If you’re not gifted with genetics like myself, to be an efficient runner, you would know that racing in Nike shoes isn’t for everyone. Pronation and stability concerns aren’t typically addressed by the Nike running shoe line and these are no different. It took me nearly a decade before I had developed enough experience and changes in my running technique to consider racing in a pair of Nikes. Even then, I have not gone past a 10K. Otherwise, my risk for injury increases significantly. That said, I’ve run my fastest 5 and 10Ks in a pair of regular Nike Flyknit Racers. You can definitely feel the inspiration in these Air Max/Flyknit hybrid versions.First off is obviously the flyknit upper which not only makes them super breathable, it’s also really light. Nike ... MoreIf you’re not gifted with genetics like myself, to be an efficient runner, you would know that racing in Nike shoes isn’t for everyone. Pronation and stability concerns aren’t typically addressed by the Nike running shoe line and these are no different. It took me nearly a decade before I had developed enough experience and changes in my running technique to consider racing in a pair of Nikes. Even then, I have not gone past a 10K. Otherwise, my risk for injury increases significantly. That said, I’ve run my fastest 5 and 10Ks in a pair of regular Nike Flyknit Racers. You can definitely feel the inspiration in these Air Max/Flyknit hybrid versions.First off is obviously the flyknit upper which not only makes them super breathable, it’s also really light. Nike pioneered the “sock-like-fit-and-feel” show and it gets better with every iteration. It molds to the shape of your foot. The caveat has always been that they don’t give you much insulation in the late fall and winter months. The fit is surprisingly roomier than other flyknit models where I usually have to go half size bigger, not with these.As for the looks, the color combination of Electric/Volt Yellow, Black and White is striking but not so unconventional to be off putting. You won’t have to worry about people looking at your feet and giving you weird looks. I’ve always been a fan of the Air Max look. There’s something about seeing the transparent air filled compartments that, for the lack-of-a-better-word-despite-being-cliche, is iconic to the Nike brand. But as much as I like the look of Air Max, I haven’t always been a fan of the feel. Which brings me to my next point.Maybe I’m in the minority but I always expect the feel of Air Max shoes to be more comfortable than they actually are. I imagined it to feel like walking on soft pillowy clouds but they’re a lot stiffer than they appear to be. It makes sense though for the sake of durability, it’s just a matter of perception and reality. That said, these shoes have a noticeable bounce if you are a heal striker, more so than other Air Max shoes. This is a good thing in a racing shoe in terms of energy returns. It is something to get used to if you’re used to traditional foam support of other running shoe brands. It took me around six easy 10K runs to really get a feel and get comfortable with running in these shoes. I wouldn’t go as far as to say that I feel confident enough to run a race and go for a new PR in these. Personally, I prefer to feel the more natural feel of traditional foam/rubber soles where I can feel the contact of the road without the extra bounciness. I’m also not super confident that the treads on the bottom have good enough grip in wet conditions especially if you are going for fast 5K or 10K.Racing aside, these make great casual walking shoes and for running on the treadmill at the gym. I’m always hesitant to wear running shoes for weight lifting as that would prematurely degrade their cushioning and mileage. I’d leave that to your own personal discretion. Otherwise, there’s a lot to like about the Air Max Flyknit Racers. It really just boils down to how well the feel and support of the Air Max soles matches your running style.

I was intrigued by this shoe from the first time I saw it. It’s not a performance running shoe but it has an upper much like the vaunted Flyknit Racer from the early 2010, plus the cantilevered air bag we saw in the Air Max Pre-day.The generous ventilation of the upper is appreciated on hot days, and while the midsole isn’t cushioned like a modern running shoe, it is “all-day” supportive.The tongue is quite wide and thin, so it can take a little fiddling to position it when you put the shoes on.I really like this volt/black colorway, especially the way the outer Swoosh is black on yellow and the inner Swoosh is white on black. The subtle white flecks on the waffle style outsole add a little visual interest too. The lace eyelets are on a leatherette panel which ... MoreI was intrigued by this shoe from the first time I saw it. It’s not a performance running shoe but it has an upper much like the vaunted Flyknit Racer from the early 2010, plus the cantilevered air bag we saw in the Air Max Pre-day.The generous ventilation of the upper is appreciated on hot days, and while the midsole isn’t cushioned like a modern running shoe, it is “all-day” supportive.The tongue is quite wide and thin, so it can take a little fiddling to position it when you put the shoes on.I really like this volt/black colorway, especially the way the outer Swoosh is black on yellow and the inner Swoosh is white on black. The subtle white flecks on the waffle style outsole add a little visual interest too. The lace eyelets are on a leatherette panel which isn’t quite as slick as the Flywire setup on the original Flyknit Racer but it may prove more durable.The fit is typical modern Nike, I wear an 11.5 and for reference, I also wear an 11.5 in the Infinity and Invincible Run and a 12 in the Air Max 90 and Jordan 5. It’s not a wide shoe but it’s quite accommodating of my higher volume foot because of the knit upper.Quality is good with no extra glue or threads I noticed.On the whole, it’s a well executed combination of elements from throughout Nike’s history and a fun and fresh option for an everyday casual shoe.

The Nike Air Max line is simply incomparable. With its flawless designs, innovative color ways, and ability to create completely authentic and groundbreaking shoes, it’s easy to see why there is no greater line of shoes in the history of athletic footwear than the Nike Air Max. And with the fly knit racer, Nike has once again done the improbable and incorporated another great line with the fly knit to create another incredible shoe. From its featherweight upper, that incorporates a webbing look that overlaps itself seamlessly, to the iconic bubble heel, there is absolutely nothing to not love about the design of this shoe. Slipping them on for the first time and walking around, I felt no instance of discomfort or concern that it might be too light weight. It felt as ... MoreThe Nike Air Max line is simply incomparable. With its flawless designs, innovative color ways, and ability to create completely authentic and groundbreaking shoes, it’s easy to see why there is no greater line of shoes in the history of athletic footwear than the Nike Air Max. And with the fly knit racer, Nike has once again done the improbable and incorporated another great line with the fly knit to create another incredible shoe. From its featherweight upper, that incorporates a webbing look that overlaps itself seamlessly, to the iconic bubble heel, there is absolutely nothing to not love about the design of this shoe. Slipping them on for the first time and walking around, I felt no instance of discomfort or concern that it might be too light weight. It felt as if it formed to my foot and I was practically wearing nothing. Of course all I had to do was look down and stare in wonder at the striking volt color with its inclusion of sequoia black and the classic white midsole, and know that these shoes were made to be shown off. There is nothing I would change about them, and will only be waiting with anticipation on not only more color ways, but what else the Air Max line creates next!