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Slowtwitch Forums: Triathlon Forum:
Nike Lunar trainer

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cantswim24

Aug 15, 08 13:33

Post #1 of 29 (1445 views)

Nike Lunar trainer	Can't Post

anyone use these? are they the usual Nike fit? experiences please

Rokko

Aug 15, 08 13:54

Post #2 of 29 (1418 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [cantswim24] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I had been meaning to write a review of them.

A couple of weeks ago I went into my local Fleet Feet to order a new pair of Saucony Triumphs, my usual running shoe. As typical, they did not have size 14 in stock, and I planned on just ordering some. The sales guy asked if I wanted to try on any other shoes, and I'll always try whatever they have, even if only to know the Saucony's are best for me. He brought out an Asics and the Nike Lunar Trainer. The Asics did not fit me right. I wanted to hate the Nikes. I have never worn Nike before, and have always kind of resented the large popular companies. Especially since I think Nike mass markets a lot of mediocre shoes then sells them to kids who want to be cool. But enough ranting. I tried the Nikes on, wanting to hate them. Boy were they comfy. I ran around the block with them, and was sold. Goodbye Saucony.

The sole is the amazing part. Besides being a color-not-found-in-nature glowing green, it is really lightweight, but really well padded. But the weird thing is I can feel the padding pushing my foot back up off of the ground after the strike. It's like they are transferring energy back into my foot.

The footbed is pretty much flat. I have sensitive arches, so I do not like arch support of any kind. If you need arch support, then this is not the right shoe for you. Or get custom insoles.

The toebox is wide. Really wide. Actually too wide. It's wider than a D. More like an E or EE.

The tread looks like the original Nike waffle press. And I've noticed it does not have good traction on trails. On pavement and tracks, no problem.

The uppers are lightweight mesh. No extra padding. No fancy graphics, pumps, bells, whistles or anything else (OK, there is a black swoosh on the side, but that's it). This also meens no extra padding around the opening or on the tongue. It takes me a little longer to put them on because the tongue can fold over easily, but that's not such a big deal. I am, shall we say, more than a few seconds off of the podium, and 30 extra seconds in transition really doesn't make any difference in the grand scheme of things.

As for running.... well, I've cut two minutes off of my 6.5 mile loop. Maybe it's the energy in the shoes, or the light weight of them. Or maybe it's because I'm getting closer to my A race. Or maybe it's a freakin' placebo. I don't really care. It's 2 minutes any way. I now dread the days when I have to rotate my Sauconys into the training.

So in short: Well padded, lightweight, wide and roomy, not for trails, and no support whatsoever. Would be good for a neutral runner on pavement or flat surfaces who is looking for a lightweight but padded trainer or racer.
-----

Blazeman Warrior
Wildflower Long, Big Kahuna, maybe Vineman, hopefully Alcatraz

ccie1115

Aug 15, 08 14:36

Post #3 of 29 (1371 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [Rokko] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Make sure you try the Lunar Lite Racer...one of the most cushioning racing flat you'll find out there; my size 8.5 weighting in at 156g. I've replaced my trusted Free 3.0 w/these.

Local Star

Aug 15, 08 16:42

Post #4 of 29 (1317 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [ccie1115] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Nice Review Rokko.

They replaced your Free 3.0! Original version right?

hmmm I must try then....
..................................................................................
Silverman 1/2 Distance: November 9th 2008
Swim with drive, Ride with passion, Run with heart...
If you can't do that, don't toe up the start.

Soulmining

Aug 15, 08 17:38

Post #5 of 29 (1289 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [ccie1115] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ditto ccie's comment...i have both the trainer and the racer and prefer the racer hands down. It is truly an amazing shoe and you don't have any of that "it's a racing flat so i'll have to deal with the lack of cushioning" issue. The amount of cushioning really sets it apart from any pther shoe even close to the same weight. My second run in the shoe was at the Lake Stevens 70.3 and they were fine over 13.1. I heard some of the initial testors at work were experimenting with them over the marathon distance with no problem although it should be treated as more of a "race-only" shoe vs. as an every day trainer.

dw67

Aug 20, 08 15:01

Post #6 of 29 (1128 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [Soulmining] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Have you tried running in them without socks?

Also, I have read reviews where people complain about the heel causing achilles blisters. Have you experienced that?
__________________________________________________

Do Work Son!

bigmatt

Aug 20, 08 15:57

Post #7 of 29 (1110 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [dw67] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Any idea how the Lunar Trainer compares with the Nike Free? Are they as flexible?

stevej1331

Aug 20, 08 18:53

Post #8 of 29 (1059 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [dw67] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have both the trainer and the racer and really like both. The trainer has a MUCH wider toe box than the trainer, but I haven't noticed it feeling clumsy or anythign. I haven't worn either pair w/o socks yet, but I wore a really low pair of socks and got achilles blisters w/ the trainers. I would expect the same from the racers.

I have been running silly fast times (1/2M, 1M & 2M) in the racers and echo the sentiments about the cushioning from previous posters. I race in them for the first time this weekend at Chicago...

