Our verdict

We were impressed by how the Zoom Fly 6 addressed the shortcomings of its predecessor. With energetic ZoomX foam, a carbon plate, and a lighter build, it performed wonderfully in our lab. In our experience, its fantastic durability and versatility make it a true supertrainer at a fair price. While the snug toebox and narrow dimensions may not suit everyone, we believe this version successfully puts the series back on track.

the brooklyn nets find their way to the nike dunk low Pros

  • The Zoom Fly is back!
  • Fairly priced
  • Versatile, performance-ready supertrainer
  • Reasonable weight
  • the prettiest pastel pink air max 90 thats just been unveiled
  • Comfortable upper
  • Outstanding durability
  • Amazing for tempo and marathon workouts

the brooklyn nets find their way to the nike dunk low Cons

  • Toebox is narrow and restrictive
  • pantalon largo nike sb flex cargo hombre
  • Could be more stable

Audience verdict

94
Superb!

Who should buy

After testing the Zoom Fly 6 in the lab and on runs, we believe that:

  • It's interesting for runners not yet ready to commit to a supershoe who are seeking a blend of performance and comfort.
  • Those who disliked (or hated!) the bulky nike air max tailwind 4 platinum tint total orange will love the Zoom Fly 6's lighter build, superb cushioning, and responsive feel.
  • It's ideal for runners seeking an reasonably-priced, durable alternative to a supershoe, offering a similar ride but built to last.
  • Could be perfect for those in need of a single shoe capable of daily runs, speed sessions, and even race-day performance.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6

Who should NOT buy

We believe the Zoom Fly 6 makes significant improvements over its predecessor, but it still has limitations that could deter some runners. In our view, the snug toebox could be a major drawback for many. For a roomier option, we recommend the Nike Sunray Adjust 5 TD Flip Flops, Nike Roshe Run Flyknit Black Sequoia-Light Armory Blue-Black.

Additionally, we found that the streamlined shape of the ZF6 reduces its stability, which may concern runners seeking a more supportive ride. If stability is a top priority, the Travis Scott x Air Max 270 React ENG is an excellent alternative with its world-class support. And for those less concerned about weight, the Metallic Blue Nike Air Huarache Nike Revolution 5 Marathon Running Shoes Sneakers BQ3207-110.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 parts

Cushioning

Heel stack

In our opinion, a key requirement for a supertrainer is a notable stack height of around 40 mm to truly deserve the title, and Nike delivered. They officially claim 40 mm at the heel for a World Athletics-legal height, and our measurement came remarkably close at 39.7 mm.

With such a towering stack height, this shoe effortlessly covers all the long-distance spectrum—handling everything from demanding long runs to marathons.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Heel stack
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 39.7 mm
Average 34.2 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
22.5 mm
Heel stack
46.3 mm

Forefoot stack

The forefoot meets another benchmark we believe is essential for a supertrainer—crossing the 30 mm mark in stack height. Our calipers measured 30.1 mm in the forefoot, just edging past this threshold.

This measurement highlights another important takeaway—regardless of your footstrike, the Zoom Fly 6 provides abundant cushioning to support all running styles. However, there's a significantly higher concentration of ZoomX in the forefoot compared to the heel.

nike zoom fly 6 forefoot stack 22464248 main
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 30.1 mm
Average 25.6 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
13.7 mm
Forefoot stack
37.1 mm

Drop

The heel-to-toe drop measured 9.6 mm here in the lab—a touch steeper than Nike’s claimed 8 mm.

In our view, this slightly elevated difference might be a dealbreaker for some forefoot strikers, yet remains consistent with the brand's feel.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Drop
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 9.6 mm
Average 8.6 mm
Compared to 398 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
0.0 mm
Drop
16.1 mm

the brooklyn nets find their way to the nike dunk low | Midsole softness

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The nike air max tailwind 4 platinum tint total orange left many of us disappointed, mainly due to its excessive weight and Nike’s use of recycled (Next Nature) ZoomX foam, which offers significantly less energy return than standard ZoomX. Fortunately, version 6 corrected this.

Our initial durometer measurement showed the foam at 16.1 HA, delivering an explosively bouncy feel with a touch of plushness—not overly soft but perfectly balanced and energetic. It impressed us with its responsive performance during testing.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 side ZoomX
Nike Air Max 270 SE Floral White Metallic Silver Laser Orange.

