Nike Zoom Superfly R4

Earlier this year, a new Nike Factory Store opened at one of Chiang Mai’s main shopping malls. It featured discounted sports equipment and shoes, including many from Nike, much to the excitement of local sports enthusiasts. My colleagues and coach discussed the possibility of switching from trail running to road running. Despite this, I still had a strong desire to try running in spikes.

A Throwback to My School Days

Back when I was a student, I had the chance to represent my school in an athletics competition organized by the province to select representatives for regional and national levels. Naturally, I was excited about the opportunity to compete, and I longed to wear a pair of spikes, a luxury reserved for only those who made it to the competition. Growing up in a rural school, these shoes were rare and worn only by those who made the cut.

Now, I finally had the chance to own a pair for myself, which I could wear during training on the track. So, I made the decision to purchase the Nike Zoom Superfly R4 at a heavily discounted price from the Nike Factory Store. The store was crowded, and it took me nearly 30 minutes of waiting in line to get my hands on a pair. Finding these spikes in Chiang Mai is not an easy feat.

Olympic Season Discounts

With the Rio Olympics in full swing, Nike had released a plethora of new models, leading to significant price drops on older models like the Superfly R4. These shoes, with their sleek design and proven quality, had been endorsed by top athletes, making the brand even more popular. I was eager to try them out.

First Impressions

The design and aesthetics of the Nike Zoom Superfly R4 are impressive. The sleekness, color, and materials used give it a sturdy and durable appearance, far from the flimsy feel of some running shoes. The white color and the mesh fabric on the sides, which subtly reveals the laces underneath, add a unique dimension to the design. The tongue of the shoe is not too thick, allowing for good ventilation. In terms of appearance, these shoes are definitely a winner.

Sole Design

As expected from sprinting shoes, the sole is quite rigid, as they are not designed for long-distance running. The eye-catching chrome finish on the sole adds a nice touch, though it can scratch easily. The sole’s design aligns perfectly with the shape of the foot, ensuring that it stays snugly in place while running—a feature that enhances running efficiency.

The front of the sole, apart from the spikes, includes additional grip points molded directly into the sole, providing extra traction on the track. This allows for a better push-off, helping runners propel themselves forward more effectively.

Performance on the Track

I tested the shoes on the track, running intervals of 400m, 800m, and 1500m, following a Pyramid Interval workout. Although these shoes are specifically designed for shorter sprints of 100m to 400m, I found that they performed well across these varied distances. The lightweight design and excellent grip helped me improve my times significantly, reducing friction between the shoes and the track.

However, running longer distances or for extended periods did result in some calf pain, likely due to the constant forefoot striking. Despite this, the Nike Zoom Superfly R4 proved to be a great fit for sprinting, and I was thoroughly pleased with the purchase.

For those interested in getting a pair, I recommend heading to the Nike Factory Store at Central Airport Plaza in Chiang Mai before they sell out!