While my preference for running shoes skews towards the lightweight and performance training models, I realize that not everyone is on the less is more boat when it comes to shoes. Therefore I’ll continue to cover traditional shoes should the shoe companies send any my way. Granted my time in them will be minimal but I’ll still be able to give you some feature write-up and provide you with an objective input.
With that said let’s start with the Lunar Glide+ 4. One of the most popular models produced by Nike, the Lunar Glide’s selling point has always been on it’s blend of stability and lightweight cushioning. Having experienced the earlier versions prior to my switch to less built up shoes, I can say that the 4 is the best edition for the Glide yet. Lighter, closer to the ground and a better upper. The olive green and yellow colorway go well together too. Yet in terms of fit and feel, it’s decidedly different from that of the Pegasus and Vomero. The one piece Lunarlon outsole has never been the most flexible around. On the lower profiled Lunaracer, the stiffness is not so much a factor but on a thicker midsole stack, it will reduce the natural movement of the feet during the foot transition. According to the Runningwarehouse website, the LunarGlide+ 4 weighs in at 9.3oz for a size 9 and has a 11mm drop. Hardly stuff of transitional shoes but impressively lightweight for a traditional model.
Other than the weight, the other significant change is to the upper. Gone are the multiple layers of synthetics and hard plastics of the previous version and in their place, a simple breathable fabric-like material, which I wish Nike will put on their racing models. The round laces are threaded through strong fibers which runs down the sides of the upper to wrap around your feet. It’s softer and breathable and I’m quite sure fans of the past Glide will be happy. A good implementation. Note: you can check out my take of the first version of the LunarGlide+ here. Compared to the debut version, the 4th is a little kinder, lighter, rides lower to the ground less firm. If you’ve liked the earlier versions, you’ll really like the current one.
One should take note that Nike shoes run narrow to the front though not as narrow as some other brands out there. You still need to try them out yourself. It however, fits true to my US9.5 sizing and there’s no need to upsize.
Next up is the Structure+ 16 Shield version. Structure was, some years ago, known as the Structure Triax. The Triax of old was a sweet shoe and pretty low to the ground. The Structure+ 16, unfortunately, shares only the same name as its predecessor. This shielded edition (protection from the elements, not microwave or villains from the Marvel universe!) is really stiff and built up. Gone is the medial post, replaced by the Dynamic Support. When I slid my feet in the first time, I felt the distinct bulge in the medial section and decided to experiment a little. So I removed the very stiff insole (the stiffest I’ve experienced) and tried the shoe again. It felt much better – the move freed up space in the toe box and the footbed became softer in the absence of the hard insole. And the medial bulge was gone! While that was all good, there was this piece of hard plastic on the inside of the toe box where my big toes keep rubbing on. I’m quite certain this will result in blisters if worn on a long run. I’d suggest you try the shoes on with or without the insole before deciding.
This being a shielded version, the Structure will keep out light rain (go ahead jump into the puddle!), melted snow if you’re heading to wintry regions and give you ultra visibility courtesy of a high reflective layer just under the meshed upper. The shoe is so visible that the reflectivity quality can be observed in the daytime. An improvement was made to the upper to correct the breath ability issues reported in the earlier iterations of the Shield series. My feet never once felt warm and sweaty in the shoes, unlike the first version of the ShieldPack implementation.
The Structure+ 16 is a stable, nope, make that stiff, shoe. I thought the absence of a mid foot shank will result in a flexible shoe. It’s not, unfortunately. It’s on the firm side despite the use of a Cushlon midsole. Firmness is ok in my books but I don’t dig the stiffness. Those who run in less built up shoes won’t miss this and those seeking a water resistant shoe would be better served by the models in the range. The Glide, for example rides lower, is lighter and still has all the weather protection and visibility properties of the Structure+ 16 Shield. Those who love the Free and the Pegasus should opt for their Shielded versions. The Structure+ 16 weighs in at over 11oz.
Previously reviewed on Oct 20, 2012
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