When it comes to road running shoes, the Craft Nordlite Speed is an intriguing choice that offers a mix of pros and cons suitable for varied running experiences. We’ve spent some quality miles in these shoes and have put together a detailed review to help you decide if they might be a fit for your next run.
Technical Specs
- Weight – 9.52oz or 270g for a US Men’s 9, 8.13oz or 230g for a US Women’s 7
- Cushion – 40mm of cushion and a 8mm heel/toe drop
- Pricing – $219.99 USD
- Colors – 2 colors
First Impressions and Fit
The first thing that stands out about the Craft Nordlite Speed is its all-white appearance, which exudes a clean and almost luminescent vibe. Visually appealing, the shoe demands some care to avoid dirty roads. Upon stepping in, the fit feels comfortable, albeit a tad short. For those who generally run in hot climates with thinner socks, the standard sizing should work well. However, if thicker socks are a preference, consider going half a size up. One minor annoyance encountered was the stitching around the heel, which can dig into the Achilles if not careful. This might be a deal-breaker for some, but for the average runner using thin socks, it’s manageable.
Upper
The upper portion of the Nordlite Speed boasts a thin, breathable mesh that works tremendously well in hot and humid conditions. This design aspect manages to keep the foot cooler, which is always a welcome feature. The laces are thick and padded, ensuring a snug fit without causing irritation. One gripe is the tongue, which, although thin and free-floating, didn’t move much thanks to the lace threading. However, there remained a minor issue with material bunching over the forefoot and tongue. Despite these minor issues, the upper is largely comfortable and supportive.
Midsole
This shoe features a supercritical EVA foam midsole that combines firmness and rigidity. The initial plush feeling from the Ortholite sockliner quickly fades when actually running, revealing a firmer underfoot sensation. This could be ideal for runners who appreciate a stable, rigid ride. The carbon fiber plate embedded within adds to the stiffness, providing a subtle yet notable propulsion. Although not as springy or cushioning as other super shoes, it is particularly stable, making it ideal for mid to long distances at tempo paces. The midsole performs better at moderate to uptempo paces and might feel harsh at slower speeds.
Outsole
The outsole of the Craft Nordlite Speed is engineered for both road and light trail running. While it performs admirably on gravel and dirt, it’s worth noting that “light trails” generally refer to well-maintained gravel paths rather than rugged single-track trails. In dry conditions, the grip is reliable, though it tends to slip a bit on wet surfaces. For a road-focused shoe, it’s decent enough, but perhaps some more aggressive grooving would have enhanced its all-weather capabilities.
Performance
Performance-wise, the Nordlite Speed shines in specific areas while lacking in others. It excels in providing stability thanks to a wide platform and is particularly effective on rutted gravel terrains. However, the term “Speed” in its name feels somewhat misleading. This shoe isn’t necessarily ideal for short, fast-paced runs but works better for longer distances at a steady pace. Its high stack height makes it suitable for ultra distances, where the firmer, more stable ride is an asset.
Ride and Recommendations
Overall, the ride is quite enjoyable, especially for those who prefer a higher cadence and don’t mind a bit of extra weight. It fits more into the realm of a plated trainer than a pure racer, making it versatile but not necessarily top-tier in either category. Craft has aimed for a balance here, and while they might not have hit it out of the park, the shoe offers a unique option for certain types of runners.
Conclusion
In summary, the Craft Nordlite Speed is a stable and comfortable option for long-distance runs at moderate paces, though it falls a bit short on providing speed-worthy execution. Ideal for those who run on mixed terrains and appreciate a firmer, more stable ride, it’s a versatile addition to the running shoes lineup but not necessarily a game-changer. If stability and comfort in a variety of settings are priorities, then this shoe is certainly worth considering.
Learn more on the Craft website
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These shoes were provided by the manufacturer or its partners for the sole use of review. No implied or explicit guarantees were provided as it relates to the provision of these products and all editorial commentary is strictly the property of Running Northwest. In short, the fact they allowed us to test these shoes does not mean we are required to give it a favorable review… every product must earn it. We appreciate our manufacturer partnerships and if you have any questions, you can read our Disclosure Policy in further detail.
Check Out Other Reviewers Thoughts
As always, we gather together some of our favorite reviewers so you can get a well-rounded view of the shoe. Here are our favorites.
