Nike Air Zoom MaxFly

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Nike Air Zoom MaxFly: Review

β€œA high-performance sprint spike for elite-level athletes.”

Overview


The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is a high-performance sprint spike designed for elite-level athletes. This running shoe is known for its advanced technology and lightweight construction, making it ideal for short-distance races.

Key Features:

  • Zoom Air Unit: Provides lightweight and responsive rebound for an extra boost with every step.
  • Flyplate Technology: A full-length carbon plate that maximizes compression for explosive energy return.
  • Flyweave Upper: Offers a secure and adaptable fit for different foot shapes.

The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is an ideal choice for sprinters who prioritize speed and responsiveness for short-distance races. Its advanced cushioning and propulsion technologies offer exceptional performance, making it suitable for competitive track events.

Based on our monitoring of prices across the internet, it's currently in the most expensive 10% of running shoes today.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly


The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is highly regarded for its performance in short-distance sprints, ranging from 60m to 400m. The combination of the Zoom Air unit and Flyplate technology provides explosive energy return and protection, making it a top choice for speed-hungry runners. The shoe's snug fit and premium materials contribute to its overall comfort and performance. However, it may require some adaptation for those not used to its aggressive design. While it excels in sprints, it is not recommended for distances beyond 800m. The MaxFly's durability, especially in the heel area, is impressive, ensuring it can withstand rigorous use. Overall, the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly offers unmatched comfort and speed, making it a valuable investment for serious sprinters. Its advanced technology and performance-oriented design make it a standout choice for elite athletes.

Comparable Shoes


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The adidas Prime SP2 is a good alternative for runners who prefer a more traditional, grounded ride. While the MaxFly excels in providing explosive energy return, the Prime SP2 offers a more stable and familiar feel. It is also a suitable option for those who may find the MaxFly's aggressive design challenging to adapt to.

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The Nike Zoom Rival D 10 is a versatile and budget-friendly option for runners who need a shoe for longer distances. Unlike the MaxFly, which is focused on short sprints, the Zoom Rival D 10 offers a more comfortable design for races beyond 800m. It is a great choice for those new to track spikes or looking for a more affordable alternative.

8 Nike Air Zoom MaxFly Pros & Cons


5 Pros

Extremely springy ride
Snug, performance-oriented fit
Propulsion from Flyplate and Zoom Air
Premium design and materials
Ideal for 100-400m sprints

3 Cons

Expensive
Requires some adaptation
Can feel unstable for some

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is constructed from Flyweave mesh, providing a secure and adaptable fit for different foot shapes. This material is designed to offer support and stability, essential for high-speed sprints. Despite its dense construction, the upper includes some padding, particularly in the heel area, enhancing comfort during use. The notched laces ensure a secure lockdown, reducing the risk of unraveling during runs. Overall, the upper's design balances lightweight containment with necessary support.

Midsole

The midsole of the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly features Nike's top-tier ZoomX foam, known for its lightweight and responsive properties. This foam is combined with a full-length carbon Flyplate, strategically positioned to maximize compression and energy return. The Zoom Air unit in the forefoot adds an extra layer of cushioning and propulsion, making each step more powerful. This combination of technologies ensures a springy and responsive ride, ideal for short-distance sprints.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is designed with a unique Shockwave pattern, providing excellent grip and comfort. It features seven removable spikes in the forefoot, offering the traction needed for high-speed sprints. The outsole's thickness and design are optimized for durability and performance, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of competitive track events. The strategic placement of spikes and the seismic wave graphic pattern enhance traction in critical areas, making it suitable for various track surfaces.

Size/fit

The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly offers a snug, performance-oriented fit, essential for maximizing power and speed during sprints. The toebox is designed to provide a race-ready lockdown, efficiently channeling power down into the track. Despite its streamlined design, the big toe area has a generous width, accommodating different foot shapes. The shoe's overall fit is tailored to provide a secure and comfortable experience, crucial for elite-level performance.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly, especially for a sprint spike. The shoe includes plush padding in the heel area and a well-padded tongue, enhancing overall comfort. The ZoomX foam and Zoom Air unit in the midsole provide cushioning and responsiveness, reducing the impact on the feet during high-speed sprints. The secure fit and lightweight construction further contribute to the shoe's comfort, making it suitable for intense training sessions and competitive events.

Cushioning

The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly excels in cushioning, thanks to its ZoomX foam and Zoom Air unit. These technologies provide a lightweight and responsive rebound, offering an extra boost with every step. The cushioning is strategically placed to maximize forward propulsion, particularly under the ball of the foot. This design ensures that sprinters experience a comfortable and powerful ride, essential for achieving top speeds in short-distance races.

