Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
12mm
Breathability
8.5/10
Latest Version
Flyknit Air Max 2016
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Nike Flyknit technology on the shoe’s upper• Nike Flywire technology• Stitch and turn collar• Sculpted Cushlon midsole• Flex grooves• Reflective elements• Midsole drop 12mm
Upper
The Nike Flyknit Air Max upper is one of the key features of the shoe. The shoe gets part of its name from the Flyknit upper, which is a woven one-piece that was inspired by feedback from runners who wanted a shoe with a snug fit like a sock. The shoe has a knit upper with technology that still manages to provide the shoe structure and durability. Nike does this by using one layer of support, flexibility, and breathability, and still manages to keep the upper lightweight. Many wearers felt that the upper is more breathable. The upper also integrates the laces adding to the upper’s additional support structure. The lacing system is also dynamic and customizable. The shoe also utilizes Nike’s Flywire technology that strategically places filaments that provide support where needed. Overall, the upper is a key feature that adds to the shoe’s support and breathability.
Midsole
The Flyknit Air Max uses Nike’s Air Max technology within the midsole. This is where the ultimate cushioning comes in. Nike uses tubular construction to support the underfoot and provide smoother transitions. The cushioning also helps during impact by absorbing the shock, adding to the high comfort level of this shoe. There is also the Nike sculpted cushlon that provides plush cushioning and protection during impact. The Flyknit Air Max also utilize flex grooves that provide additional cushioning and flexibility. Overall, most reviewers felt that the midsole was above average and contributed to the comfort of the shoe.
Outsole
The outsole helps to support the foot from underneath. The outsole of the Nike Flyknit Air Max utilizes typical Nike technology to enhance the experience while running. The outsole helps deliver strong protection against wear, adding to the shoe’s durability. Nike redesigned the air cushioning with a more tubular construction. The shoe has a rubber traction pattern that has also been redesigned to help with the shoe’s responsiveness by distributing the runner’s weight more evenly. This provides runners not only with added traction but also with a smoother ride. The shoe also has flex grooves that help make it more flexible. Overall, the outsole is a strong component of the shoe.
Breathability
Breathability does not seem to be an issue for the Nike Flyknit Air Max at all. With the woven upper, which is made of polyester yarn, the Flyknit technology provides comfort and support. The precision technology helps contribute to the shoe’s flexibility and breathability. With one layer of stretch and support, the technology integrates breathability as well. The Flyknit technology helps keep the foot cool and dry. Many wearers felt that the Nike shoe is more breathable than ever. They also said that the Flyknit upper is more breathable than previous models and had a lightweight feeling that mimicked a sock.
Comfort
As mentioned in many of the featured sections, comfort ratings are high for the Nike Flyknit Air Max. All the features combine to create a comfortable experience for runners and fashionistas alike. Starting with the Air Max cushioning that provides a high level of not only comfort but support and flexibility to keep runners protected during impact. The lightweight, woven, Flyknit upper also adds to the comfort of the shoe by providing a sock-like fit based on feedback from runners. There is also strong arch support. These features combine to meet runner’s comfort needs. Most wearers say that the shoe offers a tremendous amount of comfort.
Style
With colorful running shoes more prominent lately, the Nike Flyknit Air Max fits the style. Nike utilizes different and bold color combinations throughout the shoe. The shoe’s style even goes so far as to appeal to lifestyle wearers, as well as runners. The vibrant colors definitely work for what most runners are looking for. However, some runners that were looking for something a bit more simple were disappointed with the color choices.
Durability
The Nike Flyknit Air Max is average when it comes to durability. The shoe is considered reliable for the most part with its high level of cushioning, knit upper and overall support. The rubber outsole adds to the shoe’s durability by offering protection throughout areas that often experience high wear. However, there have been several complaints surrounding the air bubbles popping after use ranging from three months to six months. With such a costly shoe, users were not very happy with the level of durability from that standpoint.
Protection
The Nike Flyknit Air Max has many features that contribute to the shoe’s protection quality. With a high level of cushioning utilizing Nike Air Max technology, as well as the rubber outsole, the foot is protected by the shoe. The sculpted cushlon midsole not only offers a plush cushioning, but it also provides protection from impact, adding not only to the shoe’s protection but also its responsiveness. There are also reflective elements that help keep the runner safe when visibility is low.