Notably, the sixth iteration marks the first Zoom Fly to feature real ZoomX foam. Previous versions either relied on the Next Nature (recycled) variant or React foam.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Midsole softness
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 16.1 HA
Average 21.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 325 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
8.5 HA
Midsole softness (soft to firm)
35.0 HA

nike miami heat jimmy butler 2020 21 mens city swingman jersey

Note: a low durometer measurement equals a soft material, whereas a high measurement means it's firm.

The Zoom Fly 6 isn’t 100% ZoomX. Like many supertrainers, it combines a high-performance foam with a secondary material placed closer to the ground—offering extra durability and support while preserving ZoomX’s standout properties.

That secondary material is SR-02, an EVA-based foam that Nike previously used in many shoes like the Vomero 17. nike zoom kobe 5 allstar outlet.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 SR-02
This shoe is full of small details. On the tongue, you can see how Nike wrote "ZMX" for ZoomX, "FP" for Flyplate, and "SR-02" for... SR-02!

In our opinion, this approach aligns with the Zoom Fly series' role as the durable training companion to Nike’s supershoes. Using only ZoomX might not have been feasible for maintaining the shoe’s $170 price point while ensuring its longevity.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 nike miami heat jimmy butler 2020 21 mens city swingman jersey
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 16.1 HA
Average 24.0 HA
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.

Midsole softness in cold (%)

Aside from its world-class energy return, another hallmark of Pebax-based foams is their highly-resilient performance under cold conditions, maintaining its softness. The Zoom Fly 6 demonstrated this by hardening only 6% after spending 20 minutes in our freezer.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Midsole softness in cold (%)
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 6%
Average 25%
Compared to 325 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
0%
Midsole softness in cold
63%

Insole thickness

We discovered a 3.0 mm thin insole resting atop the foam, highlighting that this shoe is designed with a strong focus on performance.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Insole thickness
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 3.0 mm
Average 4.4 mm
Compared to 394 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
1.5 mm
Insole thickness
7.3 mm

Rocker

We found that Nike crafted a moderately pronounced forefoot rocker, rising up to 4 cm. In our experience, this well-balanced design excels during fast-paced long runs or tempo workouts, offering smooth yet snappy transitions.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Rocker

Plate

The Zoom Fly once held the reputation of being a "budget-friendly" Vaporfly, especially during the era of the Zoom Fly Flyknit—a shoe fondly remembered by many of us.

That said, this Flyplate it’s not the same plate as the one featured in the Vaporfly 3. While the forefoot design closely resembles it, the midfoot and heel sections have been tweaked to favor slower paces and deliver smoother, more forgiving transitions.

nike zoom fly 6 plate 22467230 main

ZoomX

If you're a regular at EdiconnectShops, you probably know how much we love diving deep into running shoe foams, and ZoomX remains one of the most fascinating materials we’ve encountered—it was, after all, the original superfoam.

We’ve already mentioned before that this ZoomX is not the boring Next Nature variant. But is it the same top-tier ZoomX used in the Alphafly or Vaporfly?

nike zoom fly 6 microscope 22467257 main
Nike Sportswear Brasil CBF Destroyer Jackets

Through our evaluation using a digital microscope, we confirmed that the Zoom Fly 6 features the same ZoomX formulation found in other Nike trainers like the Invincible 3 and Pegasus Plus, which is not the one featured by the Alphafly 3. This variant trades a bit of energy return for improved durability, striking a mix of responsiveness and longevity.

Size and fit

Size

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 is true to size (194 votes).

Owners of this shoe, how does this shoe fit?

1 size small ½ size small True to size ½ size large 1 size large
Compared to 374 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
½ size small
Slightly small
True to size
Slightly large
½ size large

Nike Air VaporMax 2021 Flyknit Midnight Navy Photo Blue and Matching Outfits

We created a precise gel mold of the toebox to determine the exact space inside the Zoom Fly 6.

From our first measurement, we recorded a mere 90.9 mm at the upper's widest part. This design caters perfectly to runners with narrow feet, but others will need to appreciate snug-fitting uppers to feel comfortable. It’s among the most compact toeboxes we've measured in the lab!

