Nike LunarTempo 2 Review

February 25, 2016
Nike LunarTempo 2
GEAR INSTITUTE RATINGS
86
Fit
5
Comfort
6
Responsiveness
9
Ride Quality
8
Speed
8

The Good

  • Great cushioning for the weight
  • Extremely comfortable upper material
  • Outstanding energy transfer from heel to toe

The Bad

  • Toe box height is relatively shallow
  • Fit is slightly small compared to other Nike models
THE VERDICT

The LunarTempo 2 offers perhaps the most speed and greatest cushioning you’ll find in comparably lightweight models. The upper strikes a great balance of comfort and snugness. Testers love the responsiveness of the Lunarlon midsole, and this shoe offers one of the smoothest rides in our test group. However, check the sizing closely before purchase. 

FULL REVIEW

The “secret sauce” of this shoe is its midsole material and construction: light and soft Lunarlon foam provides great cushioning on impact and zippy energy transfer in stance phase. The foam is encased in a stronger EVA wrapping that aids shape retention and durability. Nike’s LunarTempo shoes occupy the middle ground between the ultralight Lunaracer and the plushly cushioned Lunar series. 

Fit
Sizing is a little tricky with this model, as the shoe runs slightly (up to a half-size) small. Vertical clearance in the toebox is also limited. From the midfoot back, fit is very secure thanks to Flywire cables that cinch the foot onto the midsole platform, and classic laces that adjust tension easily. 

Comfort
Aside from the shallow toe box, comfort throughout the upper is outstanding. Material construction is a single sheet of Flymesh that is open in the forefoot for stretch and ventilation, and more densely knit further back for shape retention. An interval bootie adds another layer of comfort and support, and light cushioning in the rearfoot enhances the feel and fit. 

Responsiveness
This is the clear strength of the LunarTempo 2, as our testers appreciated the quick energy return and zippy spring of the midsole material. Pistoning waffles of durable outsole rubber further enhance the quick transition time from heel to toe and facilitate fast tempo running.

Ride Quality
Cushioning and impact resistance are outstanding from heel to toe, and combined with great energy return from the midsole, overall ride quality is smooth and comfortable. One potential caveat is that the 8mm drop may be too excessive for midfoot strikers. 

Speed
With very light weight, secure fit, strong traction, super cushioning, and a highly responsive midsole, the LunarTempo 2 is built for speed. It will be a favorite race shoe among our testers, and has the durability to handle marathon distances as well. 

 


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