Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
N/A
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• Nike Air-Sole unit acts as both an outsole and midsole• Rubber compound pods cover the outsole area and provide durable traction• Air cushioning technology for high levels of comfort and support• Flyknit upper provides breathable support• Midfoot cage is removed for a sleeker look• Flywire cables allow a secure and customized fit• Neutral and gender-based color options
Upper
The Air Presto Fly features the brand’s trademarked Flyknit stretch mesh upper. Lightweight and comfortable, this material adapts completely to the foot’s shape while still permitting completely natural movement. Though the original model came with a prominent midfoot cage, this has been removed for the release to give the shoe a sleeker appearance. A synthetic heel clip, toe bumper, and overlays in the shape of Nike’s logo are present to provide needed structure. These may not be enough, as several consumers have noticed that the upper does wear and tear over a short period of time. Just like the original model, a tongue has been swapped out for a padded collar and pull tab that allows for much easier insertion. Instead of a traditional lacing system, Flywire cables make up the shoe’s eyelets for a more secure and customized fit.
Midsole
As stated before, the Air Presto Fly’s midsole and outsole are the exact same feature. This foam material Air-Sole unit is made with Nike Air cushioning technology. It’s engineered to be just as durable as it is comfortable, retaining its original shape even after being compressed upon impact. It also gives a significant amount of energy transfer, which makes this material perfect for use during sports, workouts, or long distance runs. But reviewers unanimously agree that it’s the cushiony comfort this feature provides that makes it perfect for everyday casual wear.
Outsole
As the name suggests, the Air Presto Fly is outfitted with an Air-Sole unit that doubles as both an outsole and a midsole. Unlike the original model, rubber pods are fixed onto the heel and forefoot areas to ensure greater durability and traction. Its tread pattern features curved squared gripping lugs, greatly resembling a waffle iron or keyboard, to give the runner strong traction and permit a comfortable amount of flexibility.
Breathability
While it may not provide much in terms of durability, this model’s Flyknit upper still ranks high when it comes to a breathable wear. While giving secure support, this sock-like material also allows for all over ventilation that keeps the runner feeling cooler and drier throughout the day. As a result, the risk of irritations and infections caused by excessive sweating is greatly reduced. Many reviewers enthusiastically agree that it enhances their comfort level significantly.
Comfort
There’s a very good reason why the Air Presto Fly has been nicknamed the “t-shirt for the foot” since its initial release in 2000. No matter which other features are included in this model’s special editions and re-releases, its high level of comfort and cushioning is always its greatest selling point with consumers. This is thanks entirely to the combination of its Air-Sole unit, with Air cushioning technology, and the adaptable Flyknit upper. Because both features can easily move along with the foot while still retaining their natural shapes, runners feel no resistance and are kept free from blisters and irritation. A large number of reviewers have compared the wear of this model to the feeling of socks and slippers. They also state that it’s perfect for use during jobs that require many hours of standing.
Style
For the most part, the Air Presto Fly has kept the same general look as its original release. The most obvious difference is the removal of the plastic and TPU midfoot cage, which provides this shoe with a much more streamlined appearance. A padded collar and pull tab take the place of a traditional tongue, which reviewers state makes it much easier and quicker to put on. Instead of a typical set of eyelets, Flywire cables make up the lacing system for added security and a more customized fit. Though black, white, and grey options are available to both men and women, some gender-based color options are also available. Dark blue is available to men, while pink and light purple are offered in women’s sizes.
Durability
There is very little information that details how durable the Air Presto Fly’s Air-Sole unit is. Yet considering that it doubles as an outsole, and is engineered to retain its shape even after heavy usage, it can be assumed that it’s quite sturdy. The rubber pods that cover certain parts of its outsole strengthen it further, while its Flyknit upper, on the other hand, is another matter. The original model was outfitted with a distinct plastic and TPU midfoot cage to maintain its shape and provide added protection. While its removal for this version may be unrelated, reviewers have noticed how easily the mesh material can tear after only a few months of use.
