Nike has revealed its 2019 Free Running Collection, the Free RN Flyknit 3.0 and Free RN 5.0, introducing new design features for an even more natural barefoot-feeling running experience. According to the footwear giant, the Free RN Flyknit 3.0 is 37-percent more flexible than its predecessor, while the Free RN 5.0 offers 26-percent more flexibility. That’s pretty impressive!
Ever since the line debuted in 2004, Nike has made considerable efforts in the Free range to allow athletes to “flex, splay and move the way they want.” Fifteen years later they haven’t changed their strategy, with the company breaking new ground on how they achieve those goals.
More anatomically shaped sneakers than traditional running shoes, the 2019 Nike Free Running Collection introduces two new trainers (designed for lower-mileage runs) that are bound to revolutionise your lifestyle. In fact, the new Nike Free midsoles are firmer, flatter and lower to the ground, which allows for a more natural range of motion.
Because Nike Free is intended for lower-mileage runs, the foam cushioning in the new Nike Free midsoles is firmer (closer to that of the original 2004 model to promote a more barefoot-like feel underfoot), flatter and lower to the ground, delivering greater connection and more natural range of motion than before. The midsole now features siping along the top and bottom to increase dorsi and plantar flexion. Based on data mapping, varying depths in the sipes are placed where the foot naturally wants to bend and stretch to enhance the feeling of movement and to allow for more natural foot motion.
The minimal uppers, which is made up of a thin-stretch mesh with a minimal lacing system for the 5.0 and a lace-less Nike Flyknit with a secondary lock-down overlay for the 3.0, were designed to enhance the natural, second skin aspect of the shoes.
The 2019 Nike Free Running Collection will be available beginning March 25.
