Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next Performance Review

Price: $200

Buy Now On Amazon

The Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next daily training shoe is the Nike Air Zoom Next Alphafly, which is the elite Nike Running marathon shoe. Here is my complete comparison of the Nike Air Zoom Next Tempo vs Alphafly. The Alphafly was sold out everywhere so most people want to know more about the Tempo. It can handle speed training, long runs and everything in between.

Now, get ready. Let’s see how Nike’s 2020 second-most anticipated running shoe performs.

Cushion

Tempo uses the same Zoom Air pods for the forefoot that were used in the Alphafly. These high volume pods are extremely bouncy, and I was delighted to feel them again underfoot. Nike’s premium ZoomX foam is also found in the forefoot, midfoot, and forefoot. ZoomX foam is super lightweight and super plush. The super-soft Pebax is used to make it. Pebax is a super foam that saves your legs during long runs. It’s almost universally loved for this reason. After the ZoomX has been removed, a wedge made of React foam was placed at the heel. Although React foam is amazing, it’s not as light as ZoomX. Nike included it in the heel to provide stability and comfort for daily running conditions.

The Tempo replaces the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 (and Nike Zoom Fly 3), in Nike’s running line-up. The Zoom Fly 3 only used React, while the Pegasus Turbo 2 had a smaller, more compact ZoomX and React combo. Nike created a cushioning system that combines the best of both the Zoom pods with the ZoomX.

Nike added a soft composite plate instead of the carbon-fiber plate in the Zoom Fly 3 or Alphafly. This is because carbon fiber bends more easily than carbon fiber. Nike also added a plush, recycled ZoomX insole to complete the package. The Tempo’s cushioning is amazing. There are many pieces that work together to make the Tempo feel great underfoot. It’s soft, yet also responsive, stable, and bouncy. This is one of the most comfortable cushioning systems of the year.

Traction

The Tempo’s wave traction pattern was first found on the Alphafly. The Tempo outsole, unlike the Alphafly’s lightweight outsole, is made for strength and durability. Tempo has a wavy pattern across the forefoot, with some midfoot coverage. It also has two oblong pieces from the same rubber on both the medial side and the lateral side of the heel. Even in wet conditions, the outsole is very stable.

The rubber compound is very hard. After weeks of testing, I haven’t noticed much wear to my pair. Nike claims that Tempo’s traction will last at least 300 miles.

Fit

The most polarizing aspect of the Tempo is its fit. Tempo is available internationally for a while now and I have seen many wide-footed people complain about the difficulty of getting it on their feet. My right shoe’s heel tab was so tight that I had to break a few stitches trying to get it on. PSA: Before you slip it on, unlace your Tempo. The Tempo’s collar isn’t as flexible as the Alphafly, which has a very similar collar.

Once you can get past the collar, the collar will be removed. The internal midfoot cage keeps the foot in place (a feature that many believed the Alphafly had missed). The whole upper, including the midfoot, is lightweight and airy. The tight collar and wraparound achilles pad ensured that I had no heel slip.

Materials Used In Air Zoom Tempo Next

Combining Flyknit in one heel and the forefoot, with Flyknit at the heel, the upper is great. Atomknit’s breathability is outstanding and summer running is a breeze. To provide structure, there’s a thin fuse overlay at your toe. It’s not noticeable and adds some durability to my toe, so it didn’t bother me. What was the only thing I didn’t love about these materials? The laces. The laces were taken from the Nike Vaporfly Next. They are thin and light but not too wide or too thin. If you have larger fingers, they can be annoying but you can cover them through HyperIce Vyper Foam Roller which will ease you with any discomfort felt after wearing. I wish Nike would have used the Alphafly’s laces instead.

Support Features In Air Zoom Tempo Next

The Tempo’s racing-focused sibling, Alphafly, is the most criticized. It’s designed for road racing, where uneven pavement and turns are not a concern. Tempo is designed to handle uneven pavement and turns. It can also be used for occasional excursions into dirt, grass, or gravel.

Few things make a difference. The Zoom Air pods feel almost like outriggers and the forefoot stack height of 27mm isn’t too high. 2) The midfoot cage supports the Atomknit and reinforces the laces. The Tempo’s footbed was very secure and I felt no danger of slipping off. I felt completely attached to the shoe because of its midfoot hugging sensation. It makes a big difference to use React instead of less stable foams like ZoomX. The heel has less side-to-side motion, and it feels more secure when you jump from curb to curb or vice versa.

Despite this, the support is not perfect. The midsole is not designed to support the wearer and the Zoom pods for the forefoot can compress. A few landings on the outside can cause the wearer’s foot to tip over towards the lateral forefoot. This is true for most shoes that have two large Zoom pods in their forefoot. It’s worth the tradeoff in cushion and bounce.

Overall

The Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next running shoe is Nike’s best-selling everyday shoe. It lives up to its billing. The shoe has the most cushioning of any Nike running shoes, other than the Alphafly or Vaporfly. The outsole is durable and grippy. Although the Tempo has some fit issues, they are not a problem for most people. You’ll still enjoy solid materials and good breathability. The daily trainer costs $200, but it is a great ride for those who put in a lot of mileage.

Where to buy the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next

Nike.com now offers the Nike Air Zoom Tempo Next. Other retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods will have the Tempo available starting October 1, 2020.

Nike sent a pair of shoes to be tested. The review was not subject to editorial approval by Nike. This review is based upon our wear testers experience with the shoes during speed workouts, treadmill training, long runs and casual wear.