The Zoom Fly 6 is the sixth incarnation of the Zoom Fly. It has an articulated plate in its midsole. It costs $170.
The Tempo Next% replaces the Pegasus Turbo 2. It has a composite plate with ZoomX and React in its midsole. It costs $200.
Which of these training companions is the right one for you?
The midsole of the Zoom Fly SR02 and ZoomX foam. It provides a medium firm yet responsive ride. The midsole of the Tempo Next% is a combination of ZoomX which is super soft and React which is firmer but more durable.
The ride of the Tempo Next% is firmer and better suited to shorter, faster runs. The Zoom Fly is softer because of the SR02 foam so it is more cushioned and better suited to longer runs.
The plates inside the two shoes differ. The stiff plate inside the Zoom Fly doesn’t flex as much so it works as a lever to propel you forward.
The composite plate inside the Tempo Next % is highly flexible so it provides a forefoot which snaps quickly back into its original position during transitions.
Stability is better in the Zoom Fly compared to the Tempo Next%. The Zoom Fly has a wider midfoot and rearfoot which makes it more suitable for rearfoot strikers.
Ride transitions are smoother in the Zoom Fly because it has a full ground contact outsole. In the Tempo, its midsole floats above the ground so during transitions, you go straight from the rearfoot, to the forefoot.
The Tempo has large, thick Zoom Air units which the Zoom Fly doesn’t have. These air units activate at higher speeds and provide a springy sensation upon toe offs.
The outsoles are similar on both trainers but the main difference is that the forefoot and rearfoot rubber on the Tempo is ribbed, slightly more flexible and slightly softer. This results in better traction in the Tempo but less durability.
Durability of the Zoom Fly is higher than the Tempo because of its SR02 foam midsole and its outsole rubber. The ZoomX in the Tempo is softer and not as durable as SR02.
The Zoom Fly has a light mesh upper. The upper of the Zoom Fly has superb foot lockdown and is also very comfortable. It has extra padding on the inside of its collar so heel lockdown is fantastic and there is no heel slippage. The Zoom Fly fits true to size but is not available in additional widths.
The Tempo uses Flyknit which is thicker but not as comfortable as the upper of the Zoom Fly. It is also heavier and absorbs more liquid. The Tempo has a higher heel tab which may annoy you if you have a sensitive Achilles heel.
Both uppers lock down the foot well and they only come in standard D widths.
If you’re a runner looking for a firmer shoe for shorter runs, get the Zoom Fly. It has a light, racing upper, a durable midsole and a tough outsole.
If you’re looking for a softer trainer for longer runs, the Tempo is the shoe for you. It has a comfortable upper, a more stable ride and Zoom Air units for extra spring. The Tempo is $30 more expensive than the Zoom Fly.
They are both roughly the same weight.
