Nike Women's Metcon 2 Training Shoes Nike Women's Air Zoom Strong Training Shoes Nike Women's Free TR Focus Flyknit Training Shoes Nike Women's Free Transform Flyknit Training Shoes Check Out New Styles For Spring Tents For Every CamperThe marathon world record stands at two hours, two minutes, and 57 seconds. Nike wants to chisel that time down to less than two hours and has designed a shoe to do it. Today Nike unveils the Zoom Vaporfly Elite, a concept running shoe that three world-class runners will wear this spring during the Breaking2 initiative to run a sub-two-hour race. Given the trajectory of human athletic performance—in 1906, the best marathoners clocked in at just under three hours—a sub-two-hour run seems achievable, if not inevitable. But scientists, athletes, and designers agree this is a mighty goal. “It’s ones of those big barriers of human potential,” says Tony Bignell, VP of footwear innovation at Nike. The Vaporfly Elite is the sportswear giant’s vehicle for crossing that threshold and perhaps even upstaging the Adidas Adizero Sub2, the new marathon shoe from its chief rival.

Nike began this endeavor in earnest in 2014, although its designers say they started dreaming about such a shoe more than a decade ago. A confluence of factors make now the time to go for it: Bignell says advances in 3-D knitting and cushioning technology, and athletes already close to breaking the two-hour barrier, help. “We’re at a point where we now feel that we have the science,” says Matthew Nurse, VP of the Nike Sports Research Lab. If Nike wants to achieve the sub-two-hour goal, it must improve its athletes’ running economy by 3 to 5 percent. Bignell says three footwear variables most dictate economy: weight, to reduce the energy of lifting the foot; cushioning, to support bones and muscles; and propulsion, to push the runner forward. The Vaporfly Elite weighs around 7 ounces, about 2 ounces less than Nike’s most recent Olympic sprinting shoe, despite a deceptively clunky look. That’s due to the inch-thick spongy sole that Bignell says is like no other foam in the company’s history.

Within that sole lies the shoe’s engine: an ultrathin, lightweight, carbon-fiber plate that helps propel the runner. best offers on puma shoesPlates like this have long helped sprinters dash past the finish line in record time, but those short bursts require a different gear than 26 miles of running. nike high top diamond“Strength doesn’t remain constant over the course of a marathon,” says Benno Nigg, a biomechanics expert at the University of Calgary in Canada whose past work includes using plates to reduce sprinting time by 2 percent.top ten soccer shoe brands Nike customized the plates in each Vaporfly Elite to suit the three runners attempting the sub-two-hour marathon—Zersenay Tadese, the half-marathon world-record holder; nike mens shoes navy blue

Lelisa Desisa, a two-time Boston Marathon winner; baby tennis shoes amazonand Eliud Kipchoge, gold medalist at the Rio Olympics. price for nike shoes in indiaEach pair is tailored to match its athlete’s unique strengths, stride, and dimensions. “That is the difficult thing,” says Nigg, who is unaffiliated with Nike’s Breaking2 initiative. “If they have solved that, then they have solved something really good.” Tadese, Desisa, and Kipchoge will attempt to break the two-hour mark in a special marathon this coming spring. There’s plenty to prove. Aside from the tuning angles of the custom plates and the never-been-used-before foam, Nike must show that its technology can answer a significant question about human potential. “Is it actually within the realms of human physiology to do this?” “We think it is.”

And when Nike releases consumer versions of the Vaporfly this June, the Zoom Vaporfly 4% ($250) and the slightly heavier Zoom Fly ($150), both of which have similar (though noncustomized) soles and plates as the Elite version, runners everywhere can try it for themselves. Turns out it’s OK to own a closet full of kicks. As sport-specific technologies continue to advance, investing in a specialized shoe can make all the difference. From running and hiking to Crossfit and cycling, we put the newest men’s and women’s fall kicks to the test so you don’t have to. Here are our picks for best performance in each category. Best for: Long Runs Find your stride quicker thanks to the ample support and stability in these New Balance 870v3s. Best for: Training Runs The neutral Mizuno Wave Creation 15 running shoe features the company’s new technology in the midsole, making it 30 percent lighter than the previous model. Plus, it delivers great shock absorption and durability so you can log many miles.

