Nike Zoom Mamba Running Shoes Review

Full Name: Nike Zoom Mamba
Category: Racing flat, spikes
Weight: 4.1 oz. (115 gr.)
Recommended For: Competitive 800-5,000 meters runner

■
Nike Zoom Mamba General Info:

The Nike Mamba was released along with the Nike Victory and the Nike Matumbo in January of 2010. With the release of this new line of spikes Nike turned the competitive distance racing scene upside down, bright orange and neon green spikes started showing up at meets all over, commonly having 10-12 competitors per race wearing them. Mamba’s run slightly narrow, but true to size in length.
Weighing in at 4.1oz, to date these three spikes are the third lightest on the market. Ideally suited to the competitive 800-5000, and steeplechase runner. The Nike mamba offers a light, breathable feel while still providing the support to run the distance.

■
Nike Zoom Mamba Sole Unit:

The midsole is made of an ultra-light, ultra-thin phylon (space age foam) that keeps the shoe very light yet still close to the ground. The phylon offers adequate protection from the pounding of racing to go the full distance but will leave the calves sore. Also the addition of a carbon fiber shank to increase support on the midfoot keeps the foot from sliding around in the shoe.

The Nike Mamba features a removable 5 pin spike plate along with a unique Pebax plate that increases traction without adding any extra weight. With a Sharkskin covered heal that allows for even more traction the Mamba is perfectly suited for track and cross country races.

■
Nike Zoom Mamba Upper:

The Mamba’s light mesh covers the foot well enough to keep it in place yet is breathable to the point of feeling the wind between your toes and to drain well. The heel features a slight cushion around the Achilles that secures the foot and holds it in place, preventing sliding in the shoe and also stopping blisters. When you put on this shoe you will feel as if your foot grew spikes in the bottom, after a quick jog you can hardly notice you are wearing shoes.

■
Nike Zoom Mamba Technology:

Sharkskin is a lightweight, yet strong plastic that is layered onto the heel of the Mamba as shown below. It is formed into a grid like pattern and with a small point extending from every intersection. This is used to promote traction on the heel during cross-country races that are muddy and or slippery.
The Pebax plate is also formed from a rough polymer that is on the forefoot region of the shoe. Using a three-fingered design the purpose is to better transfer downward energy into forward energy from you foot striking the ground. This technology also helps to keep traction on surfaces when slippery.
The carbon fiber midfoot shank is the solid black piece in the middle of the shoe, this technology’s function is to hold the foot more securely by insuring midsole rigidity.

■
Nike Zoom Mamba Opinion:

The Nike mamba continues to receive accolades in the professional running scene as well as local high school and college meets around the country. I for one am in love with these shoes, every time I race I look forward to putting these on and doing some strides in them before getting out on the track. Overall if you are looking for a lightweight, aggressive shoe for cross-country and track racing then this is the shoe for you.