Nike Free Flyknit
This summer, Nike are introducing a running shoe that combines the benefits of natural motion found in Nike Free and the supportive second-skin fit of Nike Flyknit; the shoe will be called the Nike Free Flyknit.
Driven by scientific data and insight to athletes, an approach that has lead to Nike’s design ethos of “Nature Amplified”, Nike Free Flyknit is designed to flex with the foot in motion. Runners can now benefit from a shoe with compression fit to improve support and propulsion, and a flexible midsole and outsole that moves in a natural way with the body for a barefoot-like flexibility.
Nike Flyknit Upper
The Nike Flyknit upper is constructed in a compressive way to allow the runner’s foot to be secured in place on the platform of the shoe. The design reflects a performance-mapping technology used by Nike Sport Research Lab scientists who located areas of stress on the foot by investigating how pressure is applied to the top of the foot. This design has been engineered to combine stretch for natural flexibility as well as a tighter weave at the boarders to stabilise the forefoot and heal. The design also incorporates an elasticised construction to secure the ankle comfortably in place. Additionally, the Nike Flyknit design reduces Nike’s typical upper waste by an average of 88% by knitting a one-piece upper.
Nike Free Platform
On the Nike Free spectrum the Nike Flyknit midsole lies in the middle of the scale at +5.0, (on a scale of 1-10, 1 is similar to running barefoot and 10 is alike to a traditional running shoe) delivering mid-range cushioning and natural flexibility. To allow the natural movement in the mid-foot whilst running, the arch of the shoe features flex grooves known as diagonal hot-knifed sipes.
The Nike Free Flyknit’s innovative design follows years of design exploration and biomechanical research to deliver a running shoe that provides a more natural running experience, increasing athletes’ ability to comfortably move quicker over distance.
