Latest revision as of 14:19, 10 June 2018

The Nike Zoom Streak LT2 is a wonderful shoe, providing good cushioning at a low weight. The Streak is billed as a 'racing flat', but I consider it an optimal shoe, providing everything most runners need without the weight penalty of the futile over engineering that traditional running shoes suffer from. The Streak came close to beating the Hyper Speed as one of my best shoe recommendations. The Streak is also the cheapest running shoe I've tested, which is particularly nice. There is an updated version of the Streak, the Nike Zoom Streak LT 4. (I use The Science of Running Shoes as the basis of how I test running shoes and what you should look for in a running shoe.)

Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom
Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside

1 Characteristics

• Why you’d buy it. This is a wonderful lightweight shoe that provides comfort and cushioning, and is a worthy competitor to the great Asics Gel Hyper Speed. With a list price of just $75, it's also a bargain.
• Cushioning . The Zoom Streak has a small Zoom Air unit in the heel, along with a single foam density over the full shoe. This combination is makes a well cushioned shoe, with quick bounce back. However, if you compare the rear foot cushioning with the Hyper Speed, it seems that the Zoom Air does not do as well as the Asics Gel.
• Drop. The 4mm drop is a tad higher than I'd like, but isn't an issue.
• Structure. There is no noticeable "arch support" to cause problems. The inclusion of the Zoom Air unit with the single density foam works well, providing seamless cushioning.
• Flexibility. The Zoom Streak is remarkably flexible, especially in the forefoot area. While it does have a TPU shank in the midfoot, this doesn't do anything, good or bad.
• Outsole. The outsole covers all the contact patches and provides good grip. The forefoot has slightly raised lugs in the Nike waffle pattern.
• Shape. The shape of the Zoom Streak does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box, and I had to cut open the toe box open to prevent toe problems. (I recommend cutting open the toe box of virtually all running shoes, with the exception of a few shoes like some Altra shoes. When you have some worn out shoes, you should try cutting open the toe box. I've found that it's a big improvement, allowing my toes to move naturally and engage for toe off, as well as reducing the possibility of blisters.)
• Upper. The upper is very thin and breathable, with no padding except around the ankle opening. The ankle opening is cut very low on the sides, rising slightly higher at the rear than other shoes. I quite liked this unusual shape, but it might not suit everyone. There is a slightly softer lining around the midfoot where the laces attach, which is intended to hold the midfoot better, but didn't seem to make any difference.
• Tongue. The tongue is thin and unpadded, but comfortable.
• Lacing. Traditional flat laces that stay tied.
• Heel Counter. There is a small, almost unnoticeable heel counter that is about an inch wide at the back, and comes up about 3/4ths the height of the shoe. I have had no problems with this and I'd describe it as "useless, but harmless."

2 How Far Can I Run in the Streak?

Different runners want different levels of cushioning, so this shoe may not suit everyone. Some runners want a Maximalist shoe when they run a 5K, while others will run a 100 mile race barefoot. Most people find that as the distance increases, they want a little more cushioning to protect their feet from the pounding and to offset a little of the fatigue that sets in over time. You can see from the charts below how the cushioning compares with other shoes I've tested for some comparisons. Remember that a thicker, firmer shoe would have the same cushioning rating as a thinner, softer shoe, but would feel rather different. Personally, I'm happy running in the Streak for the marathon distance, and I'd use it in a road 50 mile race without hesitation. For longer distances I'd probably use the Hoka Clifton, either for the entire race or for the last portion.

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Nike Zoom Streak LT2 at Zappos Buy Nike Zoom Streak LT2 at Road Runner Sports Buy Nike Zoom Streak LT2 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Nike Zoom Streak LT2 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

3 Comparisons

Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.

3.1 Nike Zoom Streak LT and Asics Gel Hyper Speed

The Asics Gel Hyper Speed is close to the Streak in nearly every way and almost as good. The Hyper Speed is a tiny bit heavier, but provides a little more cushioning, and is slightly more comfortable underfoot. I find the Hyper Speed is a little less fussy in the upper than the Streak, though that's more of a quibble than a problem. Both are great shoes and I highly recommend them both.

Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside
Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside	Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Zappos Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Road Runner Sports Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

3.2 Nike Zoom Streak LT and New Balance RC1600

The New Balance RC1600 is another similar shoe. The Streak is more flexible, and I find the upper is a little more comfortable, though you're unlikely to notice unless you run in them back to back. Both shoes are excellent, and I'd recommend choosing between them based more on price and fit than anything else.

Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside
New Balance RC1600V2 top	New Balance RC1600V2 bottom	New Balance RC1600V2 inside	New Balance RC1600V2 outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy New Balance RC 1600 v2 at Zappos Buy New Balance RC 1600 v2 at Road Runner Sports Buy New Balance RC 1600 v2 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy New Balance RC 1600 v2 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

3.3 Nike Zoom Streak LT and New Balance RC5000

The Zoom Streak LT lighter than many shoes, but the New Balance RC5000 is extreme. The RC5000 is about half the weight of the Zoom Streak LT, and while not as well cushioned, it does the job. If you want to run faster, and you're okay with the cushioning of the RC5000, then it's a wonderful choice. While I love the RC5000, and I want to keep a pair in my stable of running shoes, I'd also want a shoe like the Streak or the Hyper Speed to provide a little more cushioning.

Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside
New Balance MRC 5000 top	New Balance MRC 5000 bottom	New Balance MRC 5000 inside	New Balance MRC 5000 outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy New Balance RC5000 at Zappos Buy New Balance RC5000 at Road Runner Sports Buy New Balance RC5000 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy New Balance RC5000 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

3.4 Nike Zoom Streak LT and Hoka Clifton

The Streak and the Clifton are not really competitors; the Clifton is about 50% heavier and provides massively more cushioning. If you're after maximal cushioning then the Clifton is the best choice.

Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside
Hoka OneOne Clifton top	Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom	Hoka OneOne Clifton inside	Hoka OneOne Clifton outside

Please support this site This review was made possible by readers like you buying products via my links. I buy all the products I review through normal retail channels, which allows me to create unbiased reviews free from the influence of reciprocity, or the need to keep vendors happy. It also ensures I don't get "reviewer specials" that are better than the retail versions. Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Zappos Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Road Runner Sports Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Hoka Clifton 2 at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

3.5 Nike Zoom Streak LT and Asics GT 2000

I tend to compare shoes against my benchmark "normal running shoe", the Asics GT 2000. The GT 2000 weights just over half as much again as the Streak, but actually provides less cushioning in the heel and only slightly more in the forefoot. The GT 2000 has a more padded upper, but the comfort is not as different as you might think. What the GT 2000 does give you that the Streak lacks is lots of over engineered attempts to manipulate your stride, attempts that The Science of Running Shoes indicates are all in vain.

Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside	Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside
Asics GT2000 top	Asics GT2000 bottom	Asics GT2000 inside	Asics GT2000 outside

4 Cushioning and Shoes

It's intuitively obvious that the cushioning in a shoe will reduce the impact on your body when running. However, The Science of Running Shoes indicates that the reality is rather more complex. While slight cushioning may reduce the effort needed to run by improving your Running Economy, most scientific research indicates that more cushioning does further improve Running Economy. In addition, cushioning does not generally reduce impact and may actually increase it. This is counterintuitive, but is likely to be due to the way a runners mind and body adapts to softer cushioning. Unfortunately, the scientific evidence is far from complete and it's hard to give clear recommendations. I believe that some runners will prefer more cushioning, while others prefer less, and typically those running further have a fondness for greater cushioning. I also believe that a shoe should be as light as possible, and a shoe should justify its weight with the cushioning it provides. My advice is to decide what level of cushioning you're looking for, and then find the lightest shoes that also fit well and are comfortable.

5 Visualizing the Attributes of the Nike Zoom Streak LT 2

6 A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes

If you're looking for "the best of the best" running shoe, here are my top picks. Of course, the answer will depend a little on what you're looking for, so I have recommendations for various categories. Best All Round Shoe. The Altra Escalante is my current all-round favorite. It has plenty of cushioning for its weight, it has a very springy midsole, it lasts well, and it has a shape that's closer to the shape of a human foot than most shoes. It's a great shoe for any runner, including those Starting to run. It's also a fairly easy shoe to find due to its popularity. Best Maximalist Shoe: If you want something massively cushioned, then I'd recommend the Saucony Kinvara 8. It's remarkably light and remarkably cushioned, beating Hoka at their own game. Best Optimal Shoe: For those looking to trade cushioning for speed, the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3 was my top pick, but the latest version (LT 4) falls short of it's predecessor. There are lots of great optimal running shoes, which provide just enough cushioning with light weight and minimal frills, but all have their weak spots. Probably the best option at the moment is the Altra Vanish-R, which offers great cushioning for just over 5oz/150g. Fastest Shoe: If you really want speed, then check out the Nike Vaporfly 4%. It's light, massively cushioned, and has a carbon fiber plate. Nothing comes close, not even the now defunct New Balance RC5000‏‎ or New Balance RC5000v2‏‎. There are a number of caveats; it's really expensive, it's really hard to find, and there's a significant injury risk. Best Minimalist Shoe: Merrell Trail Glove. I recommend the trail glove for road running in spite of the 'trail' moniker. It's not a fast shoe by any means, but it's comfortable and will last well. All Terrain Shoe. For trail running, I've become a fan of Altra, and I think their best shoe is the the Altra Timp, though the Altra Lone Peak is really close. Honorable Mention: It's not really a running shoe, but the Vivobarefoot Ra is comfortable, minimalist and can more or less pass as a dress shoe. I've worn mine to weddings with a suit and they've not looked out of place. You can run in the Ra, but the leather means it doesn't breathe well.

For a more detailed on running shoes see the Recommendations for Best Running Shoes. This table lists the key attributes of What to Look for in Running Shoes. For more detailed information, on the shoes see detailed shoe comparison.

It's not a running shoe, but I love the Hoka Tor Ultra hiking boot and I've tested the Altra Lone Peak Boot, the Hoka Tor Speed 2, and the Inov-8 Roclite 325 hiking boots
Older shoe reviews: Saucony Hattori Review, Mizuno Cursoris Review, Skechers GO Bionic 2 Review, Hoka Clifton Review, Saucony Virrata 2 Review, Brooks PureCadence 3 Review, Brooks PureConnect 3 Review, Brooks PureFlow 3 Review, Skechers GO Bionic 2 Review, New Balance 980 Review, Brooks Transcend 2 Review, Hoka Huaka Review, Patagonia EVERlong Review, Asics 33-DFA Review, Hoka Conquest Review, Saucony Cortana Review, Puma Faas 100 R Review, Saucony Fastwitch Review, Nike Free Review, Asics Gel Lyte 33 Review, Skechers GOmeb Speed Review, Skechers GOrun Ultra Road Review, Nike LunaRacer Review, Altra Paradigm Review.