Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3

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Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3: Review

β€œA lightweight and responsive shoe for speed training and racing.”

Overview


The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is a lightweight running shoe designed for speed and racing. This shoe is known for its responsive Cushlon midsole and Nike Air Zoom technology, providing a comfortable and energetic ride. The upper is made of breathable mesh, ensuring a well-ventilated experience during runs. The shoe also features a wide toe box, accommodating runners with wider feet.

Key Features:

  • Nike Air Zoom: Provides responsive cushioning for a springy and energetic ride.
  • Cushlon Midsole: Offers soft and comfortable cushioning.
  • Breathable Mesh Upper: Ensures a well-ventilated running experience.
  • Wide Toe Box: Accommodates runners with wider feet.

The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize speed and comfort for road running. Its lightweight design offers a natural feel, making it suitable for speed training and daily running.

According to our analysis of reviews from experts around the world, it averages a review score of 72%. This puts it in the lowest rated 10% of comparable running shoes. According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 20% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3


The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is a versatile running shoe that excels in both speed training and daily running. Its responsive Cushlon midsole and Nike Air Zoom technology provide a comfortable and energetic ride. The breathable mesh upper ensures a well-ventilated experience, while the wide toe box accommodates runners with wider feet. However, some runners may find the tongue too short, and the forefoot can feel lumpy. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Rival Fly 3 offers good value for money, making it a solid choice for runners seeking a lightweight and responsive shoe. We've found that the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is a reliable and affordable option for speed workouts and daily running.

Comparable Shoes


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Compared to its predecessor, the Nike Rival Fly 2, the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 offers a more comfortable and responsive ride, thanks to its updated Cushlon midsole and Nike Air Zoom technology. However, the Rival Fly 3 is slightly heavier and has a shorter tongue.

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The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 has a racier aesthetic compared to the Nike Pegasus 38. However, both shoes offer a comfortable and responsive ride, making them suitable for speed training and racing.

7 Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 Pros & Cons


4 Pros

Lightweight and responsive design suitable for speed training and racing.
Comfortable Cushlon midsole and Nike Air Zoom technology.
Breathable mesh upper ensures a well-ventilated running experience.
Wide toe box accommodates runners with wider feet.

3 Cons

Tongue may be too short for some runners.
Forefoot can feel lumpy.
Not suitable for running on grass or trails.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is made of a lightweight, breathable mesh material. This ensures a well-ventilated running experience, keeping your feet cool and dry during your runs. The shoe also features a wide toe box, accommodating runners with wider feet. However, some runners may find the tongue too short, which could affect the overall fit and comfort of the shoe.

Midsole

The midsole of the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 features a responsive Cushlon foam and a Nike Air Zoom unit in the forefoot. This combination provides a comfortable and energetic ride, making the shoe ideal for speed training and racing. However, some runners may find the forefoot a bit lumpy, which could affect the overall comfort of the shoe.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is made of a highly abrasion-resistant rubber, ensuring durability and longevity. It provides excellent grip on road surfaces, making it a reliable choice for road running. However, it's not recommended for grass or trails, as the grip may not be as effective on these surfaces.

Size/fit

The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 fits true to size, with a wider toe box that accommodates runners with wider feet. The shoe also features a low-profile fit, similar to the Romero 16. However, due to the shorter tongue, some runners may need to adjust their lacing technique to achieve a secure fit.

Comfort

The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 offers a comfortable running experience, thanks to its responsive Cushlon midsole and Nike Air Zoom technology. The breathable mesh upper ensures a well-ventilated run, while the wide toe box accommodates runners with wider feet. However, some runners may find the forefoot a bit lumpy, which could affect the overall comfort of the shoe.

Who should buy the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3?


The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is an excellent choice for runners who prioritize speed and comfort for road running. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it suitable for speed training and racing. Runners with wider feet will also appreciate the wide toe box.

Who should not buy the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3?


The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 may not be the best choice for runners who prefer a shoe with a longer tongue, as some runners have found the tongue on this model to be too short. Additionally, runners who frequently run on grass or trails may want to consider a different shoe, as the outsole of the Rival Fly 3 is not designed for these surfaces.

Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3: What's it good for?


The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is good for speed training and racing on road surfaces. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it an excellent choice for these activities.

5 Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 FAQs


Is the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 good for speed training?

Yes, the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is an excellent choice for speed training. Its lightweight design and responsive cushioning make it suitable for this activity.

Does the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 fit true to size?

Yes, the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 fits true to size. It also features a wider toe box, accommodating runners with wider feet.

Is the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 suitable for road running?

Yes, the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 is suitable for road running. Its outsole provides excellent grip on road surfaces.

What is the weight of the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3?

The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 weighs 210 grams.

What is the heel to toe drop of the Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3?

The Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 has a heel to toe drop of 8 mm.

Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 alternatives

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Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3
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Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3
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released
Released
Oct 2021
Apr 2022Mar 2023May 2019
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Expert Review Score
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Weight
Weight
210 g
M: 221 g
W: 181 g
221 g
238 g
247 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
18 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
10 mm
10 mm
Heel
Heel
28 mm
Usages
Usages
RacingSpeed training
RacingDaily runningSpeed trainingSpeed trainingDaily runningSpeed trainingDaily runningSpeed training
Brand
Brand
Nike
SkechersNew BalanceNikePUMANike
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Lightweight
LightweightLightweight
LightweightLightweight
Breathable
Breathable
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Techs
Techs
Nike Air Zoom
New Balance Fresh Foam
PUMA NITRONike FlyknitNike React
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Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3: what the experts say (1 review)

Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3: 1 Expert video review

Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2049)
TerrainRoad (+1362)
UsagesRacing (+183)Speed training (+302)
BrandNike (+261)
Support TypeNeutral (+1603)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1578)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1525)
Shoe TypeLightweight (+409)
FitWide toe box (+273)
MaterialsMesh (+942)
TechsNike Air Zoom (+56)
ColorwaysBlack, Blue, Green, Yellow
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Oct 2021
Measurements
Weight
210 g
Heel to toe drop
8 mm

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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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Tom Green
December 18, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
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%