Nike Streakfly 2 Multi Tester Review: 7 Comparisons

Article by Bryan Lim and Ryan Eiler

Nike Streakfly 2 ($190 USD / AUD $250)

Introduction

Bryan: With all eyes on the discharge of the Vaporfly 4 (VF4), it isn’t shocking that its little sibling the Streakfly 2 (SF2) has gone slightly unnoticed. However this shouldn’t be the case because it has been utterly redesigned from its predecessor which was launched a full three years in the past. Loads can and has occurred in that point for each the Streakfly lineage and in addition the plated shoe scene. The SF2 now sees a decreased stack peak from 32mm to 27mm and a lower in drop from 6mm to 4mm, and the introduction of a full size carbon fibre FlyPlate. Basically what we have now is a trimmed down VF4.

The plated shoe scene is now ever extra saturated; some say the VF4 is now not a marathon shoe and could be nice for a 5k as much as a half, whereas the meant goal for the Streakfly could be for a 5k. On the opposite aspect of the fence, Adidas has adopted a unique philosophy with the much less aggressive Takumi Sen 10 (and shortly to be 11) for shorter distances and the Adios Professional 4 which is able to most distances as much as the marathon and probably past, occupying the area that the VF4 and Alphafly 3 take up (discounting the unlawful Prime X after all). With out having worn the unique Streakfly, my competition is that the SF2, and opposite to ‘‘street racing’ printed on the midsole, is a superb observe shoe and is just extra fitted to elite street runners to race in.

Ryan: My colleague Bryan has delivered an outstanding preliminary overview, and I discover myself echoing lots of his sentiments on this new Streakfly. The place I can maybe add some worth is by evaluating the shoe to its predecessor, the Streakfly 1, which I used to be lucky sufficient to check upon its preliminary launch (RTR Overview).

What strikes me as most pleasantly shocking is the numerous improve in stiffness on this second iteration. Whereas the primary model was gloriously gentle and nimble, it fell quick in efficiency for me. Its midfoot ‘shank’ supplied nearly no perceptible stiffness or stability, leading to a “moist noodle” really feel when making an attempt to place down critical energy—exactly what the shoe is designed for. It is heartening to see that the design crew has addressed this by incorporating a hearty, full-length carbon fiber Flyplate that performs admirably. Whereas it would not attain the stiffness of a Vaporfly, it is a huge step in the appropriate path and befits a shoe constructed for exhausting, short-distance efforts.

Execs:

Floor/observe area, if desired- Bryan/Ryan

The up to date engineered mesh higher affords unimaginable lockdown – Bryan/Ryan

Feels extraordinarily gentle on the foot – Bryan/Ryan

Extra forgiving than most spikes

Phenomenally grippy outsole

Cons:

A really particular shoe that’s typically not required in a rotation, i.e. missing in versatility – Bryan/Ryan

Harsher than most different street footwear – Bryan/Ryan

Restricted to forefoot strikers – Bryan/Ryan

Sturdiness (probably) – Bryan/Ryan

Stats

Pattern Weights: Mens US9  4.44 oz / 126 g, US9.5 4.50 oz / 128g

Stack Peak:  Heel – 27mm, Forefoot – 23mm (4mm drop)  (lowered from 32/26, 6mm drop )

I wish to notice that my measurement of the forefoot and heel each are available at 30mm.

Platform Width: 70 mm heel / 62 mm (tapering to 41mm which is the width that contacts the bottom) midfoot / 99 mm forefoot 

First Impressions, Match and Higher

Bryan: My first impression of the SF2 was worry, and worry that I’d not be capable to do adequate to deliver out the most effective within the shoe! Fears apart, it’s obvious how aggressive they’re when placing them on. You’re feeling among the softness within the ZoomX foam, however the construction created by the plate and aggressiveness of it’s instantly obvious.  Additionally, you will notice that the SF2 seems to have a near a zero drop (see foot away from the digital camera within the picture above, and the beneath picture) and I consider the claimed 4mm drop is for when the shoe is in its meant ‘racing state’, i.e. titled forwards on the forefoot. Additional and as famous, my measurement of the fore and rearfoot are available at 30mm, which may be a cause for the visible look that the SF2 doesn’t have a drop.

The match is totally good and true to measurement for me. I’d notice that the toe field width could also be restrictive for some, however the total size and width in my measurement supplied the proper match. Within the picture, my index finger factors to the place my massive toe bulges barely over the width of the platform, and does so even with out socks on. The higher is forgiving sufficient such that even with this, there have been no scorching spots or areas the place I felt undue strain on. What could be mentioned is that the toe field quantity is surprisingly beneficiant. This was not a difficulty for me as I can simply match into slender footwear (e.g. the very previous Adizero Adios 3). It’s crucial you attempt these in retailer earlier than buying. 

