If you want your trainers to be works of art as well as technically amazing, then take a look at Nike’s Flyknit innovation.

Flyknit – which Nike are pairing with different sole technologies – is all about the shoe’s upper, which is woven and sculpted to create an amazing featherweight, snug-fitting, strong (not to mention super-goodlooking) shoe.

 

 

Nike Flyknit technology was inspired by conversations with runners, and what kept cropping up was a desire for a shoe with an ultralight, second skin-like fit. Nike responded by embarking on a four-year mission with teams of programmers, engineers and designers, refining and refining until the Flyknit was ready to go.

The polyester yarn used is woven into different textures – more openly in areas that need flexibility, and more densely where extra support is called for. The result is a fitted, virtually seamless upper that has an organic feel about it, giving the shoe a laid back sensibility although there is nothing laid back about the technology. The feel is supportive, providing responsive stretch and ventilation.

 

 

Sturdy Flywire cables wrap the midfoot for added support, and work with the Dynamic Fit system, integrating with the shoe’s laces for a secure, locked-down fit that moves with you.

Earlier this year, the ultra-light Nike Flyknit upper was paired with the super soft and responsive Nike Lunarlon cushioning to create the rather genius Flyknit Lunar 2 for men and women.

Rob Dolan, Senior Design Director, Nike Running says, “The Flyknit Lunar2 brings two of our best innovations and technologies together in one package. You get the responsive, fluid ride of Lunarlon cushioning with this amazing, light but supportive upper through Flyknit. Those two things together are a magical combination.”

How is it different from the Lunar 1+? Well, there’s more stretch in the upper, and the tongue is now attached so it stays where it should be. And on the outsole, pressure map data helped inform a new pattern that more closely matches how the foot naturally moves through stride. The result is an even more natural and fluid ride, a lightweight neutral shoe built for style enthusiasts and runners from elite to beginner.

The Flyknit Lunar 2 comes in some stunning colourways from platinum & crimson or turquoise and military blue in the men’s fit, to mono black and white or atomic orange and purple for women. A selection of Nike Flyknit styles are available now at JDSports including the exclusive women’s white/wolfgrey Lunar 2.

by Claire Lomax