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Nike Air VaporMax 2021 Flyknit Midnight Navy Photo Blue and Matching Outfits
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 90.9 mm
Average 95.5 mm
Compared to 153 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
90.9 mm
Nike Air VaporMax 2021 Flyknit Midnight Navy Photo Blue and Matching Outfits
102.4 mm

Toebox width - big toe

The trend persists in the big toe area, measuring just 72.6 mm in width. This narrow design reinforces Nike's intention to position the Zoom Fly 6 as a cheaper racing shoe, offering a secure fit in the toe area.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Toebox width - big toe
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 72.6 mm
Average 73.7 mm
Compared to 153 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
67.9 mm
Toebox width - big toe
83.3 mm

Toebox height

Nike Sportswear Older Παιδική Ζακέτα Για.

In our view, those who prefer a more relaxed and less snug experience should avoid the Zoom Fly 6.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Toebox height
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 24.5 mm
Average 27.2 mm
Compared to 152 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
22.4 mm
Toebox height
33.8 mm

Stability

Lateral stability test

With its nearly 40-mm stack height and compact dimensions, the Zoom Fly 6 offers surprising stability—thanks to the carbon plate, supportive midsole sidewalls, and a heel flare that takes its design from the Alphafly 3. That said, this is 100% neutral running shoe, and we don't recommend it for anyone with stability issues.

Torsional rigidity

With a carbon-fiber plate sandwiched between two foam layers, it’s no surprise that bending or twisting the shoe was impossible—a clear 5/5 on our scale!

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 5
Average 3.4
Compared to 377 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
1
Torsional rigidity
5

Heel counter stiffness

The heel features a highly-structured design, earning a 4 out of 5—an intentional shift away from the ultra-flexible heels typical of most supershoes. This highlights the shoe’s hybrid nature, blending racing performance with daily trainer support.

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 4
Average 2.9
Compared to 361 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
1
Heel counter stiffness
5

the brooklyn nets find their way to the nike dunk low | Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Men's Trail Shoes

We mentioned earlier that this shoe has compact dimensions—and we meant it. From the first step, it felt agile and streamlined, completely avoiding the bulky nature of many supertrainers.

Using our calipers, we measured the forefoot at just 111.9 mm—a narrow result that falls below the average for running shoes.

nike zoom fly 6 midsole width forefoot 22464254 main
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 111.9 mm
Average 114.1 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
103.3 mm
Nike React Pegasus Trail 4 Men's Trail Shoes
126.9 mm

Midsole width - heel

The same design approach continues in the heel, measuring just 87.9 mm. For this reason,  heel strikers who tend to land slightly off-center may find that the Zoom Fly 6 doesn’t provide the best support for their stride.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Midsole width - heel
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 87.9 mm
Average 90.7 mm
Compared to 399 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
73.0 mm
Midsole width - heel
106.6 mm

Flexibility / Stiffness

As we mentioned earlier, this shoe feels like a blend of a supershoe and a daily trainer, and here’s further evidence: despite the carbon-fiber plate, it’s not extremely stiff, scoring just 35.5N in our 90-degree bend test.

This makes the ZF6 more suited to slower paces compared to stiffer alternatives, and a bit less extreme for racing.

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 35.5N
Average 28.1N
We use an average of four tests. The video shows one of those tests.
Compared to 381 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
2.2N
Flexibility <> Stiffness
72.1N

Weight

The nike air max tailwind 4 platinum tint total orange disappointed many runners because it was heavy, weighing 9.85 oz (280g), mainly due to the Next Nature ZoomX variant and other design choices. Thankfully, Nike improved the Zoom Fly 6, reducing the weight to 8.75 oz (248g), making it much lighter and easier to run in.

nike zoom fly 6 weight 22464262 main
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 8.75 oz (248g)
Average 9.38 oz (266g)
Compared to 399 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
5.61 oz (159g)
Weight
12.59 oz (357g)

Breathability

Nike designed the Zoom Fly 6 with comfort in mind, incorporating generous padding in the heel and a thick, plush main layer. While this approach enhances the luxurious feel of the shoe, it also limits airflow, earning a moderate 3/5 breathability score in our lab tests.

For most climates, this is adequate, but in extremely hot conditions, we recommend pairing the shoe with ultra-thin, moisture-wicking socks, especially for longer runs.

When examining the upper under an LED light, we found that Nike focused ventilation on essential areas, including the toebox, midfoot, and tongue. This targeted approach ensures airflow in key zones while maintaining structure in the rear of the shoe.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 microscope

Using a microscope, we discovered the upper’s unique construction—a thick, durable mesh layer supported by an ultra-thin, transparent top layer. This rare combination adds some strength without significantly increasing the shoe’s weight.

nike zoom fly 6 mesh 22470846 main

We also discovered an interesting detail on the upper—Nike added a small reinforcement to prevent holes from forming.

