Nike Just Do It NYC: House of Innovation

Last week, Nike unveiled their innovative new product line inside a spectacular installation inside of New York City’s Moynihan Station. From Dri-fit Wool to the coveted Free Flyknits, Nike proved, yet again, that they are masters of their own game.

Runners can now reap the benefits of natural motion found in Nike Free and the supportive, second-skin fit of Nike Flyknit in a single shoe. The Nike Free Flyknit unites two of Nike’s most innovative and popular technologies to deliver barefoot-like flexibility and a compression fit that locks the foot in place. The Nike Free Flyknit is designed to flex with the foot in motion. It is informed by Nike’s “Nature Amplified” design ethos — an approach fueled by scientific data and athlete insights.

“Nike Free Flyknit is the ultimate expression of natural performance principles, combining a supportive, sock-like upper and a flexible midsole and outsole that move with the body,” says Sean McDowell, Creative Director for Nike Running. “The compression fit brings the foot closer to the sole for enhanced lockdown and propulsion,” he states. The Nike Free Flyknit comes on the heels of decades of biomechanics research and design exploration with the intent of providing the best run possible. The breakthrough combination of a compressive Nike Flyknit upper with a highly flexible Nike Free midsole and outsole adds up to a running shoe that delivers a more natural ride, amplifying athletes’ ability to move quickly and comfortably over distance. And there’s more. Nike Aeroloft technology addresses the challenge of keeping runners warm, but not too warm, in cooler conditions. The innovation debuts in the Nike Aeroloft 800 Vest, an ultra-light insulating layer composed of perforated down.

Movement activates ventilation in the vest, allowing heat to escape the body through laser-cut holes situated between the down chambers. The 800-fill down is body-mapped to maximize mobility and warmth where needed most. Wicking Dri-FIT side and shoulder panels further boost breathability, while the rip-stop nylon exterior provides durability and protection from wind.

Lightweight and low-profile, the Nike Aeroloft 800 Vest folds up to fit in a pocket for easy layering and carrying. “Nike Aeroloft represents a breakthrough in designing apparel for a broad spectrum of athlete needs and weather conditions,” says Lee Holman, VP of Nike Apparel Design. “We achieved this by studying athletes in motion and listening to their feedback, and backed it up with rigorous lab and field testing.”

Nike Aeroloft was tested extensively on a specially designed sweating mannequin in the NSRL and by elite runners in rugged conditions in New Zealand and Japan. Scientists analyzed the effectiveness of everything from perforation placement to the size of down baffles to the type and amount of insulation used. The new technology will roll out in future Nike products across different sports.