As running continues to grow in popularity as a sport and fitness activity, more and more people are looking for the right running shoe to meet their needs. For many runners, finding a comfortable, well-cushioned neutral shoe is a top priority. Nike’s Flyknit technology has been incorporated into many of their popular neutral shoe models in recent years. But is Nike Flyknit truly a neutral shoe line? Let’s take a closer look.
What Makes a Shoe Neutral?
In general, a neutral running shoe is one that provides cushioning and support without any built-in stability mechanisms. Neutral shoes are best suited for runners with high arches and efficient gaits that don’t overpronate or supinate significantly. The ideal neutral shoe will be flexible while still providing ample midsole cushioning to absorb impact. It will also offer a smooth, consistent ride over different types of terrain and distances.
Key qualities of neutral running shoes include:
- Ample cushioning through the midsole
- No motion control or stability features
- Flexibility through the forefoot
- A lightweight feel
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition
- Versatile enough for different foot strikes and speeds
- Often with minimal medial support
On the other hand, stability and motion control shoes integrate firmer materials on the medial side or flared midsoles to prevent overpronation. Cushioned daily trainers also differ from dedicated neutral shoes in their aims of providing soft comfort for recovery days rather than speed and efficiency.
What is Nike Flyknit?
Nike Flyknit was first introduced in 2012 as a woven upper material touted for its lightweight durability. The proprietary yarn technology precisely engineers areas of stretch, support, and ventilation where runners need it most. The woven material is seamless to reduce irritation. Nike employs Flyknit across many of their performance shoes including for runners, basketball players, and lifestyle designs.
Some benefits of Nike Flyknit uppers include:
- Very lightweight construction
- Seamless upper reduces irritation
- Customizable support through precision knitting
- Breathable for ventilation
- Conforms to the foot for a snug fit
- Easily stretches and moves with the natural foot strike
- Decreased waste compared to cut and sew methods
The woven yarn construction aims to act like a second skin, providing a smooth foot strike and responsive ride. However, Flyknit uppers are not necessarily indicators of the overall shoe characteristics. To understand if a Nike Flyknit shoe is neutral, you have to look at the full design including the midsole and outsole.
Key Nike Flyknit Running Shoes
Nike incorporates Flyknit technology across many shoe models intended for different purposes. Here are some of their most popular Flyknit running shoes and their designation:
Nike Epic React Flyknit
One of Nike’s most popular daily trainers, the Epic React Flyknit is highlighted by its energetic and responsive React foam midsole. The engineered Flyknit upper provides a breathable, flexible fit. This shoe is intended as a cushy neutral trainer option for runners looking for soft comfort without pure speed.
Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Flyknit
The Peg Turbo 2 offers versatile cushioning in a lightweight package. ZoomX foam in the midsole aims to deliver responsive propulsion with each stride. The Flyknit upper results in a virtually seamless fit that moves easily with the foot. This model leans more towards tempo and uptempo running rather than races.
Nike Zoom Fly Flyknit
Designed for optimal energy return for mid to long distances, the Zoom Fly Flyknit employs a full-length carbon fiber plate in the midsole. The exaggerated midsole geometry aims to roll through each stride while propelling you forward. The Flyknit upper results in lightweight support. This shoe is built for speed but still provides cushioning for neutral runners.
Nike React Infinity Run Flyknit
The maximal cushioning React midsole on this shoe offers soft comfort for easy training miles. An external heel counter and wider outsole provide some light stability. However, the React Infinity Run Flyknit still offers a smooth ride for neutral runners focused more on shock absorption than speed.
Nike ZoomX Vaporfly NEXT% Flyknit
Perhaps Nike’s fastest marathon racer, the NEXT% employs a full-length carbon fiber plate and ZoomX foam for explosive responsiveness. The Flyknit upper delivers a breathable, foot-conforming fit. This shoe is exclusively designed for speed and PRs for neutral runners rather than daily miles.
Key Characteristics of Nike Flyknit Running Shoes
While individual models differ, Nike Flyknit running shoes share some common traits:
- Lightweight construction – The Flyknit woven material results in upper weights around 2 ounces, reducing overall shoe weight.
- Flexible forefoot – No overlays or stiff design elements in the forefoot enables natural flex during foot strike.
- Smooth heel-to-toe transition – Gradient midsole geometries rock you forward onto the toe with each step.
- Breathable uppers – Strategic ventilation zones woven into the upper help keep feet cool.
- Seamless construction – Flyknit uppers wrap the foot in a irritation-free second skin fit.
- Cushioned midsoles – Plush foams like React and ZoomX provide responsive energy return.
- Minimal medial support – No pronounced medial posts indicate these are neutral shoes.
However, some Nike Flyknit shoes like the React Infinity Run incorporate discreet stability elements for mild overpronators. Individual shoe models still need to be evaluated based on the full midsole and outsole design.
How Nike Flyknit Stacks Up as a Neutral Shoe
Here is how Nike Flyknit models typically compare to traditional neutral running shoes across key categories:
| Nike Flyknit | Traditional Neutral Shoe | |
|---|---|---|
| Cushioning | Very responsive, infused foams like React and ZoomX | Balanced cushioning from EVA or similar foams |
| Flexibility | Supple forefoot from Flyknit material | Moderate flexibility from overlays |
| Weight | Very lightweight from woven upper | Low to moderate weight |
| Transitions | Smooth heel to toe from rocker midsole shapes | More moderate transitions |
| Support | Little medial support from uppers | Some light medial posting |
Overall, Nike Flyknit shoes trend towards the lower weight, highly responsive end of the neutral running spectrum. The seamless Flyknit upper provides a supple, flexible fit missing in many traditional neutral models. However, some key models like the Epic React 2 and Infinity Run do incorporate discreet stability features.
Conclusion
Nike Flyknit shoes generally meet all the criteria of a neutral running shoe. The woven upper results in an exceptionally lightweight and seamless fit. While individual models like the Zoom Fly and NEXT% lean towards speed over cushioning, shoes like the Epic React and Infinity Run provide plush comfort for easier miles. Missing stability mechanisms and medial posts indicate most Flyknit models encourage natural foot motion for neutral gaits.
However, it is important to evaluate Nike Flyknit shoes based on the full midsole and outsole design, not just the upper material. The Flyknit upper alone does not automatically make a shoe neutral. But in models like the Pegasus Turbo and Vaporfly NEXT%, the upper combines with cushioned and responsive midsoles to deliver a highly flexible and natural ride for neutral runners. Overall, Nike’s use of woven Flyknit results in excellent modern neutral running shoes to consider.
