Editor rating:
8/10 on
CHRIS MCINTYRE
User's rating:

PROS

  • Very cushioned
  • Lightweight
  • Very stable

CONS

  • Narrow heel and toe box

OUR VERDICT

The Nike LunarEclipse+ 3 provides a plush and supportive ride. It is well suited for daily training, long runs, and moderate speed work or even racing.
SHOE INFO
Brand
Lunar Eclipse +3
Model
Type
11 oz. (312 gr.)
Weight
135 US$
MSRP
Previous model
WHO IS IT FOR
Recommended for runners needing a supportive shoe but wanting cushioning and light weight.

This is the third generation of Nike’s Lunar Eclipse. Like its predecessors, it holds true to being a quality stability shoe for daily wear from high-mileage runners.

Designers have again made improvements to the upper to include the sleek ultra-lightweight Flywire system.

The shoe has a plush but supportive ride that will offer many miles of lightweight comfort.

Nike Lunar Eclipse +3 First Impressions

As I opened the box of the new Lunar Eclipse +3, I was struck by the sleek new upper design that included Nike’s Flywire system. This lightweight system of nylon wires looked good and seemed to have the potential to comfortably wrap the foot, locking it into the shoe.

As I laced up, I noticed within the first mile that I needed to make sure the lacing was equally tight at each of the Flywire loops. I had gotten a little over zealous on my knot and tied the last lace too tight, causing the thin Flywire strands to cut painfully into the top of my foot. I was forced to stop and loosen the lace. Once adjusted, this system proved to hold my foot very snuggly yet comfortably.

As I ran, I was pleased to notice that the shoe and its Lunarlon foam had a very plush feel and cushioned each of my heel strikes- something my Nike Pegasus-loving legs always enjoy. I also noted that the shoe felt very stable and provided adequate pronation control.

At the end of the run, I was looking forward to many more miles in these shoes and was considering trying them on an upcoming 20K race.

Nike Lunar Eclipse +3 Upper

Lunar Eclipse wearers will immediately note a redesign of the lacing in the upper. Flywire was introduced in the original model and then replaced by Dynamic Fit, a sheer mesh layer that cradled the foot and provided support.

In the +3 version, this Dynamic Fit has been replaced again by a new and improved Flywire system that seeks to provide ultra-lightweight support, while at the same time adjusting for the changing shape of the foot as it moves through the gait cycle. The Flywire is very lightweight and is supportive when adjusted properly; however, it did prove to be a bit of a pain each time I laced up. The top lace often falls out of the Flywire nylon loop and must be restrung before tying.

The heel collar of the Lunar Eclipse +3 is incredibly cushioned and was very well suited to lock my narrow heel in place and provide comfort on par with my goose down house shoes. Along with my narrow heels, my narrow forefoot enjoyed the toe box being snug. Wide-footed runners might need to beware.

The heel support clip engaged with each footfall and kept my foot stable and secure. Add to this the very breathable and comfortable engineered mesh, and we have an upper that’s a great addition to the Lunar Eclipse.

Nike Lunar Eclipse +3 Midsole

The Lunar Eclipse +3 midsole is comprised of a layer of Nike’s lightweight and plush Lunarlon foam enclosed in a durable foam carrier. The Lunarlon drops to the outsole in the forefoot to give added cushioning and it is layered with Phylon to create Dynamic Support in the heel.

This produces a denser medial post that helps to correct over-pronation. The crash pad is decoupled and gender-specific to help provide additional stability to the shoe.

The Lunarlon did prove to give a very plush feel that extended through my heel strike into my forefoot, but I was disappointed to notice that the Dynamic Support seemed almost too supportive — giving the shoe a slightly uncomfortable feel as my foot rolled toward the more dense medial post.

Nike Lunar Eclipse +3 Outsole

The Lunar Eclipse +3 has a substantial amount of BRS carbon rubber on its outsole. Much like in its predecessor, this will likely lead to longer tread life that people complained could plague the first installment of the shoe.

After the 100+ miles that I’ve put into these shoes, I can see no weak spots on the sole that show any significant wear. The rubber pads are only cut out at the flex grooves in the midsole, which are gender-specific for enhanced flexibility and heel to toe efficiency.

Nike Lunar Eclipse +3 Opinion

I wore the Nike Lunar Eclipse +3 in my daily training, a few tempo runs, and during a hilly 20K. I was pleased with its performance in each of these circumstances. The plush and supportive ride of this shoe allowed me to recover well on my easy run days, and its light weight allowed me to cruise through both moderate speed work and a longer race distance.

The comfortable grip that came from the padded heel collar and the Flywire system held my foot in place and have kept me pulling them from my shelf to wear on numerous runs.

We thank the nice people at Nike for sending us a pair of Lunar Eclipse +3 to test. This did not influence the outcome of the review, written after running more than 50 miles in them.

Nike Lunar Eclipse +3 Price Comparison

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