourites, but the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit is quickly finding a place in the rotation because it is so flexible. Comfortable, functional and durable for both running and walking, it’s now the shoe that I will wear for travel and shorter, relaxed running sessions. The cushioning beads in the midsole are incredibly consistent and feel very distinct from other cushioning systems.”

Don’t just take his word for it, Check out the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit yourself! Find it at Nike stores, or order online at nike.com.

Nike is zooming into the final quarter of 2019 with the release of four new running shoes from the aptly named Zoom series!

From the fastest competitors to those that are out for a long, stress-relieving run along the paths of the neighbourhood park, these four new releases have something that will suit every type of runner. Built upon solid reputations and cutting-edge research, the Air Zoom Pegasus 36, Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2, Zoom Fly 3, ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% will keep your training sessions rocking!

Long Distance Comfort: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

The ‘36’ in the name says it all. Nike’s best-selling running shoe is now into its 36^th iteration, and is an optimised blend of cushioning and responsiveness for the high cadence runner that prefers a softer underfoot feel.

You’ll find a full-length Zoom Air unit encased with Cushlon foam in the midsole, and Flywire cables combine with the shoelaces for an easily adjusted, customised fit across the upper. A natural evolution of the Air Zoom Pegasus 35, the 36 gets a slimmer heel collar and tongue for a more conforming fit. Flexible, durable, lightweight and available in a range of fantastic colourways, the Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is just the type of shoe for runners that want consistent cushioning in a responsive, flexible platform.

Fast and Comfortable: Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2

A spin-off of the legendary Air Zoom Pegasus, the Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 does exactly what the name suggests: a faster, bouncier version of the Pegasus. Built for runners that favour the feel of a livelier take-off, the Pegasus Turbo 2 boasts technology that is a combination of the Air Zoom Pegasus and the ground-breaking Nike Zoom Vaporfly 4%.

Essentially designed as an everyday-trainer version of the Zoom Vaporfly 4%, the Pegasus Turbo 2 pairs a ZoomX midsole with a partial inner sleeve from toe to midfoot. This is combined with a more traditional shape from midfoot to heel is designed to help you train faster, longer.

The Competitive Edge: Nike Zoom Fly 3

Built for the competitive runner looking for the extra edge but wrapped in a layer of cushioned support for comfort, the Zoom Fly 3 features Nike’s most innovative technology to date in the form of a carbon fibre plate embedded in the midsole. Encased in a full-length Nike React foam bed, it balances cushioning and responsiveness to deliver an extremely smooth ride.

Nike Zoom Fly 3 feature a lighter upper with a new arch-band lacing system that offers a more adjustable fit. This is one of Nike’s fastest and most efficient shoes made.

The Fastest You Can Wear: Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%

By now you would have heard about Eliud Kipchoge’s incredible sub-two-hour marathon, and his bespoke pair of Nikes that helped him and his team of pacers to the record. The closest you can get off the shelf now is the ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, a shoe that took in lessons from the pair that Eliud wore in his previous record-breaking attempt during the Nike Breaking2 project previously.

The Nike ZoomX foam used is capable of providing up to 85 percent energy return. An 8mm offset, a full-length curved carbon fibre plate that increases stiffness to provide a sensation of propulsion, and a new traction pattern improves forefoot grip so the shoe handles better in wet weather too.

A racer through and through, this is one for the fastest marathoners and those who want to declare their competitive intent.

The new Nike Zoom family of running shoes have something to suit every type of runner. From the plush and responsive Zoom Air to the powerful, innovative ZoomX, here’s a look at what goes on inside the Zoom series’ softest and most efficient technologies.

What is the Nike Zoom Air?

The new Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 continues to evolve with the times, but age is not slowing it down. Embedded within the midsole of the Pegasus 36 is a full-length Zoom Air unit, a cushioning system that is designed to provide responsive, low-profile cushioning that athletes can feel.

Initially made available in Nike’s Air Marauder football cleat, where ground feel is paramount, the Zoom Air technology very quickly made its way into running shoes, where it made its first appearance in the Nike Air Zoom LWP.

The plush and responsive cushioning feel is aided by tightly stretched, synthetic tensile fibres inside the pressurised Nike Air unit. Each time an athlete’s foot touches down, the fibres compress to cushion the impact before quickly springing back to their original state, generating an explosive response off the ground.

The system has fans amongst both elite athletes and leisure runners, as they look to Zoom Air for a fast, responsive ride and the snappy, quick-off-the ground feel that helps optimise their quest for speed.