Best for: Minimalist Running Talk about a perfect match! The BioMoGo DNA technology in the midsole of the Brooks PureFlow II molds to personally fit your foot with each step you take. Best for: Night Runs Be seen in the minimalist Skora Phase X featuring 360-degree reflectivity. These zero drop shoes have a soft inner mesh with a breathable open-weave top mesh, making them super lightweight. Best for: Rainy RunsThe Tenacious Grip outer sole lugs on these Single Track Hayasa II sneakers gain traction on even the wettest of surfaces. And their perforated foot bed is a good fit for narrow feet. Ahead of the Pack Best for: Race Day Weighing a mere 7.2 ounces for men and 6.2 for women, the Newton Distance Elite is a highly responsive racing flat with minimal upper stitching. The welded support strap hugs your midsole as the shoe forces you to forefoot strike thanks to the lugs on the bottom of the sole. Best for: Trail Running Adjust these Salomon FellRaiser Quicklaces and channel your inner kid, running through every puddle on the trail.

The shoe’s Ortholite sock liner and EVA molded foot bed provide much-needed cushion to absorb impact from rocks and roots. And the breathable open mesh design helps the shoe dry quickly. Best for: Mud Runs Ready for your first (or fifth) mud run? The Under Armour FTHR Shield TRC Storm Running Shoes were made for these events. Though they won’t keep all the mud and water out, the added support from the ankle sleeve is key for traversing over uneven terrain, and the micro-lugs help grip steep, slick hills. Best for: Hiking in Bad Weather The name says it all — the Merrell Proterra Mid GORE-TEX hiking boots have a waterproof mesh upper that breathes well, which is perfect for lengthier trails. Best for: Good Weather Hiking Light for a hiking shoe, the Keen Marshall features a breathable 3D mesh upper, a PU midsole, and a rubber sole with multidirectional lugs for good traction. Its moisture-wicking lining will keep your feet dry, with or without the removable EVA foot bed.

Best for: Outdoor Adventures Pound all types of pavement in the Columbia Peakfreak Enduro. The shoe’s Omni-Grip traction rubber holds tight to all types of outdoor (and indoor) surfaces so you never have to worry about slipping on your run. Best for: Long Walks Skechers Flex Appeal give comfy a whole new meaning. The foot bed is made of memory foam and molds to your foot for a perfect fit. You’ll be able to walk around for hours. Best for: Hybrid Classes Two shoes for the price of one! Asics Gel Synthesis functions as a full training sneaker when worn as a whole. Remove the neoprene and air mesh inner booty and wear just this soft shell for at-home workouts or Pilates. The steel toe boot-like design of the Reebok CrossFit Nano 3.0 proves its purpose when toes-to-bar is part of the WOD. With a Dual Density platform and flat soles, they also provide much-needed stability for exercises like box jumps and thrusters. Best for: Dance ClassTwist and turn with ease during Zumba or other dance classes thanks to the pivot point on these Ryka Exertion.

The breathable mesh upper keep the shoes airy on the inside so they don’t become too sweaty while you tear up the floor. Sprint down the field in these Women’s Adidas F10 TRX FG Cleats. The synthetic upper removes unnecessary weight, keeping you light on your feet. A women’s specific pre-molded insole and TRAXION 2.0 studs make them a comfortable and reliable shoe. Though lightweight, the Men’s Under Armour Micro G Anatomix Spawn Basketball Shoes don’t lack in ankle stability. Their flexibility is key for players quick on their feet who are continuously making drives to the basket. Best for: Driving Range Sporty meets chic in these ECCO Womens Tour Hybrid golf shoes. Their supportive side structure won’t give in as your transfer weight through your swing on the driving range, and the stylish color-block design is perfect for a post-green lunch. Love at First Sight The K-Swiss Big Shot II’s textured heel grip lining paired with a supportive sole provide much needed stability on any type of tennis court.

You’ll be able to quickly change direction without the fear of rolling an ankle. Lightweight and comfortable kicks are important for a round on the links. At 260 grams, the Oakley Cipher 2 is one of the lightest golf shoes available. The sole has thousands of tiny Nanospikes that dig into the grass, providing traction even for an early tee time when there’s still dew on the ground. Best for: Mountain Biking The durable synthetic leather on the upper of this Shimano SH-XC61 protects your foot from stray branches and rocks. Use the micro-adjustable buckle to create a truly personalized fit for a reliable ride. Best for: Water Activities Helly Hansen Aquapace is the name if water sports are your game. This easy-to-slip-on shoe has a flexible EVA midsole and a Storm Grip rubber sole, perfect for slippery surfaces. Plus, the breathable, quick-dry mesh upper keeps your feet from feeling pruney all day. Triathletes can shorten their transition time in these Altra 3-Sum.