mdtrihard wrote:
If you have run in both how do they compare?
I have been running in both Nike for a couple years and considering buying the Asics without trying them on first. They are not available locally.
I ran in both the Sky + & Edge + last week when ASICS had about 300 pair of these at a coast to coast tour stop/brewery run they sponsored locally. Anyone could run in either model so I ran in both--Edge for the run and Sky for after the 5km run. I also own a Next% (green ripstop nylon upper ones) and a "Nike by You" with mesh / tri laces...as well as the Alpha Fly. My assessment is:
1) Sky+...worst of the four. The new + series fits true to size unlike the first release. Too low of a heel for me, felt sort of dead on the feet and like I ran on my heels. Didn't like it at all.
2) Edge +...doable--a possibility (prefer 8 mm drop anyhow & fit true to size) I wouldn't mind running in it-- but the upper wasn't sockless ready for me--interior felt scratchy a bit like it could cause blisters...and there was a seam on the heel material about 2 inches forward from the heel on the interior of the shoe (I didn't notice on the Sky + but assume it was similar construction. The foam also felt firmer, could feel the road surface considerably more over the Nike shoes. The "rocker" feel on this shoe was enjoyable and it was a very, very stable shoe for me. This Edge/Sky + seems like a much more durable shoe than any of the Nike shoes so that is a consideration as well. Nike heels just shred like nothing...
3) Next % was a great shoe for me, outside of feeling a bit unstable. But they are a fast shoe for me and feet feel lighter in these. The Next% by You with the knitted upper/elastic laces I raced in them last week at Buffalo Springs 70.3 & developed a big blister under my right foot--but that was due to sloppy mechanics. It so far is my fav & the Next% or By You are my go to shoes for their liveliness and light feel. If only they had a bit more stability of the Edge +...I think for an Ironman I may choose the Edge + as fatigue sets in you want that extra stability. Some may not have issues like that but I would consider it if I still raced Ironman at this juncture.
4) Alpha Fly: My least favorite of the Nike (original AF). Noisy, clunky feeling, but better forefoot traction than the Vaporfly. This shoe always makes me feel like I'm just dragging & almost too mushy. I only race it on local triathlons because nearly every race here is on the same course--and is 98% gravel/sand with the start & finish being asphalt. The VF is not a good choice on sand/gravel IMO (slippery bottom) so I use the AF here.
Rating: #1- VF
#2: Edge +
#3: AF
#4: Sky+