Rokko

Aug 21, 08 2:43

Post #9 of 29 (998 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [dw67] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have not tried them without socks. Then again, I never run without socks. I always have ankle socks with something printed on them (DeFeet, SOckGuy, and similar socks). And with the roominess of the Trainers, a thicker sock helps.

I have not developed any achilles blisters. I have developed some blisters on my #2 toe from the wide toebox. Nothing serious tho.

I have run in the Trainers up to 22 miles, and I still love them.

The Trainers are flexible. I'm not sure how exactly flexible vs the Frees, because they feel completely different. Lots of cushion vs no cushion. Roomy vs snug. Both pretty light.

And they are still faster than my Saucony Triumphs and Sinisters.

Incidentally, I'm 6-02, ~195 pounds, and a neutral runner. I recommend them if you want a lightweight, cushioned, neutral, roomy shoe - unless you are in my age group. If you are in my AG, don't try them, I need the advantage.
-----

Blazeman Warrior
Wildflower Long, Big Kahuna, maybe Vineman, hopefully Alcatraz

campled

Aug 21, 08 2:58

Post #10 of 29 (995 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [cantswim24] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have the trainer.
Its light. Lots of cushining,good for me Mr.Heavy guy.
Also wide platform, feels more stable.
No issues with blistering anywhere, I always use socks (will try without tomorrow).
Not sure how durable.

rockfish

Oct 2, 08 7:21

Post #11 of 29 (726 views)

Nike Lunar trainer - ANY Longer term feedback???? [In reply to]	Can't Post

Anyone have any longer term feedback on the Lunar Shoes?

Thanks,
RF

SLC_vt98

Oct 2, 08 7:39

Post #12 of 29 (699 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [cantswim24] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Really hard to find in popular sizes right now.

...
Run like you stole something

uli

Oct 2, 08 10:25

Post #13 of 29 (635 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [cantswim24] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I regret buying the lunar trainer. Massive heel to toe decline - yuk.

The racers are the best shoes I bought in years though. Is my new racing shoe from 1/2M up.
__________________________________________
official ST bullshit watchdog (devashish_paul certified)

Bavarian_Frank

Oct 2, 08 10:41

Post #14 of 29 (623 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [SLC_vt98] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

Really hard to find in popular sizes right now.

I just bought two pairs (a black pair and a red pair) in size us13 last week.
For my wife I also bought a black pair (size us 11).

Frank

Born to triathlon. Forced to work.

jackmott

Oct 2, 08 10:45

Post #15 of 29 (617 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [Bavarian_Frank] [In reply to]	Can't Post

good lord a family of giants!

AJHull

Oct 2, 08 10:59

Post #16 of 29 (598 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer - ANY Longer term feedback???? [rockfish] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I have used these shoes for about a month. Love these shoes!

_____

Adrian in Vancouver
_____

Diesel

Oct 2, 08 11:03

Post #17 of 29 (594 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [uli] [In reply to]	Can't Post

up to marathon?

How much do you weigh?

uli

Oct 2, 08 11:05

Post #18 of 29 (590 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [Diesel] [In reply to]	Can't Post

IMHO shoes are not about body weight but efficency.
Granted, I am not the most efficient but I am definitely on the heavy side of things compared to other runners at my pace and do just fine with racers (162lbs and 2:37 PR).
__________________________________________
official ST bullshit watchdog (devashish_paul certified)

Diesel

Oct 2, 08 11:12

Post #19 of 29 (570 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [uli] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks.

I'm "beefy" as well at 165 and thought I might be on the high end of the scale considering the weight of the shoe. (Yes, shame on me for the assumption, but it's hard not to think of the pounding with such a light shoe). I was planning on going back to the shop tonight to run in them...interesting timing of this thread.

uli

Oct 2, 08 11:19

Post #20 of 29 (554 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [Diesel] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

I am not beefy at 6'2! ;)

You will like the shoe. Let me know tomorrow what you think.

cheers
uli
__________________________________________
official ST bullshit watchdog (devashish_paul certified)

Rokko

Oct 2, 08 11:32

Post #21 of 29 (540 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [uli] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Ohmygawd! "Beefy" is 165? I must be a small planet.

cantswim24

Oct 2, 08 14:25

Post #22 of 29 (479 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [Rokko] [In reply to]	Can't Post

well I finally bought a pair, same size as my usual nikes and I think they are fantastic!

paul_tx

Oct 2, 08 14:31

Post #23 of 29 (475 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [cantswim24] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Will orthotics fit into the training shoes? Anybody know?
*****************************
"Do you have dreams? Let me crush them for you"

rockfish

Oct 2, 08 14:35

Post #24 of 29 (468 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [Rokko] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Thanks for the additioal feedback on the shoe. By ST standards I am a "beefy" 5-10 160#.

I will try to get a pair local,

Peace,
RF

SLC_vt98

Oct 3, 08 6:39

Post #25 of 29 (361 views)

Re: Nike Lunar trainer [jackmott] [In reply to]	Can't Post

In Reply To

good lord a family of giants!

Yeah, I would say 13 is very marginally a popular size, and a womans 11?! that is up there too.

I was trying to get 10.5 and the guy at the store was complaining that he couldn't even get them for himself.
I have hear nothing but good things if they fit you.

After seeing what has been written here I want them even more.

...
Run like you stole something

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