Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT | Review

What to expect from Nike Tempo NEXT

You can definitely expect a bang-bang-bang-bang running shoe. But let’s stick to the facts for a bit..
Nike has launched Nike Tempo NEXT based on the thesis that they want to build a bridge between mass training and competitive running. With that they also say that their race running shoes are not very durable. They are exclusively developed for use ON race day. The materials are so fine and sensitive that they cannot withstand daily training. Nike Tempo NEXT is supposed to change that.

This running shoe is still designed with lots of really cool materials and features. It’s just put together in a slightly different way..
The Nike Tempo NEXT is more durable than its big brothers VaporFly and AlphaFly. Let’s just get that straight. It wouldn’t take much to win on that parameter. But this is where Nike has found itself forced to solve a challenge. How do we build a running shoe with some of the cool features from the top running shoes, but in a running shoe that lasts a little more than 400km in mixed running?

When and if you buy a Nike Tempo NEXT, you can expect a really potent running shoe. Even if it is not created directly for competition. You get in this running shoe lots of comfort, you get speed and you get durability. You get the obvious running shoe to bring daily training and competition together!

The Nike Tempo NEXT is designed with a soft (but surprisingly durable) Flyknit upper. An upper that is extremely stretchy, weighs nothing and has a unique ability to adapt to the curves of the individual foot. A side note to this is that it is incredibly well integrated with the lacing system. You don’t notice it.

You will notice the slightly “clumsy” look of the shoe. The Nike Tempo NEXT looks a bit clumsy, I will admit that. but you will definitely get a different opinion when you put the shoe on. But the Nike Tempo NEXT falls right between the Nike Pegasus Turbo and arguably the Nike AlphaFly. In appearance it most resembles the Alphafly, in performance and durability, much more in common with the Nike Pegasus Turbo.

The shoe’s core! Where it all happens. The midsole of the Nike Tempo NEXT. That’s a story in itself. Here you should notice that the shoe’s midsole is composed of 2 types of foam. The optimized ZoomX foam that is used in both the VaporFly and Alphafly, and then the more common React foam. There is a clear reason why the shoe is built so that there is ZoomX in the forefoot and React foam in the heel. If we start at the back, the React foam has lots of shock absorption, but also significantly better durability. The ZoomX foam in the forefoot is probably the most effective midsole when it comes to energy return. Lots of energy is given back to your kick.
The energy return is then optimized and topped off with the 2 visible Air cushions in the shoe. You know them from the Nike AlphaFly. The Air cushions are not a new invention at all, but it is a new way of thinking. Making them so visible and revealing is new. It gives much more response and energy return in every step you take.

Has Nike Tempo NEXT plate in the sole

Yes, the Nike Tempo NEXT also has a plate running the full length of the sole. It is worth noting, however, that the plate in the Nike Tempo NEXT is not nearly as stiff as, for example, the Nike AlphaFly. This means you still get plenty of propulsion (although not as much as in the top models) but by making it less stiff, your feet can better handle it and build strength along the way.

Nike Tempo NEXT vs. AlphaFly NEXT

Below we have made a little comparison of the 2 models. There are some things where the shoes are very similar, but are they really the same?

The air cushions:
Both running shoes have these visible Air cushions in the forefoot. There is no difference between the 2 shoes. The Air cushions have the same effect and purpose on both shoes.

The carbon plate:
In the running world, probably the most discussed piece of fiber in recent times. What an outcry and revolution it was when it first came to light that Nike had built carbon plates into the midsole (actually 3 in the first shoe, right?)
Now people are just starting to get used to the idea. Other brands like New Balance, Saucony, etc. have joined the same boat. So more and more people can see the benefit.

You don’t get quite the same advantage in the Nike tempo NEXT via the carbon plate as you do in the Nike AlphaFly. They are a little different. In the Alphafly, the plate is stiffer and more resilient. This gives you a little more power and propulsion. In the Tempo NEXT, it is cushioned a little so that your feet can better follow the entire training ride.

The midsole:
The midsole of the two running shoes is not completely identical, but there are elements that are similar..
On the Nike Alphafly you get a midsole with ZoomX in the full length. ZoomX is to date the best material you can get from Nike (based on various assumptions) But in this case the material with the most return energy and energy yield.
On the Nike Tempo NEXT you have to live with half. You only get ZoomX in the forefoot, and then there’s React foam in the heel. The combination is now really nice anyway. And it’s also the combination that gives you a slightly longer lifespan on your running shoes.

The upper part:
There is a difference between the 2 uppers. In the AlphaFly it is a Flyknit upper on steroids. In the Nike Tempo NEXT there is a regular Flyknit upper.
When you feel the 2 uppers you can easily feel the difference. However, I would personally say that it is not something I notice when I run in the shoes.

Libra:
Based on a men’s model size US10 (Size 44)
So Nike Alphafly is 42 grams lighter per shoe. That means the total weight saving for a set is 84 grams. So there is of course a bit of a “discount” to be had by choosing the top model. And if I have to give my personal experience here, the entire construction of Nike AlphaFly just feels lighter and more streamlined. But it is also 800,- more expensive.

Advantages and disadvantages of Nike Air Zoom Tempo NEXT

The dry facts about the shoe

Is Nike Tempo NEXT illegal?

Basically, the Nike Tempo NEXT is illegal. Not for the average runner like you and me. But for competition, the shoe is illegal. The sole height exceeds the permitted 40mm. Therefore, the shoe (men’s version) is illegal, and may not be used for “competition running”. Read our article about illegal running shoes here

My personal opinion

Personally, I love that Nike is trying to make a more durable shoe. I am one of many in the chorus who are shouting about the dissatisfaction with the durability of the 2 top models Nike Vaporfly Next and Nike AlphaFly NEXT. I have personally experienced how few kilometers it takes to destroy shoes with the first one. You can read more about that here.
It’s just an ambivalent feeling, because you really want the best on the market to run in, and the shoes Nike currently makes are miserable with poor durability. That’s why I love that they’re trying to create a “middle ground” with the Nike Tempo NEXT. A running shoe that contains a good portion of the same cool features, but with better durability.

For me, the Nike Tempo NEXT is the shoe I can find to run in, no matter if it’s a recovery run or the faster intervals. I actually think that Nike has pushed this shoe so well that it solves 85% of my requirements for fast running shoes, if we say that the Nike Alphafly is the optimal and top of the scale!

I really like the Nike Tempo NEXT as a multi-shoe. And I have to thank Nike for trying to combine daily training with competitive running.