NIKE, Inc. (NYSE: NKE), the world’s leading running brand, today
unveiled four new innovations at an event at the company’s global
headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. The new products are designed to enhance
runners’ natural abilities and were guided by Nike’s “Nature Amplified”
design ethos, an approach that is focused on the body in motion and
fueled by scientific data and athlete insights. Two new running shoes
were introduced — the Nike Free Flyknit and Nike Free Hyperfeel
— along with two new apparel technologies, Aeroloft and Dri-FIT
Knit.
Mark Parker, President & CEO of NIKE, Inc., with Trevor Edwards, NIKE Brand President, at the unveil of Nike's Nature Amplified Running Product. (Photo: Business Wire)
“Innovation is not about creating for its own sake, it’s about creating
something better, designing with a purpose. Running is the heart and
soul of Nike and it’s the birthplace of a constant stream of new
innovations that will drive this company forward,” said Mark Parker,
President & CEO of NIKE, Inc.
Footwear Innovations
The Nike Free Flyknit is the fusion of two of Nike’s most iconic
footwear technologies — the compressive Nike Flyknit upper and the
flexible Nike Free outsole. The Nike Free Flyknit upper features zoned
performance mapping and a second-skin fit. The shoe provides the
benefits of natural motion and a snug, supportive fit in a single shoe.
Designed to feel like an extension of the body by minimizing layers
between the foot and the ground, the Nike Free Hyperfeel delivers
a natural motion sensation for the runner. A drop-in insole made from
Lunarlon foam allows the foot to have direct contact with Lunarlon
cushioning. The ultra-thin waffle outsole uses strategically placed
waffle pistons for grip and feel, allowing the foot to get closer to the
ground.
Apparel Technologies
Nike Aeroloft technology also debuted in an ultra-light running
vest designed to keep runners warm and comfortable in cooler conditions.
Insulating down has been combined with precision ventilation that allows
heat to escape the body so athletes stay dry.
Dri-FIT Knit is an ultra-soft, lightweight fabric engineered to
help athletes maintain optimal performance temperature in a variety of
conditions. The technology employs visibly different knit patterns to
aid breathability while seamless construction creates a smooth fit free
of distraction.
“Nature Amplified means designing for bodies in motion and creating
incredible new products that work intuitively with the human body,” said
NIKE Brand President Trevor Edwards. “The footwear and apparel we’ve
unveiled today is based on insights from athletes and runners at every
level, combined with extensive research in our Sport Research Lab. These
innovations are data-driven, but body-led.”
About
NIKE
NIKE, Inc., based near Beaverton, Oregon, is the world’s leading
designer, marketer and distributor of authentic athletic footwear,
apparel, equipment and accessories for a wide variety of sports and
fitness activities. Wholly-owned NIKE, Inc. subsidiaries include
Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic lifestyle
footwear, apparel and accessories, and Hurley International LLC, which
designs, markets and distributes surf and youth lifestyle footwear,
apparel and accessories. For more information, visit www.nikeinc.com and
follow @Nike.
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