Responsiveness
The Nike Flyknit Air Mac offers average responsiveness. The shoe provides support and balance to the foot, allowing a smooth transition from heel to the forefront. This helps create a much more efficient running experience. The shoe provides support and balance to the foot through its tubular construction. This allows the foot to receive more air, which assists with transitions. The sculpted cushlon midsole’s cushioning also helps to aid responsiveness by protecting the foot during impact, ensuring smoother transitions. The flex grooves work with the Max Air unit to create a more natural range of motion. Reviewers felt that the shoe created a responsive running experience.
Support
Support is above average for the Flyknit Air Max. Nike has created a supportive, neutral shoe that includes many features that help create a supported running experience. The shoe is designed to support everyday runners who put miles on the shoes. The Flyknit upper fits the runner’s foot creating a customized feel. The single-layer construction combines not only flexibility but also support, providing structure for those that need it. The shoe also utilizes cushioning to support the foot during impact. Reviewers felt that the shoe was highly supportive.
Terrain
The Nike Flyknit Air Max is designed primarily for runners on the road. The neutral shoe has elements like the cushioning and support that fair well off the road as well. Wearers felt like the shoe provided an excellent amount of traction and grip, helping this shoe perform well both on and off the road. Feel free to take this shoe off the road and onto the trails.
Price
The price is definitely above average on the Nike Flyknit Air Max. With the Nike branding and three forms of high-level technology, it would be expected to be higher than most. The shoe comes in at $225, but can probably be found a bit lower since it is no longer the latest model of the shoe. While runners expect to pay a premium for a shoe like this, the durability plays a large role in why some runners did not feel the shoe was worth the cost. The question concerning durability comes in with price, and overall durability doesn’t seem to be an issue for everyday runners. It could potentially be an issue for heavy runners. Style plays a large role in the price as well, since many non-runners are able to pay this high price tag, just for lifestyle wear. They feel that the design and coloring are worth the price alone.
Drop
Nike Flyknit Air Max 2015 has a midsole drop of 12mm. This is typically a drop recommended for runners who require additional cushioning or beginner runners. The 12 mm drop helps to support the heel of runners with added cushioning. As the drop gets lower, cushioning tends to be more evenly spread throughout the foot and is not as much in the heel. Some runners were concerned that the drop was a bit much and were looking for something lower than their running shoes.
Stability
The Nike Flyknit Air Max 2015 offers a cushioned design that helps the runner feel more stable in the shoe. The shoe’s upper, cushioning and a supportive lacing system combine to make this comfortable shoe a stable one as well. While stability is a strong point for this shoe, the Flyknit Air Max is still a neutral shoe. This means that if stability is a key element in the purchasing decision, it would be best to explore the options in the Motion Control category of shoes.
Flexibility
Shoes that typically have added support and cushioning don’t often have a high level of flexibility. However, Nike’s technology continues to go above and beyond by still managing to create a flexible shoe. The 2015 Flyknit Air Max is the said to be the more flexible than previous models. The shoe’s upper helps create a flexible shoe, ensuring that the foot is able to move comfortably, while still being supported. Nike uses its lightweight, Flyknit upper to find a balance between support and flexibility. The shoe’s cushioning and flex grooves combine to make the shoe even more flexible.
Traction
While the shoe is not specifically designed for trail running, it still ranks high for traction with a strong grip on rough surfaces. The shoe’s outsole is redesigned with a lighter waffle pattern outsole that adds to the shoe’s traction. The rubber traction of the shoe’s outsole is said to provide high levels of grip. With the strong traction the shoe fairs well on and off the road.
Bottom Line
Nike Flyknit Air Max 2015 is a neutral shoe with typical Nike features that combine to create a soft, comfortable shoe, unlike any others on the market. The combination of the Flyknit upper and the Air Max cushioning make this a great shoe for every day runners. The shoe is designed to fit like a sock, and most runners agree that the shoe does just that. The shoe is highly responsive and flexible, creating an optimal running experience. And runners in need of arch support can feel comfortable purchasing this shoe. While the high level of comfort makes this shoe an excellent choice, runners were put off by the price and the possibility of the air bubbles popping. Lifestyle wearers, though, felt that the shoe ranked well on style, and were willing to purchase it for everyday wear. Overall, the Nike Flyknit Air Max 2015 is a shoe that provides a comfortable, supported running experience.
