Barefoot loose
With Flyknits all the craze, senior design director Rob Dolan sets his sights on the Nike Free.
MANILA, Philippines - It used to be that running shoes were exclusively used by athletes and the clinically crazy (you know, people who get fit for fun). These days, though, you can’t go for a casual stroll at the mall without seeing the most “fashown” boys and girls wearing their Nike Flyknits paired with their favorite Forever 21 digs. To own a pair of Flyknits has become youth culture’s new anti-fashion ID, a message that says loud and clear: “Watch me look like a million bucks while I don’t give a f*ck.”
But can you blame ‘em? Not only do these fancy footwear look good, they feel good too. Elevating their Flyknit technology, Nike has come up with the latest edition of the Nike Free line, a collection of running shoes that mimic the natural movement of the foot for better performance. Finding out more about the one shoe to rule them all, Young STAR chats with Nike’s senior design director Rob Dolan to talk about the Nike Free, barefoot running, and why there’s more to quality running shoes than just lookin’ pretty.
Young STAR: The first Nike Free came out in 2004. What has changed in the last 10 years?
Rob Dolan: The launch of Nike Free in 2004 paved the way for a series of groundbreaking innovations in footwear design. The Nike Free 2014 running collection features three major developments in the shoe’s overall design, pushing the boundaries of footwear design even further — the new hexagonal flex grooves, more anatomical shape, and Nike Flyknit technology.
We read that you got the inspiration for the Nike Free from barefoot runners. What is it that makes barefoot running a good way to improve a runner’s strength?
Studies have proven that less weight on your feet will improve running efficiency and decrease running time. It increases muscle activity in the calves, knee flexion and tibial shock. Further studies also show that barefoot running allows the foot to strike the ground in a more natural way, improving performance and reducing injuries. The Nike Free line aims to recreate the barefoot running experience in the closest way possible.
The material of the shoe seems quite different from your usual running shoe. Is there a functional purpose to that, or was it mostly a design-based decision?
Yes, there is a functional purpose to the use of Nike Flyknit. The new Nike Free line features the Nike Flyknit, an ultra-flight fabric that provides a supportive, contoured fit. It complements the flexibility of the sole, allowing the foot to move more freely in all directions.
Why do you think it is so important for people to invest in good running shoes?
Running shoes are the most vital piece of equipment that a runner owns. Having a pair of good quality running shoes is imperative to avoid injury while running, and to reach optimal performance.
