Nike names Flyknit expansion among 2014 highlights
US sportswear group Nike has said the expansion of its knitted shoe technology into football and basketball boots were two of its top five innovations of 2014.
"Nike Flyknit debuted in running footwear in 2012 but its potential is massive. The groundbreaking shoemaking technology showed its versatility last year," said the company.
The company is hoping the technology will help to revolutionise its production supply chains and touted the method as way to counter rising labour costs. The shoes feature a single, knitted upper and so reduce the need for factory workers.
Its other top innovations for the year were the Pro Rival Bra, which was developed with experts at Loughborough's sports research facilities in the UK; the Vapor Iron golf clubs; and its Nike+ Training Club App, which has been downloaded 16 million times.
