Nike Flyknit Racer – test and prices
Nike Flyknit Racer is a lightweight running shoe for those who want extra speed on their fast runs. The model is unisex. Here you get:
- My personal assessment of the Flyknit Racer
- Advantages and disadvantages of the shoe
- Price comparison
NOTE: Buy through iloebesko and save 100 crowns. Normal price: 1,400 kroner, so there are good deals right now.
iloebesko is mentioned in:
Price comparison
| Reseller | Leveringstid | Country | Total price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1-2 dage |
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1,300 DKK | Til butik |
First generation
I have tested the Nike Flyknit Racer, which is a lightweight performance running shoe produced for the ambitious and fast runner. The Flyknit Racer is for you who want that extra advantage over your competitors. The low weight and the performance-driven design of the shoe make you even faster. The Nike Flyknit Racer is an innovative running shoe that uses the revolutionary flyknit technology. Read all about the Nike Flyknit Racer in my test and review below. The running shoe is a unisex model that is suitable for both men and women.
This is a first generation Nike Flyknit Racer.
Brand new model that has no predecessor under Nike.
The shoe has been developed in collaboration with the world’s best runners, both over shorter and longer distances.
They have tested and provided feedback on the shoe through a lengthy R&D (Research and Development) process.
The Nike Flyknit Racer has ended up being the new benchmark for competitive, high-speed running shoes. According to Nike, at least.
Further down you can read whether I agree with that interpretation.
It’s always exciting to see new models. Since the shoe is from Nike, I was a bit skeptical beforehand about whether there would be room for it in their range.
Cool facts about the shoe
Must know
- Running style: Neutral
- Fit: Medium to narrow
- Surface: Asphalt and gravel
- Suggested price: 1300 DKK
Nice to know
- Flyknit Upper
- Nike Zoom Unit
- Dynamic Flywire
- Phylon midsole
Fun to know
- Weight: approximately 176 grams (men’s size 42)
- Heel to toe drop: 10 mm
- Heel height: 24 mm
- Forefoot height: 14 mm
Personal experiences with Nike Flyknit Racer
First impressions
I was really looking forward to getting my Nike Flyknit Racer home. A brand new model. Perfect for a running shoe nerd like myself. I am one of the very first in Denmark to test the Nike Flyknit Racer, which only makes the joy greater. The design, as always with Nike, plays 100%. The colors compliment each other and are even sharper than in the pictures. I am surprised by how thin the upper is and how many holes there are. At first glance, it doesn’t look very durable. It is a bit stiffer around the heel. And it is extremely light, really light.
It feels good when I put it on. It takes some time to tighten the laces and tighten the shoe’s dynamic flywire properly, but the shoe sits comfortably and comfortably around the foot. With the Flyknit Racer, Nike has really managed to get the tight and tight fit that they promote. Normally, I would never run leisurely in such a light running shoe, but to feel how the shoe sits and feels on the foot, I take a leisurely and longer run. The Nike Flyknit Racer feels like a competition shoe, it is light, there is not much shock absorption and it is very natural to run in. I run around a bit on changing surfaces and on harder surfaces, such as asphalt and gravel, it has a safe and stable grip. I feel that you have to get used to running in the shoe, but after a period of getting used to it, I am sure that you run stronger than ever. The shoe presses a little in the heel and, if you have a high toe, it can also be a little tight around the toes.
After 100km running training
The Nike Flyknit Racer is fast! The lightweight running shoe is excellent for tempo runs and interval training. I feel like just the feeling of tightening the lightweight running shoes gives me an extra mental boost. But it is also a running shoe that should not be used on every run and not with too much volume. If you are aware of this, then you have your new favorite running shoes for faster runs. The cushioning is not as effective and shock-absorbing as Nike claims. And I don’t think the extraordinarily light and thin Flyknit provides quite the necessary support. The shoe is comfortable, but when I run and hit the ground, it feels like my foot is falling out and the entire shoe is being pressed flat. There is not quite enough strength to maintain the shape of the shoe. Unfortunately, tightening the laces extra much doesn’t help. At the same time, I think that on longer runs, or if you tend to blisters at the heel, you can get pressure. The heel is very tight and can give a pressing sensation.
