Nike Unveils New Running Technologies

*** Press Release ***

NIKE UNVEILS NEW RUNNING TECHNOLOGIES 

AND "NATURE AMPLIFIED" DESIGN ETHOS

Four new innovations are designed to enhance the running experience

NIKE, Inc., the world’s leading running brand, today unveiled four new innovations at an event at the company’s global headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. The new products are designed to enhance runners’ natural abilities and were guided by Nike’s "Nature Amplified" design ethos, an approach that is focused on designing for the body in motion and fueled by scientific data and athlete insights. Two new running shoes were introduced  — the Nike Free Flyknit and Nike Free Hyperfeel — along with two new apparel technologies, Aeroloft and Dri-FIT Knit.

“Innovation is not about creating for its own sake, it's about creating something better, designing with a purpose. Running is the heart and soul of Nike and it’s the birthplace of a constant stream of new innovations that will drive the company forward,” said Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc.

FOOTWEAR INNOVATIONS

• The Nike Free Flyknit is the fusion of two of Nike’s most iconic footwear technologies — the compressive Nike Flyknit upper and the flexible Nike Free outsole. The Nike Free Flyknit upper features zoned performance mapping and a second-skin fit. The shoe provides the benefits of natural motion and a snug, supportive fit in a single shoe.

The Nike Free Flyknit

• Designed to feel like an extension of the body by minimizing layers between the foot and the ground, the Nike Free Hyperfeel delivers a natural motion sensation for the runner. A drop-in insole made from Lunarlon foam allows the foot to have direct contact with Lunarlon cushioning. The ultra-thin waffle outsole uses strategically placed waffle pistons for grip and feel, allowing the foot to get closer to the ground.

The Nike Free Hyperfeel

APPAREL TECHNOLOGIES
• Nike Aeroloft technology also debuted in the ultra-light Nike Aeroloft 800 Vest, designed to keep runners warm and comfortable in cooler conditions. Insulating down has been combined with precision ventilation that allows heat to escape the body so athletes stay dry.

The Nike Aeroloft 800 Vest

• Dri-FIT Knit is an ultra-soft, lightweight fabric engineered to help athletes maintain optimal performance temperature in a variety of conditions. The technology employs visibly different knit patterns to aid breathability, while seamless construction ensures a smooth fit free of distraction.

The Nike Dri-FIT Knit

“Nature Amplified means designing for bodies in motion and creating incredible new products that work intuitively with the human body,” said Trevor Edwards, NIKE Brand President. “The footwear and apparel we’ve unveiled today is based on insights from athletes and runners at every level, combined with extensive research in our Sport Research Lab. These innovations are data-driven, but body-led."

Nike Flyknit: A Definite Eye-Catcher

Photo courtesy of Lookbooks website

As I was browsing through old blog posts, I noticed I was not blogging running-related purchases I made in the past. This is now about to change.

If you've been a fan of the London 2012 Olympics (like I was), it would have been very difficult not to notice similar shoes worn by the athletes across all types of sports. It's this neon green pair that's a definite eye-catcher. It's the Nike Flyknit, a revolutionary lightweight pair made of inter-crossed yarn and fabric. I fell in love at first sight and promised myself I'll get my hands on a pair if it becomes available in the Philippines.

Nike Flyknit Galore in London 2012 Olympics! (Photo courtesy of Monorex website)

Surprised I was the first week of August when I read Coach Rio's tweet that there would be limited supplies of Nike Flyknit in Riovana. Giddy me did not waste any time and ran to Riovana BGC. The pair of Nike Flyknit Racer costs 6995php.

Woot, woot! The bag contains my preciousssss!

Out of the box!

Super love my Flyknit!

Believe it or not, I have never used my pair on a race yet. I planned on using them on short distance races (3k or 5k perhaps) but I always register in long distance categories that I haven't had the chance to test them yet. Yes, I use them on treadmill training and I can say it's as if I'm running barefoot due to the pair being super lightweight. The closest I did in using them on pavement is when I was a marshal/photographer during the HP Fun Run last year (photo below when I was pacing two runners to the finish line).

HP Fun Run 2012 - Nike Flyknit's still grabbing attention on photo!

One great thing about having a pair of Flyknit is you get to have a lot of random people approach you and ask you where you got the pair, or just plain complimenting you for the great-looking shoes. It was definitely one of my best buys last year.