Nike Lunar Glide Review – Part2 Road Run
This is the second part of my Nike Lunar Glide Review where I will share my experience on actually using the shoes during my training. You can read the first part here. We weren’t able to run on them on the first meeting since it was raining really hard.
Smiling in the rain (thanks to thebullrunner.com for the pics!)
I’m glad I got the shoes more than a month before my target marathon race. So I was able to run my peak marathon training long runs 20 and 22miles (32 and 35Kms) wearing them. My runs with these shoes have totaled 123miles (198Kms) as of this writing. I’m pretty sure I’ve done the “break-in” period now.
My first run using them was a 20mile run in the rain, where I was able to run 9:01/mile (5:35/km) and was actually my target marathon pace. Nobody actually do their long runs at marathon pace, so this was a big surprise for me. It’s either my training was working, or it’s the shoes. I noticed the “bounce” that made me propel faster during the run, but after 15miles, my knees were actually feeling tired like being jarred. I could blame the shoes, but I’m still starting to “break-in” the shoes, and Jinoe actually laughed when I said I was running 20miles on them. The traction in the wet road was superb, much better than the lunar trainer where the treads are very large.
My first run with the Glide – 20mile Long Run.
However the next few days my Quads became tired and fatigued. So it seems that it was really me doing the run, and the shoes were just assisting me. 2 weeks later I ran 22miles (35Kms) on them, still on a hard pace for me, but I was able to hold on.
My dad then told me it was a bad move to do a really long run with new shoes. Why? Because the “break-in” period was actually our bodies, legs, and feet adjusting to the new shoes, not the other way around like most runners believe (including me).
Now that I’m tapering with reduction of weekly runs by 20 to 50%, my legs have recovered and I can’t complain anymore with these shoes. Except for the noise… Somehow, these shoes seem to be the noisiest running shoes I’ve ever worn. It’s probably related to the design of the outsole, and could probably quiet down when they get worn out a bit.
Unfortunately, with several test runs being postponed due to rainy weekends, I actually missed the official test run of Nike with the other bloggers when the weather was better. Among takbo.ph runners, Vener and Sam were there and here are their reviews as well:
Vener “RUN UNLTD”
Sam “TheRunningNinja”
So I missed the information on the science under the hood, but according to Vener, the midsole includes the same lunar lite foam but was cut in the middle (underneath the arch) order to fit a stiffer midsole: “The lunarglide+ is composed of two insoles that come in different structures and functions. The soft uppermost foam absorbs and equalize the force from the impact as the runner goes while the other one is wedged towards the inside of the shoe to help the runner stabilize his stride as he goes further in his run.” They call this the “Dynamic Support System”. I don’t think this idea is new, but the materials used are very lightweight and explains why the shoes were so light. So I was wrong about the rockets under the shoes. There really were no special springs there. I guess it was really my training that made me run faster, which is more satisfying to me.
To be honest with you, I don’t feel nor notice the difference in support from this Lunar Glide from the original Lunar Trainer, even during long runs. You probably need to be an over-pronator with a heavier built (to compress the foams), to appreciate the support here. So for lightweight over-pronating runners, I believe orthotics is still the solution, but that’s my opinion.
Meanwhile, I did experience pain in both of my calves when using this, probably due to change in running form because of lower heel and higher forefoot ride of these Lunar Glides, unlike the higher heel foams of the Trainers. Much like the pains one would expect to experience when switching immediately to racing flats or Newton shoes. But these are minor issues as long as one would train intelligently.
So in summary, here’s what I like and dislike about this new model:
Likes:
- Lightweight – I’m really happy to realize these shoes were as light (or feels as light) as the old lunar trainers. I could maintain the same fast leg-turnover when running.
- Looks – now I feel I look like a real runner wearing these shoes, not a dorky lunatic like before. Even when I tried wearing the shoes in my office, my workmates would drool at the looks of it.
- Ride – Although stiffer than the trainer, I believe this firmer responsive ride should be applicable to faster racing times. I did, however, experience calf pains when switching to this shoes.
- Traction – Grippy even when wet, even at 7minute mile pace (4:22/km), in the pouring rain.
- Support – I haven’t appreciated this one, but as long as the design is like a dual density foam, I would agree with this.