There are some small things that could be improved (which they probably will be in future versions), but overall I am very happy with the Nike Flyknit Racer. Its performance is unmatched and I feel really fast every time I tie the laces and go for a run. Just the fact that it can get me out and do interval training often is worth it.
Bottom line: Yes! I want to run 100 km more in the Nike Flyknit Racer
What others say about the Flyknit Racer
The Nike Flyknit Racer is undoubtedly a very popular running shoe. This section will be continuously expanded with reviews from other runners. Until then, you will have to settle for this overview of the general satisfaction. There is no doubt that the shoe is a hit.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like all other running shoes, there are both advantages and disadvantages. Below you will find a clear and in-depth breakdown of the advantages and disadvantages of the Nike Flyknit Racer. In my review, I go into detail and analyze in detail. I have thoroughly tested the Nike Flyknit Racer and try to be as accurate as possible. It is a fast running shoe for competitions and more intensive training sessions. Although I do not mention it in my pros/cons, it should not be the only running shoe in your arsenal.
Benefits
There are many advantages to the Nike Flyknit Racer. In my long test of the running shoe, I have run many different runs, and done a lot of training sessions. Here you get all the best I found in my review of the Nike Flyknit Racer.
Very low weight
High performance
Ventilation
Disadvantages
I think the running shoe and the new technology Flyknit have some issues that I am not entirely impressed with. While I am very happy with the comfortable fit, I think there are some elements that could be improved in the Nike Flyknit Racer.
The foot falls out
A little too much pressure on the heel
Analysis part 1: Who is the shoe aimed at?
Below I will discuss which runners the Nike Flyknit Racer is aimed at. It is a specialized shoe, but still a shoe that can be used by all ambitious runners. In this review, you will be able to see if the Flyknit Racer suits your foot, running style and habits.
Running style
This performance-driven running shoe is aimed at the neutral runner. Nothing has been done to adapt the shoe to either pronating or supinating runners. If you don’t have excessive pronation or supination, you can also use this shoe for tempo runs, interval training and on race days. However, be aware of the volume.
Fit
The fit is comfortable and pleasant. The Flyknit upper hugs the foot. The Nike Flyknit Racer shoe itself is generally aimed at a foot with a medium width. In the forefoot it may feel a bit narrower and the height at the toes is low. Across the arch, the Flyknit Racer is relatively high and the foot itself has a curved shape. Everything is produced to provide the closest fit, which holds the foot in place, so that the energy does not go to anything other than running forward. I have put it all into a system so that you can quickly get an overview of the fit in the Nike Flyknit Racer.
- Heel: Medium
- Midfoot: Medium
- Forefoot: Medium to narrow
- Toe: Low
- Arch: High
- Shoe shape: Curved
In fine clothes
I would recommend the Flyknit Racer for running mainly on asphalt, as the outsole is not particularly rough, which results in poorer grip on trails. In addition to asphalt, you can also run on well-maintained gravel paths in parks or by lakes, for example. I would stay away from singletrack and the like with the Nike Flyknit Racer.
Price level
It’s not a cheap running shoe, but it’s not on the expensive end either. The Nike Flyknit Racer has a suggested retail price of DKK 1300. It’s a premium shoe where nothing has been compromised to keep the price down. The Flyknit Racer is made for those of you who want something serious with your running and are willing to pay for it. Hence the price.
Note: The Flyknit Racer shouldn’t be your only running shoe. It’s for fast running, not volume.
Weight
Weight is the alpha/omega in race shoes, and all the biggest running shoe manufacturers are fighting to make the lightest and best running shoes. Maybe that’s why there is a slight difference between the weight that Nike gives and the weight I have measured the Nike Flyknit Racer at. Nike states on their website that the Flyknit Racer weighs 158 g, while I have weighed it at 176 g. Not a huge difference, but when we are down to super light running shoes it is still a difference that counts for us nerds. But regardless of whether it is one weight or the other, the Nike Flyknit Racer weighs almost nothing.
Type of shoe
As has been mentioned a few times, the Nike Flyknit Racer is a competition running shoes for the days when you want to run the fastest. It can also be used for tempo runs and interval training. In general, for runs where you think you can benefit from a lightweight running shoe.
