Kikay Reviews: Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit 2

The Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit 2 is now available at select Nike stores, and I was given the chance to test it out the other week at a Nike+ Run Club session. The following are my initial impressions. I would have loved to run in them for longer and more than one time, but we had to give them back at the end of the run. *sob*

two colorways were available

at the flagship Nike store in Bonifacio High Street

Nike EKIN (brand evangelist) Soy Soriano talks about the Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit 2

changed into our running gear

with Que Gavan of TAKBO.ph and professional host Justin Quirino

time to run! (can you find me?)

For a shoe that boasts minimal construction, its name is certainly a mouthful. Formerly known as the Free Flyknit, the Free RN Motion Flyknit has been part of Nike’s running line-up for a while now, pairing a flyknit upper with a Nike Free sole. An update last year christened it the Free RN Motion Flyknit where the flyknit upper extended into a sock-like ankle cuff much like the LunarEpic Flyknit. This year’s update did away with the lacing system, instead providing midsole support via two straps that cross over the arch with ends attaching to the upper via Velcro. Here are a few views of the pair I tested:

the Nike Free sole

The Nike Free sole allows the foot to move naturally, with toes and the forefoot spreading out on impact. The shoe as a whole was very light and flexible, and I loved the way my toes could wiggle and I could actually point my foot while wearing the Free RN Motion Flyknit. I’m used to shoes with a lot of flex, and excessive structure through the midfoot makes my plantar fascia hurt. I felt none of that with this shoe. Additionally it was soft underfoot; not as cushy as the LunarEpic, but there was definitely no harshness with my footfalls no matter the pace I went.

The Free RN Motion Flyknit 2 would make a great shoe for speedwork and short-distance racing, although I hope those Velcro attachments will hold up. Even without the straps, the Flyknit upper itself is already pretty secure, and that ankle cuff keeps the shoe secure, eliminates the friction and blister point you find on traditional heel counters, and fends off annoying pebbles and debris. I chose to wear socks inside the shoe (Goldtoe Powersox!); if you do the same, make sure it’s a sock that is higher than the ankle cuff, or doesn’t roll down under your heel.

Loved this run!

While hypebeasts may appreciate its lifestyle-wear look and will pair these with joggers, cuffed pants, and the like to walk around in, if you runners get this you should definitely put it through its paces.

The Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit 2 is available at select Nike stores for P7,645.

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