NIKE Free Flyknit provides compression fit with free flexibility

Second-skin fit and flexible sole deliver smooth, supportive ride for runners

PRESS RELEASE

Runners can now reap the benefits of natural motion found in Nike Free and the supportive, second-skin fit of Nike Flyknit in a single shoe. The Nike Free Flyknit unites two of Nike’s most innovative and popular technologies to deliver barefoot-like flexibility and a compression fit that locks the foot in place.

The Nike Free Flyknit is designed to flex with the foot in motion. It is informed by Nike’s "Nature Amplified" design ethos — an approach fueled by scientific data and athlete insights.

“Nike Free Flyknit is the ultimate expression of natural performance principles, combining a supportive, sock-like upper and a flexible midsole and outsole that move with the body,” says Sean McDowell, Creative Director for Nike Running. “The compression fit brings the foot closer to the sole for enhanced lockdown and propulsion.”

NIKE FLYKNIT UPPER

A new, more compressive NIke Flyknit construction in the shoe upper secures the runner’s foot to the shoe platform. The unique zoned performance mapping pattern of the Nike Flyknit upper is derived from insights on how pressure is exerted on the top of the foot. Nike Sport Research Lab scientists employed pressure-mapping technology to locate stress areas, and designers used the data to inform the new upper. Zones on the top of the foot have engineered stretch built to enable natural flex, while a tighter weave at the perimeter stabilizes the forefoot and heel. Additionally, elasticized construction fits securely around the ankle for a comfortable, secure fit. By knitting a one-piece upper, Nike Flyknit construction reduces Nike's typical upper waste by an average of 88 percent.

NIKE FREE PLATFORM

The advanced Nike Flyknit upper sits atop a Nike Free+ 5.0 midsole, which lies in the middle of the Nike Free spectrum, providing mid-range cushioning. (On a scale or 1-10, 1 is akin to running barefoot and 10 is comparable to a traditional running shoe.) The articulated Nike Free sole is flexible and moves naturally with the foot. Diagonal hot-knifed sipes (strategically-engineered flex grooves) through the arch help ensure natural movement in the mid-foot as a runner transitions stride.

The Nike Free Flyknit comes on the heels of decades of biomechanics research and design exploration with the intent of providing the best run possible. The breakthrough combination of a compressive Nike Flyknit upper with a highly flexible Nike Free midsole and outsole adds up to a running shoe that delivers a more natural ride, amplifying athletes’ ability to move quickly and comfortably over distance.

The Nike Free Flyknit is available at select Nike Stores beginning Aug. 1.

SRP: Php 7,895

About NIKE, Inc.
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 subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit nikeinc.com.

For media enquiries, please contact:
Lorenzo Manalang / Jandric Lim
Ogilvy Public Relations Worldwide
E-mail: Lorenzo.Manalang@ogilvy.com / Jandric.Lim@ogilvy.com
Tel: 238-7000 loc. 7031/7051

2nd Nike’s We Run Manila 10K on December 2!

PRESS RELEASE

Nike’s We Run race returns to Manila for a second year, to inspire, motivate and connect runners around the world. On December 2, 2012, Filipino runners will be part of the global We Run race movement, which will see a total of 395,500 runners from 34 cities participating—establishing a new global community of runners through Nike’s most connected race series using the innovative Nike+ technology. The We Run race series kicked off on September 1 in Prague, Czech Republic, and will conclude on December 15 in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

Nike’s We Run Manila 10K race will energize the streets of Pasay City with the 13,000 high-octane runners expected to make tracks all over the SM Mall of Asia’s grounds. Set against the remarkable view of Manila Bay, the initial stretch of the race will let runners pass through the commercialized area of the Mall of Asia with the SMX Convention Center and the latest icon of the area, the eye-shaped SM Bay City Arena. Runners are set to leave urban commercial scenery and head towards the fields along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard. Closing in on the halfway point of the race, runners will then pass the upcoming Belle Casino, a gold complex glistening in the morning sun. As they take a turn on Pacific Avenue and race past the same landmarks, runners will come upon the iconic ferris-wheel along Seaside Boulevard that marks the final kilometer to the finish line. The panoramic run would not be complete without an engaging en route entertainment featuring some of Manila’s top musical acts.

Meeting the runners at the finish line is the Race Village that will offer an array of services. Runners can expect to be pampered with massage booths and get recharged at any of the refreshment stalls while being entertained by the energetic musical line-up.

“Nike’s We Run race is the celebration of running across the world, the culmination of every runner’s dedication and commitment to train harder, defy expectations and push their bodies’ limits. Nike aims to revolutionize the running experience, by allowing runners to inspire, motivate and connect with other runners globally through the Nike+ Technology”, shared Sanjay Gangopadhyay, Marketing Director of Nike South East Asia. “With the second edition of the We Run race in Manila, Nike envisions Filipinos, the youth in particular, to further move the local running scene forward by leading the active lifestyle movement.”

This year, Nike is taking inspiration to a new level as runners will be able to follow two of Philippines most popular lifestyle bloggers, Robbie Becroft of robbieoffduty.com and Lissa Kahayon of lissakahayon.com who will be embarking on their first We Run race. Follow their We Run journey as they take on the challenge of preparing for Nike’s We Run MNL 10K race, blogging at each step of the journey, and witness how Nike elevates their everyday running experience with the various product offerings including the Nike+ ecosystem.

To get race-ready, Nike will organize four training sessions focusing on proper running techniques and tips. Runners will also be able to test out the Nike+ Running app (available on iOS and Android), and try out the season’s latest running products. These clinics will be led by podiatrists and Nike Training Club instructors to further educate individuals on how they can reach their potential as runners.

The registration for Nike’s We Run race will commence on Monday, October 8 2012 online through www.facebook.com/NikeRunningPH and also on-ground at selected retail stores. Registration details are as follows:

CATEGORY / PRICE    Philippines
UNDER 25 Y.O. (24 years old and below as of race day)    Php 800
25 Y.O. & ABOVE (25 years old and above as of race day)    Php 1,200
BUDDY 1+1 UNDER 25 (24 years old and below as of race day)    Php 1,400

Categories:
1.    Women's Under 25 - For women aged 24 years and below on the race day
2.    Men's Under 25 - For men aged 24 years and below on the race day
3.    Women's Open - Open to women of all ages
4.    Men's Open - Open to men of all ages

On-ground registrations will also be held at the following Nike stores:
•    Swoosh Park Fort
•    Swoosh Park Trinoma
•    Swoosh Park MOA
•    Swoosh Stadium ATC
•    Swoosh Park Ermita
•    Swoosh Park Galleria
•    Swoosh Forum Robinsons Magnolia
•    Swoosh Park Glorietta 4
•    Riovana Katipunan
•    Swoosh Stadium Rockwell

For more information, visit
www.facebook.com/NikeRunningPH
http://nikeinc.com/nike-running/news/nikes-we-run-race-series-connect-runners-around-the-world-through-nike
or follow us on twitter via @NikePH.

About NIKE, Inc.
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 subsidiaries include Converse Inc., which designs, markets and distributes athletic footwear, apparel and accessories; Cole Haan, which designs, markets and distributes luxury shoes, handbags, accessories and coats; Umbro Ltd., a leading United Kingdom-based global football (soccer) brand; and Hurley International LLC, which designs, markets and distributes action sports and youth lifestyle footwear, apparel and accessories. For more information, visit nikeinc.com.