- Mileage - With improved blown rubber outsole coverage, I believe these shoes would outlast my Trainers’ 1,000km mileage. I’m targeting 1,000miles for my pair of Glides now
Dislikes:
- Noise - This is probably due to the rubber outsole complex tread pattern. Minor issue but can be annoying during the long runs. Wet running does minimize the noise.
- Price - It’s gonna be more expensive at Php5900+, but it could be worth it if you really run long with these shoes.
Nike’s going to release these shoes on the first week of July. Too bad it can’t be in time for Milo Marathon, but there are still a lot of Marathons coming this year.
Well that’s pretty much the end of my review, and thanks for reading. In conclusion I think Nike really made another awesome shoe, a great improvement from the previous version. I’m no longer disappointed they discontinued the Trainers – I’m already thinking of buying another pair 4 to 6months from now.
Special Reviews:
Review by Ben Jr, “Running Over Cancer”.
Comments (55)
The pain in the calves were maybe due to your change in footstike, from heel strike to midfoot strike (from your previous article). If you’re using the midfoot/forefoot the primary affected here are the calves, and it will take sometime for someone to adjust. If you want to go the distance, use the heel; otherwise you should be efficient and fast.
I hope the shoes will do you good, and onto the milo42. Good luck. Have you received my e-mails?
natz… curious lang ako. what kind of sound does the shoe make? =)
Yup, I agree with everything you’ve just said. Thanks and good luck to you too, go for sub 3:30!!!
I haven’t checked my emails yet, I got a lot of darn facebook email updates I find it hard to read important emails. I’ll respond to you as soon as I read them.
It makes a combination of “moo-moo”, “quack-quack”, “arf-arf”, and “meow-meow”. But it’s not as irritating as it sounds.
Agree, as mentioned to you the first I tried it at oval track, it generates a sound during run. But I guess its bearable nman.
I like this shoes coz the inner foam seems to adjust to my feet unlike the Newtons which I’ve just tested that caused pain in my plantar during actual run at BHS last night. Will use this shoes on marathon day!
Yeah, if it helps us to run faster, who cares about the noise. Well these shoes would be silent if we actually use it to run on the Lunar surface.
hi guys my name is dara.. im a nike employee from australia… getting my pair tomorrow.. so excited… cant wait been hanging out for this shoe for months…
i am also running in the lunar trainers.. and have been very impressed the weight of the shoe.. and also the cushioning that the trainer gives u..
the extra support and traction is a dream come true.. i will let u know.. how my runs go.. if anyone is interested haah..
than you
hi dara, that’s nice! please let me know as soon as you try them out.
Ganda talaga ng shoes… tani kaigo sa akon ba…
nag 2nd test run sila, damo bag-o nag kadto, ato man to si vener. tani nag kadto nalang kamo ni queenie, wala man ko galing kabalo… nugon…
cool! i recently got my nike vomero’s but hey, this looks cool! i’m a mid- to low-arched runner, who strikes mid- to fore-foot, according to Runnr’s arch and gait analysis. i think, based on tbr’s blog, that this will solve all runners’ search for the “perfect shoe”.
i love your review. very detailed. this makes those who are interested in trying out the shoe, to get hold of a pair.
kainggit that you tried them na! hehehe
cheers and more power!
Sir Rainbow Runner,
I see that you’re a midfoot to forefoot runner, so probably have an efficient running stride already. That’s good!
Kung naiinggit ka, just buy one this July at di ka na ma-iingit! Hehehe. But I think vomero is already a great shoe so you could just be wasting money buying a lot of shoes and not use them enough. But then, magandang bisyo naman yan
About the perfect shoe… Yeah, I agree this could be the Nike’s perfect shoe since the original pegasus.
Natz, I’ve heard that they’re pretty good according to a friend of mine that works for Boulder Running Company. Take care. Are you doing Milo?
Hi Wayne, yup I have been drinking Milo everyday for the last 2 weeks now. I’ll be joining the 42K this coming Sunday. Wish me luck!
Hey I think I’ve heard of that Boulder Running Company from somewhere…
Hello,
i chanced upon ur review on the new nike-glide… its very informative.
i need to consult u on this – i have high arch and have customized insoles, do u think nike-glide is suitable for those with higharch/over pronation?
it’s really nice and cool… i really wish to have the shoes but not sure if my feet can take them.
pls advise.
thanks a lot,
andy
Sir, It’s unusual for a runner to have a high arch and to over-pronate. Are you sure about this? In my understanding, it is the low-arched runners who over-pronate, while high-arched runners are the ones who under-pronate (supinate). But I’ve heard some cases like this and this is very unusual, you may need a more expert advice. By the way, what is your location?
haha! mayo pa kamu naka-test run!
ara na ni subong sa nike? tag pila? mahal ata… buslot bulsa ko!
halong kamu!
