Pros:
- Better laces
- Wider toe box
- Higher heel cup
- Flexible and breathable
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Harsh heel and upper – most likely need to wear socks
- Blisters on heel
Verdict:
Not our favorite Nike Free FlyKnit model – we would opt for the 2016 model instead.
More Information:
We are big fans of the Free series of running shoes from Nike – we have reviewed at least one pair every year for the past four years. We think they are generally awesome shoes that can be used for running, walking or just everyday casual shoes. However, like all Nike Free shoes, I still don’t think they are proper running shoes – they’re mostly casual shoes and certainty not training shoes and to be honest, we are just lukewarm on the 2017 version.
First up, the Nike Free RN FlyKnit 2017s look very similar to last year’s model and they have a lot of the same attributes – they’re super flexible, lightweight and decently breathable. Both models also have good bounce back and energy absorption.
One big negative this year is that I wouldn’t recommend wearing them without socks. Historically, that has been something I really like about the Nike Free FlyKnit models but the 2017 model FlyKnit upper is a little more coarse and harsh on your skin so definitely make sure to wear socks. The other reason I wouldn’t wear them barefoot is that the heel has a new strip of material on the inside that can ultimately end up causing blisters.
On the positive side, the 2017 model does have better laces (albeit, that’s a pretty minor point) and lockdown is probably better than past versions. The heel area is also a little taller and they do have more of an arch, both of which are nice additions.
Overall, the 2017 model is just not my favorite. At a MSRP of $120, I’d probably still opt for the 2016 model, which you can often find awesome deals on now (see on Amazon).
