Nike Lunarglide 3 shield

Color: Grey/Black-orange-reflective silver

Intended use: Road running in low light conditions and cold/wet weather.

Surfaces tested on: Road, synthetic track 21° C/70° F

Upper: Water repellent ripstop mesh, midfoot straos, reflective 3M panels.

Midsole: Injection molded EVA + Lunar Foam insert.

Outsole: Carbon rubber.

Weight: 358 gms for a half pair of UK10/US11

Price: USD 110

In Nike’s words, ‘The Shield pack collection is made up of some of Nike’s most popular men’s and women’s running shoe styles, all with breathable, water resistant uppers to help keep feet dry. Every Shield pack shoe also has reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low light – ideal of late night, early morning or less than sunny daytime runs.’

Two design elements make the Shield pack what it is. First, use of tightly woven mesh repels water to a certain extent during damp weather. Second, the generous dose of 3M reflective panels produces the ultimate urban visibility, with vehicle lights illuminating the shoe from a distance. The reflectivity in the Nike Lunarglide 3 Shield works brilliantly. In ambient light, the shoe looks a regular Lunarglide in grey color, but throw a beam of light its way, and the shiny areas comes into its own. 

The notable design feature in the Lunarglide 3 Shield is its ability to repel water, which comes through the use of specific materials. Unlike the open sandwich mesh used in the original Lunarglide 3, the Shield upper uses a combination of materials to achieve its H20 repel goal. The primary mesh used on the upper is a rip-stop kind with a tight weave structure  – this mesh is used in the toe and heel area, while the tongue and collar makes use of different fabrics. It confirmed that the shoe carries over all the goodness of the original Lunarglide+ 3, like the superb midfoot support, the responsive heel cushioning and a stable ride, but there are a few important things we’d like to call out. This should help you decide which version of the Lunarglide 3 you should be swiping your Visa on.

There is a trade-off for all the new features found on the Lunarglide Shield. The use of the 3M Shield panels and the denser mesh contributes to additional weight – the Lunarglide 3 Shield is 40 grams heavier than the regular LG-3’s – one half pair of LG3 Shield come in at 358 grams as against 324 for the OG version (for US 11). 40 grams is a rather larger bump, and brings the LG3 Shield to Pegasus 2008 levels. This seems to be the only real drawback of the Lunarglide+ 3 Shield.

The Lunarglide+ 3 Shield is a competent package, true to what its predecessor  was. It checks all the right boxes, be it support, stability and cushioning, and useful extras like H2O repel and reflective 3M overlays driving a convincing bargain at a $10 up-charge over the stock Lunarglide 3. 

you will bless the Lunarglide Shield if you are running in wet, cold weather. But if you soak up the miles indoors on a treadmill or outdoors in sunshine, we say that you pick the regular Lunarglide 3’s and be happy. And if you just want to look cool in a pair of Shield’s, it’s your Amex, my friend, not mine!