Breathability

While breathability is not the primary focus of the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly, the shoe performs reasonably well in this aspect. The Flyweave mesh upper, although dense, allows for some ventilation, which is beneficial during longer training sessions. The shoe's design prioritizes lightweight construction and support, but it still manages to offer a decent level of breathability. This balance ensures that runners can maintain comfort without compromising on performance.

Stability

Stability is a key feature of the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly, thanks to its Flyplate technology and secure upper construction. The full-length carbon plate provides rigidity where needed, improving the transition from heel to toe. The Flyweave upper offers a secure fit, reducing the risk of slippage during high-speed sprints. The shoe's design ensures that runners can maintain stability and control, essential for achieving optimal performance in competitive events.

Durability

The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly demonstrates impressive durability, particularly in the heel area. The shoe's upper, made from Flyweave mesh, withstands wear and tear effectively, earning a strong score in durability tests. The outsole's design and material also contribute to its longevity, ensuring it can handle the demands of competitive track events. Overall, the MaxFly's durability makes it a reliable choice for elite athletes who require a shoe that can endure rigorous use.

Grip

The grip of the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is exceptional, thanks to its seven removable spikes and Shockwave outsole pattern. These features provide the traction needed for high-speed sprints, ensuring runners can maintain control and stability on the track. The seismic wave graphic pattern enhances grip in critical areas, making the shoe suitable for various track surfaces. This design ensures that sprinters can achieve maximum speed without compromising on traction.

Flex

Despite its stiff ride, the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly retains a surprising degree of flexibility. The carbon Flyplate provides rigidity, but the shoe's overall design allows for some torsional flexibility. This balance ensures that runners can achieve explosive propulsion while maintaining a degree of comfort and adaptability. The shoe's flexibility is particularly beneficial for sprinters who require a responsive and dynamic ride.

Who should buy the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly?


The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is ideal for elite-level sprinters who prioritize speed and responsiveness. It is suitable for those competing in short-distance races, ranging from 60m to 400m, including hurdles. Runners who appreciate advanced technology and a snug, performance-oriented fit will find this shoe beneficial. The MaxFly's combination of Zoom Air and Flyplate technology offers explosive energy return, making it a top choice for competitive athletes.

Who should not buy the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly?


The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly may not be suitable for runners who prefer a traditional, grounded ride. Those looking for a shoe for distances beyond 800m might find it lacking in comfort and support. Additionally, runners on a budget may find the MaxFly's premium price point prohibitive. For those seeking a more versatile and budget-friendly option, the Nike Zoom Rival D 10 could be a better choice.

Nike Air Zoom MaxFly: What's it good for?


The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is excellent for short-distance sprints, ranging from 60m to 400m. It is also suitable for hurdles events, thanks to its advanced propulsion and stability features. The shoe's lightweight construction and responsive cushioning make it ideal for track surfaces. Elite-level athletes will benefit the most from the MaxFly's performance-oriented design.

5 Nike Air Zoom MaxFly FAQs


What distances is the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly best suited for?

The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is best suited for short-distance sprints, ranging from 60m to 400m. It is also suitable for hurdles events.

What makes the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly unique?

The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly features advanced technologies like the Zoom Air unit and Flyplate, providing explosive energy return and a lightweight, responsive ride.

Is the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly comfortable for long-distance running?

No, the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly is designed for short-distance sprints and may not provide the necessary comfort and support for long-distance running.

Are the spikes on the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly removable?

Yes, the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly features seven removable spikes in the forefoot, allowing for customizable traction.

How does the Nike Air Zoom MaxFly compare to the Adidas Prime SP2?

The Nike Air Zoom MaxFly offers explosive energy return and a performance-oriented fit, while the Adidas Prime SP2 provides a more traditional, grounded ride. The choice depends on personal preference and running style.

Nike Air Zoom MaxFly alternatives

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released
Released
Dec 2019
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Weight
Weight
162 g
116 g
130 g
M: 156 g
W: 136 g
Brand
Brand
Nike
NikeSauconySauconySauconySaucony
Techs
Techs
Nike Air Zoom
Spike Types
Spike Types
PyramidRemovable
PyramidRemovable
Pyramid
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Nike Air Zoom MaxFly: 1 Expert video review

Nike Air Zoom MaxFly characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainTrack (+79)
BrandNike (+261)
TechsNike Air Zoom (+56)
Spike TypesPyramid (+55)Removable (+66)
EventsHurdles (+12)Sprints (+32)
ColorwaysBlack, Blue, Green, Pink, White, White / Black, Yellow
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Dec 2019
Measurements
Weight
162 g

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AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
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πŸ“Š Stats by geerly πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%