I had just graduated from THEE Villanova University and was working for And 1 Basketball when the Nike Air Streak Spectrum was released. I wasn't a runner yet, but was HEAVY into my sneakerhead (I really loathe this term) era. Like I could show up to a few stores in the Philadelphia Metro and have a curated selection of shoes set aside for me to choose from.....BEFORE the release date (statute of limitations, right?). I had no clue what a racing flat was, but these shoes were flames! I mean actually had flames! Giving Bam Bam Bigelow in the late 1980s, World Wrestling Federation vibes. I was more of a "Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase guy, but I needed these shoes. I still do.....
I keep a running list of shoes I've never owned that I occasionally peruse eBay for. Now a runner, I knew that if I ever came up on a pair of Spectrums, they'd be for lifestyle wears only. Even the kinda recent Supreme re–release.....strictly casual.
One day I'm surfing the "what's coming out in a few months" circuit and see that Nike had announced its new 2025 Ekiden Collection. The shoes, to my ecstatic surprise, sport that same flame graphic from the Air Streak Spectrum Plus!!!!! For those who don't know, the Nike Streak Series was designed with insights from Ekiden racers.
So what is Ekiden? With its origins in Japan, it's LONG. Ekidens vary in distance, but think 42.195 kilometers (marathon) up to 700ish kilometers relay races. With multiple stages, and sometimes multiple days. At the end of each leg, runners traditionally pass a sash to the next runner.
What has also become a part of the tradition are the elaborate race kits and corresponding footwear. This year’s pack from Nike includes the Zoom Fly 6 for faster distance runs, and the Vaporfly 3 for speed training and the race.
Again, each silhouette is adorned with a flame graphic pattern symbolizing the fire that burns within all racers and the torches used during the night legs of the earliest Ekiden competitions. The flame graphic is borrowed from the world–record–breaking Air Streak Spectrum Plus. Japanese kanji characters on the upper of each Ekiden Collection silhouette complement the throwback design, inspiring all runners to reach their highest potential.
The Shoes.....
The Nike Zoom Fly is one of those shoes that has garnered somewhat of a cult following. It falls into the Tempo Footwear category, so think speed work and intervals. Also, consider it for training runs at race pace and any session in which you're looking for a Super Trainers. In fact, depending on who you ask, the Zoom Fly CREATED the Super Trainer category! Back in the Breaking 2 featuring Eliud Kipchoge, et al. days. The Nike Zoom Fly 6 is with you every step of your run. Lighter than the Zoom Fly 5, its responsive ZoomX foam adds energy return to each stride, while a carbon fiber plate helps propel you to the finish line.
Product Details And Specs:
Nike’s lightest and most responsive foam delivers our most energy return with every stride you take.
Full–length carbon fiber plate increases efficiency and responsiveness.
Thin rubber outsole is lightweight and grippy on the road.
ZoomX foam, Nike’s lightest and most responsive foam, delivers our most energy return with every stride you take.
Full–length carbon fiber plate increases efficiency and responsiveness.
Heel–To–Toe Drop – 8mm
The Nike Vaporfly 3 is built with a carbon plate that propels you forward, and it's foam cushioning allows you to be faster for longer. The midsole is constructed wider for extra stability, while the upper provides a nice, cooling breeze. Also, and this is new for the Vaporfly line, an updated thin outsole rubber uses less material without sacrificing durability, which helps reduce outsole weight and thickness. This allows for extra millimeters of ZoomX foam under your feet and a smoother transition through your stride.
Product Details And Specs:
Ample breathability around the toes combined with soft, yet supportive yarns deliver Nike's most customized upper for the Vaporfly.
Wider toe area for a roomier fit.
A full–length carbon fiber Flyplate provides a stiff and propulsive feel.
Nike ZoomX, Nike's most responsive foam, "runs" from heel to toe, unlocking even more energy return than before, giving you a springy, bouncy feel.
An updated thin outsole rubber uses less material without sacrificing durability, which helps reduce outsole weight and thickness. This allows for extra millimeters of ZoomX foam underfoot and a smoother transition through your stride.
Heel–To–Toe Drop – 8mm
The Finish Line:
The Nike Ekiden Pack is here NOW. Continue your online visit to pick up a pair!