Back in December 2019 when I first started writing this post, I was eagerly awaiting the delivery [gifted] of the new Nike Air Zoom SuperRep training shoes. They actually never turned up and Nike never responded to my emails.
The Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 was built specifically for the rigours of high-intensity classes – circuit training, HIIT and other fast-paced exercise – and therefore, built for me and my day to day job as a Fitness Professional. The entire range – details later on – is built to serve the performance needs of class-based fitness athletes.
As it stands, I just took delivery of a pair of SuperReps… that I’ve purchased myself. So I was finally able to finish this post and share my first hand experience of the trainers.
High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workouts
HIIT workouts alternate bouts of going all-out with periods of rest to recover. The movements are diverse – think burpees, kettlebell swings, lunges, mountain climbers, push-ups, squats and many more — and are sequenced to get maximum impact from maximum effort, in minimal time.
The design of the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 takes into account hundreds of hours spent sweating it out, studying and observing fitness classes. In the test classes, it became apparent that athletes were either wearing shoes that were cushioned or shoes that were supportive. There wasn’t a shoe that provided both cushioning and support specific to fundamental HIIT movements.
Using Zoom Air in the forefoot not only creates a dynamic aesthetic, it also helps provide impact protection and a responsiveness that gives back rep after rep after rep.
This cushioning — a two-unit system under the forefoot — doesn’t act alone. A plate running from heel to forefoot helps roll the foot forward and into a ready position for the majority of upright HIIT movements.
The upper is crafted to support lateral moves, such as skaters and side lunges. The “burpee break” provides stability in plank positions and allows the foot to bend naturally when driving into mountain climbers.
My First Impressions
I ordered the all black pair after reading a few comments online about how bright certain colour ways are. Seeing the SuperRep 3 shoe in real life though, is a lot different to seeing images online.
They definitely have a very unique look with what you could almost describe as platforms on the heels and forefoot. I’m pretty sure I gain 1-2 inches in height!
When I tried them on, I noticed they were quite tight across the foot which is what Dee had asked about in the comments a few months back. I think this is probably due to the lateral support the shoe has, and lacing them differently probably won’t help.
But I’m gonna give them a go and see what I think!
The SuperRep 4 Update
Well, if there’s one thing that’s improved in the newly updated Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 women’s training shoes its the design and look of them. It’s a vast and much needed improvement, in my opinion.
The redesigned shoe is also lighter than previous versions, which you see just by how much less bulky the shoe looks.
The Nike SuperRep Range
The Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 also introduces an unmistakable signature mark — an exaggerated arc design near the ball of the foot — that carries into the SuperRep family’s other two initial styles, the Nike SuperRep Cycle and Nike SuperRep Go.
I recently got my hands on a pair of the SuperRep Go’s and have been testing them out. First impressions are they’re a much better looking shoe, and seem comfortable straight out of the box. You can read my Superrep Go review here.
Check Out The SuperRep Cycle & SuperRep Go Here:
What The Fiit Community Say
If you’re into HIIT workouts but not tried the Fiit app, then you’ve been missing out.
Here are some of the comments from members of the Fiit community:
“They are absolutely amazing, I love mine. Can definitely tell a difference when doing jump squats”
“I have to admit you can feel the difference when you’re working out.”
“Surprisingly I actually didn’t notice the split sole and I was a bit wary about it. It may be doing a different workout with different exercises it’s more obvious but for today they were totally fine”
Try This SuperRep Workout
Take the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 through its paces with the three dynamic movements below, performing 20 reps of each. (Love the feel? Check out more moves like these in the library of HIIT workouts available on the Nike Training Club app)
High Knees
- Start from a neutral standing position… feet hip width apart, shoulders down and relaxed, arms by your side.
- Pump your knees toward your chest alternating short, quick steps either on the spot, or moving forward if you have space.
- Use arms for extra momentum. I always say that “the faster your arms move, your faster your legs will go!”
- Land on the ball of your feet.
The Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 advantage: The Air Zoom in the forefoot cushions and absorbs impact while it provides responsive, snappy energy to tackle the next rep.
Mountain Climbers
- Starting in a plank / push up position, drive one knee forwards towards your chest between your arms. Use your core to keep your foot elevated off the ground.
- Maintain the plank position by keeping the weight above your shoulders and over your wrists.
- Return the first leg to the start position while driving the other knee towards your chest.
- Switch feet back and forward as quickly as possible. Ensure you keep correct form, especially keeping your hips in line with your shoulders, not allowing them to go too high.
The Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 advantage: The flexible design of the “burpee break” allows your foot to easily and comfortably get into — and drive out of — plank position.
Lateral Bounds
- Stand with feet together, arms at sides with elbows bent.
- With your weight on your left foot, leap your right foot as far as possible to your right side, landing softly with right knee slightly bent and bringing left foot to meet it; repeat in opposite direction for 1 rep.
- Continue alternating, pumping arms to increase the intensity, for remaining reps.
The Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 advantage: Durable side arcs (what Nike designers call the “Containment Shield”) help keep your foot securely locked in place as you bound from side to side.
Once the shoes arrive I will get busy putting them to the test myself. I’ll also get some imagery captured to share in this post and show off the details talked about by Nike.
In the meantime, if you happen to come across this post and have any specific questions you would like me to answer about the Nike Air Zoom SuperRep 4 training shoe, leave a comment below or get in contact with me directly….
You are gonna love these if… you’re a fan of high intensity home or studio workouts and want some support for your feet.
Think twice if… you hate feeling bouncy, or if you’re not a fan of shoes that stand out.
Elle
I just got the Nike Air Zoom Superrep
3, I got them to use at the gym. I am
trying these on but they feel awfully
hard and almost uncomfortable, for
some reason, I’ve never worn a shoe
this hard before.
Is this normal? And would they get
comfortable and softer with time ?
With these shoes, I plan to power
walk/slow run on the treadmill, lift
dumbbells, do quick bike sprints,
squats, etc. Please suggest if I should
keep them or return them and get
something else instead ( and what
should I get instead from Nike ? ). Thanks.
I mean if a shoe feels uncomfortable just trying them on, doesn’t bode well for more. I’d try a few moves in them (indoors) and see if there is hope. I found the superrep go versions to be much much more comfortable than these!
how did you find these in the width. i am finding them tight across the top of the foot, where the laces start. Do you think they will stretch with wear, i really dont want to return them 🙂
Thank you for your time.
D
Hey Dee, these shoes never actually turned up when they were supposed to but I asked a friend who is a Nike Ambassador and he said he hasn’t worn these ones much, he is loving the Superrep Go’s which recently launched. He said the January versions are a bit difficult to get used to (due to the chunkiness) although they do help you to jump higher! …anyway, I would play around with how you have the shoes laced as that could help significantly. Google / Pinterest will have some great info on the best way to lace your kicks to alleviate tightness! Let me know if you find a solution!