words // Zac Dubasik
Dating back to 1995, Zoom Air has been one of Nike's premier (and arguably best) cushioning technologies. The platform originally launched in three silhouettes: the Air Merauder football cleat, Air Go LWP and soon after to running, with the Air Zoom LWP.
Running may have not been the category to launch Zoom Air, but it's become a staple in the years that have followed. “The Zoom Air shoes are the preferred shoes for many of our fast, elite runners," explained Mark Miner, Senior Footwear Designer of Nike Running. "Through athlete insights from many elites, including Mo Farah, Galen Rupp and Matt Tegencamp, we heard that when they’re running up to 20 miles a day, they want their shoe to do some more work for them. They liked that Zoom Air gives them a real snap-back feeling.”
Today, Nike introduced four new silhouettes which feature the technology: the Air Zoom Pegasus 31, Air Zoom Structure 18, Air Zoom Elite 7, and Air Zoom Streak 5.
Check out a breakdown of each shoe below, courtesy of Nike, and watch the video for even more.
Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 31
A neutral running shoe for training day in and day out, the new Pegasus feels faster and more responsive than any model in its impressive 31-year heritage. The latest Pegasus retains key features loved by loyal Pegasus runners – heel Zoom Air for a cushioned ride, a breathable upper and excellent fit – and introduces enhancements like a contoured last for streamlined fit, dropped offset (10 millimeters) for a more natural stance and an engineered midfoot saddle for targeted structure and support.
Nike Air Zoom Structure 18
A stability running shoe for everyday training, the new Structure feels faster, looks great and is built to slow down the rate of pronation. The Structure delivers a smooth transition through the combination of upper stability features such as Dynamic Fit technology working together with the outsole, which includes a lateral crash rail and a Dynamic Support stability system made up of foam with three different levels of density. Together this stabilizes the foot onto the platform and slows down the speed that the foot is starting to roll in. The new contoured last provides added toe spring and combines with Zoom Air cushioning to give the snappy, quick-off-the ground feel.
Nike Air Zoom Elite 7
The lightest of the Zoom training family, featured on a neutral platform, the Nike Air Zoom Elite 7 is designed for tempo runs and athletes who want to stay fast and light on their feet in training or competition. Forefoot Zoom Air gives runners a snappy response off the road. The new edition’s lowered offset (eight millimeters) puts runners closer to the ground for more control, and a sleek upper combines Nike Flywire technology, no-sew overlays and lightweight mesh for a supportive, breathable fit.
Nike Air Zoom Streak 5
More athletes win marathons in the Zoom Streak than any other Nike shoe. The racing flat is built for speed over the miles, with a lightweight, mesh upper and a midsole system of Zoom Air and Phylon for zippy forefoot snap. Nike Flywire technology wraps the midfoot for excellent fit and a seamless toe construction helps eliminate any irritation as the finish line nears.
