Nike ZoomX Dragonfly

Review Score
92%
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+5
David McNeillAaron BienenfeldJoshua Cheptegei

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Nike ZoomX Dragonfly: Review

β€œA lightweight track spike designed for speed and efficiency.”

Overview


The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is a track spike designed to enhance speed and efficiency for competitive runners. This shoe is known for its lightweight construction and advanced technology.

Key Features:

  • ZoomX Midsole: Provides exceptional cushioning and energy return.
  • PEBAX Spike Plate: Offers rigidity and propulsion for efficient running.
  • Single-layer Flymesh Upper: Ensures breathability and a snug fit.

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is an ideal choice for track athletes who prioritize speed and efficiency in races ranging from 1500m to 10,000m. Its lightweight design offers a competitive edge, making it suitable for elite racing events.

With an average review score of 91%, it's in the highest rated 10% of similar running shoes. 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 ZoomX Dragonfly


The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly has been praised for its performance on the track, offering a blend of cushioning and responsiveness that is rare in track spikes. The ZoomX midsole provides a soft yet efficient ride, making it suitable for distances from 1500m to 10,000m. The PEBAX spike plate enhances propulsion, giving runners an extra boost with each stride. Despite its lightweight design, the shoe maintains durability and support, although some users noted a need for improved stability. The breathable Flymesh upper ensures comfort during long races, while the removable spikes allow for customization based on track conditions. However, the high price point may be a consideration for some. Overall, the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is a top-tier choice for competitive runners seeking a high-performance track spike. Its combination of advanced technology and lightweight design makes it a standout option for serious athletes.

Comparable Shoes


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The Nike Air Zoom Maxfly is a good alternative for sprinters focusing on shorter distances. While the Dragonfly excels in longer events, the Maxfly offers more stability and a firmer feel, making it better suited for sprints. The Maxfly's design is tailored for explosive speed, whereas the Dragonfly provides more cushioning for endurance.

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The adidas Adizero Avanti is another track spike that competes with the Dragonfly. It offers a similar lightweight design and is also suitable for middle to long-distance events. However, the Dragonfly's ZoomX foam provides superior cushioning and energy return, giving it an edge in comfort and performance over longer distances.

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The New Balance MD500v7 is a versatile track spike that can be compared to the Dragonfly. While it offers a more affordable option, it lacks the advanced cushioning and propulsion technology found in the Dragonfly. The MD500v7 is suitable for a range of distances but may not provide the same level of performance for elite athletes.

6 Nike ZoomX Dragonfly Pros & Cons


3 Pros

Exceptional energy return from ZoomX foam.
Lightweight design enhances speed.
Breathable upper ensures comfort during long races.

3 Cons

High price point may be a consideration.
Midfoot stability could be improved.
Not ideal for shorter sprint distances.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is crafted from a single-layer Flymesh, which is designed to be breathable and lightweight. This material wraps the foot snugly, providing a secure fit without adding unnecessary weight. The mesh construction allows for excellent ventilation, which is crucial for maintaining comfort during long-distance track events. The design is minimalistic, focusing on speed and efficiency, making it ideal for competitive runners.

Midsole

The midsole of the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly features the renowned ZoomX foam, known for its exceptional energy return and cushioning. This foam is soft yet responsive, providing a plush feel that helps protect the legs during long races. The midsole's design is complemented by a full-length Shockwave plate, which enhances propulsion and efficiency, making it suitable for a range of track distances.

Outsole

The outsole of the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is integrated with a PEBAX spike plate, which runs the full length of the shoe. This plate acts as a rigid lever, maximizing the force applied during running and enhancing propulsion. The design includes six removable spikes, allowing runners to customize their grip based on track conditions. This setup is ideal for maintaining traction and stability during high-speed races.

Size/fit

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly offers a fit that is tailored for competitive track athletes. The toebox is slightly wider than typical spikes, providing ample space for comfort during long races. The overall fit is snug, ensuring that the shoe stays securely in place during high-intensity runs. The design accommodates a range of foot shapes, making it versatile for different athletes.

Comfort

Comfort in the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is achieved through its lightweight design and cushioned midsole. The ZoomX foam provides a soft underfoot feel, reducing fatigue during long races. The breathable upper ensures that the foot remains cool, while the minimalistic design reduces weight, enhancing the overall comfort for competitive runners.

Cushioning

Cushioning in the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is provided by the full-length ZoomX foam midsole. This material is known for its plush feel and excellent energy return, making it ideal for long-distance track events. The cushioning helps protect the legs from impact, allowing runners to maintain speed and efficiency throughout their race.

