Flyknit is Back for Good, and We're Totally Here for It

If you’ve been interested in sneakers for a while, it’s more than likely that you’ve already come across Nike’s Flyknit fabric, whether you realise it or not. Introduced all the way back in 2012, the material was created in order to help make sneakers more environmentally-friendly, way before the Swoosh brand’s Move to Zero campaign existed. The durable yet lightweight material has since appeared on plenty of notable sneaker releases, however none quite as memorable as the Nike Flyknit Trainer and Flyknit Racer from the mid-2010s.

Worn by the likes of Kanye West (well before his partnership with adidas was birthed), the kicks were at the forefront of sneaker culture at the time and remain classics even today. However by around 2017, the models were both discontinued, leaving sneaker fanatics across the world disappointed. While the models remained off the market for many years, last month saw the return of Flyknit in the form of the Nike Air Max Flyknit Racer, a slightly modified silhouette that’s instantly reminiscent of the past classics. Flyknit is well and truly back, and we’re absolutely here for it.

Anyone who was around for the initial hype back in 2012 will remember the widespread popularity of the multi-coloured Flyknit yarn when it first launched, and the Swoosh brand has obviously realised the importance of this specific colourway, rebirthing it along with the updated silhouette. The lightweight kicks sit on top of a midsole unit that houses visible Air Max technology, with eagle-eyed sneakerheads noticing the fact that the entire sole section has been pretty much lifted from the Air Max Pre-Day.

Another undoubtedly memorable colourway was the very first “Oreo” Flyknit Trainer. The Kanye-approved colourway takes on a subtle, no-frills look, bearing a combination of black and white for easily the most wearable variation of the Air Max Flyknit Racer. While right now retro-inspired kicks such as the Nike Dunk and Air Jordan 1 are at the height of fashion, it’s important to look back and remember just how culturally-important slimline running sneakers were at the peak of their popularity - does anyone remember the Nike Roshe Run?

Rounding off this trio of perfectly-formed colourways is a clean whited-out variation, for those who prefer a more traditional approach when styling sneakers. Here at The Sole Supplier we’re thrilled to see this incredible technology make a return, even if it is somewhat fuelled by sneaker nostalgia. Could the Flyknit Racer and Flyknit Trainer be in for retro releases sometime soon? We certainly hope so. Stay locked in right here at The Sole Supplier for all the latest sneaker news and updates, and while you’re with us be sure to check out our take on the current terrace trend too!