Image via Complex Original
Since its initial launch back in 2012 around the London Olympics, the Nike Flyknit has seen itself dressed up as a runner, a racer, and the highly coveted HTM with Lunar. However, it wasn't until recently, with the announcement of the Nike Flyknit Free, that Nike truly took the technology to the next level. What may at first glance appear to be just a hybrid silhouette is Nike offering a better version of the two. Sometimes one plus one is more than two.
Nike Free has reigned as one of the most-loved sneakers in the training world since its original inspiration on the track field at Stanford. To this day, we see it in running, training, and even in golf shoes like the TW'14. Nike Flyknit, which was seen everywhere at the London Olympics has made its own path. The soft feel of the upper and the innnovative design has struck a chord with runners and style seekers alike and has resulted in the model even hitting NIKEiD.
This brings us to the Nike Flyknit Free. A mix of the best of both technologies that, as Nike explains, "is meant to amplify nature." With that design ethos in mind and a pair of Free Flyknits in hand, here are the 10 Things You Need To Know About The Nike Free Flyknit.
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Toe-Down Look is a Pressure Map
Back at NRL, Nike Research Lab, the designers spend a lot time looking at pressure maps for your foot to help them better design your shoes. For the Nike Flyknit Free, they decided to give you a visual cue on the upper of the shoe so you have a better idea of how the shoe works with your foot. When looking down at the shoe, the colors show where and how pressure is applied when running.
Go Sockless
Though you can wear socks with the Nike Free Flyknit, the intent is that you don't. The upper has been engineered to conform to your foot and feel like a sock. For those concerned with ventilation, the upper has been design to faciliate air flow and has a perforted Flyknit panel over the top of your foot that trails up towards your ankle and helps dissipate heat.
Olympic Origins
In 2012, Nike launched the Nike Flyknit just before the London Olympic games. After getting them on the feet of the athletes, many said they liked the feel of Flyknit and wanted the same sock-like feel with Nike Free.
Men vs. Women
Unlike most companies that do what is called "Shrink It and Pink It," Nike created a completely new last for the women's Flyknit. This process, at the most basic level, means that the women's shoe conforms more to their foot with a wider area at the toe and slimmed at the heel.
Difference Between a 5.0 and a 3.0
For the Flyknit Free, Nike is kicking things off with the 5.0 Free outsole. For the uninitiated, 5.0 is the thickness of the outsole as compared to a traditional running outsole. The scale goes from 0-10, with 0 equivalent to running barefoot, and a 10 being equivalent to a traditional running shoe like the Pegasus. For those that run, you will be happy to know the Flyknit Free has an 8mm drop.
Dynamic Flywire
Flywire isn't a new technology. We've seen it in basketball shoes since 2008 and it has been used in running product for a while as well. For the Free Flyknit, Nike went with Dynamic Flywire. Dynamic Flywire is loose and isn't encapsulated which gives it greater mobility and allows it to better form and react to the movement of your foot.
Weight
The weight of a shoe is always a determining factor when it comes to running. No one wants to run in a shoe that is heavy. On the Nike Free Flyknit, the men's shoe weighs in at 7.4 ounces (size 10) and the women's weight is 6.1 ounces (size 8).
Training
Staying true to their focus of keeping the needs of the athlete first, Nike is launching training programs across the country that are tied into the Nike Free Flyknit. The programs will be part of the NTC programs found at Nike Stores around the country. If you happen to be in Los Angeles, Nike is launching their Get Fly campaign at the Nike Vault tonight at 10 p.m..
With or Without Laces
Designed to conform to your foot, the Nike Flyknit Free can actually be worn without laces. While you would lose the support of the Dynamic Flywire and the additional lockdown of the laces, runners who don't require such a tight fit have been running laceless.
Waste Not, Want Not
Traditionally, when shoes are made there is a large amount of material left over that must be discarded because it can't be used for another shoe. With the Nike Free Flyknit, the shoe is made to the nearly exact specifications and the waste at the end of the day is equal to less than the weight of a piece of paper.
Availability
Like the launch of the original Flyknit, the Nike Free Flyknit will be limited to Nike Store, Finishline, and select specialty running shops. Other larger stores may have access to a limited stock, but they will not be rolling out nationwide or in large numbers.
Look for the Nike Free Flyknit to officially launch on Thursday, August 1 for $160.
Update: You can purchase the Nike Free Flyknit at Champs Sports now, online.
