Running Shoe Talk: New Release!

Born from a desire to combine two of its most advanced technologies into one, Nike is gearing up to release the Flyknit Lunar2 on February 6, 2013. And as good running girlfriends should do – I’m sharing my firsthand experience with these fresh, new kicks!

Description: After the success of the Flyknit Lunar1+, Nike designers engineered more stretch into the Nike Flyknit Lunar2 upper for a better fit, and attached the tongue to keep it in place. On the outsole, pressure map data helped inform a new pattern that more closely matches how the foot naturally moves through stride. Designers applied these learnings to Lunarlon foam to enhance the cushioning properties and deliver greater flexibility. The result is an even more natural stride and fluid ride, a lightweight neutral shoe built for runners from elite to beginner. The Flyknit Lunar2 retails for $160.

Pros: This lightweight shoe (just 7.2 ounces!) cradled my foot from the first stride to the last. With the stretchy, knit upper and attached tongue my feet felt secure and supported throughout. The light-as-a-feather feel made these a perfect pick when I wanted to rev up the pace, while the supportive midsole carried me through a long run without premature fatigue.

Cons: Though I love the bright colors, some may not love the flashy hues. Also, sizing runs a tad bit small, so consider ordering a half size larger than normal. The hefty price tag could require a double take, but trust me – this is one investment that pays dividends through your run time.

Bonus: Customize your kicks with the NIKEid version of the Flyknit Lunar2. With personalized colors and added tag line – you can play shoe designer to create the perfect pair!

More Info: The official release date is 2/6/14 at selected retailers and Nike.com. Can’t wait? Create your own pair now at NIKEid.com.