

The Zoom Fly was designed to be a cheaper, more durable version of the Nike super shoes. It's designed to be used for tempo, threshold and interval training. It's Nike's only plated training shoe so it fills an important role in the Nike running rotation.
The Zoom Fly has changed drastically from version 1 to version 6, the latest version. This comparison will tell you which version is better for you, version 6 or version 5.
The Zoom Fly 6 has a dual-density midsole consisting of ZoomX on the top and SR-02 on the bottom layer. The ZoomX provides the soft and lively transitions while the SR-02 layer is for stability and durability.
The Zoom Fly 5 also has a dual-density midsole but it has SR-02 as the carrier foam with ZoomX in the centre of the midsole. The ZoomX in the Zoom Fly 5 is recycled which means that it’s made from scraps of ZoomX which are compressed together to form a solid block.
The ride of the Zoom Fly 6 is softer than the Zoom Fly 5. This is due to the type of ZoomX that’s used in the 6 which is more squishy and easier to compress. The 6 also has a more lively ride which feels more energetic. The 6 rides more like the nike racers, the Vaporfly 3 and the Alphafly 3.
The 6 weighs less than the 5. This makes it feel nimbler and makes it better for long runs because it keeps your legs fresher for longer.
The Zoom Fly 5 has better stability than the 6. This is due to its firmer midsole which translates to less lean bias. Foot strikes feel more planted in the 5 than in the 6.
The carbon plate in the 5 is stiffer than the carbon plate in the 6. This results in the 5 having a stiffer sole with a more prominent forefoot rocker. The 6 has a more natural ride because its midsole has more flexibility.
Both versions are durable thanks to their SR-02 outsoles but the 5 has better durability because its ZoomX in encapsulated in its midsole. This means that it is not accessible to objects which can puncture or scrape the foam.
Both versions have comfortable uppers but the Zoom Fly 6 upper is more similar to a racing upper.
The Zoom Fly 5 upper has more padding and feels like a trainer upper. Version 6 has a thin, flat tongue whereas version 5 has some padding in its tongue.
The 6 is more breathable and more suitable for warm climates. The 5 has softer mesh and is more suitable for cool climates.
Both are very comfortable and suitable for long-distance runs. They are both true to size with a typical Nike narrow fit.
The Zoom Fly 6 is the better speed trainer and the better training companion for the Nike racers. It has more energy return, it’s lighter and it has more long-distance comfort. It feels more similar to the Nike super shoes than the Zoom Fly 5 and most importantly, it feels faster.
Only get the Zoom Fly 5 if you prefer a firmer ride with more stability. Version 5 has a more comfortable upper which is better for cool climates. It’s also cheaper than the Zoom Fly 6 and it has better durability.