Nike LunarElite+ Review
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A Shoe for All Runners?
Nike has always been known for their Nike Air midsole technology. It’s been around for ages, and they’ve developed variations on the theme and worked hard perfecting the tech, but Nike cushioning has always meant AIR. Well, now there’s Lunar Foam, and Nike has been so pleased with this midsole material that they’ve been integrating it into more and more of their running and training models. New for this year is the LunarElite+, which features Lunar Foam equipped with what Nike calls dynamic support (see below), which they say can intelligently detect a runners need for pronation control and offer it smoothly or just stay out of the way of a neutral runner’s gait. While its hard to tell if the shoe is sensing your every need, our testers vary widely from super-efficient neutral runners to those needing a good bit of pronation control, and all were pleased with the ride from the Lunarelite. The Lunar Foam material feels well-cushioned but not ‘squishy’ and quite responsive. The “+” in the name signifies that the LunarElite+ will accept a Nike+ foot pod and work with Nike or iPod accessories to track your runs.
Nike Dynamic Support midsole construction
The upper features Flywire technology- a series of tiny, super-strong nylon cables which work to lock down the midfoot while adding very little weight. Reinforcements are welded rather than stitched to the upper of the shoe to eliminate potential irritating spots, which is slowly becoming the standard for running footwear construction. One feature of the LunarElite we especially enjoyed was the reinforcements on each lace eyelet- this helps to make the shoe more durable overall and makes the fit more secure and more easily adjustable.
Overall, we were impressed with the Nike LunarElite+’s capability as a lightweight (9.3oz.) trainer with great responsiveness which should be suitable to a wide range of runners. We look forward to more Lunar offerings from Nike in the coming seasons. For more information on the LunarElite+ and other Nike footwear, visit www.nike.com.
Details from Nike on the LunarElite+
Incredibly lightweight and smooth-moving, the Nike LunarElite+ Men’s Running Shoe adapts to every stride to provide you with as much, or as little, support as you need throughout your run. This tempo trainer is ideal for runners with an under-pronated to moderately overpronated gait.
Ultra-light, ultra-strong Flywire on the upper helps lock your foot down, and the LunarLite cushioning system in the midsole delivers ultra-plush cushioning and springy response. The LunarElite+ also features DYNAMIC SUPPORT, which senses when you need more or less support and adjusts accordingly throughout every phase of your run.
- Largely open-mesh upper for comfort and breathability
- Synthetic overlays for targeted support
- No-sew design in key fit zones for added comfort
- Collar lining with silicone “dot-grip” to prevent heel slip for a comfortable fit
- Memory foam at collar for exceptional comfort and fit
- Environmentally preferred rubber in a modified Waffle outsole for durable, multi-surface traction
- Carbon rubber heel for durability in this high-wear area
- Outsole flex grooves for enhanced flexibility and a smooth, efficient stride
- Nike+ ready
- Weight: 9.3 ounces (men’s size 10)
