Nike Free RN Flyknit Women's Running Shoe Review

The Nike Free RN Flyknit shoes are super lightweight running trainers designed for a barefoot ride, perfect for sprinting and shorter distance runs. 

Fit

Nike's iconic Flyknit trainers are renowned for their flexible fit and comfortable ride. The upper of the trainer is made with a single-seam Flyknit design and gives a sock-like fit to the trainer. Your feet feel totally locked in without feeling inhibited or squeezed too tight. The super flexible and soft fabrics expand and contract to suit your needs and give superior breathability too. 

The toe box of these trainers is particularly wide and comfortable and allows plenty of room for the toes and forefoot, even on the regular sizes. This provides a super comfortable ride and allows your feet to naturally expand during the run. The heel of the shoe is rounded to mimic the natural shape of the foot and allows you to feel like you're barely even wearing shoes. The fit of these trainers really is outstanding.

Appearance

Nike are renowned for their attractive trainers and fashionable gym wear. Their stylish designs marry with state-of-the-art technology to bring buyers the ultimate in modern sportswear. The Nike Free RN Flyknit women's trainers are no different, and come in several attractive and visually appealing colourways. As with all Nike trainers, you can customise their appearance with Nike iD and this allows an endless choice of colours and styles to make your trainers really your own. The older versions of this shoe were available in brighter colours, but the 2017 model has seen it be toned down with much more muted tones and pastel shades. This is by no means a bad thing, and these trainers are objectively very good-looking.

Performance

The Nike Free range is designed for a barefoot ride and effortless sprinting. They are super light, weighing in at only 178g, and are very minimalistic in their design. They allow for natural movement and all the benefits of barefoot running, while still giving light support and soft cushioning under foot. The outsole is made of foam with rubber at the heel and toe for extra durability. 

If you are a sprinter or just generally a confident and competent runner, these trainers will be perfect for you. They will allow you to enjoy a lightweight run and sprint to your full potential. I found that when doing sprint intervals in these trainers, my whole body felt lighter and I was really able to push myself. I also found they encouraged me to be lighter on my feet as I ran and I also found myself running with more of a forefoot strike to normal, elevating my posture and allowing for faster movement.

If you over-pronate, have flat feet, or suffer from any other running issues, these shoes could potentially cause you an injury. They are definitely not designed for long distance running as they do not provide the necessary support and you should only wear them for short runs of around 5k or sprint intervals or track sessions.

Price 

These trainers will set you back £109.95 for the regular pair or £124.95 if you opt for the Nike iD customisation. Although this is definitely on the upper end of the general spectrum, this is pretty average for a technical pair of trainers from a brand as big and well-established as Nike. These trainers are highly technical, unbelievably comfortable, and super durable, making this price very reasonable in my opinion. The shoes are also very attractive and could easily be worn as an everyday trainer meaning that the investment is worth even more and your money will go even further. 

Verdict

The Nike Free RN Flyknit trainers are an incredibly attractive and comfortable pair of shoes. They perform well and may even improve your training if you use them correctly. They are definitely a must-have for any athlete or gym-goer.

These trainers are for you if:

• You are a sprinter, track athlete, or short distance runner
• You are looking for comfortable, stunning trainers for everyday wear
• You enjoy a barefoot ride or running in a barefoot style

These trainers are not for you if:

• You over-pronate and/or have flat feet
• You have a small budget
• You are a long distance runner