The tongue is strategically padded skinny, non-gusseted with a non-symmetrical v-shaped ending (see beneath picture) to wrap across the base of your ankle. The heel collar can be minimally however strategically padded. The mesh higher can be minimally however strategically strengthened within the heel cup and forefoot. You see what I’m making an attempt to say? Every little thing is minimal, and all concessions made to offer consolation are executed so deliberately and are executed so for a practical goal.

 

Minimal however mandatory heel collar cushioning with a properly designed anatomical asymmetrical V-shaped tongue

Minimal however mandatory toe field reinforcement

Ryan: Whereas it is not a observe spike, the Streakfly 2 leans extra in that path than in direction of a typical ‘tremendous shoe’. It is lean, hyper-light, and boasts a tenacious, racy match that calls for forefoot propulsion. It feels very aggressive underfoot and, as Bryan famous, has a minimal heel-to-toe drop. 

It would not be a stretch to think about this a snug observe shoe with out the spikes, given its low weight and eagerness to show over rapidly. For comparability, the Nike Dragonfly observe spike has a stack of roughly 20mm/18mm, whereas the Streakfly 2 sits at 27mm/23mm, inserting it nearer to the observe than the 40mm ‘tremendous’ territory. It does nonetheless sit above the World Athletics 25mm heel peak restrict for observe races over 800 meters.

The match is true to measurement; nonetheless, it’s vital to keep in mind that this can be a racing shoe. It’s narrower and hugs the foot extra tightly than an ordinary coach of the identical measurement. Like Bryan, I might advocate making an attempt this one on first if attainable to make sure a correct match.

Midsole & Platform

Bryan: As mentioned within the prior part, I’d describe the general platform to be on the narrower aspect the place a slither of my massive toe protrudes out, though I’d say this didn’t trigger any discount in efficiency. Additionally as talked about, attempt before you purchase.

Not having worn Nike for some time (for the reason that Alphafly 1 and Vaporfly Subsequent% v1), I can’t evaluate how the ZoomX within the SF2 performs towards different present Nike choices, however it positively is softer than the FFTurbo+ within the Asics Metaspeed Paris and maybe solely barely softer than the Lightstrike Professional within the Adidas Adios Professional 4. 

The softness of the ZoomX is stabilised by a full size carbon fibre FlyPlate runs near the bottom on the forefoot earlier than rising to the center of the midsole on the mid to rearfoot. The curved form of the plate is clear through the cutout within the midsole on the lateral aspect within the forefoot. As as to whether the plate’s form is similar within the VF4, that is unclear.

Weight saving is the secret for the SF2 with an aggressively tapered midfoot and an in depth cutout via the size of the midsole foam that exposes the complete size FlyPlate. So as to add to the pliability promoted via this cutout, I seen that the FlyPlate flexes very simply. This additionally was the case within the SF1, which Ryan reviewed again in 2022. I significantly like this, because the experience is extra forgiving and it feels much more pure to run in, like a standard flat however with the help of a plate. Evaluate this with the Asics Metaspeed LD, which is an extended distance observe shoe with an built-in carbon spike plate, there may be completely no flex supplied.

Lastly, and in addition as touched on earlier than, the obvious zero to adverse drop of the SF2 is unquestionably noticeable the place heel placing isn’t an possibility as you’d lose all efficiencies created by the rockered / curved forefoot geometry and the FlyPlate’s help. To take action could be to work towards the shoe itself. 

Ryan: This shoe feels worlds aside from the present Vaporfly. The signature traits of ZoomX are nonetheless current, however in a drastically lowered and narrower-feeling stack. You get a adequate quantity of cushion right here to maintain your legs from undue soreness, however don’t count on something just like the depth of midsole you get from a Vaporfly. In consequence, the Streakfly delivers lightning quick turnover and decrease floor contact time than a typical tremendous shoe.

In my overview of the Streakfly 1, I famous that whereas the ZoomX midsole was “spunky with out getting overly sloppy,” the important thing downside was the quick midfoot shank that left the shoe feeling “a bit underpowered, particularly at toe-off.” I described the forefoot as missing a lengthwise plate, which meant it couldn’t do a lot to assist in accelerating you ahead in the course of the toe-off section of your stride.

This supplies a robust level of distinction with the Streakfly 2. The brand new full-length carbon Flyplate instantly addresses this core problem. Whereas I discovered the Streakfly 1 felt like a “moist noodle while you actually tried to place the ability down,” the Streakfly 2’s stiffer plate supplies a way more responsive and highly effective experience, making it an enormous step in the appropriate path. 

