Nike Lunaracer+ Review

My love affair with the Lunar series continue with the trialing of the Lunaracer+. Being one half of the 2 models released by Nike which feature the space age Lunarlite foam, the racer took my running experience to another level.

When Wong (EKIN with Nike Sales Malaysia) handed me the shoebox, I had to shake it to ensure that the shoes were inside and when I opened the package to reveal the shoes, my colleagues were astounded by its lightness. One remarked that if thrown at someone across the room, the shoes may not reach their destination and if used to smack someone, it may not cause any pain! While I won't try out the latter theory, I certainly want to test them out as quickly as I can. I made a visual inspection of the shoes and saw that the midsole construction looks that of the Trainer [review]. The main difference is on the upper. Instead of the Trainer's white mesh, the racers sport a grey white translucent paper-like material. No visible stitching are seen. In their place, certain stress points had additional strips of yellow suede "welded" or crimped to the upper. Threads of Flywire interlaced the upper material providing just enough structure to support the shoe shape and the wearer. The sockliner is a thin foam and under the left piece is the spot for the Nike+ sensor. The outsole difference is less apparent. What's obvious are the more liberal application of the BRS1000 and solid rubber plugs for better durability.

I made the right call by opting for 1/2 a size larger for the racer. The shoe fits like a glove and here's where the next difference lies - their lack of weight. At 5.5oz, they are nearly half the weight of the already lightweight Trainers. The racers are low profile (see Notes section) and you'll feel your calves walking around in them. With a planned 21K the next day, I limited my first run to a 5K and try as hard as I might, I had a hard time slowing down! I didn't know if it's the build, weight or material I just automatically ran in a light and efficient manner. Tap and go, tap and go. More mid to forefoot landing than on the heel. I simply went faster and couldn't wait for the tougher run the next morning. 21K later, I was astounded. My calves and shins were just a bit sore but that was the legs adjusting to the lower ride. Since the first 2 runs, I've put the pair to some really hardcore workouts which included back to back long runs at different pace. The racers defy logic - mad science at work.

Consider the following facts:
1) I've not worn any kind of shoes below 9oz. I'm just not biomechanically efficient enough. Yet I was happily running in these 5.5oz babies chewing up the miles.

2) The legs didn't feel trashed. I managed 166K mileage over 9 days which included 3 back to back long runs and several shorter workouts with only a day's rest. The longest run completed so far in them was a 32K done at marathon pace.

3) Durability is top-notch. After over 100Ks in them, even the "nipples" on the outsoles are still there. Pulling on the racers give you a boost of confidence. You run lighter and faster. I saw my running form improved and ran faster in training than in race. They totally eclipse my hitherto favorite, the Lunar Trainer and that's saying a lot, since the Trainers can certainly hold their own. The Trainers are better ventilated. It felt warmer in the racer. I spoke to Wong and he confirmed that said that this could be due to the upper material used to support the utilization of the Flywire. The typical mesh won't hold the fibers, so a stronger material was used. In conclusion, all I can say is that I'm completely bowled over by the racers. Prior to them, there is no way on earth that I can wear shoes this light but they have everything a weekend warrior needs. I'm all the more efficient and faster runner because of it. If you think the Trainers are good, wait till you try the racers. It dispels the notion that a shoe this minimum and light can't be worn by non-elites. But you've got to wait just a wee bit. Both the Lunar Trainer and Lunaracer are now available at the Nike stores.

Notes
As you can see from the photos on the left and bottom, the shoe is really holding up with the mileage work. I’ve since logged over 170K in them and the outsole looks just a little worn, which is really good for a racing shoe. Needless to say the shoe is Nike+ enabled, so you can wear it with a Nike+ Sportband.

The Lunaracer is definitely built like a racer. According to a shoe techie, the racer’s heel is 6mm higher than the forefoot. The racer’s forefoot is 16mm while the rear is 22mm. The forefoot-heel ratio of 6mm is half of a typical training shoe’s build. The Nike Free 3.0 is 19/23 (4), Free 4.0 is 17.5/23.5 (6), Vaporfly 21/33 (12).

For: Efficient, lightweight runner seeking an ultralight, responsive yet stable cushioned shoe for speedwork and racing.

Not for: Runners seeking more stability should look to Nike’s stability models such as Structure Triax and Equalon. A bit of pinching on the right shoe when toeing off. Some may encounter rubbing as well.

Bottomline: Wear socks that protect the heel and instep area, especially where the shoe flexes. Experiment with various lacing configuration. The Lunaracer is the shoe you’ll want to wear if you’re gunning for a personal best.

For more photos, check out the published review here.