Lightweight upper with excellent drainage.
The upper material is thin enough to be slightly see-through when you put your hand in. Additionally, it is made of a material that conforms to the skin, providing a high fit to the foot. Wearing it barefoot gives a more snug fit than wearing socks, allowing for stress-free use. There is also a hold cushion at the heel, but it is smaller and thinner than the Matumbo, which may result in slightly less stability inside the shoe. Note that this cushion is thinner at the top of the heel (Achilles tendon side). Furthermore, with the thin upper that combines breathability and drainage, you can enjoy quick running without being hindered by water in various weather conditions or obstacle events while maintaining speed.
Reinforced coating on the toe for durability.
The toe area of this model features a hard coating that was not present in previous models, making it stronger against impact during landings and less prone to tearing, effectively addressing the issue of easy tearing seen in the initial release of the Mamba V series. It can be considered a reliable shoe for the 3000m steeplechase. One of the pleasant points is that it has higher durability than other NIKE long-distance spikes. Additionally, the box is higher (where the top of the foot touches) compared to the ZOOM Matumbo and ZOOM Victory, making the Mamba V relatively easier to wear for those who want to wear NIKE but find it too tight.
Sole combining high rebound and sharkskin for 3000m steeplechase.
The number of pins is six, and the difference from the Matumbo is the stability during ground contact. The Mamba V has two more pins than the Matumbo, allowing it to grip the ground firmly upon landing. Six-pin spikes are mainstream for long-distance spikes (as of 2021), so for first-time long-distance spike users, the Mamba V, with its stability, is recommended over the Matumbo. Additionally, the Mamba V has a plate that covers the entire forefoot, whereas the Matumbo only has it at both ends of the toes. Therefore, it has a higher rebound from the ground compared to the Matumbo. The heel part of the sole features sharkskin, designed to enhance friction with the ground, preventing slipping during events like the 3000m steeplechase. Summary - Mamba V: 6 pins, stability during ground contact + high rebound - Matumbo 3: 4 pins, speed off the ground + low rebound
Sole with a steep, hard shape.
The curvature of the sole has an angle about 5° larger than the Matumbo, creating a slope. Visually, the sole under the ball of the big toe protrudes slightly. Compared to other manufacturers, the angle of the slope is positioned around the middle, making it easier to land from the toes. With cushioning in the heel, running with a heel-first approach poses no problem.