The calf problem is caused by changing to being a forefoot runner. Try massage or invest in a foam roller from a physiotherapy supplies shop. Mine was (£20).
Yeah, I thought so… Well forefoot seems to put the stress on the calves while heel striking stresses the shins. So I tried shifting to midfoot, and the stress seems to move now to my Quadriceps. All three have their advantage and disadvantages, so when one seems to put too much stress on my body, I try to shift my running style. I’m not sure this is advisable. I’m still trying to modify and perfect my running form.
Hi. My name is Matt. I am a 13 year old boy who just finished track season. I am on to cross country and am currently training with the lunartrainers. I was not sure if the shoe would be right for me but your review changed my mind. Because i only weigh 86 pounds (im short too) im not sure if the cusion would work as well for me. Wat do you think?
Hi Matt, it’s nice to know you’re a very young runner who’s into running. 86pounds is very light so you need very soft cushioning and the lunar Trainers must have been perfect for you. Actually the new lunar Glides have the same soft “lunar” foams but are now surrounded by a stiffer foam in a gradually thickening wedge to provide support in the medial (inner) side of the foot. I think the new Lunar Glide will be OK for you. Let me know once you try them out
Hi man! Great review. I really appreciate this site and its reviews, thanks lots!
I have a couple of questions:
Do the shoes have good air conditioning? Will they begin to stink if you wear socks etc?
Sir Mike,
Thanks for visiting my blogs. The fabric don’t have special technology for air conditioning like adidas’ climacool.
I don’t think our shoes would stink if we always wear newly cleaned socks before running. It’s when we don’t wear any socks that makes the shoes stink because we would be transferring some of our foot’s bacteria to our shoes. Another problem is when we run the shoes through a small flood of water. It could really stink the next day.
Hi Sir,
Nice review! I am new to running and just got my first running shoe yesterday. I also visited nikerunning.com for their ‘pick the right shoe’ sction. After following the steps (I gues I did them right), I think I am a high-arched, neutral type. I’ve decided to have lunar glide as my first shoe, would it be ok to start with this ‘highly technical’ shoe?
My first race would be on the 15th
wish me luck!
Hi Dyeni,
If you are high-arched neutral type, you need a lot of cushioning and the Lunar Glide has a lot of it! It has the lunar lite foam that is very soft and very light-weight. I just saw a lot of new women’s model that have candy colored purple and blue ones. But actually you could actually benefit from more lighter cushioned shoes (and even cheaper) like the new Lunar Avant, Lunar Trainer, and even the Lunar Racers.
Are you running the Urbanite on the 15th? Which event? OK then, Good luck and Godspeed!
Aba. Damo nagapa-consulta sa imo part.
Kibot ko gani parts. Grabe dasig saka sang hits ko sa Nike reviews lang, daw amo lang man ni gina basa nila…
Thanks for the quick answer.
How comfortable are the shoes? Do you feel too much heat or pushing from the shoe?
Is it good for a beginner?
Sir, Yes this is great for a wide range of beginners since it has the “Dynamic Support”.
Yes these shoes are hot, but not literally. I don’t feel any heat from them, are you sure you’re using the correct word “heat”?
Hey guys,
I just turned 15, going into my Sophomore year. I’ve been running in Adidas SuperNova, and they’ve worked pretty well for me. I’m about 6′1 and 155 pounds, pretty awkward kid (I hate every other sport but XC and Track.. :]) I’m going for a 4:48 mile this year and a sub 18 5k. Any ideas on how the Glide would work for me? I geuss I overpronate a moderate bit, and I’ve had some knee and Iliotibial band problems ( Useless information, but whatever ). I’d prolly go with the +, because I run with my Ipod off team, but with my team I’d run with the SportBand and give that a try, If anyone has input on that.
