Nike Flex RN Review – Best Parkour Shoes
Whether you are into running, parkour, or cardio training, you know the importance of having the right shoes. With any of those sports, your feet are taking quite a hit and need something to not only protect them but also help them keep up with your level of performance. In this article, we will detail the Nike Flex RN model as well as some of its competitors to see if it really holds up as the choice shoe for those wanting to make an impact without taking the impact.
What Is the Nike Flex RN?
Nike is constantly putting new models on the market aimed at giving you better performance no matter what you are training for. Their running line is by far one of their most popular, so it is no surprise that there is yet another new model on the shelves.
The Nike Flex RN is one of Nike's lightweight options for runners, though many users prefer this model for all types of movement because of that lightweight feature in particular. It emphasizes comfort with a foam midsole and added heel support and it is well built to be comfortable and supportive for all types of foot shape and needs.
One feature Nike put a little more effort into with this new model is the durable rubber tread. This makes outdoor movement much less risky, even on wet surfaces. They have also added Flywire lacing, which means that the shoe should have a snug fit that is customizable for you no matter what. The Nike Flex RN is also supposed to enhance your natural stride, which should translate into being able to run for longer.
Product Specs
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While we covered some of this above, there are a few additional specs we really want to highlight. What makes the Nike Flex RN stand out from its competitors is its versatility. Oftentimes there is little crossover between training shoes and running shoes, which means they are not interchangeable. This does not seem to be the case for the Nike Flex RN model.
With lightweight, knitted, moldable material, and durable terrain-focused tread, the Nike Flex RN model can be used in many different ways. Taking a trip to Italy and need some good walking shoes? The padded ankle cradle, added heel impact support, and foam midsole make it great for long-term use, and the added lacing system helps everything fit snuggly.
What about a daily run when pounding the pavement in rain or shine? The rubber tread, breathable knitting, and heel impact support means less slippage, more impact, and better sprinting too.
The Nike Flex RN model can supposedly hit those two opposing ends of the spectrum and everything in between. Parkour trainees will also benefit from these specs, as would trainers, joggers, or anyone who needs a reliable shoe with some versatility.
How It Compares
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We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare. With all the talk about how the Nike Flex RN should perform, we felt that putting it up against other similar models would help draw out its actual performance.
Nike Flex RN 2018
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Versatility of Use
Due to the various specs and features of the Nike Flex RN, it is a very versatile shoe as we went over earlier. When put to the test though, we did notice that they do not perform very well on gravel because of the tread design. There was some slippage, and it was not an even or comfortable impact. For other running terrains though, these worked well and were able to adapt to uneven ground as well.
Design Quality
Being such a versatile option means that this shoe will likely get used much more often. One concern we had in terms of its lifespan was how fast the tread would wear down and not be useful for wet weather. However, there have been little to no complaints on the quality of the Nike Flex RN.
A few things we want to note are the knitted mesh and the overall fit. The top of the shoe has a knitted material which, while helping with breathability, was not as cool as we had hoped for those hot days pounding the pavement. In terms of fit, those with wide feet will probably find issues with comfort in this shoe, which is unfortunate as the rest of the specs would make a great option for those with wider feet.
Warranty
Nike typically has a pretty good warranty for their shoes in particular. For their performance shoes, Nike will let you return them after trying them out (depending on the condition) if they just did not work for what you needed.
Pros
Cons
Nike Men’s Lunarglide 9 Training Shoes
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This model has been said to be the best running shoe for overpronation issues. With the build of the sole made for comfort as well as support, and the ankle and heel cradle working to support you as well, this model does perform well for those needing solid support while running.
Versatility of Use
These shoes operate solely as indoor running shoes (which will be discussed below) or as a daily shoe if you are on your feet a lot. A lot of users had issues running on gravel, wet terrain, or uneven terrain as these shoes have little to no gripping tread. If tread is not on your list of concerns, then give this model a shot. Otherwise, you may want to look elsewhere.
Design Quality
Something that is unlike the Nike brand is poor quality shoes. However, there have been complaints about this model in particular falling apart after a few months. The glue around the tread and sole seems to be the most troublesome area. Many users have also said that they only use this model indoors as the tread would wear down fast outside.
Warranty
Nike typically has a pretty good warranty for their shoes in particular. For their performance shoes especially, Nike will let you return them after trying them out (depending on the condition) if they just did not work for what you needed.
Pros
Cons
Nike Men's Air Zoom Terra Kiger 4 Running Shoes
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This model is for those runners who love to be off the beaten path. It is built for support at different angles and designed for uneven ground with a variety of terrains. It has a lacing system to provide the most snug fit, so while you run through rocky, wet, or uneven terrain, your feet stay in tune with the support and fit they need.
Versatility of Use
Because this model needed certain specs and features for off-roading, so to speak, it operates very well as a rugged running shoe, but does not fit neatly into any other type of wear. The only other area we feel this model could perform well in would be hiking when you do not need heavier shoes as it encompasses some of the same needs as off-road running and is meant to be comfortable across many terrains.
Design Quality
For the most part, runners have appreciated the build, design, and durability of this model. It needs to be able to keep up with anything the trail can throw at it - and it does. The only issue we have seen is the structure of the ankle cradle. Some users have reported blistering because the back of the ankle cuff is slightly higher than normal.
Warranty
Nike typically has a pretty good warranty for their shoes in particular. For their performance shoes especially, Nike will let you return them after trying them out (depending on the condition) if they just did not work for what you needed.
Pros
Cons
NIKE Men's Lunarepic Low Flyknit 2 Running Shoes
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This model showcases lightweight performance. Between the sole and tread design and the breathable knitted top, they are meant to hit the ground running. Like the previous models, the Lunarepic includes Flywire to lock down your foot to ensure a snug fit that forms to all the right places in the shoes.
Versatility of Use
While reviewers have used this model as both a running shoe and a daily walking shoe, many have said that it has problems as a training shoe and for uneven terrain. In spite of its Flywire lacing, users reported their feet sliding around while changing directions, which means anything but flat ground and steady gaits is out of the question. This will be a disappointment for those wanting a shoe they can run and train in as training often includes side-to-side movement.
Design Quality
For an indoor running shoe, this model is great. It is lightweight and capable of a snug fit. Outside however, the tread catches pebbles and other small debris which can ruin it. It also is not built for quick turns or uneven terrain, leaving it well built, but only for a specific field of use.
Warranty
Nike typically has a pretty good warranty for their shoes in particular. For their performance shoes especially, Nike will let you return them after trying them out (depending on the condition) if they just did not work for what you needed.
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
While it is obvious that the Nike Flex RN has some competition, it definitely has its own little niche as well: versatility. If you are looking for a model that lets you do more than track or treadmill running (and more than running as well), then we would recommend giving these a go. From the specs and reviews, as well as our research into them, they have held up a lot of what makes them the most versatile running shoe.
Overall, given the features Nike added, and the design incorporated to ensure the Flex RN's success and durability, in combination with its inability to traverse gravel, and the let down in terms of breathability, we feel it deserves 4 out of 5 stars.
