First Impressions
We put roughly 700 miles on our first pair of Nike LunarGlides (the LunarGlide 6 to be exact). That’s a few more than typically recommended, but these Nike kicks held up well through the summer, fall and winter months. Come springtime, however, it was time for change to the latest model of Nike LunarGlides, the LunarGlide 7 to be exact. This latest version of one of our favorites adds Nike’s Flyknit mesh to the upper, a slightly wider toebox and some moderate improvements to the midsole to create an even more comfortable version of an already solid running shoe.
Features
Like it’s predecessor, the Lunar Glide 7 sits in the stability shoe category, targeting runners that tend to overpronate and need additional support. The company’s midsole is of the dual-density variety. It’s a firm EVA around the exterior and a softer Lunarlon material inside and across the forefoot. On our test shoe, the exterior was bright green and white. And the more spingy Lunarlon emerged under the midfoot area to cover the full front of the shoe.
Specs
Weight: 20.75 oz. per pair (men’s 11)
Drop: 10 mm
Materials: Flyknit mesh and synthetic textile uppers, Lunarlon foam rubber
In addition to the stability provided by the midsole, Nike also braces the heel with a plastic counter they call Dynamic Support. This was redesigned slightly for the LunarGlide 7. It sits a little lower and has a beefier arch side, giving it more support and control for overpronation.
The LunarGlide 7 remains pretty modest at 10 millimeters. Same as the Nike LunarGlide 6. In contrast, the LunarGlide 7 comes in much less heavy. Our mens size 11 came in underneath the LunarGlide 6 by more than an ounce per shoe at 10.375 vs. the 11.5 ounces of the LunarGlide 6. That’s substantial and very welcome in a daily trainer.
My initial runs in this shoe were very comfortable. The EVA foam midsole of the LunarGlide 7 seems less firm than that of the 6 making the ride much less harsh than on the older shoe. Thumbs up for that improvement. What didn’t improve was the sole pattern. It seems mostly unchanged from the 6. It remains fine on dry pavement, but slick when wet. The shoe also tends to slide around on decomposing granite trails near my home. The sole’s grooves are also the perfect size to pick up small rocks so beware when coming inside from a run. Your hardwood floors will not like your new-found gravel friends.
Fit
Substantially improved over the LunarGlide 6. Nike widened the toe box on the LunarGlide 7, which in our opinion, is the single best thing they could have done to this shoe. It changes everything. Whereas the LunarGlide 6’s felt confined and narrow, the LunarGlide 7 feels expansive. We had to size up to 11.5 in the LunarGlide 6 to compensate. That was not necessary in the 7. We chose and love our normal size 11.
Final Verdict
Nike definitely took it up a notch or two with the LunarGlide 7. It’s more comfortable, lighter weight and frankly better looking than its predecessor. The ride improves with a less firm EVA midsole and cushy Lunarlon across the forefoot. The only missed opportunity for improvement is the outsole that doesn’t quite cut it on the wet or trail. If you’re a road runner looking for a well-turned-out trainer or weekend racer, the Nike LunarGlide 7s are hard to beat. Find them at Amazon.