First look: Nike Joyride Run Flyknit
Introducing the Nike foam comprised of thousands of small beads
It’s Shalane Flanagan’s go-to shoe for shakeout runs, and now it can be yours too. Introducing the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit, the newest cushioning system from the innovative company.
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The Joyride is designed to keep a runner feeling fresh, no matter how many miles they’ve run. On first wear, the Joyride is really comfortable. The mesh upper mean that there are no hot spots, the double collar around the ankle keeps you planted in the shoe and, obviously, it looks really cool.
The cushioning system is thousands of small beads, which you can see through the outer window of the shoe, instead of one piece of foam. Nike says, “Every time you take a step—or stride—10,000+ beads shape around your foot to provide personalized cushioning and support, before responsively bouncing back to propel you forward.”
This cushioning system is designed to offer 14 per cent better impact absorption than the company’s other foams. This shoe promises high absorption, but it is actually stiffer than expected, which is good news. You want your shoe to offer the protection your body needs without taking away from the propulsion of your stride. The midsole is made up of four distinct sections, each filled with beads. These sections keep the beads in place when pressure is applied by the foot.
The upper has several improvements to classic Flyknit–there are overlays around the big toe and laces that have been added to increase the lifespan of the knit.
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Right now the photographed colourway is the only one available, but come August 15 (the shoe’s Canadian release date) several more will be rolled out. The shoe fits a little short, so if you’re ordering online, consider going up a size. The shoe retails for $230 CAD.
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