Nike Flyknit Racer

About

Nike officially unveiled Flyknit technology in February 2012 ahead of the London Olympic Games, and the Flyknit Racer was the technology's first public expression. The shoe uses a precision-woven knit upper made from high-strength fibers to create a structure that is both supportive and highly breathable, while dramatically reducing manufacturing waste — Nike cited an approximately 80 percent reduction in upper offcuts compared to traditional cut-and-sew construction. The Flyknit Racer debuted at the 2012 London Olympics worn by elite marathon runners, establishing its performance credentials before reaching retail shelves at . Time magazine named the Flyknit Racer one of the best inventions of 2012, citing its lightweight construction and reduced environmental impact. The shoe was developed through Nike's HTM collaboration with Hiroshi Fujiwara, Tinker Hatfield, and Mark Parker. Its most iconic colorway, the Multicolor, released in 2013 and sold out immediately, generating one of the era's most significant sneaker frenzies. The Flyknit Racer's knit construction has since influenced virtually every Nike upper manufacturing method and dozens of subsequent models across running, training, and lifestyle categories.