Nike LunarEpic Flyknit

If Matt Damon had to choose a sneaker for his sidereal workouts in the movie "The Martian", directed by Ridley Scott and with seven Hollywood Oscar nominations, surely his choice would be the new Nike LunarEpic Flyknit. And its futuristic aesthetics seem more like something out of a sci-fi movie.

True to its philosophy of making a difference through innovation, Nike Running once again makes it clear that in each of its new models for runners it reinvents itself to offer the best performance and experience for athletes when they go running. Thus, the bet of the American firm responds to the name of Nike LunarEpic Flyknit, which, through a new printing system and a revolutionary mid-height collar, achieves a feeling of fluidity and superior softness, in addition to providing a perfect fit.

Inspired by a soccer boot

The Nike LunarEpic Flyknit is inspired by the sport of football, and more specifically by a model worn by many La Liga soccer players. The boot in particular is the Nike Magista, which allows the calf, foot and ankle to work as a whole to achieve a natural movement and a marked sense of fluidity.

And these two features are what the designers at Nike Running set out to do 18 months ago. The objective era none other than to try to reproduce these same sensations but in a shoe that was one hundred percent adapted to the runner, so certain key needs such as strength and adaptation, among others, could not be left out.

And in the absence of the relevant in-depth analysis, everything points to the Nike LunarEpic Flyknit fulfilling its ambitious slogan: "Running will never be the same". In addition to its revolutionary mid-top fit, this Nike shoe also features a number of technological innovations that make it look like a total change of concept. What's more, elite athletes can't be wrong. Sanya Richards-Ross, Olympic 400 champion, has noted that "these shoes are going to change the rules of the game"; Kirani James, Olympic 400 champion, defines them as "if you will defy the law of gravity, while barely touching the ground". While Evan Jager, American record holder in the 3,000-meter steeplechase, made it clear that the Nike LunarEpic Flyknit "are totally different from anything I've ever run in".

Revolutionary mid-height collar

In order to achieve a perfect and outstanding support, the idea that was pursued was focused on creating a comfortable fit both in the instep and in the forefoot and heel area. The step taken consisted in making a one-piece upper, applying different densities directly on the exclusive Nike Flyknit fabric, already present in other models of the American brand, such as the Flyknit Lunar 3, Flyknit Air Max and Nike Free 4.0 Flyinit 2014, for example.

Thus, the outstanding detail of the Nike LunarEpic Flyknit lies in that mid-height collar, not only facilitating the closure of the shoe, but also functioning as a natural extension of the leg to provide it with an exceptional cushioning sensation. Manufactured with almost no seams, it includes Flywire filaments, making the model have a dynamic fit and great firmness. This is why elasticity and breathability are guaranteed in the areas where they are most needed, as well as support and resistance in strategic areas of the shoe, where the foot is tightest.

Innovative midsole and rubber-free outsole

The midsole of the Nike LunarEpic Flyknit features another major innovation. Here, the designers at Nike Running have opted for double injection technology. Through heat, two types of foam rubber are fused together, which also brings with it the traditional Lunarlon system. In addition, this midsole is profiled with laser-cut grooves on the sides, which contribute to provide the necessary cushioning and flexibility.

In the outsole, another relevant novelty is the replacement of the rubber rubber by a series of geometric pistons, presented in relief and also made with laser technology. Each piston, also made of Lunarlon, is able to move independently, which translates into maximized cushioning, traction and improved propulsive energy, since the transition between the heel and toes is facilitated. That is, it presents an exceptional running experience, and never seen to date.

All in all, the Nike LunarEpic is a very versatile shoe that gives the runner an unprecedented fit and a natural stride for runners doing long distance training, progressive training and even recovery sessions. The future of running is already here, and with this new model from Nike Running, the runner has the opportunity to lead it.