The Streakfly 2 pushes low inertia and responsiveness to the intense for a street shoe. You additionally really feel way more in tune with the floor you are on, because of the minimal materials utilization, low stack peak, and semi-flexible plate. 

This makes the Vaporfly a much more versatile, approachable, and easier-to-recommend possibility. The Streakfly, in distinction, has a really targeted and restricted use case. 

Outsole

Not a lot could be mentioned in regards to the outsole when there’s, nicely, not a lot of it, besides that it really works nicely when used based on its meant goal. As within the pictures beneath, solely the forefoot has intensive outsole protection, and even then there’s a sizable cutout on the lateral aspect the place a Swoosh has been added. Observe that the cutout is uncovered ZoomX foam, as are the white unpainted bits between the webbed outsole design.

As within the picture above, the webbed outsole sample is textured for further traction, with density growing as you’re employed your method nearer to the intense forefoot. Within the picture beneath, and akin to the SF1, two very skinny rubber items have been positioned within the rearfoot. I presume the aim is to offer some safety for the uncovered ZoomX foam. I’m not so positive this works as there may be appreciable put on of the uncovered foam the place the picture beneath was taken after one 4.5km observe session the place the SF2 has not seen contact with any concrete or bitumen. I’m genuinely intrigued but in addition fearful as to how lengthy the shoe will final whether it is used for ‘street racing’.

Ryan: I share Bryan’s suspicion in regards to the outsole’s sturdiness. Within the Streakfly 1 overview, I described its outsole as having a “giant slab of black rubber” on the forefoot with “wave-shaped ridges” and an ordinary double patch of white rubber on the heel. I discovered its grip “inspiring…on dry surfaces” however “lower than good with a little bit of water on the street.”

With the Streakfly 2, it once more feels phenomenally quick and grippy when new and on dry surfaces. Nevertheless, a brand new level of comparability arises from the priority in regards to the sturdiness of the Streakfly 2’s outsole, particularly the outstanding, squared off nubs within the forefoot. 

I am pretty assured that these nubs, in addition to the closely uncovered midsole, will degrade rapidly on asphalt. It will probably have an effect on efficiency over time. It is best not to enter this one with excessive expectations for sturdiness, however it serves its goal nicely for a shoe meant for decrease mileage.

Journey, Conclusions and Suggestions

Bryan: 5 smiles for what a novel, bespoke and particular shoe the SF2 is and the way epic it’s when used for paces below 3:15/km (~5:14/mile) which is the type of tempo I can maintain for 400m and 800m reps. It felt much more phenomenal at faster paces and evidently so once I was doing 300m reps at round 2:45-55/km (~4:35/mile) the place the ZoomX foam and FlyPlate actually enhances one another to offer for clean toe-offs and fast transitions. Nevertheless, at ‘slower’ paces beneath 3:30/km (~5:38/mile), the SF2 felt nearly useless within the sense that it felt like a uncooked old-fashioned flat. I presume that is the place I begin to midfoot strike and fail to utilise the forefoot of the shoe, which makes up 99% of what the SF2 is all about.

In contrast to its predecessor, the SF2 is under no circumstances approachable in its geometry, stack peak and drop (in in the present day’s market and angle in direction of this). Whereas it rides fantastically at tempo, it doesn’t have the construct high quality for any type of every single day operating, together with warming up earlier than a observe session. This makes the SF2 a really particular shoe for particular makes use of solely. For runners like myself (18 minute 5k, sub 3 marathon runner), I’ll solely take the SF2 out for particular high quality periods, and never even for fartlek or threshold periods. If there was slightly extra stack within the heel and outsole protection, I may see myself utilizing the shoe a lot extra.

My closing ideas are that the SF2 could be a competitor to the Adidas Takumi Sen 10/11, however it additionally isn’t because the TS is way extra versatile. It is usually just like the Asics Metaspeed LD, however is technically extra versatile because the SF2 can be utilized on the street. However the query is, would you?

I really like the SF2, however I’ve scored it down for worth as being such a novel shoe, it doesn’t supply that a lot worth for cash resulting from its lack of versatility. Maybe if I have been a observe athlete or a a lot quicker runner, I may see myself scoring it so much increased.

Rating: 8.9/10

Journey 9 (50%) Match: 10 (30%) Worth: 6 (15%) Type: 10 (5%)

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Ryan: I agree with Bryan’s tackle the shoe’s versatility; it feels unnatural and inefficient at something lower than a tough effort. That is, certainly, a big enchancment over the primary model. It is now a shoe I’d think about for any observe reps as much as a mile in size, however it shines brightest throughout coaching reps of round 400-800m (if I have been 10 years youthful and nonetheless able to ‘spiking up’ with out near-certainty of decrease leg harm, I might nonetheless desire spikes for racing). 



