Nike Free RN Flyknit Reviewed for Performance

9.2
9.2 score
(WalkJogRun) score (9.2)/10

Our WalkJogRun score is based on 3 different factors: Editor's rating after in-depth testing. User ratings submitted on this page Overall score from the "reviewmeter" based on reviews across the web the weight of each factor is: 40% editor rating 15% user ratings 45% reviewmeter.
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Editor rating: 9.6 / 10
User's rating: based on 8 user ratings
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Nike Free RN Flyknit Reviewed for Performance Review Facts

Nike is setting the standard for great, quality footwear worldwide with their wide assortment of different types of sneakers, from running shoes and soccer shoes to everyday shoes. You name it, they have it. The new Nike Free RN Flyknit is a sort of hybrid of a running shoe and an everyday sneaker. The rubber and foam sole gives great support and flexibility, while the new Tri-star pattern of the sole provides excellent grip and traction for running. Topping it all with the new super breathable Flyknit material, this lightweight shoe hugs the feet perfectly for a smooth ride.

Editor's Pros & Cons
Pros
  • Flexible outsole
  • Innovative design
  • Breathable upper
  • Reinforced heel
  • Multiple colorways
  • Excellent cushioning
  • New Tri-Star pattern
Cons
  • Some sizes run small
  • Not suitable for long distance
  • Upper prone to tearing
  • Fairly expensive
  • Debris get stuck in the tread
See How
Reviews were analyzed here:
We read, analyze and sort reviews into positive & negative categories to give you the complete picture.
What are buyers saying?

We have spent 4.00 hours analyzing a total of 599 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive
  • The Nike Free RN Flyknit is very well made and oh so light. While providing comfortable arch support, the shoe is flexible, responsive and supportive. Provides exceptional breathability.
  • These shoes fit like a glove and are by far the most comfortable shoes that I've purchased.
  • These fit perfectly but I did get a half size larger than my normal size. Very comfortable. I use these for mostly walking and great for being on my feet all day. Could use more color options.
  • I think these shoes are the most comfortable on the planet. These shoes are life changers if you are a waiter/waitress/chef because we are on our feet for hours.
  • I am not a new wearer to Nikes but these Nike Free RN Flyknits are something special. Right out of the box they are so comfortable. I haven't worn a more comfortable pair of sneakers.
  • This is my first time in a pair of Nikes and these are outstanding. These shoes are made well and very light. Worth this investment.
  • Nike Free RN Flyknits feel like they are hugging my feet. Very comfortable and nice support. Great for walking and running.
  • These shoes are fantastic and superior traction. Having to pick the rocks that collect in the soles is not even a problem compared to how awesome these shoes are. My feet sweat profusely and with how breathable the flyknit is that's not a problem.
  • Had to go up a size. Will buy this shoe repeatedly. I love these shoes.
  • These shoes feel like there is nothing on my feet and I appreciate that since I prefer to run barefoot. The arch support is not overly padded and I love that. Been a fan of these for about two years.
  • You can slip these on easily and they fit perfectly. Great shoes.
  • Ran for the first time in these shoes and it was awesome. Love that they fit snug and nice and move with your feet nicely.
  • I followed the recommendation to go a half size bigger and these shoes fit perfectly. They are very comfortable, lightweight and look great.
  • Wearing the Free RN is like walking on a cloud and they fit perfectly but I did get a size larger. I love them.
  • Oh my god, these shoes are loved. I work a 12-hour shift and these are so comfortable. My legs and feet are not tired at the end of my shift because of these shoes.
  • At first, these shoes were tight but all I had to do is adjust the laces and now they are incredibly comfortable. Will definitely buy again.
  • These shoes are super comfy but did have to buy half size smaller for them to fit perfectly.
  • I feel like I am wearing slippers because my Nike Free RN Flyknit shoes are so comfortable. The flexible material also helps with my wider foot and I can wear these all day.
  • My husband loves his shoes. He wears these all the time.
  • If you like a loose fitting shoe that you aren't going to run in, buy a larger size. Otherwise, these are snug because they are for running. Adjust the laces before running.
Negative
  • A little tight for wider feet. Sizing may be off for some buyers
  • Some buyers complained about the durability of the shoe.
Reviewmeter
The Reviewmeter shows you an overall score that you can easily refer to. The highest rating is 10 (100% positive feedback)
Of the 599 reviews we found in total, 12% were negative, and 88% were positive.
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Outsole