I’ll prolly end up running 65-70 mile weeks, and I geuss the question is “Are they worth it” No need to spend money on shoes when I can be using it for an Oregon tuition (Cross your fingers)
Thank you all
Hi Pre,
Wow you are tall and fast. My answer to you is a simple YES. I think the Glide has been Nike’s best running shoe design for quite a while already. However, you mentioned you overpronate moderately. I’m not so sure the Glide could handle too much pronation. You may need to have your gait analyzed on the treadmill to confirm if you really do overpronate a lot. Meanwhile, if the Adidas Supernova has been working very well for shoe, why fix something if it ain’t broken?
Yeah that’s what I’ve been thinking about, but the SuperNova isn’t the lightest shoe. Not that it matters much, but anything to get to FootLocker, eh? And couldn’t a simple insert from my current shoes help with the pronation problem?
Hi Pre,
Yes orthotic inserts really do help with over-pronation problems. They’re way cheaper than buying new shoes
Hi I have been running outside 6 months and have had problems with my left knee like one of the other runners on the forum I mildly overpronate on the right foot and run on the forefoot but also have a high arch. I am looking at trying out the lunarglide I currently have asics gel kayano and still feel 5months in the left foot is not right and still have leg/knee problems any advice welcome.
cheers mad rach
Hi Rach, Are you from England? (I checked your IP address)
You seem to have a strange case of a high-arched over-pronator. Normally high-arched foot runners would under-pronate or would supinate, while low-arched foot runners would over-pronate.
It’s hard to tell what your problem is with your left knee. Try standing straight and try to close your legs together as much as possible. Do your knees touch each other while your feet doesn’t, or do your feet touch while your knees doesn’t? The former is a sign of “knocked knees” and is prone to under-pronation or supination. The latter is being “bow-legged” and is prone to over-pronation.
It seems that the combination of the arches of our feet and the structure of our knees (bow-legged or knock-knees) seem to determine or running gait/form and thus would tell what injuries we are prone to.
The Nike Lunar Glide was designed with “dynamic support” to both of these problems. The support is enough for most over-pronating runners with normal weight, however it may not be enough for heavier over-pronators.
Thankyou so much for replying yes I am in England.
I always thought that I was a supinator but there main wear on my first trainers nike shox (these were purchased before running outside on the road) was on the outer edge at the front and after my first gait analysis it was consistant with an overpronator. I am going to get my gait analysis re done on Friday and hopefully purchase my lunarglides.
Thanks again for your guidance and prompt reply hopefully I will get sorted oh by the way feet touch and knees touch but they face forward
Hi Rach,
No problem, thank you for visiting my site.
I believe the wear on the outer edge of your front foot means you’re more like a supinator and a forefoot runner, not an overpronator.
If your feet and knees both touch, then you probably have balanced legs.
Let me know how your gait analysis goes and if the lunarglides are good for you
I have been a runner for a long time esp durring HS but i have not been running for probably 10 years and just recently started running again. I have always chosen Adidas Equipment because of the feel since i have higher arches and narrow feet. But went to the store last night and got a pair of Nike LunarGlide and it was the most comfortable run I have ever done. Can’t say much for my time as i am out of shape but ran 1.5 mile in 14 and in high school was running a 1 mile in 4:30. So a little of pace but still these are the best shoes i have ever used.
Hi Sir, That’s a nice story you have there. 4:30 is a really impressive high school mile time. Damn… I think I only did 6:30 in college. And it was just 1,500m. Then I also stopped running for about 7years, and gained a lot of weight. Now I’m a lot faster and stronger than I ever was. So keep on running and your speed and fitness should come back in 1 to 2 years.
I’m glad you liked the lunar glide. The cushion’s really nice because of the lunarlite foam. But if you have high arches, you could actually take advantage of more lighter cushioned shoes like lunar racer and lunar trainer, but they have also less support. But hey, Lunar Glide still looks a lot better than them
started running for 6 months now, but was sidelined in the past month due to ITBS ! ! now i’m trying to bounce back. Ive read your review a month ago before my injury, and waz a bit skeptical about the “bounce” effect.
But time and again, I was proven wrong. just ran for a little over than 5km last night, and the lunar glide did have some bounce. Im 5′10″ & 170 lbs.
Though I agree with you about the calf pain/discomfort which I started to feel after the 4th km. Also I feel less support on the toe box, I can feel my toes wriggling here and there during my runs which means a higher chance of blisters during long runs!
But the she is graet overall.
