In the whole world, there may not be a person who is not familiar with a brand called Nike. Nike is, first of all, high quality and stylish sneakers. In their many years of development, they have succeeded in producing running models. The corporation invests huge sums of money in marketing and research, thanks to which it is superior to many of its competitors.
This is probably why the company, created in 1964, with the emblem depicting the wing of the Greek goddess Nike, in the 70s of the 20th century conquered almost half of the sports goods market in America. And the sneaker model, released in 1979, with a gas-inflated polyurethane sole, simply blew up the global sports industry.
It is not in vain that the king of basketball, American Michael Jordan, chose this company for cooperation. And also, the best stayer of the last two Olympiads, the world record holder for 5000 and 10000 thousand meters, the famous Briton Mo Farah, runs in these shoes. A fair share of the successes and victories of these and other famous athletes lies in the merits of this American company.
What to look for when choosing Nike sneakers
Shock absorber
Nike uses air cushion technology in its production, which acts as a cushioning function. The gas pumped into the sole does the same as the built-in gel constructions in other brands. The first models with this technology were called Nike Air. It was invented and implemented by an American aircraft engineer.
Initially, the main target audience of the company were runners, basketball and tennis players who experience tremendous stress during a game or race. Therefore, Nike scientists and designers have put a lot of effort and achieved maximum results in softening the impact of the athlete's feet on the surface.
Shoes with Nike Air technology are loved not only by ambitious and strong athletes, but also by people prone to optimism and positive attitude in life.
Nike Running Shoes Categories
Running shoe manufacturers, including Nike, have several categories.
Category "depreciation" the following models must be attributed:
- Air Zoom Pegasus;
- Air Zoom Elite 7;
- Air Zoom Vomero;
- Flyknit Trainer +.
Category "stabilization" should take:
- Air Zoom Structure;
- Lunar Glide;
- Lunar Eclipse;
- Air Zoom Fly.
To competition category includes:
- Flyknit Raceer;
- Air Zoom Streak;
- Air Zoom Streak Lt;
- Lunarraser + 3.
The off-road category is represented by the following models:
- Zoom Terra Tiger;
- Zoom Wildhorse.
Nike sneaker features
Sole
Since the main buyers of this brand were runners and athletes from playing "running" sports, the company focused on the softness and springiness of the outsole.
It is her engineer who owns the unique invention of Nike Air technology. The invention itself came from the aerospace industry, but the company's craftsmen boldly embodied this idea in their running products.
Technologies used in Nike soles:
- Zoom air
- Flywire
Comfort
The brand's latest designs feature a bold and original hybrid of socks and sneakers. This is, for example, the model, Nike Lunar Epic Flyknit. These shoes are worn on the foot like a regular sock and fit it as much as possible from all sides.
It turns out the effect of merging the legs and shoes into a single whole. A very thoughtful and striking solution from the creators of the new generations of Nike.
Advantages of the sneaker-sock model:
- Original bright design;
- Monolithic construction;
- Ability to dress and walk without socks;
- Excellent shock absorption;
- Responsive outsole;
The innovation has already found a positive response from many athletes who see this technology as a vision for the future.
The best Nike shoes for asphalt running
Nike's line of hard-surface running shoes is rich and varied. Strong and fast marathoners, who set themselves the task of winning the race, choose the lightest models not exceeding 200 grams.
They are professionals, well prepared for the distance, functionally and in good health. For them, the main thing is the lightness of the shoe, because of which there will be no loss in speed. These marathon runners and long distance runners prefer the competitive running shoe category.
If the athlete does not have very high goals, and overcoming a distance of 42 km will already be considered a success, then it is better to choose models with a thick sole from the shock-absorbing category.
This will protect the legs and spine of a person from unnecessary injuries. Therefore, when choosing a running shoe for asphalt, you need to take into account the tasks that the runner faces and a number of other factors. The weight of the athlete is an important factor. A thin sole is contraindicated for a runner weighing more than 70-75 kg.
