Released in mid 2018 Nike unveiled a fresh innovative design for their newest running shoe; Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit 2.  Designed for comfort and durability the newest version of the VaporMax Flyknit pushes the boundaries of technology and design.  The Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit 2 does not have an insole or sock liner and instead of the quantity of air within the sole, Nike concentrated on efficiently pushing air, creating the perfect pressure for a “bouncy” feel. 

We decided to test the shoe and rate it from 1 to 10 in terms of aesthetic appeal, comfort and functionality.  

VaporMax Flyknit 2 Aesthetic Appeal:  9/10

Trendy and sleek, the VaporMax Flyknit 2 comes in a myriad of colors ranging from traditional such as White and Grey to vibrant Red and Teal.  The shoe looks futuristic and comfortable, mainly due to the design and lack of seams.  In terms of aesthetic appeal this is one of the better looking running shoes on the market today.  

VaporMax Flyknit 2 Comfort:  initially: 4/10 . updated: 8/10

This is one of the main reasons that the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit 2 has had mixed reviews.  I’ve never had any issues with any Nike shoe in terms of comfort, but I actually experienced lateral foot pain on both feet while running.  The shoe feels a bit narrow, but it’s designed to “hug” the foot and while some have said the shoe is narrow, most have not so I’m assuming either they have to be broken in or I have some wide ass feet.  

Update:  It looks like most of the discomfort is due to the shoes not being broken in as the original comfort review was written on the first day of use.  They are much more comfortable now.  One tip is to wear really thin socks.  The shoe does hug your foot and support it as you tighten and tie.  

VaporMax Flyknit 2 Functionality:  9.5/10

This shoe almost feels like a track shoe in terms of weight.  It is extremely light and every step has a bounce.  One of the more attractive features is the breathability.  The patented Flyknit material is one layer of  thin yet strong and flexible fabric.  This allows for the shoe to have maximum air flow throughout virtually the entire upper portion of the shoe.  

Overall like all running shoes there are pros and cons.  For runners with standard foot sizes in terms of width, the Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit 2 is a great shoe. The caveat is the price.  The jury is still out on how durable the material is, but most including myself agree on the main points of support, weight and breathability.

Interesting tidbit:  For environmentally conscious runners, according to Nike six recycled plastic bottles are used in every pair of Flyknit 2’s.  

Pros:                                                         Cons:

+ lightweight                                              – expensive ($190 retail)

+ comfortable once broken in                       – they have to be broken in to have                                                                                    maximum comfort

+ color combinations                                    – they may be too narrow for people with                                                                           wide feet

+ breathability

+ support & cushion

for more information visit:  Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit 2