The Nike Flex RN 2018 version features a rubber outsole, with rubber treads placed in the high wear areas, namely the forefoot and heel of the shoe to provide the wearer with excellent traction on many different surfaces and ensure that the shoe lasts a long time. The outsole also features a honeycomb pattern along the whole length of the outsole. These hexagonal lugs combined with Flex Grooves provide enhanced flexibility to the wearer and allow the feet to move naturally with a smooth heel to toe transition. This neutral running shoe performs great in both the gym and on the road.

The midsole of the Nike Flex RN is made of a full-length, dual-density Phylon foam material. This type of foam is very lightweight and offers a responsive cushioning to the wearer throughout use. It is also very durable and in combination with the rubber outsole protects the rest of the shoe from abrasions and wear and tear caused by usage. Even though the midsole foam is not the thinnest, it does not lack flexibility and moves with your feet for a natural stride. If that was not enough cushioning already, there is a molded textile foot bed placed above the foam, giving extra cushioning for the underfoot.

A major update from the Nike Flex RN 2017 is in the construction of the upper. Instead of an engineered mesh material, Nike opted for a knit upper for enhanced breathability, as well as durability. This type of material is highly stretchable, meaning that you can move around in them freely without them being stiff. Combined with the Flywires in the lacing system, they can be adjusted to fit as snugly as they need to for each individual. Synthetic overlays have been strategically placed for a supported fit, while the collar and tongue feature some padding for comfort and stability for the ankles. The lining on the inside of the shoe is soft and breathable as well, making this shoe extra comfortable and irritation-free. The Nike Flex RN 2018 has a reinforced heel for additional durability and stability.

The Nike Flex RN weighs 9 ounces, which is pretty standard for a neutral running shoe. The light weight is due to the materials used in the production of this shoe. The sole unit features lightweight rubber and foam materials that are very durable at the same time, while the upper is made of a circular knit material, which is super lightweight as well. All of these materials combined help create the barefoot feeling this shoe offers to customers.

The breathability of the Flex RN 2018 is twofold. First of all, the knit upper offers excellent ventilation throughout the shoe, while at the same time provides a supported, yet comfortable fit, thanks to the Flywires. Secondly, Nike added a super soft and breathable lining inside the shoe, which helps with ventilation as well as temperature regulation, so you will not get overheated inside the shoe.

Reviewers all agree that the Nike Flex RN 2018 is an extremely comfortable running shoe and that it almost feels like walking barefoot. This is due to the construction of the midsole and the upper. The midsole features Nike’s lightweight Phylon foam cushioning, which is very flexible and responsive at the same time. It provides a well-cushioned heel to toe transition throughout use, which customers appreciated. The upper’s knit construction is highly breathable and soft, not to mention the soft lining inside the shoe. The additional padding in the collar and tongue area of the shoe provide excellent ankle support without causing blisters and irritation. Thanks to the Flywire cables, the Nike Flex RN wraps around the feet like a sock, making them extremely comfortable to wear for longer periods of time.

The new Nike Flex RN has a very minimalistic yet stylish look to it. It features the classic Nike logo on its side and a heel cup, which not only adds to the overall look of the shoe, but gives stability to the heel as well. The Flywire cables are concealed within the upper’s knit material, showing only at the eyelets, enhancing the minimalistic look of this model. The color scheme is also upgraded from the previous model, with colors such as Midnight Navy Blue or Gunsmoke Grey. All in all, the Nike Flex RN is a very stylish shoe to have in your collection, whether you want a good looking running/workout shoe or just want to look good strolling down the street.

The Nike Flex RN 2018 is very durable, thanks to its rubber outsole. The rubber treads found on the forefoot and heel areas of the outsole help protect the shoe from abrasions where it is needed the most, thus improving the overall longevity of the shoe. They are also excellent for traction, as long as the surface is flat. The midsole’s Phylon foam, while it is lightweight and quite flexible, it does not lack in durability either. The foam keeps its shape and structural integrity even after extensive use. The knit upper is excellent in protecting against wear and tear, especially in the toe box area. It also features synthetic overlays, which help give the upper structure and support, but also enhance durability. The Flex RN has a reinforced heel cap, which is very durable as well.

