Latest revision as of 11:24, 11 June 2018

There's a lot to like about the Nike Zoom Streak LT 4, but while there are some improvements over its great predecessor the Nike Zoom Streak LT 3, there are also some shortcomings. The 4^th version is a little better cushioned, and only a tiny fraction heavier than the 3^rd version, which is a net improvement. Unfortunately, where the 3^rd version is a long/narrow shoe, the 4^th version is even more extreme. It's not a huge amount narrower, but I found it's enough to cause me problems. This is compounded by changes to the upper, which seem to give less headroom for my toes. I found this made my toes ache after just a couple of hours, and for some reason the forefoot cushioning seems a little and even, though this is only something I've noticed on longer runs. The Streak is a relatively cheap shoe, with a recommended price of only $90, and I think it could be a good shoe if you can tolerate the fit and are running shorter distances. However, unlike the 3^rd generation that earned my "best of the best" rating, the 4^th generation only operates a "recommended" status. (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 4 top	Nike Zoom Streak LT 4 bottom
Nike Zoom Streak LT 4 inside	Nike Zoom Streak LT 4 outside

1 Characteristics

• Cushioning . The Zoom Streak has a small Zoom Air unit in the heel, along with a single foam density over the full shoe. The cushioning is reasonably springy, but I found something vaguely uneven about the forefoot cushioning that I can't quite explain.
• Drop. The 5mm drop is higher than I'd like, but I never really noticed it when running.
• Structure. There is no noticeable "arch support" that can weaken your arch or cause plantar fascia issues.
• Flexibility. The latest version of the Streak flexible, with a tiny bit of springiness at toe off.
• Outsole. The outsole covers all the contact patches and provides good grip. The forefoot has slightly raised lugs in the Nike waffle pattern. I found it had good grip on wet or dry road surfaces, though not quite up to the tenacity of a Japanese racing shoe.
• Shape. The LT 4 is long and narrow, and shaped more like a healthy human foot than most running shoes. I didn't have problems with the horizontal room for my toes, but I did have an issue with the lack of headroom. I felt like the upper is continually pushing down on my toes, which made them ache over time. I haven't tried cutting open the toe box open, though I may have to resort to that to put higher mileage on them.
• Upper. The upper is thin and highly breathable, with no padding except around the ankle opening. 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. The weave of the upper is perhaps slightly more breathable than its predecessor, and it looks like it's the same technology they use on the Nike Vaporfly 4%. I didn't notice any difference in breathability, but there might be a slight improvement.
• 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 less than 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 "utterly useless, but quite harmless."

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 LT at Zappos Buy Nike Zoom Streak LT at Road Runner Sports Buy Nike Zoom Streak LT at Kelly's Running Warehouse Buy Nike Zoom Streak LT at Charlotte Ultra Running Company

2 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.