Drops and heights on the forefoot and heel
It is a running shoe that promotes a natural and neutral run. The Nike Flyknit Racer does not have a large drop, no more than 10 mm. Which is a good drop height for beginners in natural running. It may take some getting used to if you are coming from a running shoe with a high heel drop. The heel height is 24 mm and the forefoot height is 14 mm.
Analysis Part 2: How the Flyknit Racer is constructed
The outsole
The outsole is developed in Nike’s race specific Waffleskin Rubber. An outsole that they have made to keep the weight down, give you the best grip on hard surfaces and a long durability. It is a hardy outsole that has a diamond pattern, which gives a lot of grip in relation to the weight.
Midsole
The midsole and cushioning is a full-length Phylon Midsole. This responsive cushioning, like the rest of the shoe, provides a lot of performance to weight ratio. It provides shock absorption and cushioning without being too much. It is still a minimalist shoe that will continue to be the steppers.
Forefoot
In the forefoot there is a Nike Zoom unit, which, like the midsole, provides responsive shock absorption. This minimizes the risk of experiencing discomforts such as blue nails and sore toes. Even on longer runs.
Upper part
The upper is the most revolutionary part of the Nike Flyknit Racer. So revolutionary and innovative that the technology is included in the name. Flyknit is a new technology from Nike, where the upper itself is created (read: woven) in just one thread. This provides an extremely light, highly ventilated and breathable upper, which at the same time sits as if molded on the foot. In order for the upper to provide the necessary support and have strength around the foot, Dynamic Flywire has been built into the sides of the running shoes. This flywire is connected to the laces, so when you tighten the laces you also tighten the entire upper of the running shoe. This gives a unique feeling.
Bonus info: The upper and tongue weigh just 30 grams.
Men’s and women’s size
The Nike Flyknit Racer is currently only available in a unisex model, but it can of course be worn by both men and women. I have used my normal size and do not feel that the Flyknit Racer differs significantly in size. However, it should be noted that all sizes are adapted to a men’s foot. To find the right women’s size in the Nike Flyknit Racer, you can find a size chart here,which shows the exact length of the different sizes. You can then find the right size. As a starting point, you should subtract about 1.5 sizes (US system) from your regular size. However, I would recommend measuring your foot and being completely sure of your case.
Comparing the Nike Flyknit Racer to other running shoes
When comparing the Nike Flyknit Racer to other running shoes, you should look at other running shoes that are aimed at the runner who wants to shave a few seconds off their PR or beat their running partner. In the category of competition running shoes, you will find, among other things, the very minimalist running shoes Brooks Pure Cadence or the lette Asics DS Racer. All are shoes that are lighter than regular running shoes and have a smaller drop, which promotes a more natural run. With a lightweight running shoe, it is not unrealistic to cut a few seconds per minute at various distances.
The story behind Nike Flyknit
Nike Flyknit is the name for a technology that has been developed for, and inspired by, the world’s best runners. Nike’s athletes came to Nike with a message that they needed a running shoe that had the same comfortable, tight and practically invisible fit that you know from socks. It took four years, but Nike listened to their athletes and developed Flyknit. Flyknit and the built-in Dynamic Flywire ensure the tight, yet exceptionally comfortable fit around the foot. Flyknit is woven from just a single thread and highly specialized. Where the foot needs extra support, the weave is tighter, and where extra support is not needed, the weave is more open, so the shoe has high breathability and effective ventilation.
Summary
The Nike Flyknit Racer is a performance running shoe for the discerning runner. It is still a relatively rare running shoe, and it is therefore difficult to find the Nike Flyknit Racer on sale and offers. On the other hand, it is also more exclusive and a really sharp running shoe for fast runs and interval training. Of course, I try to find the Nike Flyknit Racer as cheap as possible, so you can get the best running shoe at the best price. I have been really happy with my Nike Flyknit Racer and expect to run many more lightning-fast km in the running shoe. I hope you have found my review of the Nike Flyknit Racer useful. If you have any questions about the test or the Flyknit Racer, please feel free to comment below.
Price comparison
I’ve been looking around to find the cheapest prices on the Flyknit Racer. As you can see, there are some really good savings right now.
| Reseller | Leveringstid | Country | Total price | Read more |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
1-2 dage |
|
1,300 DKK | Til butik |