Need new shoes: Nike Streak 6/7 vs Saucony Type A8

Ive tried out both (worked in a specialty store). Type A8 isn't stiff enough because the sole is rust really maleable rubber. Streak6/7 have pebax plate in the midsole to increase stiffness. Pretty sure the steaks might also be lighter.

dbsquirtNXC21 wrote:

Pretty sure the steaks might also be lighter.

If they are from Argentina or like Zimbabwe or Texas I am sure the steaks are not lighter, their servings are huge there!

SprintTriathlon wrote:

dbsquirtNXC21 wrote:

Pretty sure the steaks might also be lighter.

If they are from Argentina or like Zimbabwe or Texas I am sure the steaks are not lighter, their servings are huge there!

Haha I thought the same thing, no way Steaks could be lighter on my feet.

Aside from the trolling, I'm a huge fan of the Streaks. I've weighed them myself and the weight is way off what Nike states on their website, but that's not the most important thing. Cushioning and responsiveness are my main questions, and if the A8s offer anything justifiably superior to the Streaks.

rhinetalrunner wrote:

After roughly 270 miles, the holes in the upper of my Nike Streak 6s are starting to get bigger. The cushioning is still good, and the outsole has practically no wear despite using them in a variety of terrain at virtually all paces. I've loved the Streaks since day 1, but it looks like its days are numbered. Now, I would be happy to replace them with a pair of 7s, but I'm also curious to try something new. I've heard some good things about the Saucony Type A8, a shoe which is even lighter (~170g vs 207g for the Streak 6 in a US 9.5 as measured by my kitchen scale). How do the 2 compare? I would be using them for some tempo runs, longer intervals/repeats, and 10k-HM racing.

Your input would be greatly appreciated!

I can only comment on the Saucony's as they were my racing shoe the last year from 5km to half marathon. I personally thought they were responsive for fast stuff and provided enough cushioning for the distances above.

Only thing I could give to the Type A would be ability to run dry XC well, and it's meant to go up to the marathon distance. I would not even think of wearing it for the marathon, but it's advertised as such, so it's a good do-it-all flat.

Other than that, the Streaks are a superior shoe for what you want. Streaks have a Zoom unit in the heel and a midfoot shank that extends into the forefoot as well as a curved rocker sole to keep you moving forward. The Type A8 is a stripped-down flat with an outsole, midsole, and upper, and no bells and whistles. In my opinion, the extra tech on the Streak makes up for the weight difference from the Type A.

You may want to look into the New Balance Hanzo S V2 as well.

Thank you everyone for your advice, I think I'll stick to the Streaks but try the A8s (and the Hanzos) if I get a chance... and pick one of them up if the price is right. Can't have too many shoes!

Zante wrote:

Only thing I could give to the Type A would be ability to run dry XC well, and it's meant to go up to the marathon distance. I would not even think of wearing it for the marathon, but it's advertised as such, so it's a good do-it-all flat.

Other than that, the Streaks are a superior shoe for what you want. Streaks have a Zoom unit in the heel and a midfoot shank that extends into the forefoot as well as a curved rocker sole to keep you moving forward. The Type A8 is a stripped-down flat with an outsole, midsole, and upper, and no bells and whistles. In my opinion, the extra tech on the Streak makes up for the weight difference from the Type A.

just curious as you seem to have tried both....with the "tech" the Streak has, it is much more responsive than the A8? I thought the A8 was good at speed but maybe i haven't tried enough shoes. from what I've read, it is more firm so i can see it being more responsive but is it also a harsh run? is it mainly a 5km/10km shoe? I thought the A8 had enough cushioning for a half

ASICS tartherzeal 6??

To me, the Streaks just don't feel fast. They're light enough that you want to run fast, but the rocker gets in the way. It's definitely a marathon shoe for the fleet feet. The LT3-4 are fast, and probably a similar ride to the A8. Shoes that make you want to sprint from the gun.

I wouldn't necessarily call the Type A harsh, but compared to the Streak it is a lot less shoe to work with. So in that sense, it allows for more ground feel which is better for getting up on your toes. I could see going up to a half, yes, but beyond that foot fatigue is going to start setting in and you're going to need a bit more guidance and support.

I also wouldn't necessarily call the Streak more responsive, but for me it is a much smoother ride and is, relatively, less work for your body. Whereas the Type A rewards fast running and good mechanics, the Streak can help you stay efficient when you start to break down over the long haul.

So to answer your question (kinda), I would reserve the Type A for 5K - 10K/dry XC, and the Streak for 10K - marathon. Both can go up or down, but they excel in their own respective ranges.