Nike this week launched the refreshed models of their Nike Free range, which includes Nike Free 3.0 Flyknit, Nike Free 4.0 Flyknit and Nike Free 5.0.
The three model range has been around since 2004 and has now seen five different updates, but Nike are determined that this is there best yet.
Nike Free Senior Innovator Ernest Kim said: “I’d say the biggest change is in the 5.0, and the team really wanted to get back to basics. They just assessed every thing in the shoe and anything that wasn’t absolutely necessary in delivering this natural motion running experience, they took away.”
Another change made to the 5.0 is the tongue. In the previous model, many runners complained that over longer distances they could feel the pressure from the laces. So what Nike did, was add foam material between an extra layer of mesh, which then alleviates any of that pressure.
As for changes in the 4.0, Nike have removed some of the volume over the forefoot to allow less movement between the toes. Whereas in the mid-foot they increased the volume, as some runners complained it was a little too tight.
In the 3.0, Nike engineered a little bit more freedom above the forefoot in the Flyknit material so it’s not as restrictive as its predecessor.
Because of how minimal the 3.0 and the 4.0’s are, for most people, starting with Nike 5.0 is recommended as it has a thicker mid-sole and is less harsh on the sole of your foot. It’s better to work your way down by strengthening your foot muscles.
Nike have also really gone with the angle that this is a natural running shoe. It’s a shoe that enhances your running style, not one that tries to change it.
Technology has not been around as long as man, so if anyone knows how to run best, it’s man. However, there has been a general assumption that everyone has an incorrect running style and you need to shoes to change it.
Ernest replied: “That has been the assumption in the industry for a long time and if you think about it, it’s just so crazy. How could we have gotten here, if we were fundamentally broken. We couldn’t have run away from the lions and survive to mate.”
He went on to say: “Nike Free is all about mimicking your natural motion on a natural surface. That’s why we did a lot of our research on grass. We believe that we evolved on those types of surfaces so that’s one of the reasons, but we also know that is doesn’t feel nice to run barefoot on concrete. So that’s why Free was never about minimal, always about natural.”
Find out more about the Nike Free range here.
