The drive behind Nike’s success has always been innovation. The list of revolutionary advancements made by the Beaverton brand is endless, and the rampant progress in the search for the perfect shoe can be attributed to one simple adage that has yet to fail the brand – “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.” Not only has Nike allowed its most famed inventions explore evolution on its own, the Beaverton brand has accelerated it by implementing key changes sparked by data-driven research. Nike Free belongs in a fraternity of game-changing discoveries in footwear cushioning, but it is far different from Max Air, Zoom, and Lunar in that it looks to minimize the amount of material between foot and ground and allow for a freedom of movement. And what it has in store for its 10th Anniversary year is an example of Nike Free reaching beyond the limits without any restriction – a sneaker that allows for an experience of running with pure freedom of motion.

In a few short weeks, Nike will debut the the 2014 Free Running Collection. Belonging in this heralded set is the Free 3.0 Flyknit, which features a double-layered outsole and sock-like Flyknit shell, the Free 4.0 Flyknit, a new take on an award-winning classic, and the Free 5.0 ’14, the perfect mix between classic running footwear and barefoot feel. A series of new discoveries are what lift this year’s selection above anything Nike has done in the past – a hexagonal grooved outsole, Flyknit uppers with specific target zones, and Dynamic Flywire for incomparable lockdown. All in all, the Nike 2014 Free Running Collection is poised to change yet again the landscape of running footwear. Continue on for an exclusive look at the Nike 2014 Free Running Collection for both men and women and expect all these new models to be available at Nike Running retailers on April 3rd.

FLYKNIT

After the debut of the Nike Free Flyknit in 2013, the award-winning innovation makes a triumphant return to the Nike Free. As many of runners and enthusiasts have experienced firsthand with the various Flyknit sneaker releases over the last eighteen months, the breakthrough technology continues to evolve into something lighter, stronger, and more stable than it was ever before. The contoured fit seen on the Free 3.0 and Free 4.0 provides enough protection and coverage for the low-profile toe-box, while targeted zones on the mid-foot and heel allow for lockdown fit.

HEXAGONAL GROOVES

When the Nike Free debuted in 2004, the look and feel of the sport of running changed forever. The deep grooves in the Free sole allowed for an incredible range of movement in forward and side-to-side directions that were previously unattainable with running footwear that was available at the time. Extensive research has shown that running isn’t restricted to to dimensions, which explains the evolution of the Free grooves over the years, but the all-new Hexagonal arrangement serves up even more freedom of movement.

FLYWIRE

Preceding the debut of Flyknit is the innovation of Flywire – one that has been evolving exponentially before our eyes since it was first introduced in 2008. The thick, flexible cables have proven its capability in a variety of sports and strenuous activity with minimal use of material, making the Free 5.0 ’14  one of the most well-ventilated running shoes in the market. Working in tandem with the hexagonal outsole, the knit mesh upper laden with Dynamic Flywire offers a level of lockdown never before seen in the Free 5.0 lineage.

ANATOMICAL HEEL

One major advancement seen across all three new models is the new heel design. Focusing on the true anatomy of the foot, the revamped shape of the heel mimics the natural motion of running and allows the body to flow more naturally during movement.