Whether this was a deliberate feature or a late fix is unclear, but it’s a welcome addition for runners prone to that issue, offering a nice durability boost in this critical spot.

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 3
Average 3.8
Compared to 328 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
1
Breathability
5

Durability

Toebox durability

To put the upper to the test, we fired up our Dremel and subjected the material to our usual stress test, ready to see how it would hold up against simulated wear and tear.

The results were outstanding. In our experience, very few running shoes achieve a top-tier durability score, and the Zoom Fly 6 excelled earning a perfect 5/5.

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 5
Average 2.5
Compared to 262 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
1
Toebox durability
5

Heel padding durability

The heel continued the impressive performance streak set by the toebox, earning another flawless 5/5 in our tests. This extraordinary durability is rare to find and makes the Zoom Fly 6 a supertrainer perfect for runners who frequently wear out their uppers.

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 5
Average 3.2
Compared to 258 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
1
Heel padding durability
5

Outsole hardness

After setting an impressive standard in terms of durability with its plush yet durable upper, we turned our attention to the outsole. Using our durometer, we measured its hardness at 82.0 HC—a well-balanced result better suited for training than racing.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 outsole

We found impressive rubber coverage, with only the midfoot and a small section of the forefoot exposed—an intentional design choice aimed at reducing weight.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Outsole hardness
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 82.0 HC
Average 79.8 HC
We use an average of four tests. The photo shows one of those tests.
Compared to 379 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
57.0 HC
Outsole hardness
93.0 HC

Outsole durability

Returning to durability, the outsole performed well—surpassing the average—though not quite reaching the excellence of the upper. Still, we were satisfied as it showed only a minimal 0.8-mm dent during testing.

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 0.8 mm
Average 1.0 mm
Compared to 240 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
0.0 mm
Outsole wear
2.0 mm

Outsole thickness

Our final outsole measurement focused on rubber thickness, which came in at 3.2 mm—a surprising result that felt even a bit excessive for a hybrid shoe built for both racing and training. 

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 rubber

In our view, reducing this to 2 or 2.5 mm, given the rubber's good durability, could offer weight-saving benefits and a more responsive feel while maintaining adequate longevity.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Outsole thickness
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 3.2 mm
Average 3.2 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
1.0 mm
Outsole thickness
6.0 mm

Misc

Price

In our opinion, the Zoom Fly 6 offers great value for a supertrainer. Its MSRP is even lower than the Nike Pegasus Plus—a surprising detail we appreciated when we purchased this pair to test in our lab!

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 $170
Average $146
Compared to 399 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
$60
Price
$275

Reflective elements

Nike added reflective elements, a feature that enhances safety during nighttime runs and is always a welcome detail we appreciate.

Test results
Zoom Fly 6 Yes

Tongue padding

One of the main features that makes the Zoom Fly 6 comfortable is the tongue. While many supertrainers often skimp on tongue padding, Nike invested some weight here and designed a 6.1-mm tongue—more typical of a daily trainer.

nike zoom fly 6 lacing 22467275 main
We appreciated the simple lacing system with flat laces, though some might have expected the textured ones from the Vaporfly. Not this time.

This provides great comfort for long runs, even lasting over two hours. However, those looking for the ZF6 primarily for racing may prefer a thinner 3 or 4-mm tongue to keep the shoe lighter and more responsive.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Tongue padding
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 6.1 mm
Average 5.9 mm
Compared to 396 running shoes
Nike Midjepaket Challenger Large
0.5 mm
Tongue padding
14.2 mm

Nike Wmns Fontanka Edge Stone Sea Glass Grey Women Casual

We found a semi-gusseted tongue, our favorite design for performance-oriented shoes—it enhances lockdown while adding minimal weight.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Nike Wmns Fontanka Edge Stone Sea Glass Grey Women Casual
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 Both sides (semi)

Heel tab

One of the few carryovers from the nike air max tailwind 4 platinum tint total orange is the absence of a heel tab, and we have no complaints about it.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Heel tab
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 None

Removable insole

The thin stock insole is removable, but we don’t think swapping it is a good idea for most runners. The shoe already has limited vertical space in the toebox, and a thicker replacement would make the fit uncomfortably cramped.

Nike Tredje Junior Kortärmad T-shirt FC Barcelona 21 22 Stadium 6 Removable insole
Test results
Zoom Fly 6 Yes