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Created page with "{{DISPLAYTITLE:Nike Zoom Streak LT2 Review}} The Nike Zoom Streak LT2 is a wonderful shoe, providing good cushioning at a low weight. The Streak is billed as a 'racing flat',..."
{{DISPLAYTITLE:Nike Zoom Streak LT2 Review}}
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 a updated version of the Streak, the [[Nike Zoom Streak LT| Nike Zoom Streak LT 3]].''' {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. 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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:drop}}. The 4mm drop is a tad higher than I'd like, but isn't an issue.
* {{H: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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:outsole}}. The outsole covers all the contact patches and provides good grip. The forefoot has slightly raised lugs in the Nike waffle pattern.
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the Zoom Streak does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box, and I had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box open]] to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H: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.
* {{H:tongue}}. The tongue is thin and unpadded, but comfortable.
* {{H:lacing}}. Traditional flat laces that stay tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. 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."
=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 [[Minimax]] 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.
{{FastBlr|nike/zoom-streak-lt2-1090|1090|Nike Zoom Streak LT2}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc-1600-v2-735|735|New Balance RC 1600 v2}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
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 a updated version of the Streak, the [[Nike Zoom Streak LT| Nike Zoom Streak LT 3]].''' {{H:WhatToLookForInShoes}}
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|250px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|}
=Characteristics=
* {{H:WhyBuy}}. 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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:drop}}. The 4mm drop is a tad higher than I'd like, but isn't an issue.
* {{H: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.
* {{H: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.
* {{H:outsole}}. The outsole covers all the contact patches and provides good grip. The forefoot has slightly raised lugs in the Nike waffle pattern.
* {{H:shape}}. The shape of the Zoom Streak does not match the human foot, and narrows in the toe box, and I had to [[Shoe Modifications| cut open the toe box open]] to prevent toe problems. {{H:TryCuttingShoes}}
* {{H: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.
* {{H:tongue}}. The tongue is thin and unpadded, but comfortable.
* {{H:lacing}}. Traditional flat laces that stay tied.
* {{H:heelcounter}}. 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."
=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 [[Minimax]] 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.
{{FastBlr|nike/zoom-streak-lt2-1090|1090|Nike Zoom Streak LT2}}
=Comparisons=
Here are some direct comparisons with its potential competition.
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 top]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-Gel-Hyper-Speed-6-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|asics/gel-hyperspeed-6-192|192|Asics Gel Hyper Speed 6}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-RC1600V2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance RC1600V2 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc-1600-v2-735|735|New Balance RC 1600 v2}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 top]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 bottom]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 inside]]
|[[File:New-Balance-MRC-5000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|New Balance MRC 5000 outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|new-balance/rc5000-v1-852|852|New Balance RC5000}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton top]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton bottom]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton inside]]
|[[File:Hoka-OneOne-Clifton-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Hoka OneOne Clifton outside]]
|}
{{FastBlr|hoka-one-one/clifton-2-1062|1062|Hoka Clifton 2}}
==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.
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 top]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 bottom]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 inside]]
|[[File:Nike-Zoom-Streak-LT-2-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Nike Zoom Streak LT 2 outside]]
|- valign="top"
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-top.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 top]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-bottom.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 bottom]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-inside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 inside]]
|[[File:Asics-GT2000-outside.jpg|none|thumb|150px|Asics GT2000 outside]]
|}
{{ShoeGraphs}}
=A Comparison with other Recommended Shoes=
{{:Shoes-include}}
