The Nike Free Flyknit review

The new Free Flyknit from Nike

Every runner has been waiting for the new Free Flyknit ever since the introduction of the new Flyknit technology. It was only a matter of time before Nike combined two of their most innovative and revolutionary technologies to create what was meant to be the ultimate running shoe in the current scenario.

To begin with, this shoe is available at select Nike stores across India effective 20 August 2013 in a range of color schemes. In what seems to be a logical progression, Nike has combined its Free platform – their hyper flexible sole introduced in 2005 (before Born to Run and the start of the minimalistic running craze in 2009) and the Flyknit (4 years of technology to create a new, entirely woven upper for a snug fit) to create a shoe which provides you with the most natural running feel yet.

Top marks to Nike for the look, vibrant color schemes and theory behind the shoe.

For those that have used both the Free and the Flyknit range of Nike shoes, this shoe does not disappoint. At first glance, simply put, this shoe is the perfect marriage of these two technologies. In the last 5 days I have clocked just over 60 km in this pair of shoes and here are my takeaways.

The Nike Free midsole/outsole is the same as that of the Free+ 5.0. It provides a softer than expected, but firm ride while on the move, absorbing impact while running, specifically from a long distance perspective. In fact, the sole is so flexible that it curls up at both ends when not on the foot.

The sole provides mid-level cushioning, is flexible and moves naturally with the foot. The sole has vertical, horizontal as well as diagonal siping (flex grooves) which provide the runner with the advantages of stability, durability and greater traction as they run. These sipings right through the entire sole enable the runner to have a more natural movement in the mid-foot as he transitions stride also improving running form.

Now to the Nike Flyknit Upper. We have all tried and raved on about the wonderful Flyknit range that was introduced earlier this year. The Free Flyknit provides you with the same Flyknit upper, albeit a better and improved version – you could even call it the Flyknit Upper 2.0. They call it the revolutionary second skin feel and that is exactly what it is. The sock like fit of the upper is snug to the foot and easily covers the upper much like a sock would. Since the shoe is seamless, it is upto the runner to choose if they would like to use a pair of socks with this shoe or just enjoy the shoe as is.

The Flyknit mesh brings with it the benefits of extreme breathability and as with the previous Flyknit range, the mesh is denser in parts of the foot which requires greater support and which take on higher impact during a run, while more breathable in areas of lower impact. So, a tighter and denser weave at the perimeter, stabilises the forefoot and the heel while a stretchable top enables extreme breathability to the runner. Also, the elasticised overall upper provides the ankle with a comfortable and snug fit as well.

A picture of the newly released Nike shoe courtesy the writer

I think my favourite and most innovative feature of this pair of shoes is the Dynamic Flywire support provided in the Flyknit upper. This feature provides the runner with a tighter, snug and compression fit to the shoe. The Flywire spread across the upper provides this shoe with increased elasticity, flexibility and the second skin feel to the runner with each stride. In fact, the only reason there are laces on this shoe, is to hold together the dynamic Flywire in the upper.

Overall, Nike has delivered as always. At Rs. 14,000 a pair, one is paying for the following aspects – comfort, durability, innovation, performance, looks and technology. I am a happy customer and am curious to see how this shoe develops further.

Nike is continuously pushing the boundaries of technology – this time the killer combination of a compressive Nike Flyknit upper with super-flexible Nike Free mid-sole/out-sole has given us a running shoe that delivers a more natural ride which aims at supporting an athlete to move quickly and comfortably over distance.