Nike Zoom Fly 6: First Impressions

Zoom Fly 6: Quick Facts

What’s the Zoom Fly 6 all about?

The Zoom Fly 6 series can be thought of as the training companion to Nikes' race day super shoes, Vaporfly and Alphafly. The idea is to offer a shoe that can handle speed workouts, but also structured long runs where you might be incorporating race pace efforts within the run. The overall ride of the shoe should mimic and feel like a paired back version of the racing product. For us, the Zoom Fly series has struggled to hit that mark in previous versions, but with the Zoom Fly 6, we feel as though Nike has finally delivered on a genuine super trainer, a shoe that feels like a baby Alphafly.

Georgia's first thoughts

I was a big fan of the original Nike Zoom Tempo Next% from a few years ago and after hearing the Zoom Fly 6 is now going to replace that shoe I was eager to try it!

I think the latest version of the Zoom Fly lives up to the hype, offering a lightweight, responsive feel thanks to the ZoomX foam and carbon fiber plate. The balance between comfort and a speedy feel makes the shoe feel versatile enough for various types of runs. I think the Zoom Fly 6 could easily handle intervals, up tempo sessions, or even serve as a faster jogging option for those looking for that kind of shoe. 

The amount of traction on the outsole should also provide excellent grip on slippery surfaces, which is something I always look for in a shoe as a lot of my workouts here in Adelaide are on gravel paths. I really do like the Zoom Fly 6, but I've still got a soft spot for that Tempo Next%.

There are three key features in Zoom Fly 6:

1) ZoomX, the good stuff

There is a dual-layer midsole setup in the Zoom Fly 6. On top, we have Nike's most lightweight, responsive midsole, ZoomX. It's important to note this isn't the recycled version they used on the Zoom Fly 5, this is the good stuff, it is soft and bouncy and feels close to the foam used in the Alphafly 3.

The bottom layer features the SR-02 foam for added durability and stability. The result is a soft, yet responsive ride that compliments exactly what the shoe is designed for. We can also see this midsole combination making the Zoom Fly 6 an option worth considering for runners that want a more durable and stable race day shoe.

2) Carbon fibre flyplate

While the Zoom Fly 6 does feature a carbon fibre plate, it's designed to be more flexible and forgiving. It's not as stiff as the plate in the Nike Alphafly 3, which we think is a good thing as it allows the Zoom Fly 6 to be more versatile for daily training and makes slower running feel more natural compared to Nike's racing product. The plate still offers nice pop when you want to push the pace, just don't expect the same plate stiffness as the Alphafly 3.

3) Woven mesh upper

The two layer woven mesh upper on the Zoom Fly 6 is a solid performer and has definitely improved from the last iteration. We found the fit of the Zoom Fly 6 to be true to size, but on the narrower and shallower side. It feels secure and dialed in with light padding throughout. The tongue is gusseted which keeps it in place and we had no issues with the lockdown, but one tweak we’d love to see is swapping the standard laces for the textured ones from the Alphafly and Vaporfly.

Nathan's first thoughts

The Zoom Fly Flyknit, released back in 2019 was the last Zoom Fly in the series that I found to offer a great experience for speed workouts. Since then I've found the series to be a little lost, they've either felt too heavy or slappy and I've never really found a spot in my rotation for them. 

The Zoom Fly 6 is a different story. I'm really glad to see Nike overhaul the series and turn it into a serious super trainer. It really does feel like Nike have borrowed a lot of the DNA from the Alphafly 3, tweaked it and thrown it at the Zoom Fly 6. For me, it sits right alongside other super trainers on the market such as the New Balance SC Trainer v3 and Hoka Mach X 2

I think this will make it a really great option for runners that love the Alphafly, but want a speed focused trainer to complement it. I can also see a lot of runners using this as a protective race day option given the price point and durability it should offer!

About the author

Nathan Pope - Runner and Shoe Nerd

I'm really passionate about running footwear and how shoes can be used as a tool to get the best of your running, whether that be general fitness or performance.

My favourite event is the marathon. I feel as though the marathon is the ultimate test both physically and mentally! It requires careful planning both within the race and during the training block and it can be super satisfying when it comes together on race day.