For something a mile and up, the newest Vaporfly continues to be so good that it stays my choice.

In case you are searching for a shoe to hold you thru high-intensity exercises on the observe, I’d be inclined to advocate the Streakfly 2, supplied you aren’t a heel striker. Nevertheless, should you worth bang to your buck, sturdiness, versatility, or an approachable experience, I’d advocate the Vaporfly fingers down.


Match is true to measurement, though it’s price noting that as a result of this can be a racing shoe, it is narrower and hugs extra tightly than does a coach of the identical measurement.

Rating: 8.7/10 

(Deductions for low versatility and slender use case, questionable sturdiness)

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7 Comparisons

Adidas Takumi Sen 8 (RTR Overview)

Brayn: On paper the TS is the shoe most just like the SF1 and SF2, as each TS and SF are meant to be shorter distance street racing footwear. Nevertheless, I believe the TS is extra appropriate to this goal. While the TS8 is now not as related, the upcoming TS11 seems to be an thrilling replace to the TS lineage. It seems that the TS11 could be a ‘lite’ competitor to the VF4, and the SF2 is a ‘lite’ competitor to the TS11. It appears Adidas and Nike are slightly off calibration of their carbon plated line up, with the previous having the TS10/11 for shorter distances, the ever versatile Adios Professional 4 for all different distances, and the unlawful (stack peak smart) Prime X Strung 3, and the latter having the SF2 for shorter distances, the VF4 for distances as much as the marathon, and the Alphafly 3 because the flagship marathon shoe. Does the TS evaluate with the SF2, I’d argue no because the TS is way extra versatile and capable of be worn by many extra extra meaningfully. 

Ryan: I am in settlement with Bryan once more right here. The Takumi is the extra versatile decide, and I believe it’s nonetheless simply as succesful because the Streakfly at quick, exhausting intervals. I are likely to put on the Takumi (which hasn’t modified an excessive amount of from model 8-10) for quicker observe exercises, because of its twin skills of offering snappy turnover and preserving my legs from feeling too banged up the next day. The Takumi’s lockdown is simply as tenacious and sporty as that of the Streakfly. I additionally discover the Takumi to be extra secure and energetic than the Nike. For these causes, I’ll constantly decide the Takumi over the Streakfly.

Asics Metaspeed LD

Bryan: At 4.2 oz / 119g within the LD, this is just one of two pairs of footwear I’ve worn that’s lighter than the SF2. However can the LD be thought-about a operating shoe provided that it may truly solely be used on observe? The LD (not model 2) was launched in 2023 and retailed at AUD 400 (250 USD), and was primarily the observe model of the Metaspeed+, with a FFTurbo midsole and an uncovered absolutely inflexible sculpted and built-in spike plate which meant that no spikes have been truly wanted. The LD is meant for observe races as much as 10,000m. While much less forgiving than the SF2 within the forefoot because of the rigidity of the spike plate, it’s truly extra versatile as there’s a perceivable drop and the shoe lets you midfoot strike and in addition the place the spike plate commences within the midfoot (see picture beneath). The FFTurbo is noticeably firmer as it’s nylon based mostly and never Pebax. The SF2 is softer and can be ‘succesful’ of getting used off observe. Just like the SF2, the LD didn’t obtain a lot, if any fanfare upon launch resulting from is extraordinarily restricted viewers.

Reebok Floatride Run Quick Professional 2 (RTR Overview)

Bryan: That is the one shoe I’ve worn that’s considerably (thoughts boggling to make use of this time period) lighter than the SF2, coming in at 3.88oz / 110g. It too utilises a PEBAX solely midsole, however doesn’t have a plate. The RFP2 has loads of floor really feel and has ample flex, because it has no structural aids in its building. While you’ll be able to say it’s much more versatile than the SF2, it actually isn’t, because it too is calf destroying given its very minimal building. THe RFP2 and SF2 are footwear I’ll solely take out at high quality observe periods. The distinction is that with the RFP2, I can take it on the nice and cozy ups and funky downs as nicely. Every is exclusive inside its personal rights.

Asics Sortie Magic 6 (RTR Overview)

Bryan: The SM6 and SF2 additionally weigh the identical, however the SM6 is a standard flat with no plate, and rides even decrease at near 20mm within the heel. As a standard flat, the SM6 has way more floor really feel and requires you to generate the ability with no help. The SM6 would even be extra sturdy with its full outsole protection and specifically has a greater traction with a DSP waffle outsole within the forefoot. The SF2 is nonetheless the quicker shoe.

