Our verdict
Pros
- Fast
- Snug yet comfortable
- Race-ready lightness
- Breathable
Cons
- Not durable
- Too stiff
Who should buy the Nike Flyknit Racer
Whether you're a seasoned athlete or a newbie, the Flyknit Racer from Nike is a lightweight racing flat perfect for:
- races from 5Ks to marathons
- speed training
- sprints
Who should NOT buy it
If you want a plush and comfortable shoe, you can skip the Flyknit Racer. And if you want a shoe that's long-lasting, this won't make the cut.
Explosive ride
Sporting a full-length Phylon midsole, the Nike Flyknit Racer provides bouncy lift-offs.
It is coupled with the renowned Zoom Air pods in the forefoot for a springy toe-off. The same material is found in the Nike Pegasus 35 and Nike Vomero 14, which we loved for their peppy ride.
With so much energy return, we felt as though the racer paced us. We even managed to set a new PB one time!
Comfortable and locked-in fit
We felt that the shoe's Flyknit upper offered a sock-like wrap that didn't cause any irritation.
It also has a stretchy collar that allows for easy on and off. Even better, its flexibility allows it to mold into the feet, giving us a comfortable, customized fit.
Even better, the Flyknit is coupled with the dynamic Flywire system. It consists of stretchy wires that adapt to the tightening or loosening of the shoelaces, thus giving a snug yet customizable in-shoe hug.
Race-ready lightness
Weighing in at 5.6 oz (US M 8), we were blown away by the shoe's ridiculously light weight. It felt like we had no shoes on.
Breathable
The upper is not only light, it's also very airy. It has ample perforations, maintaining a cool and dry in-shoe experience even under humid conditions.
Not durable
Although created with Nike's top-tier technologies, we were disappointed with the shoe's lack of durability. After less than a month of use, a hole appeared in the forefoot section!