And the hottest looking running shoe
About the “bounce” effect, I have no idea where it came from, it was just my observation. I’m glad a lot of runners like you also have this observation. However, Nike didn’t say anything about this, and the only new thing about the lunar glide was the “dynamic support”. You’re right, I think the lunar glide really looks great in person. I see a lot of runners now wearing them in races so I feel great we have 1 more something in common.
My new white Nike Lunarglides are my “great white hope” as I’ve encountered all sorts of awful blisters since I left my “not a real runner’s shoe,” the Nike Zoom Air Road Explosion, in favor of orthodics and Brooks Dyads that might be “real runner’s shoes” but have beaten up my insteps pretty badly. Any thoughts on this shoe for a new runner (training for my first marathon) with a flat foot but a neutral gait? Thanks for this review. I read it in the Sports Authority before buying.
Hi Jorie, you have a nice running blogsite there. May I add you to my blogroll?
I’m not sure I could really help you on this, since I never had any foot blisters on any running shoe. However lunar glides have these new technology for women with wider forefoot, has an expandable upper fabric to allow even wider forefoot. If your blisters occur around the forefoot, this should help you. The strap on the midfoot should also help stabilize your foot to prevent foot slipping and rubbing/friction that could lead to blisters.
I think this should be OK for you. Good luck on your first marathon.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ax5Eosd1wvo
Thanks for the feedback! I decided to go ahead and run on them with my blistered foot taped up and I had one awesome 6 mile run even with the wound. No new blisters, and I ran without orthodics. Thanks again for your thoughts, and I would be honored to be included in your blogroll.
Hi!, good review! Tomorrow is mi first run with the LunarGlide (21 kms), I`m actually a forefoot runner and in 3 weeks is my first marathon (27th Maratòn Ciudad de Mèxico) I hope use this pair for the race. cheers and luck in your runs!
Thank you sir! Good luck with your half marathon, I hope the lunar glide would help you run a fast race. Please let me know how you well you do after the race.
Stumbled across your page while looking for LG reviews.
Like a couple other’s on here, I also have ITB pain in my left knee and some arch pain in my right foot. I have higher arches and have been told that I “overpronate”…
I am 6′3″ 215 lbs. and am looking for a good shoe to correct my problems.
I currently have the Asic Gel Kayano 15’s and am in my 3rd week of marathon training for the Rock ‘N’ Roll Las Vegas on December 6th, 2009.
What would be your opinion for me on getting these shoes? I talked to others and they told me to just give them a test drive and if I don’t like em, take em back…
I’d like to find something soon!
Hello,
I enjoyed reading your blog for the first time. I stumbled upon it when looking for reviews for the Lunarglide. I just bought a pair. I am a boxer who cannot do a lot of roadwork anymore due to a bad disc (L5-S1) in my back. I am always in search of shoes that will allow me to walk long distances (I work my two dogs everyday with long walks) without making my back act up. It is very important to me and shoes can very much help or hurt my situation. These shoes instantly corrected my stride and my back has not ached since I bought them 2 weeks ago. When boxing, these shoes are great. (I don’t always feel like lacing up my Everlast boxing boots. So I look for shoes that will feel good in the ring). The reduced heel and springy forefoot actually works in my favor and is what I look for in a shoe. A lot of boxing footwork requires you to be up on your toes a lot. Big heels that make you heel strike when running can be combersome in the ring because they are always getting in the way of your staying up on your toes. I just wanted to add another point of view from another sport that also has recently fallen in love with this shoe. As I said, it’s only been three weeks, but already they have helped my back both with the long walks with the dogs and at the boxing gym. We’ll see how they hold up in the long haul. As it stands now, I bought the red pair and am going out tomorrow to buy the blue pair because I like them so much. P.S. while wearing the red ones yesterday with jeans while I was out and about. I realized that I felt like Spider Man.
Hi Lyre,
Thanks for visiting my blog. Wow, your story is amazing, thank you very much for sharing. If you don’t mind, could you please email me the picture of your red Lunar Glide? Sounds like a nice design. My email address is zixednatz@gmail.com.
nice review for the shoes! thanks, helps me a lot since i’m thinking of buying one. But just wanted to ask can a flat footed runner like me use this shoe? having a little problem since the people at different nike stores(north edsa and trinoma) are not that helpful when it comes to the flat footed issue and they keep pointing me to the heavier stability shoes.