# Sock-Like Sneakers The Nike Free Flyknit Grips the Foot Like a Sock By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2013-07-19 | Fashion Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-free-flyknit References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/nike-free-flyknit-running-shoes/) & [nike](http://www.nike.com/fall13/) The [Nike](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-flyknit-venture) Free Flyknit has a construction that grips a foot like the band of a sock, changing the way a traditional shoe design applies pressure to the top of the foot. High-performance clothing is more like an extension of your own skin. Nike plays off this idea with the sock-like design of this [running shoe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-fly-6). The tight, [fabric-like weave](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/field-general-82-3) is breathable and allows a greater range of flexibility for athletes an runners as well. The shoe consists of a knit upper piece, which reduces the amount of material typically used in sneaker constuction by 88%. The knit is connected to a Nike Free 5.0 midsole, which provides an average amount of cushioning. The Nike Free Flyknit is currently available for pre-order, but will not be globally released until August. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/nike-free-flyknit-running-shoes/), [nike](http://www.nike.com/fall13/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.8/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 100% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 70% men, 30% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/shoes) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Sock-like Design:** The Nike Free Flyknit introduces a sock-like design that revolutionizes traditional shoe construction. - **High-performance Clothing:** The concept of high-performance clothing as an extension of the skin opens up opportunities for innovative designs and materials. - **Flexible Athletic Footwear:** Athletes and runners can benefit from the increased flexibility and breathability offered by sock-like sneakers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Sportswear:** The sportswear industry can capitalize on the demand for innovative and comfortable athletic footwear. - **Textile:** The textile industry can explore new materials and techniques to create flexible and breathable products. - **Footwear:** The footwear industry has the opportunity to disrupt traditional shoe design by incorporating sock-like construction and comfort. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bulbous Dynamic Knitted Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-flyknit-venture.md) - [Bulbous Knitted Sneaker Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flyknit-haven.md) - [Sustainable Knitted Toddler Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swoosh-1-trainer.md) - [Secure Cable-Accented Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-lunar-roam.md) - [Summer-Ready Lightweight Footwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/free-forward-moc-2-n7.md) - [High-Tech Dynamic Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-max-dn8.md) - [Slip-On Metallic Shoes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-superfly-moc.md) - [Chunky High-Performance Runners](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zoom-fly-6.md) - [Responsive Dual-Chamber Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nike-air-max-dn.md)