The new Nike Free RN Flyknit features some major updates when it comes to the sole. The Nike Free RN Flyknit has a sole made out of durable rubber which provides superb traction for the runner. Another improvement from the previous Nike Free RN models is the Tri-Star pattern on the sole which gives the wearer maximum grip with every movement and allows the feet to move without losing any cushioning or protection. These lightweight running shoes were designed to mimic the natural movement of feet, making them feel as if you are going barefoot.

Midsole

One of the most important updates concerning the soles of these running shoes is in the midsole. Everything in these sneakers was designed with flexibility in mind, especially the soles. The new and improved co-molded midsole features a more firm carrier system and Phylon foam core made to give the wearer an additional comfort and protection while ensuring free “barefoot’-like movement.

Upper

Many customers have said that the new Nike Free RN Flyknit feels like they are wearing socks instead of sneakers. This is due to the fact that the Nike Free RN Flyknit is made out of an extremely breathable single-seam Flyknit material which has more stretch zones and a more spaced out weave to ensure maximum breathability. However, this does not mean that they lack in support. In fact, they feature Dynamic Flywire cords interwoven into the upper with spandex laces with which the individual wearer can adjust the snugness of the sneakers since the laces pull everything tighter. The material of the upper makes them easy to fold up and slide into your bag or backpack so that they are ready at hand whenever you need them.

Weight

Like most running shoes, the Nike Free RN Flyknit is designed to be as light as possible on the feet in order for the wearer to be able to move as freely as possible. However, the weight of these sneakers will depend on the fact whether they are a men’s or women’s model. The men’s weigh about 7.9 oz while the women’s Nike Free RN Flyknit is about 5.5 oz.

Breathability

Since the Nike Free RN Flyknit was designed to feel as if you are barefoot, it is almost a given that they are extremely breathable. They are made of single-seam Flyknit material loosely interwoven with Dynamic Flywire cords which give the sneakers a sort of ‘mesh’ look. This ensures that the feet can breathe and sweating is minimized due to the open air flow provided by the upper. While some users prefer this high level of ventilation in their running shoes, a few have found it a tad too airy. These running shoes, while great for spring/summer and even autumn weather, might not be a good choice for a stroll in the snow.

Comfort

Nike has a reputation of being one of the best in the shoe industry and that’s for a reason. Their shoes are not only practical but extremely comfortable to wear. The new Nike Free RN Flyknit is no exception. The upper is made out of Flyknit and Dynamic Flywire cords, forming a mesh-like material that is incredibly breathable and molds to the wearer’s feet seamlessly, making for a very comfortable pair of sneakers.

This combined with the sole made of Phylon foam ensures that the wearer will be provided with necessary comfort during running or just in everyday use. The Nike Free RN Flyknit also has a removable insole in the upper that the wearer can replace with their preferred insole, which provides more choices for the customers when it comes to customizing the sneakers.

Style

Since the Nike Free RN Flyknit was never designed for running long distances, the style of these running shoes is perfect for everyday use. The Nike Free RN Flyknit comes in more base colors than some of its predecessors, like black or gray. This combined with the minimalistic design of the upper makes these shoes very easy to style as they go with practically everything. If you are looking for a versatile pair of running shoes that can double as your everyday shoe, the Nike Free RN Flyknit won’t disappoint you.

Durability

The sturdy sole of the Nike Free RN Flyknit that is made up of a durable rubber outsole and a Phylon foam core midsole makes these running shoes a reliable choice. Doubled with the mesh-like upper, they allow the feet to move naturally and freely while the reinforced heel keeps the feet secure. However, one should have in mind that these shoes were not made for long runs through rough terrains and climates. So, as long as they are used for shorter runs or as an everyday shoe, they will last a long time.

