NIKE FREE FINDS ITS FOOTING
In 2002, early production samples of the first Nike Free 5.0 were ready for testing. Nike’s sport research lab put the shoe through its paces to see how it compared to traditional running shoes, and to gauge the benefits of running naturally. Compared with a control group that ran and trained in traditional running shoes, a group that ran and trained in the Nike Free 5.0 showed increased strength and muscle growth in the foot and ankle; greater flexibility in the toes, feet and ankles; and improved overall balance.
“Using Nike Free footwear in my training is all about strengthening my feet,” says world champion sprinter Allyson Felix. “I really like having that natural movement in my shoes. Everyone’s feet are different, so it’s great to have a shoe that really moves with you.”
The Nike Free 5.0 hit the market in the spring of 2004, immediately finding a fervent audience. It also introduced a new understanding of biomechanics into performance footwear and established a guiding design philosophy. While Nike Free is the expression of natural motion in running and training footwear, the design ethos influences almost everything else at Nike. Innovative technologies such as Nike Flyknit, Flywire and Dri-FIT Touch are all designed to reduce restrictions to movement, promote natural motion, and allow athletes to achieve their unique movement potential.
Source: Nike, Inc.
