In 2014, Nike marked a decade of developing its Free technology, an idea that is based on Nike co-founder Bill Bowerman’s philosophy that “It’s all about the feet —it’s not about the shoes.”
This spring, Nike is further expanding its Free offering with several additions that feature new geometric auxetic midsoles designed to aid in an athlete’s natural motion and help develop strength.
So what exactly is an auxetic midsole? Auxetic materials become thicker and stronger widthwise when they are stretched lengthwise and vice versa.
This technology allows the shoe to account for the foot’s expansion when it strikes the ground.
Three-time gold medal sprinter and Nike athlete Allyson Felix said that wearing Nike Free footwear helps strengthen her feet.
“I really like having that natural movement in my shoes,” she said. “Everyone’s feet are different, so it’s great to have a shoe that really moves with you.”
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The Free footwear is split into running and training categories. The new running styles include the Free RN Motion Flyknit, Free RN Flyknit and Free RN. The training category includes the women’s Free Transform Flyknit and the men’s Free Train Force Flyknit.
The Nike Free RN Flyknit and Nike Free RN are available for men, women and in youth sizes.
All styles will be available Thursday on Nike.com, except for the Free RN Motion Flyknit, which will be available May 5 on Nike.com.
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