Nike Zoom Fly 6 Review: First Impressions and Test Run

Nike's latest release, the Zoom Fly 6, promises to bring improvements to its previous iteration, the Zoom Fly 5, which received a lot of criticism from runners. After testing them out on a 9-mile run, here's what I found.

First Impressions: Out of the Box

I tried on the Zoom Fly 6 indoors, and right away, I noticed how well it fit my foot shape. The shoe hugged my feet like a glove, especially with the ZoomX midsole, which felt bouncy and ready to return energy. However, the real test would be on the road.

Key Specs and Price

The Zoom Fly 6 is priced at £154.99, which is quite reasonable for a carbon-plated super trainer. When compared to competitors, such as the HOKA Mach X 2 (£170), New Balance FuelCell SuperComp Trainer v3 (£230), and ASICS Superblast 2 (£200), it stands out as a more affordable option in this high-performance category.

Weight

The Zoom Fly 6 is significantly lighter than the Zoom Fly 5, weighing just 265g for a US 9, a reduction of 49g from the previous version. This lighter weight boosts overall performance.

Heel Offset

Reduced from 10mm to 8mm, a change that brings a more balanced feel, though I would have preferred a 6mm offset for even more responsiveness.

Stack Height

With a 42mm heel and 34mm forefoot, the Zoom Fly 6 has some serious cushioning. This is actually the highest stack height in any Nike running shoe, which makes for a plush, comfortable ride.

Upper: Fit and Comfort

The upper of the Zoom Fly 6 features lightweight, breathable engineered mesh with a plush inner lining, providing a comfortable fit. The gusseted tongue and zonal padding really help with the lockdown, making sure the shoe feels snug around your midfoot.

The ankle collar and heel area are nicely padded, offering good support without feeling too stiff. The only issue I had was that the toe box felt a bit shallow towards the end of the run. For shorter runs, it wasn’t a problem, but for longer runs, you might want to size up half a size to give your toes a little more room.

Midsole: Performance and Cushioning

The midsole in the Zoom Fly 6 features a dual-compound design, combining ZoomX foam (known for its high energy return) and SR-02 EVA for stability and support. Sandwiched between the two layers is Nike’s full-length carbon fiber Flyplate, which helps with propulsion and efficiency.

On my run, the ZoomX foam felt plush and comfortable at slower paces, but once I picked up the speed, it really came alive. It gave me a snappy, responsive feel, which made picking up the tempo a lot of fun. Overall, the combination of cushioning and stability gave me the best of both worlds, which is exactly what you want in a performance training shoe.

Outsole: Grip and Durability

The blown rubber outsole covers high-wear areas, including the forefoot and heel, and provides excellent grip, even on greasy pavement with fallen leaves. I didn’t have any issues with stones getting caught in the midsole cutout, which is often a concern with shoes that feature a big cutout in the midfoot.

Test Run: How They Felt

I took the Zoom Fly 6 for a 9 mile run on a challenging day with gusty winds up to 40mph. Despite the tough conditions, the shoes performed well. Here’s how they felt:

 
Fit

The fit was secure and comfortable, with good heel lockdown and midfoot support. However, the shallow toe box did cause slight discomfort toward the end of the run. For longer runs, I’d recommend sizing up half a size.

Midsole

The ZoomX foam felt cushioned and plush during the slower paces, but once I sped up, it gave me a lot of energy return. The dual-compound setup was perfect for me, offering both performance and stability.

Grip

Even with the wet, leaf-covered roads, the grip was impressive. The blown rubber outsole kept my footing secure.

Weight

At 265g, the shoe felt light enough to keep me nimble, even though it’s slightly heavier than some of its competitors.

Final Thoughts

The Nike Zoom Fly 6 offers a solid balance of performance, comfort, and stability, making it a great option for training. The updated midsole design with ZoomX foam and SR-02 EVA provides ample cushioning and energy return, while the upper ensures a secure fit.

While it might feel a bit small for those with a broader foot or for long-distance runners, it's still a highly versatile shoe, and I’d recommend sizing up for longer runs. Based on today’s performance, I’m excited to continue testing them and will follow up with a more in-depth review soon. 

Would I Recommend Them?

Yes! For runners looking for a solid super trainer that balances comfort, performance, and stability, the Nike Zoom Fly 6 is a great option. The updates from the previous version are impressive, and Nike has delivered a much more refined shoe for this category.

Watch the full review

For a deeper dive into the Nike Zoom Fly 6, be sure to check out the first impressions review video on our YouTube channel! Don’t forget to hit the like, comment, and subscribe buttons while you’re there to stay updated on all our latest running gear reviews and training tips. Stay safe and keep on running!