Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
8 mm
Breathability
9/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Lightweight
Key Features
• Flyknit material: This material is breathable and snug. It eliminated the need for a sock liner.• Flywire technology: These are cables that run securely along the midfoot creating an individualized fit for every athlete.• Air sole: The air sole runs the entire length of the sole. It does the job of the midsole and the outsole so well that Nike completely eliminated a traditional EVA midsole foam from its design.
Upper
Nike’s patented Flyknit technology eliminates the need for an additional sock liner. This reduces friction while simultaneously lowering the total weight of the shoe. Flyknit is a light, breathable material that helps keep the foot cool and dry even on long or hot runs. Although the Air VaporMax Flyknit is a newer Nike model, it uses a tried and true technology in the design of its upper: Flywire technology. This is a technology that uses lightweight cables to secure the foot in place and offer an individualized fit for each runner. All of these design elements work together to create a snug yet breathable upper.
Midsole
The most interesting thing about this midsole is that this shoe has no midsole. While most running shoes have a midsole to provide cushioning, absorb shock, and add stability, this shoe doesn’t have a traditional midsole foam layer because it is designed in such a way that it doesn’t need one. The upper of this shoe is made using Flyknit material which elements the need for a sock liner. The outsole of this shoe is comprised using the Air sole technology that provides amazing cushioning, stability and shock absorption. Nike felt that it didn’t need a traditional EVA midsole foam, and most runners agree with them.
Outsole
The outsole of these shoes is guaranteed to give the runner an experience they have never had before. The outsole is uniquely constructed, through the entire length of the sole, using Nike’s patented Air Sole technology. The sole is made of air, making it completely clear and bouncy. The truly unique design element of this shoe is that it doesn’t have a traditional midsole foam, instead the designers of the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit felt that the outsole provided enough bounce, cushioning, and shock absorption that a traditional EVA midsole foam wasn’t necessary. Runners seem to agree.
Breathability
The upper is comprised of Nike’s patented Flyknit material. This material hugs the foot snuggly but is also able to offer maximum breathability to the runner. This is key for the runner whether training for a race or working on their speed during an intense tempo run. Runners know that breathability in a shoe provides the runner with one less element to worry about.
Comfort
The revolutionary inclusion of the Air cushioning on the sole of the shoe provides the runner with the feeling that they are actually running on air, which is exactly what the designers of the shoe were going for. The Air cushioning gives the shoe a very cushioned, springy feel. In addition to the comfort that can be found in the outsole, the upper is made from Nike’s patented Flyknit material which fits like a glove and is still incredibly breathable. To further individualize the fit, the Flywire cables along the sides of the shoe provide each runner with a fit that is unique to their particular foot.
Style
Runners expressed how pleased they were with the overall style and design of this shoe. The aesthetic is unique and certainly eye catching. The globe-like outsole is a see-through material that makes it look like the individual is walking on air. The color options that Nike provides range from basic (platinum, wolf gray and white) to the extreme (blue orbit). Additionally, if none of Nike’s pre-made models catch your eye, they give you option of creating your own style for an additional cost.
Durability
Since this is a new shoe with a totally new design, the jury is still out on the durability of the Air VaporMax Flyknit. The design team at Nike believes that the new materials used in the outsole are more durable than traditional outsole rubber materials. Additionally, this shoe does incorporate rubber pods into particular parts of the shoe that will experience the most break down. In terms of the upper, runners reported that Flywire cables hold up well but the Flyknit material can begin to fray along the edges prematurely.
Protection
This shoe offers great protection to the runner in the form of shock absorption. The outsole of the shoe is designed an adaptive gel that effectively absorbs the shock from each foot fall. In the long run, efficient shock absorption is imperative to reduce and prevent injury. Another protective element of this shoe is the breathable Flyknit fabric that comprises the upper. Breathability in a shoe is imperative to protect against blisters and other irritants that can arise from damp or irritated feet during a run.
Responsiveness
These shoes offer great responsiveness. The unique design of the shoe makes it feel like you are running on air. They provided excellent shock absorption and the added traction grips the road, making it easy to change directions and speeds.
Support
Nike’s patented Air sole runs the entire length of the outsole. The cushioning that this Air sole provides gives extra support to the both the heel strikers and the midfoot strikers. Extra cushioning is strategically provided in both of these areas to ensure that each individual running style can run comfortably and safely in this shoe. In addition to this, the Flyknit material used in the upper provides the runner with snug support without feeling restrictive because of its highly breathable material.
Terrain
Because of the added traction offered through the unique design of the outsole, these are shoes that are good for the runner that spends a lot of time on the track or other paved surfaces. While the breathable Flyknit upper offers a snug fit, this shoe still is better suited off the trail. However, the outsole can easily take runners on groomed trails with rocky and uneven terrain for a short period during their workout.
Price
This is the only place where runners had a negative thing to say about this shoe. If you are looking for an affordable shoe because price is your driving focus, then this is not going to be your shoe. The Air VaporMax Flyknit just launched in March and it chock full of the newest and move innovative technologies. For these reasons, you should expect to pay close to two hundred dollars for these shoes.
Drop
This shoe is going to feel more like a traditional distance running shoe because of its eight millimeter drop. Because of the higher heel drop, this shoe offers more support and stability than a more natural or minimal running shoe. However, just because this shoe offers more stability, that doesn’t mean that it is a heavy shoe or isn’t suggested for racing. The higher drop combined with its lightweight design makes this a great shoe for shorter to mid-distance races.
Stability
There are few elements of this shoe that bring extra stability to the runner who wears it. For one, the shoe offers thicker overlays along the heel and toes of the shoe. This creates a more stable upper for the runner by creating a more structured feeling. In addition to this, the outsole of the shoe is constructed from a stable gel that provides excellent responsiveness but also a very stable base for the runner. That being said, it isn’t a shoe that is suggested for the severe overpronator, but those looking for an average amount of additional stability will be fine.
Flexibility
This is a very flexible shoe. Because the design does not feature a midsole, it allows for greater freedom of movement throughout the outsole. The entire length of the sole is covered in Air sole technology and the unique design of the outsole promotes flexibility. Additionally, the upper of the shoe uses Nike’s Flyknit material which creates a glove like feel and doesn’t restrict the movement of the foot in any way.
Traction
Runners rave about the traction on these shoes. The sole actually has TPU lugs that are incorporated into the design which gives these shoes much more traction than your average running shoe. For this reason, runners love this shoe for track workouts.
Bottom Line
We know Nike provides its athletes with high quality products like shoes, watches, and clothing. This shoe can proudly join the ranks of gear and shoes that have come before it. Overall, runners should expect to find a comfortable, cushioned running shoe that is great for shorter or mid-distance racing. On Nike’s website, this shoe is receiving 4/5 stars for all of its customer reviews. It is innovative and includes the newest technologies, including a unique design that leaves the midsole completely out!
