Nike Running Footwear Product Overview 2020

Footwear ⋅ December 17, 2020

There is an old saying in the footwear industry that ‘product is king’, and it is true!

There is little sense in analysing the current scientific literature and innovating modern running footwear concepts if we cannot parlay this to the actual shoe. So, let’s take a dive into how product can reflect some of the principles we have spoken about in Part 1 – Understanding Running Footwear in the 21st Century.

 

Nike Air Zoom Pegasus 37 – Everyday Responsive Running

A great all new update on the evergreen Pegasus, now in its 37^th iteration. This is what you need to know.

• Stack heights are 22 rearfoot 14 forefoot for an offset of 10mm for men, with the women’s stacks slightly lower and a 9mm offset
• React foam, which is a lightweight, cushioned foam that has great energy return and is durable
• Forefoot zoom air tuned at 20 PSI for men and 15 PSI for women (in testing women preferred the softer feel of the 15PSI Zoom Air unit)
• Midfoot cage
• Traditional waffle
• Dynamic mid-foot lacing system
• Engineered mesh

 

 

 

Nike Air Zoom Vomero 15 – Premium Cushioned and Responsive Running

The new Vomero 15 takes an aggressive new stance with some meaningful midsole geometry.

• Check the rearfoot setup in the new Vomero 15. The unique geometry includes significant decoupling extending from the most proximal point to the midfoot distally. This in effect creates a separate touchdown point and enhances the premium cushioning nature of the shoe with seamless ride.
• Staying with geometry, the sharply bevelled heel seen on many of the premium Nike performance shoes assists with forward transition
• The midsole is Zoom X, the brilliantly responsive, energy returning and light PEBAX based material.
• I am also a big fan of the external heel counter, functional with great design visual
• Men’s USA size 10 comes in at 319g, very acceptable for a cushioned shoe
• Heel 26mm, Forefoot 16mm
• 10mm off-set
• Air bag pressure: 20 psi

 

 

Nike Air Zoom Structure 23 – Stable Responsive Running

The 23^rd version of the Structure has rewritten the book. Always a stability shoe, the Structure achieved this with the usual “motion control” strategies. The Structure 23 underlines the new way of thinking, achieving stability with midsole geometry, wider heel base nets and a dynamic midfoot lacing system.

• Nike have obviously listened to the research, and for the first time do not have a dual density midsole shoe in their range. Hooray!
• Instead, stability is maintained by increasing the rearfoot base net, in simple terms, the rearfoot width. Simple, clean, effective, and with a significant weight saving
• Married to this is an innovative dynamic midfoot lacing system which maintains foot stability on the shoe platform
• The midsole geometry also speaks to midfoot support and smooth forward transition. A big change from the old days of motion control!
• Foam is Cushlon
• Forefoot Zoom Air tuned at 20PSI
• Men’s US size 10 weighs 312g, very competitive in this category
• Heel 22mm, Forefoot 14mm
• 8mm off-set

 

 

Nike React Infinity React Run Flyknit – Designed to Help Keep You on the Run

One of my favourite shoes of the last 10 years, I love the design DNA and the 3 key features

1. 24% more React Foam for optimal energy return and durability
2. Fluid geometry – This is Nike’s rocker geometry and is engineered to assist the roll over process and forward transition
3. New wider base for a more stable platform – designed to enhance stability from first contact

Plus additional specs:

• Men’s US size 9 weighs 291g
• Heel 33mm, Forefoot 24mm
• 9mm off-set
• An all-new version of Flyknit is stronger and more durable than previous versions. Lightweight and flexible, it features 3 distinct layers to help keep your foot secure.

 

 

Written by:

Simon Bartold

Bartold Clinical

We have partnered with Nike Australia Pty Ltd for this article series.

The views expressed in this article, unless otherwise cited, are exclusively those of the author, Simon Bartold of Bartold Clinical. Simon Bartold has over 35 years’ experience in the research, design and innovation space of athletic footwear. He is internationally regarded as an expert in sports footwear and injury.

Nike had no role in the collection, analysis, or interpretation of data or research or the writing of this article.