Hello,
I created this blog to share my passion about the Research and Development of athletic shoes. I have also dedicated a part of this blog to DFID, the Department of International Development, that aims at ending extreme poverty. This goal is shared by big athletic footwear companies, like Nike. The Nike Foundation helps millions of adolescent girls living in poverty today.
With fitness being all the rage in modern society, it seems everyone is looking for the right athletic shoe to keep up with an active lifestyle. And I am no exception. Because of my commitment to outside activities ranging from hiking and running, to cycling and even some light rock climbing, I am forever searching for the safest, most effective shoe that won’t break the bank. In fact, I have become somewhat of a connoisseur of athletic shoe technology. I have been following with great interest the research and development in the area of athletic shoes.
Originally from Seattle, I learned at an early age the mental and physical benefits of spending time outdoors. Throughout the years, I have tried a variety of athletic shoes, but realized I always comes back to Nike. In fact, became such a fan of Nike comfort and performance, I dedicated this blog party to the company’s ever progressing research and innovative technology.
I like Nike shoe technology and I am fascinated by how Nike develops its products, testing prototypes, and using materials that closely resemble the bare foot. One of the more recent advances Nike has made is their attention to the “less is more” school of thought. How many of us have tried the “Barefoot” running shoes that introduced minimalist footwear? I know I have. While there is something to be said for the lightweight structure and ability to almost grip the ground with your feet, I personally felt there was not quite enough cushioning for my taste. At the end of a run, I always felt my feet had experienced a bit more trauma than I was used to, and wondered if I might even be doing some damage. I believed the concept was wonderful, but felt it was lacking in something.
Well, Nike to the rescue! On Research4Development, I introduce you to the 2015 Nike Free collection. Being an avid follower of the Nike Sports Research lab, I have followed the Nike Free technology for most of its 11 years, and noticed that 2015 has introduced big developments. Specifically, the Nike Free Flyknit collection has captured my attention. These three new styles, 3.0, 4.0, and 5.0, are all about harnessing the natural motion of the runner’s foot, by redesigning the shoe to add flexibility, and eliminating bulky styling that inhibits natural movement. However, while the shoes remain flexible and lightweight, they do not sacrifice cushioning to deliver. In fact, each style from the 3.0 to the 5.0, offers a different level of cushioning based on customer preference.
Research4Development is an excellent way for active people to keep abreast of what’s going on in the research and development of shoes. I will let us know when Nike unveils new technology and explain, in layman’s terms, how it works, and for whom it would be the best investment. Personally, I’m looking forward to getting my hands on those Nike Free Flyknits. I have no doubt that you will find something in this blog of interest to you as well, if you haven’t already. Happy trails!