I Ran My Fastest 5K *Ever* in Nike’s Newest Sneaker

This summer I took on a challenge—more specifically, a Nike challenge. The goal? To run your fastest 5K in a speedy new sneaker, the latest version to come from the brand’s Next% family. When the brand’s invitation e-mail popped up in my inbox, I was immediately transported back to my high school days when I was a star lacrosse player. I was fast, but was also riddled with anxiety, so the timed miles and 5K runs would cripple me because I could barely handle the pressure. So 16 years later when Nike asked me to participate in their run challenge, I had pause, but was also excited at the prospect of breaking my own record. Thoughts started flying through my mind. Could I do it? Could I run my fastest 5K? With the help of Nike running coach Jes Woods and my new Nike Air Zoom Vaporfly Next% 2 Sneakers ($250), the challenge was on.

The difference between running in my high school athlete days versus now is twofold. As a teen, I didn’t have the maturity and focus I do now, which I needed to really commit to training properly for this 5K run. Additionally, the technology and knowledge that goes into making running shoes has evolved since the early 2000s—The Vaporfly Next% series certainly didn’t exist then! With the tools all in my toolbox, so to speak, I had a month to prepare both physically and mentally. With a curated training plan in place, my new shoes, and a positive attitude it was off to the races (pun intended).

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% 2 — $250.00

The Shoe

You know that expression “the wheels have come off the bus”? Well, that is exactly what happens when you’re running in the wrong shoe—the run falls apart. Luckily, I had the right shoe. This Vaporfly Next% 2 was born out of Nike’s “Breaking2” attempt, in which runner Eliud Kipchoge broke the two-hour marathon barrier in a prototype of the Next%. The sneaker’s success kick-started the Nike Next% design project, which has spun off several iterations of the original shoe. The updated Next% 2 features a softer and more breathable design than the original version. Pockets and padding on the tongue have been added for a more comfortable fit, and forefoot reinforcement was added to help in high-wear striking areas. With all-around incredible improvements, this iteration of the sneaker is ideal for short and long road running distances.

Training in the Shoe

Training in the Next% 2 was a dream. There was no break-in period needed at all. I simply slipped into the shoe, laced up, and headed out for a run. My immediate impression was that they were comfortable, light, and very bouncy. I had extra spring in my step and my stride. The feature I liked most off the bat was the shoe’s breathability: I was training in high heat, and the Next% allowed my foot to breathe with ease. Plus, its lightness allowed me to move swiftly through my timed miles.

Following a month of training—including tempo runs, speed training, and longer 6-to-10 mile runs—it was time to run the fast 5K. My first attempt was a bust, as my running app tracked all of .01 of distance. So, I reset and gave it a go a few days later. Strong, relaxed, and confident, I took off. My first mile was solid, but the next two proved to be even more so. At a sub-8-minute pace, I cruised into 3.1 miles with a smile on my face. The best part? My feet were perfectly supported. Was it my fastest 5K since high school? Sure was. For anyone looking to test a new sneaker for both short and long distances, this is one to try. Your fastest pace ever awaits.

Going on a run? Be sure to follow along with this stretch series after you’ve logged your miles.

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