Inside the Nike ZoomX

At another end of the Nike cushioning spectrum is the ZoomX. Found in this season’s new Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, the system is the result of a brand-new tooling system comprised of the ultra-light, ultra-resilient Nike ZoomX midsole and a unidirectional carbon fibre plate.

The compliant and resilient ZoomX foam, whose properties enable it to absorb the energy that a runner applies with each foot landing and quickly spring back up for a high rate of energy return, is paired with a flexible and durable carbon fibre plate.

The plate’s main role is to improve a runner’s ankle mechanics, reducing the load on the calves. This is reflected in the unique “scooped-shaped” geometry of the plate, visible in the iconic sweep of the Vaporfly’s midsole colouring. The carbon fibre plate critically serves to add bending stiffness, allowing better muscle efficiency and also give the ZoomX foam a consistent surface to work off.

Dr. Geng Luo, Nike Sport Research Lab Senior Researcher, Biomechanics, explains, “The goal of having a plate is to reduce how much energy loss happens when the runner bends at the toe. This curved plate is stiff enough to achieve that and because it has this geometry, it does so without increasing demand on the calf.”

Runners can now experience the sensation of Nike ZoomX in the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT%, the fastest series production running shoe that Nike has made to date.

The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 is the latest in an illustrious line of comfortable and accessible running shoes that stretches back to 1983. Records show that the leading designer was Nike CEO Mike Parker, back when he was the manager of advanced product designs and the director of design concepts and engineering.

The inspiration for the shoe’s name came from the shoe’s half air design, similar to the winged half-horse it was named after, to represent movement, quickness and the allure of flying.

We take you on a quick trip back in time and see how the shoes have evolved over the years.

1983: The Nike Pegasus is Launched

It carried a retail price of US$50, and featured a nylon upper with a light suede leather tip. The Pegasus was the first shoe to feature an Air Wedge, a heel-only Air unit that, according to an October 1982 Nike catalog, “improves shock absorption by 12 per cent over an EVA wedge”. In fact, the developmental name for the shoe was the Air Wedge Trainer.

1988: Nike Air Pegasus ACG for All-weather Use

In 1987, the Nike Pegasus was officially renamed the Nike Air Pegasus to highlight its air cushioning properties. This was followed up with a special edition featuring synthetic leather uppers and rubber toe guard, launched in 1988. It offered runners an alternative shoe for cold, wet conditions, with an all-terrain outsole that was at home on both tarmac and light trails. By 1988, the Air Pegasus had also become Nike’s top-seller.

1995: Nike Air Zoom LWP debuts

The Air Zoom story intersects with that of the Pegasus in 1995 with the release of the Air Zoom LWP running shoe. Initially named tensile air, it was changed to Zoom Air in time of the LWP (lightweight performance) launches. Reserved for the forefoot, the Nike Air Zoom LWP’s tensile fabric strands were tactically positioned for toe propulsion and paired with a more traditional Air unit at the heel to absorb shock.

1996: Visible Air on the Nike Air Pegasus 1996   

The first Air Pegasus to sport a Visible Air pod on the midsole appeared in 1996. With a breathable mesh upper, a comfortable air foam midsole, and extra cushioning, it was promoted as a shoe that you could run in for a very long time without stress or fatigue.

2003: Caged Zoom Air debuts in the Air Zoom Spiridon

The dramatically updated Nike Air Zoom Spiridon introduced caged Zoom Air in 2003, with an oversized, visible heel unit encased in a Pebax cage. A sequel followed in 2005, and the Nike Air Zoom Spiridon Plus was further tuned to amplify take-off response.

2014: The Air Zoom and Pegasus Combine Forces for the Air Zoom Pegasus 31

Named the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 31, the shoe combined the best of the Air Zoom’s reactive cushioning and the Pegasus’s awesomely comfortable ride. World Champion marathoner Mo Farah was actively involved in the shoe’s design. The new design introduced enhancements like a new contoured last for streamlined fit, dropped offset of 10mm for a more natural stance, an engineered mid-foot saddle, designed to provide ultimate lock-down while under the foot, and an all new crash rail out-sole to provide a smooth transition for any type of foot strike. 

2019: Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36

The latest on the scene, the 36^th-gen version of this storied running shoe now features engineered mesh with added perforations to enhance breathability across high-heat areas such as the forefoot and arch. A slimmer heel collar and tongue make for a more conforming fit than before. The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 36 maintains its full-length Zoom Air unit, first introduced in the Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 35, encased by Cushlon foam in the mid-sole for a smooth, responsive, cushioned ride. Backed by decades of developmental history, the Nike running story is set to continue.