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1 Rival Fly 4 – An Introduction
After 3 years, Nike has finally released the Nike Rival Fly 4. The Nike Rival Fly series has been one of the product in Nike running line-up that gotten the least attention over the years in terms of update. Yet, the flipside might be true where the product team has to find the pockets of time where they elevate the next release.
Nike markets the Nike Rival Fly 4 as one that can help you push your pace. This is due to its lightweight, low-profile design with a forefoot Air Zoom unit and Cushlon 3.0 foam. Other features such as a race-inspired tongue is extra-padded with perforations for comfort and breathability. The Cushlon 3.0 foam is softer and more responsive compared with the previous iteration with a strong, midfoot plastic piece.
Product Specifications
| Size | US 11.5 |
| Weight | 270 grams (9.5 oz) |
| Midsole Technology | Nike Cushlon 3.0 w/ plastic shank |
| Stack Height | 22mm – 30mm (8mm drop) |
| Insole | EVA based insole (Unremovable) |
| Outsole | 2mm – 3mm |
| Width (Forefoot-Midfoot-Heel) | 11cm-6cm-8cm |
Runner’s Profile
Prior to the review, it is important to establish my runner profile to better gauge my opinions on the shoes. For example, a lighter runner will experience differently the effects of midsole compared to a heavier runner. I am on the heavy side for a runner (75kg – 80kg) range and stands at 1.75m tall. My average weekly mileage ranges from 25km to 35km. I am a mid-foot/fore-foot strike with a neutral foot. I am normally a US size 11, with 2E foot width, although it varies depending on brands.
NIKE RIVAL FLY 4 – FIVE KEY TAKEAWAYS
I have ran almost 10KM prior to writing this review in order to give me sufficient experience of the Rival Fly 4. The runs include both short interval as well as a jog.
Increased Level of Cushioning due to Higher Midsole Stack
Nike has increased the overall stack height of the Rival Fly 4 to above 22mm. This is signifcantly more than the previous iteration where the forefoot was around 20mm (depending if you include the insole). The increased underfoot comfort is very evident in the Rival Fly 4. This is further amplified by the new Cushlon 3.0 which is more compressive than the midsole in previous iteration.
A Large Air Zoom Unit Encapsulated in the Midsole (?)
I have to be honest as I cannot bear to cut open the midsole of my new Rival Fly 4. This is my guess where the Air Zoom Unit in Rival Fly 4 is slightly larger compared to Rival Fly 3. The underfoot presence and coverage is much more evident in the current iteration. In my Rival Fly 3, even thought I know the presence of the Air Zoom Unit, its presence and impact was not at the same level with the Rival Fly 4.
This could be due to the newness of product. However, given its same forefoot width, I am confident to say there got to some changes to the Air Zoom Unit in the Rival Fly 4.
A Step Back in Comfort and A Step Front in Snugness
The upper design has also changed significantly from the third iteration. The first is a step back in terms of overall comfort. I would classify the Rival Fly 4 upper as semi-rigid where there are areas which does not conform to your feet. During my runs, there was not noticeable pain or discomfort but I will keep testing to verify on this. This is also due to the extended innter layer of softer material for the upper.
It is not all downside for the Upper. The Rival Fly 4 has improved in terms of its snugness and fit compared to its previous iteration. It felt secured once you lace up and there was no issue of loosening up during the run.
A Speedier Version of Rival Fly
This version of Rival Fly 4 reminds me back to the 2nd iteration where it was more a speedier design. The third iteration of Rival Fly was more verstalite in comparison to the 2nd and the current iteration. This stems from the design of the heel area where the Rival Fly 3 has a wider base at the heel area of about 8cm compared to the current at 6cm.
Additionally, the plastic shank incorporated in the midsole does create a snappier run compared to the Rival Fly 3. However, it has to be noted that the midsole stack of the Rival Fly 4 is much thicker. This could also create a more propulsive ride. The change in upper design mentioned above also contributed to making the Rival Fly 4 a speedier option.
Forefoot/Midfoot Friendly Running Shoes
The Rival Fly 4 is a pair that suits those with forefoot or midfoot strike. The narrower heel as well as a lack of smooth transition from heel to the forefoot makes it less suitable for heel strikers. Nike did attempt to improve this aspect with its plastic shank. However, there is only so much a single shank can do to stablize and promote transition. This is in comparison to the previous iteration where Nike has adopted a wider heel and outsole design to achieve a smoother transition.
Concluding Remarks
After a good 3 years, Nike has finally released an update to the Rival Fly series – a more affordable product into their Air Zoom technology. The new Rival Fly 4 has updates that are necessary in today’s market where midsole stack height is growing and runners becoming more educated about products. Yet, the increase in its price bets the question, is it worth your money?
In my previous article, I covered that the increase in price changed the way runners can look at the Rival Fly 4. It is now higher price than the ASICS Hyperspeed 4, closer in price with Nike’s own Winflo 11, and in direct competition with Adidas SL 2. Two other options with higher price points are the Puma Liberate Nitro 2 and New Balance Fuelcell Propel v5.
Personally, I love the Rival Fly 3 for its versatility not just for running but also from a lifestyle perspecetive. Is the Rival Fly 4 similar to its previous? No, it is not. It is a product focused on performance and running. However, it does not mean it is a bad or wrong product. The Rival Fly 3 just happens to be good for wearing casually as well as running.
I will continue to test this product for the long term review. I am hoping to discover more thoughts and magic about the Rival Fly 4. Hope you found this initial review helpful and till next time, just keep running.
