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Nike Flex: the name is in the sole

Turn a Nike Flex over and you immediately see where the model gets its name. The sole is cut along its full length with deep transverse grooves, so deep that the shoe visibly bends with every step. Where most running shoes build in stiffness to guide the foot, this line does the opposite: it gets out of the way as much as possible.

That premise makes the Flex an entry-level model, and that’s not a criticism. There is no air chamber, no plate, no foam with its own name. What you get is a lightweight shoe that flexes with you, for walking, everyday wear and easy running.

The two branches on this page differ significantly, and the title makes the distinction. **Flex Runner** is completely laceless: one continuous band across the instep, with two large pull tabs to pull the shoe on. The name is embossed on the midsole. That version is often sold in kids’ sizes, precisely because there’s nothing to tie. **Flex Experience** is the classic laced version for adults, with a regular closure and a slightly sturdier upper. In addition there are **Flex Advance** and **Flex Control**, the latter aimed at the gym.

If you want more shoe underfoot, look to the rest of Nike’s running range. The Air Zoom Pegasus is the daily trainer with a Zoom unit, and the Air Max Motion keeps it just as simple but does put a small air chamber underneath.

On this page you’ll see which versions of the Nike Flex are currently hottest according to the Hypescore, from which price they’re available and in how many shops they are in stock.