Nike Air Zoom Rival Fly 3 A DURABLE DESIGN MADE FOR SPEED.
When you’re ready to ramp up the speed and go the distance, take off in a model that’s built for training and racing. Our latest version includes foam cushioning that’s softer than ever, and abrasion-resistant rubber for extra durability on rocky roads. With updates like these, you’ll be able to stay focused as you push towards the finishing line.
Soft and Smooth
Updated foam provides softer cushioning than the previous version. It’s combined with a Zoom Air unit under the ball of your foot for a responsive, bouncy sensation when you push off.
Ventilated Containment
Mesh feels light and breathable around your toes.
More Benefits
- A traditional collar provides a comfortable fit for your heel.
- High-abrasion rubber along the sole for durability.
- An overlay that wraps around the toes makes it durable.
Take the design language of VaporFly and build an affordable shoe for everyday use, then it is Nike Rival Fly. Similar to Vaporfly, it has a highly tapered heel and swoosh extending all the way to top of the upper, and feels fast. In its 3rd edition, Rival Fly 3 fills the gap in Nike running shoes line-up that is left void by discontinued Zoom Elite, and the directional change of Pegasus.
Rival Fly 3 is aptly named. Like other shoes that use “Rival” prefix, Rival Fly 3 is affordable. While its design language is similar to Zoom Fly and VaporFly, it has no similarity in terms of how the shoe is constructed.
WHAT MAKES UP RIVAL FLY 3?
Nike’s Rival Fly 3 is a lightweight shoe, and weighs around 210gms. The shoe has a 8mm heel-toe drop. At the stack height of 20mm, it is quite a low profile shoe, and is designed for short distances and speed training. In comparison to Nike Pegasus 38 which has 10mm drop and 33mm stack height, one can feel the ground more distinctly.
Midsole
The midsole uses a proprietary cushioned foam, which is quite springy and responsive. While it cannot be compared with modern foams it is soft for a shoe in this range. The midsole also includes a Zoom Air Bag in the forefoot, which is what makes it responsive.
Outsole
The outsole of the shoe is as minimal as it can get. It is designed with cutouts that span from back to front to make the foot transition easy. The lugs on the outsole are put together in a wave-like pattern. On the heel however, there is plenty of rubber for durability.
Upper
The upper is made of mesh and the design is very thoughtful with Nike swoosh extending all the way till the top top of the forefoot. The upper mesh keeps the toe box well gripped, with enough room in the front. The laces are unique as the width is slightly bigger than the usual Nike shoes that I’ve tried. Having said this it is intact and stays firm through the run.
Nike RivalFly 3 is an excellent neutral daily trainer for distances up to half-marathon. It also works great for short races. If you are looking for an affordable shoe with modern aesthetics, it is a shoe that is highly recommended.
