The Nike Free.2 running shoe is designed to meet the needs of the everyday runner in a way not seen before by combining existing technology that is perfect for a lightweight shoe (Flywire) with a new technology (Free.2).

Inspiration was drawn more from the needs of the shoe instead of a specific inspiration related to the project. I looked at existing lightweight shoes and took inspiration from those and trying to improve them and this began with a new Nike Free system, the Nike Free.2

Free.2 was designed to be more comfortable and durable. The midsole portion is constructed with 2 different densities of foam. The denser foam is placed through the midfoot to create a stable landing area as most people land on their midfoot when running. The lighter, more responsive foam is placed from the heel, through the lateral side of the foot and into the toe. It placed in the heel for added cushion and along the lateral side and the toe for more responsiveness as the foot transitions from landing and into pushing off of the toes into the next stride. The foam bed is then placed on a rubber outsole that features vertical cutouts for flexibility and horizontal cutouts that run the length of the outsole to reduce weight and provide some give on the shoe when landing.

The upper consists of 2 layers of material designed to be as lightweight as possible while still providing excellent fit, comfort and support that the foot needs. This happens with a neoprene bootie that forms around the foot in a very comfortable way. Support is provided by the synthetic overlay that features a Flywire structure that is anchored around the lace holes. The 2nd layer is welded to the neoprene only 1/2 way up the side to allow the lace loops to be accessed and gives the entire layer room to move as the foot does as to not restrict the movements of the wearer.

Andrew Olfert

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Design feedback by Brett Golliff:

This entry is a great example of a young designer learning the process. It is a good use of marker rendering and one of the few marker renderings we received. The design is good but lacked the innovation to take it to the top.  I would challenge Andrew to push himself to create a story around his design that gives the shoe a reason for being. Right now he has relied on the Nike Free technology and the Flywire technology, which is great; but I think if he developed a way to take those technologies to the next level he could have a much more innovative solution to present.