The Nike Flex RN 2018’s protection comes mainly from its midsole and upper construction, while the outsole also plays a role. The full-length Phylon foam used in the midsole is very lightweight and provides a responsive cushioning that is flexible as well allowing the feet to move in a natural way. The upper provides a snug and supportive fit, thanks to the Flywire cables implemented into the lacing system, making sure the feet are locked down in their proper position. The padded collar and tongue help support the ankle, thus preventing injuries, while the reinforced heel cap gives extra stability to the heel. The rubber outsole provides a good grip and traction for the wearer, minimizing injuries caused by slipping.

Thanks to the full-length Phylon foam midsole cushioning, the Nike Flex RN has excellent responsiveness. Most running shoes either sacrifice responsiveness or flexibility when it comes to the midsole design, but Nike managed to implement both into the Flex RN 2018. Many reviewers were satisfied with the overall performance of this running shoe, complementing the barefoot feeling it provides.

Most of the support of the Flex RN comes from the upper. Namely, the circular knit upper features synthetic overlays that help give the shoe some structure, as well as provide support for the wearer. The Flywire cables in the lacing system help create a snug and supported fit for the feet, while the padded tongue and collar give support to the ankles. The upper also features a reinforced heel cap for additional support in the heel area. While the midsole does offer some support, it is not made for correcting issues, such as over or underpronation. This shoe is better suited for people with normal to high arches.

The Nike Flex RN is categorized as a neutral daily road running shoe and as such, it is best used on flat surfaces, like roads, pavement, track, or inside the gym for various workouts. It is not, however, recommended for trail running, since it does not have sufficient protection to handle rough surfaces.

The new Flex RN is fairly inexpensive, considering the quality and performance of this running shoe. Customers were generally satisfied with these shoes and would buy them again.

Special rubber treads have been strategically placed in the high-wear areas of the outsole, the forefoot and heel respectively. These rubber treads not only ensure the durability of this running shoe, but provide excellent traction as well on flat surfaces such as roads or tracks. However, these are not trail running shoes and do not have enough protection to last you on uneven and rough surfaces.

The Nike Flex RN is very flexible, as the name itself implies. The Phylon midsole foam is very flexible in itself and the outsole features Flex Grooves for a natural, non-restricted stride. The upper is made of a circular knit material, which is very flexible and molds to the wearer’s foot shape like a sock, so they can move around effortlessly. The whole construction of this shoe is made to mimic the natural movement of the feet and provide a smooth ride.

The most striking element of stability is the reinforced heel cap on the Flex RN. However, there are other elements scattered throughout the design of this running shoe. For example, the padded collar and tongue help keep the ankles in place and stable, while the Flywire cables together with the synthetic overlays in the upper’s construction help keep the feet in a locked down position. The rubber outsole provides a stable and firm grip on the ground and the midsole offers some arch support. However, this is not a stability running shoe, so it does not cater to people with specific stability needs, such as overpronation.

The Nike Flex RN features a 6 mm drop, which contributes to the overall barefoot feeling of this running shoe.

The new Nike Flex RN features some major updates regarding the construction of the outsole and the upper. Namely, the outsole is made of a rubber material, with rubber treads placed in the high-wear areas, like the heel and forefoot for enhanced durability, as well as traction. The addition of Flex Grooves improved the overall flexibility of the shoe. The midsole carries a full-length Phylon foam, which is a responsive, yet flexible cushioning foam. The circular knit upper is super lightweight and breathable, and thanks to the synthetic overlays, structured as well. The upper also features Flywire cables, which help provide a snug, sock-like fit, while the padded tongue/collar help with ankle support.

The heel cap is reinforced for extra stability as well. Overall, this running shoe provides a good amount of stability, however, not enough to correct overpronation. Some people had an issue with sizing and the upper being too narrow, but generally, the Nike Flex RN 2018 is considered an upgrade from its predecessor. It comes in various color schemes and has a sleek and minimalistic look, making them perfect for everyday wear as well, and they are fairly affordable.