Kikay Reviews: Nike LunarEpic Flyknit

Like I mentioned in my weekly wrap-up post on Monday, I’m going to tell you about the Nike Epic Run held last Saturday at Nuvali where we tested the Nike LunarEpic Flyknit running shoes.

with a few of the 5:30min/km pace group

I mentioned the midcut LunarEpics a few months ago that were launched alongside the twice-weekly Nike Run Club sessions. Now Nike has introduced low-cut versions for women with the same sole and insole technology to make you feel like you can run forever.

LunarEpic Flyknit mid

LunarEpic Flyknit low

one-piece flyknit upper makes for precise lightweight support and breathability

dat boot tho

so pretty!

before the crowd of runners descended

my fellow bloggers and me getting our snaps in

Lunarlon foam sole expands with your foot at every step, making for a soft ride

I was issued a pair to use during a planned 10-kilometer run through Nuvali. Putting my pair on, I marveled at how light they were, almost as if I didn’t have anything on. However, the soles provided such cushioned comfort that it was a pleasure to walk and run around in the shoes! I knew I was going to be sorry to give them back.

comparing which colors we had been issued 😛

receiving my pace band

Our run started off pretty easy on Nuvali’s well-paved roads. We were told that a trail section would come in later on the run. What I was not prepared for was how trail-y that section was.

still all smiles

the pre-arranged photo op 😉 we were told to look serious

Then we turned left off the road and onto a beaten dirt path just wide enough for one mountain bike. These were Nuvali’s trails… and I was just not mentally or physically prepared. Heart rate rose as I tried to keep up with the group because I didn’t want to get left behind and lost (this is a fear of mine stemming from my first trail run where a 3K turned into 9K with no water or support). Thankfully I had chosen the appropriate pace group and Runrio provided aid stations every 2 kilometers, so we were all able to catch up with each other. Despite slipping slightly in a dank and moist section of the trail and always being in fear of turning my ankles, I escaped the trail unscathed. Good job, LunarEpic — for a road shoe!

The shoe drainage was excellent; I managed to step into a puddle at 3 kilometers in but my foot was nearly dry by the time the 6th kilometer rolled around. This was when my tummy (that I had abused earlier that day with my training nutrition) started acting up. Even if I wanted to run some more, I didn’t want to risk a Paula Radcliffe situation.

Nuvali being what it is on Saturdays — a family outing venue — it took some time and effort to find an empty toilet. #takpoo

The Nike LunarEpic Flyknit low is great if you want the same Lunarlon sole without the constriction around the ankle the mid version’s band can cause. It is also very stable and highly responsive.

Nike is planning a few more Epic Runs to allow runners to try out the LunarEpic shoes. Join the Nike Run Club to stay updated on schedules.