Adidas Adios Professional 4 (RTR Overview)

Bryan: I’ve thrown this in as an nearly tongue-in-cheek comparability. The AP4 is the entire reverse of the SF2, as with different max stack plated supershoes. I evaluate the AP4 as a result of it’s a shoe I’d be keen to put on for the marathon, but in addition at 800m and mile repeats at 3:30/km (~5:38/mile). By way of versatility, the AP4 is the exact opposite of the SF2. The place I’d use the SF2 is for a observe race if I have been to enter one, and high quality repeats. However for a 5000m observe race, I’d truly decide the AP4 over the SF2.

Ryan: I believe Bryan nails the key concept right here: the AP4 is way more versatile of a shoe. Whereas the Adidas is slower to show over and never as snappy on foot, it’s nonetheless extremely succesful, and the shoe I would like for all however the hardest, shortest efforts. The Streakfly has a much more aggressive and racer-like match, however doesn’t have something just like the energetic bounce and impression safety that AP4 affords.

Hoka Cielo Street (RTR Overview)

Bryan: The Cielo Street affords an attention-grabbing distinction as one other shoe geared toward shorter, quicker efforts however with no plate. The Cielo’s PEBA-only midsole is playful and approachable, however can really feel wobbly and underpowered at occasions, particularly within the heel. The Streakfly 2, with its new full-length FlyPlate, feels considerably extra secure and highly effective at toe-off. Whereas the Streakfly 1’s flexibility was a serious downside, the Streakfly 2’s added stiffness offers it a transparent efficiency edge over the plateless Cielo Street. The Hoka would not really feel prefer it’s as critical of a racer with a comparatively lax foot maintain, and never as fast of a turnover.

Nike Vaporfly 4 (RTR Overview)

Bryan: This newest Vaporfly iteration has change into extra versatile and, for my part, creates extra separation between it and the Alphafly. Whereas the Alphafly is now extra distinctly the long-haul marathoner, the VF4 feels extra like a jack-of-all-trades for distances from 5k on up. That is the place it contrasts most with the Streakfly 2, which has a a lot narrower and extra particular use case. The VF4, regardless of a discount in stack peak from its predecessor, nonetheless feels considerably extra cushioned and protecting than the Streakfly 2, making it a better option for longer races or runners who need extra forgiveness.

The Streakfly 2, with its decrease profile and aggressive really feel, is a pure speed-oriented shoe that excels in brief, intense efforts and observe work the place low inertia is paramount. The VF4, whereas extremely gentle and nimble itself, affords a extra balanced experience that does not demand the identical degree of forefoot-focused operating. If you’d like a shoe that may deal with a 5k in addition to a half-marathon with a extra conventional super-shoe really feel, the Vaporfly 4 is the clear alternative. In case your focus is solely on quick, quick reps and a experience that appears like a spiked shoe made snug for the street, the Streakfly 2 carves out its personal distinctive area of interest.

Index to all RTR opinions: HERE

Tester Profiles

Ryan Eller A hopeless soccer profession led Ryan to take up operating, and after taking a decade-long break from competing, he’s again racking up mileage at any time when he can.  He calls the 2018 Boston Marathon the toughest race of his life, the place he completed in 2:40, barely remembering his title on the end line.  Rya extra not too long ago has a PR of 2:14:23 from the 2024 Boston Marathon ending 3d American and fifteenth total, a  2:17:16 Olympic Marathon Trials qualifier, from the 2023 Philadelphia Marathon after two different 2:18 efforts within the final 12 months.

Bryan Lim lives in Melbourne, Australia. He picked up operating in mid-2016 as a stressed-out regulation college pupil and ended up operating a full marathon as his first occasion. Ever since, he has focussed on changing into a greater runner, with PRs of 1:22 within the half-marathon and a couple of:59 within the marathon. Bryan additionally enjoys longer distances and path occasions, and has run the 2024 Comrades marathon in 8:05 and a driveway extremely (52km over 838 laps) within the midst of a Covid-19 lockdown. He additionally enjoys operating tourism, finishing the Chicago Marathon, Amsterdam Marathon, Shonan Marathon and Toronto Half. While having fun with operating, he has taken the neighborhood facet of issues with ardour. Bryan is an accredited Athletics Australia neighborhood coach and runs his personal native observe membership, Glasshouse Run Membership.

The Streakfly 2 was a private buy for Bryan and a free overview pattern for Ryan. RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and should earn fee on merchandise bought through buying hyperlinks on this article. These partnerships don’t affect our editorial content material. The opinions herein are fully the authors’.