Protection

Although this shoe does not protect against harsher climate or terrain, it does offer protection to the wearer. The foot-hugging design of the Nike Free RN Flyknit consisting of the light and breathable yet sturdy upper and Phylon foam infused soles were made to absorb a large amount of impact and relieve the legs and back from stress caused by active movement, eliminating the risk of running-induced injuries.

Responsiveness

The Nike Free RN Flyknit is a highly flexible and light running shoe that was designed to mimic the movement of bare feet in order to reduce injuries caused by stress on the legs and back. The Phylon foam core midsole ensures the wearer will experience maximum responsiveness wearing these shoes. In addition to being able to mold to the wearer’s feet while providing stability and support, the Phylon foam also absorbs a large amount of impact from running.

Support

The Nike Free RN Flyknit, although designed for everyday use and shorter runs does not lack in support. The Phylon foam core midsole provides the wearer with cushioning that perfectly fits the curves of the feet and in this model, extra cushioning has been added to the heels of the shoes for more support. The Dynamic Heel Fit System has also been improved to embrace the heel and the ankle for extra support and snugness.

Terrain

The Nike Free RN Flyknit is great for both indoor and outdoor activities such as working out, running or walking. The sturdy rubber and foam sole give great support to the curves of the feet while moving and the new Tri-star pattern of the outsole provides superb traction and grip on many different kinds of terrains.

However, it is good to have in mind that these shoes are meant for short runs, so they might not be a good choice for somebody who runs long distances. The material of the upper also excludes running in colder climates, through snow and ice, since the mesh-like material would fail to keep the feet warm. On the other hand, some customers have said that they were able to run longer distances in the Nike Free RN Flyknits if they built up to it gradually.

Price

It is not uncommon for a pair of Nike sneakers to be on the pricey side. After all, they have established themselves as one of the best in the industry. Their shoes are made from quality material and with an innovative design that allows them to crank up the prices. The new Nike Free RN Flyknit shoes can go anywhere from 30$ to 120$, depending on where you buy the shoes from. However, some customers have complained about the shoes being overpriced for what they are.

Traction

The new Tri-star pattern of the outsole on the Nike Free RN Flyknit is one of the major updates to the design of this model. This new pattern design guarantees a firm grip on almost any terrain, giving the wearer extra support while being active. Together with the Co-molded Phylon foam midsole and rubber outsole, these running shoes ensure excellent traction for the whole duration of the run.

Flexibility

The whole shoe has excellent flexibility levels from the sole to the laces. The Flyknit material molds to the wearer’s foot shape while the sole hugs the curves of the feet, perfectly mimicking the natural movement of the feet. When pulled tighter, the new Spandex laces pull the Flyknit even snugger on the feet, giving an almost barefoot feeling.

Stability

Although the Nike Free RN Flyknit is lighter running shoes, they don’t lack in stability. In fact, several features have been added to the design specifically with stability in mind. The sole provides top-notch grip and traction on most terrains, while the Flyknit upper combined with the Spandex laces allows the wearer to tighten it so that it fits their foot shape. The new Dynamic Heel Fit System gives extra support to the ankles and heels to further ensure stability while in motion.

Drop

The new Nike Free RN Flyknit features an 8 mm heel to toe drop. This is due to the thicker cushioning midsole which provides a ‘bounce’ effect while in use.

Key Features

Phylon foam core
Tri-star pattern
Flyknit material with Dynamic Flywire cords
Spandex laces
Reinforced heel
8 mm drop

Bottom Line

All in all, the new Nike Free RN Flyknit shoes feature a new flexible design that is still sturdy and functional. The addition of the Tri-star sole pattern and breathable Flyknit upper make for a light yet stable running shoe. Many runners are happy with the new Nike Free RN Flyknits’ design and quality but some customers have complained about the price. These running shoes were purposefully designed to be for short runs and can double as an everyday shoe. The mesh-like upper makes them impractical for colder climates or harsher terrains, but other than that, these running shoes are a very versatile and quality pair that anyone could use in their collection.