Air Max
One of the best versions for marathon running is the Air Max series, which are considered Nike's trademark. These models feature airy visible pads and a distinctive mesh and seamless upper.
Nike air max 15 Is a revolutionary series in the world of running products. The extraordinary design of these sneakers has already won the hearts of many running enthusiasts and sports professionals. The multifaceted bright color of the sole makes the shoe quite popular among young people. The upper is covered with quality textiles with seamless technology.
Thick polyurethane outsole provides maximum cushioning while you run. Suitable for heavier runners. Whereas the weight of the sneakers themselves is 354 grams. Recommended for slow crossings on hard surfaces. In them, you can safely perform cross-country jumping exercises. The Nike Air Max 15 is much lighter than its predecessors in the series. The outsole is taken from the 14 series.
Nike Air Zoom Streak An excellent solution for those who set a goal to conquer the marathon within 2.5-3 hours.
Characteristics:
- The minimum height difference is 4 mm .;
- for middleweight runners;
- sneakers weight 160 gr.
The ingenious decision of the engineers to combine high-speed lightness with minimal cushioning. This shoe is designed for competitions at various distances.
Flyknit
In 2012 Nike patented the technology Flyknit. This marked a resounding revolution in the way the upper is constructed. The company's engineers and designers have achieved minimal seams and overlays in walking and running shoes.
The Flyknit Racer became Nike's first knit upper. Many strong and famous athletes chose to run in it already at the London Olympics.
Flyknit models:
- Free Flyknit 0;
- Flyknit Racer;
- Flyknit Lunar;
- Flyknit Trainer.
Nike Flyknit Rafromer - another great offer of the company for lovers of long and ultra-long distances. A rigid fabric upper keeps your foot tight and provides comfortable ventilation.
Technologies used in this model:
- Nike Zoom Air in the front of the sole;
- Dynamik flywire securely fixes the leg.
Characteristics:
- Weight 160 gr.;
- Difference in height 8 mm;
- For medium weight runners.
Models Nike Free Flyknit look like a pair of stand-up socks on store shelves. They will delight speed runners. The series belongs to the competitive category.
Designed for people weighing up to 70 kg and normal pronation, as it lacks a thick sole and lateral support and stabilization technology. The Flyknit surface is cut from multiple threads with no visible seams or seams. When putting on these sneakers, the athlete feels like a whole, in a combination of foot and shoes.
Nike Flyknit technology is an airy and near-seamless upper that maximizes fit on the foot. Oes here
Nike running shoes reviews
I'm a fan of the Air Max series. I have been buying it since 2010. Now I run in the 15th generation of these sneakers. I also compared them with the Air Zoom models, and yet it is more convenient in Max. But the old ones have not yet worn out, just a little thread parted in some places and the sole has slightly worn off. Already aiming for the 17 Series Air Max.
Alexei
Long chose between Adidas and Nike, but settled on a completely different brand. Athletes I know told me that these 2 firms are good for professional athletes, for whom shoes are made individually. For amateur runners, other than cushioning, little else is taken into account. Not taken into account, for example, the type of pronation. And not every person can afford an individual order.
Andrew
I ran to Nike until my legs hurt. He began to understand, look for the reason and dig. It turned out that they were advised to take another firm, namely Newton. They are more natural in running physiology, according to running experts. The Newton sneaker recommendations proved to be super helpful. I run in them, and my legs no longer hurt.
Igor
I have been a marathon runner for 17 years. I like to cover this 42 km distance in the Flyknit Racer model. She's just perfect for those long runs. My weight is 65 kg, so a thick sole is not needed here. The sneaker is very light and soft. The next big run will most likely be in the same model. Recommended for experienced runners with light weight and normal foot pronation.
Vladimir
We often run popular trails across various rough terrain. Running on them in Zoom Terra Tiger sneakers. A very convenient model for such jogging in the forest. They weigh a little - 230 grams, and seemed to me lighter than the model of the same category Zoom Wildhorse. Handles heavy runners well thanks to the thick outsole.
Oleg