Breathability

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is designed with a breathable Flymesh upper, which allows for excellent ventilation. This feature is crucial for maintaining comfort during long races, as it helps to regulate temperature and wick away moisture. The mesh construction ensures that the foot remains cool and dry, even in warm conditions.

Stability

Stability in the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is provided by the PEBAX spike plate, which offers rigidity and support. However, some users have noted that the shoe could benefit from improved midfoot stability. The design is focused on speed and efficiency, which may compromise stability for some runners, particularly those with less refined running techniques.

Durability

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is built to withstand the demands of competitive track events. The PEBAX spike plate and ZoomX foam midsole are designed for resilience, maintaining performance over time. However, the minimalistic upper may show signs of wear with extensive use, particularly in high-intensity conditions.

Grip

Grip in the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is enhanced by the removable spikes, which provide excellent traction on the track. The PEBAX spike plate ensures that the shoe maintains contact with the surface, allowing for efficient propulsion. This setup is ideal for maintaining speed and stability during competitive races.

Flex

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly offers a balance of flexibility and rigidity, thanks to its PEBAX spike plate. While the shoe is designed to be aggressive for speed, it still provides enough flex to ensure a smooth and efficient ride. This combination makes it suitable for a range of track distances, from 1500m to 10,000m.

Who should buy the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly?


The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is perfect for competitive track athletes who are looking for a high-performance spike. Runners who participate in events ranging from 1500m to 10,000m will benefit from its lightweight design and exceptional energy return. Those who value breathability and cushioning will find this shoe particularly appealing. It's also a great choice for athletes who appreciate the ability to customize their grip with removable spikes.

Who should not buy the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly?


The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly may not be the best choice for runners who focus on shorter sprint distances, as its design is optimized for longer track events. Those who require more stability might find the shoe's midfoot design lacking. Additionally, athletes who prefer a more traditional spike feel might not appreciate the softer cushioning of the ZoomX foam. For those seeking a more stable option, the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly could be a better fit.

Nike ZoomX Dragonfly: What's it good for?


The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is excellent for track events ranging from 1500m to 10,000m, offering a blend of speed and efficiency. Its ZoomX midsole provides superior cushioning and energy return, making it suitable for long-distance races. The shoe's lightweight design and breathable upper ensure comfort during extended use. With its removable spikes, it offers customizable grip, ideal for varying track conditions.

5 Nike ZoomX Dragonfly FAQs


What distances is the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly best suited for?

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly is best suited for track events ranging from 1500m to 10,000m, offering a balance of speed and cushioning.

How does the ZoomX foam benefit runners?

The ZoomX foam provides exceptional energy return and cushioning, helping to protect the legs during long races and enhancing overall performance.

Are the spikes on the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly removable?

Yes, the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly features removable spikes, allowing runners to customize their grip based on track conditions.

Is the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly suitable for sprinting?

While the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly can handle shorter distances, it is primarily designed for longer track events. For sprints, a shoe like the Nike Air Zoom Maxfly might be more suitable.

How does the Nike ZoomX Dragonfly compare to traditional track spikes?

The Nike ZoomX Dragonfly offers more cushioning and energy return than traditional spikes, making it ideal for longer distances. Its lightweight design and advanced technology provide a competitive edge.

Nike ZoomX Dragonfly alternatives

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Nike ZoomX Dragonfly
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productAthletes
Pro athlete users
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+7
Joshua Cheptegei
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Paul Navesey
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+4
Golden HarperZach Bitter
Weight
Weight
133 g
125 g
181 g
M: 156 g
W: 125 g
130 g
184 g
Brand
Brand
Nike
NikeNikeAltraNikeUnder Armour
Breathable
Breathable
Techs
Techs
Nike ZoomX
Spike Sizes
Spike Sizes
1/4 inch
Spike Types
Spike Types
Removable
RemovableRemovable
PyramidRemovable
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Water repellent
Water repellent
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Nike ZoomX Dragonfly: what the experts say (1 review)

Nike ZoomX Dragonfly: 2 Expert video reviews

Nike ZoomX Dragonfly characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2048)
TerrainTrack (+79)
BrandNike (+260)
FeaturesBreathable (+752)
TechsNike ZoomX (+10)
Spike TypesRemovable (+66)
ColorwaysBlack, Black / Green / Pink, Blue, Orange, Orange / White, Pink, Red, Volt / White / Black, White / Flash Crimson / Black / Hyper Jade, Yellow
Specificationsvs Average
Released
Mar 2021
Measurements
Weight
133 g

9 pro athletes who've used Nike ZoomX Dragonfly

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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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