Protection
Because it was intended more for casual running and everyday wear, the Air Presto Fly is not a very protective shoe. It has very little structure or safeguarding qualities, and the upper material is not engineered to be waterproof. A synthetic toe bumper at the front does shield against rough surfaces. And the combination of the heel clip, padded collar, and Flywire lacing system ensure that the foot is kept securely in place. Its cushioning does serve some protective purposes, reducing the likelihood of chronic pain. Furthermore, its breathable upper keeps possible infections and irritations at bay.
Responsiveness
Part of what makes the Air Presto Fly such a comfortable running shoe is its high level of responsiveness, thanks mostly to its Air-Sole unit. It features high levels of shock absorption and energy transfer, bringing an enhanced spring to each step. It’s also engineered to be quite resilient, retaining its shape even after being bent and compressed by the runner’s movements. Both of these qualities make it especially useful to those who play basketball. Even the Flyknit upper has a responsive nature to it, conforming entirely to the foot’s individual shape and moving along with it throughout the runner’s activities.
Support
Due to the removal of its midfoot cage, the Air Presto Fly offers much less support than the original model. Only a heel clip and the brand’s synthetic logo on either side are present. As a result, several reviewers have claimed that the upper could no longer retain its original shape after a few months of use. However, it did not seem to impact the overall fit of the shoe. Thanks to careful engineering, its Flyknit mesh material wraps around the foot securely while still permitting natural movement. In addition, the shape of the collar and the padding it supplies can provide the ankles with a great deal of support.
Terrain
Considering its lack of durability or protective features, it goes without saying that the Air Presto Fly is only intended for use on everyday surfaces. Though the rubber pods located on its heel and forefoot do offer some security, they would be quite useless on more rugged outdoor terrains. Furthermore, the Flyknit upper will tear very easily when worn through harsh environments and cannot safeguard the foot against wet and rainy conditions. Even when the original model’s midfoot cage was present, these same issues were very much present.
Price
At just $100 across all online retailers, the Air Presto Fly has proven itself to be quite reasonably priced. It’s along the same level as other re-releases by Nike and Adidas and may even be more worth the cost considering this shoe’s minimal updates and the comfort it provides. However, the occasional complaint about its upper’s lack of durability may scare some out of paying full price. Fortunately for them, a number of reputable listings on Amazon and eBay sell this model at a significantly reduced cost.
Drop
Though there is no online information that details the height of the Air Presto Fly’s heel-to-toe drop, consumers can draw a reasonable conclusion just by looking at product photographs. The average drop height of a running shoe is 10mm, and online photos show an obvious similarity between this model and shoes with this exact feature.
Stability
The Air Presto Fly has lost some of the stability that was present in its original release. This is due to Nike removing the midfoot cage in order to modernize and clean up its overall look. Its synthetic heel clip, toe bumper, and overlays are still present, providing the shoe with the small amount of necessary structure. Padding around its collar and the Flywire-based lasing system are the only other features that ensure the runner’s foot is kept in place.
Flexibility
Aside from being an extremely comfortable piece of footwear, the Air Presto Fly is also designed to allow the runner to feel as unrestricted as possible. Its Air-Sole unit can easily bounce back to its original shape after being bent and compressed by the wearer’s movements. This is aided further by the outsole’s waffle iron tread pattern and deep flex grooves. Yet it’s the Flyknit upper that truly lets the runner feel free as it fits around the foot’s shape just like a sock and adapts to its every motion.
Traction
Because online reviews focus so heavily on this shoe’s level of comfort, very little attention is paid to how well its traction is. However, it did show signs of improvement from the original release. The inclusion of rubber pods on its forefoot and heel have enhanced its grip and allowed the shoe to perform better on uneven surfaces. It is still not recommended for use on rough terrains, and no information can detail how well it functions on wet surfaces.
Bottom Line
The original Air Presto was heavily marketed as being a “t-shirt for the foot,” and this more modern re-release definitely lives up to that reputation. Thanks to the pliable cushioning of its Air-Sole unit and the breathable sock-like fit provided by its Flyknit upper, the Air Presto Fly is an incredibly comfortable and streamlined shoe that pairs well with different types of casual clothes and athletic wear. Some changes to this shoe may or may not have been for the best, such as the removal of the first model’s midfoot cage. Yet as long as buyers are aware of the shoe’s intended purpose and know how to properly maintain it, it could be a staple in anyone’s wardrobe for years to come.
