In the early ‘70s, only a few years after Nike was founded, the sportswear giant was already innovating, using its groundbreaking air-bubble technology that we now consider part of everyday sneaker life. These days it feels like Nike releases a new cutting-edge technology every month or so, but one of the most successful advances in recent years was Nike Air Zoom.
Nike Zoom refers to the cushioning system that uses pressurized air and tightly stretched fibers to absorb impact and then snap back for fast movement and reduced stress on muscles, joints, and tendons. The technology was engineered with the aim of breaking the 2-hour marathon boundary, and it worked. Perhaps it worked a bit too well, with Eliud Kipchoge’s Nike Vaporfly Next% — which used Nike Zoom technology in the sole unit — sparking controversy about whether the trainers should be banned.
In the end, the shoes that Kipchoge wore were banned. So, like it or not, there’s no denying the impact of Nike’s engineered Zoom sole. There’s a huge variety of Nike Zoom trainers that use varying degrees of this technology which means that you can also reap the benefits. Whether you’re a runner or just want to try one of the most comfortable shoes you’ll ever wear, here are our favorite Nike Zoom trainers available right now.
Coming in a black-on-black colorway, the Nike Zoom Gravity hit shelves in July 2019 and it’s one of the sleekest Nike designs on offer right now. After just a year since its release, it’s already up there with the Nike Zoom Fly as one of the most popular Zoom silhouettes. Built on a Zoom Air sole unit for propulsion and support, this super lightweight runner is only $90, too.
Also releasing in July 2019, the Nike Zoom Fly is one of the more successful silhouettes of the Nike Zoom vertical. The Zoom Fly 3 takes after the previous iterations with a more substantial sole unit that makes this pair ideal for running and the oversized Mercurial Swoosh logo is unmistakable.
A double-stacked heel combines with Zoom Air cushioning to the forefoot for a seriously smooth ride while the uppers of the Air Zoom-Type are altogether more focused on style. Standing as one of the most recent Zoom releases from Nike, dropping in June this year, the Zoom-Type features a color palette inspired by Japanese street style and the uppers boast a deconstructed style that gives this pair raw energy.
Originally released in 2006, Nike’s Zoom Vomero silhouette has lived a veritable revival lately after Samuel Ross of A-COLD-WALL* chose the retro style to update when the two brands collaborated. This red colorway retains the style’s vintage style but offers an eye-catching update.
The Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 is a sleek, elegant addition to any running closet. Taking after the Nike Pegasus which originally dropped in 1987, the Zoom Pegasus 37 has given the Pegasus name new life. This time, the silhouette features a multi-colored flash to the midsole that promises forefoot cushioning, as well as the classic Mercurial Swoosh along the lateral side of the shoe.
Nike ACG stands for All Conditions Gear, and there’s no word of a lie in it. The youngest style in today’s round-up, seeing the light of day in August 2020, this pair of Air Nasu takes after the trend for hiking shoes right now, but makes use of a Zoom sole unit and a layered, taped upper for durability and protection against the elements.
Call us sneaker nerds, but there’s something exciting about the moment that Nike technologies get rolled out into the sub-brands. Here we see Zoom sole technology used for the Jordan Renegade, another member of the class of 2020 from Nike which has found its way firmly onto the feet of many NBA players this season.
The Jumpman never sleeps. It’s been a busy year for the Jordan brand and we’re happy to see that the newest Jordan silhouettes are complete with Zoom sole units, and why wouldn’t they be? Zoom boosts performance, comfort, and looks amazing.
Nike has really turned the clock back on this one. This pair is giving us serious ’90s nostalgia, but with none of the uncomfortable, cracked sole unit. That’s because, if you look close enough, you’ll see the inspiration was taken from the ’92 Jordan VII which has the unforgettable zig-zag sole unit.
The Jordan Why Not?Zer0.3 is one of the boldest new-age Jordans but we’re definitely here for it. The jagged sole unit gives the shoe anime-esque momentum and this color palette is unmissable.
