Even with a narrow width, the strap holds firmly with a band-like lace
The upper is made of synthetic fiber and synthetic resin. It is relatively soft and gently wraps around the foot, providing excellent comfort and a high sense of hold. Concerns about slippage due to softness are alleviated by the lace-through section, which stretches and contracts based on how tightly the lace is pulled, securely enveloping the entire foot. The flat lace enhances the feeling of hold by being tied firmly without twisting. However, Nike spikes are generally designed with a narrow foot width, and the key point is that the features mentioned above highlight the "secure fit" of the foot on the narrow design of the spikes. As will be mentioned later regarding the characteristics of the plate, a "narrow foot width" is a general feature of Nike.
Tight design that fits overseas athletes just right
This model has a narrow opening that provides a firm hold. It enhances the fit compared to the previous model. The increased hold reduces instability upon landing. A characteristic of Nike products in general is the "narrow foot width" and "low instep." This spike shares similar characteristics, which limits the "players who can wear it." In the previous model, the opening was somewhat wider, allowing players with slightly wider feet to wear it. However, in this model, the narrow opening and the overall hold of the upper are so high that it can feel cramped for players with wider feet. For those whose foot width fits Asics or Mizuno models perfectly, those models are recommended.
A sole with just the right hardness when weight is applied
The pins are arranged in a 3-row, 8-pin configuration. The initial models had fixed pins, but this model has replaceable ones, increasing versatility. Since the plate itself is highly responsive, if the pins are too long, the rebound may be too strong, making it difficult to effectively utilize the propulsion. It is recommended to use slightly shorter pins to maintain balance. As it has a high-rebound sole, it is very firm, but when worn, it can flex if the body weight is properly applied. The plate is a single piece, but due to its honeycomb structure, it is not just stiff, which is a key point. Additionally, Nike's characteristic "narrow foot width" is reflected in the sole at the arch. The arch area is narrower, and players with wider feet may feel that their feet do not fully fit on the plate, possibly experiencing instability upon landing.
The arch is felt more when worn than it appears
This type has an upward-curving toe. If it can grip the ground until the very end, it is possible to effectively convert the rebound forward. It curves up from under the big toe, and if it can engage the ground from the arch, I feel it can utilize the flex of the sole. The curve has been significantly reduced from the previous model, which may cause discomfort if purchased consecutively. Considering the angle of the curve, the company's Zoom JA Fly 3 has a curve that is closer to the previous model. Therefore, it can be said that continuing to buy based on the name alone is risky. It also suggests that the company is making daily efforts to create better products.
