I have been doing some research lately on a running shoe that has gained my attention due to all the positive press that I’ve read. Drumroll please – It’s the Nike LunarGlide+. It’s no secret that Nike really place a high level of expertise into their advertising (I love watching their ads), but do their products stand up to this level of expertise. I believe the LunarGlide does.
The LunarGlide+ is an extension of the “Lunar” family consisting of the LunarRacer and the LunarTrainer and runners love them. By the way, if you ever wonder why you see the “+” sign behind Nike’s shoe names, it indiates that it is Nike+ (or NikePlus) ready. The LunarGlide is fairly new, having been released on July 1, 2009, but this has given them enough time on the market to have this footwear test-driven and reviewed by all levels of runners.
They key feature to the LunarGlide is it’s Dynamic Support. The Dynamic Support system adapts to a runner’s gait with each step they take and provide stability if and when needed. Most runner’s foot strikes will vary during the course of a run. They could start their run with neutral foot strikes and then over the course of a run, and as the runner tires, or depending on the running surface, they could start to over-pronate. The LunarGlide will adapt to the runner’s stride and provide superior cushioning and support when needed. This makes the LunarGlide a shoe that will work for runners that don’t need support through to those that need some moderate support.
Available at Roadrunner Sports, Paragon Sports and Zappos. At time of writing, prices were $100.00
More Notable Features of the LunarGlide+
- Flywire – an ultra-lightweight support system across the mid-foot. Creates a secure and snug fit across the mid-foot.
- External Heal Counter – support around the heal and prevents the heal from moving around inside the shoe. Because the heal counter is a piece of plastic molded into the shoe, it will not lose it’s shape and be able to provide a continual level of support.
- No Sew Construction – there is no stitching (which means no seams) on the upper. The inside is also totally seamless which creates a super smooth inner that feels great around the foot and it could be worn without socks. The level of comfort on the inside means this shoe is good for the long run.
- Constructed with LunarLite foam, a lightweight responsive cushioning that helps manage the forces of impact by absorbing the shock, and then returns the energy during liftoff.
Keep in mind that the LunarGlide is gender specific. If you are like me, I buy both men’s and women’s running shoes, depending on whether my size is available or what’s on sale. But when Nike was designing the LunarGlide, they took into consideration the differences and build it specifically for the shape of a women’s foot.
The Lunarglide is built to respond to your natural foot movements, but yet it is not a true minimalist shoe. For a true minimalist shoe (as in barefoot running), you should have a look at the Nike Free. However, because it responds so well to your foot’s natural movement, this results in less running-related injuries.
To best sum up Nike’s LunarGlide is that it is a daily distance trainer that combines lightweight performance with top-tier cushioning and as-needed support. I know that I will be buying a pair and I will keep you up to date with a full review.
The Nike LunarGlide+ – A Running Shoe for AllunratedJacquie Barry2010-12-23 08:25:46Nike’s LunarGlide is designed to be a daily distance trainer that combines lightweight performance with top-tier cushioning and as-needed support.
