It's all about personalised cushioning from the micro beads in the sole
Nike has unveiled its new Joyride Run Flyknit running trainers, with new technology designed to boost cushioning for reduced impact.
Trainer technologies are getting a little like Gillette razors, with each generation heralding supposed new breakthroughs for an even smoother run. Nike has allegedly spent 10 years designing the Joyride’s system, which puts micro beads into a pocket inside the sole.
These TPE beads, Nike says, have been placed into “zonally tuned pods” to allow the foam to expand in all directions. Does that have an overly scientific moniker? Of course it does: “multi-directional displacement.”
So what does all that do?
Essentially, Nike reckons that displacing the weight in this way will save your legs on a long run. Nike says you’ll recover faster, which should help you get more from every training session.
And it should feel pretty wild. There’s no sock liner – you slide your feet on top of the tiny balls, so the fit should feel extremely snug and personal. What’s more, no matter how you strike, the distribution of weight should work for you, whether that’s heel or front-foot.
Looks are nearly as important when it comes to trainers – and the Nike Joyride looks pretty distinctive. While it’s not actually necessary to display the thousands of tiny balls, the pods are see through, so they become a patchwork of primary looking colours.
“Joyride is engineered to help keep legs fresh by delivering a personalised underfoot experience with great impact absorption in a surprisingly light, energy-returning package,” Nike says in its press materials.
There are plenty of trainers that max out on cushioning and it looks like the Joyrides will go head to head with the Adidas Ultraboost, which are also incredibly bouncy to run in. That might suit some runners, but not all. We found some stability issues running in the bouncy Ultraboosts.
And those concerned about micro-plastics might want to consider closely. A shoe full of TPE micro-beads doesn’t seem too environmentally friendly, even if Nike says the sole will be good for 450 miles+ of running.
Nike’s Joyride Run Flyknit will launch on 15 August for £160. If you’re a Nike Plus member, however, you can get them from 25 July.
