Nike is always busy with not two but four new footwear launches every year. However this Spring/Summer range has to be the most exciting and innovative for years.

Heading the innovation are the Free and Lunar range of shoes. You can't pick up a magazine or read a blog without finding a reference to 'barefoot running' so it comes as no surprise that Nike has chosen to make this a big focus in 2010. In addition to this the phenomenal success of the Lunar range has encouraged Nike to introduce three new models.

The Golden Oldies

The Nike Zoom Vomero+ 5 has been made even more comfortable. A new extended crash pad, Zoom Air in the heel and forefoot, plus full length Cushlon make it one of the softest rides around and ideal for the heavier neutral runner.

The Nike Air Pegasus+ 27 has been revved up with a more responsive Cushlon (ST) lower profile, full length midsole and deeper Flex groves in the forefoot. Also sporting the No-Sew upper the Nike Air Pegasus+ 27 no longer looks dated and is ready to continue its fight to remain on of the worlds most popular running shoe.

Although the feel of the Nike Air Zoom Structure Triax+ 13 underfoot will remain the same. The upper has received a dramatic make-over. A light weight, open mesh Breathe upper, honeycomb collar and perforated sock liner have been added to provide the maximum amount of breathability. So if you are an over-pronator with sweaty feet you should definitely be taking a look at the Nike Air Zoom Structure Triax+ 13.

The Young Guns

The Nike Lunarglide+ remains the same, however it has inspired the expansion of the range.

The Nike LunaRacer+ 2 could possibly be the racing flat of the year. Not only does it have the look you want when lining up on the starting line it backs it up with fantastic performance. The ever impressive LunarLite cushioning provides an incredible amount of shock absorption given its weight and Flywire on the upper gives you even more lightweight support and comfort.

However the Nike LunarElite+ is the shoe that has captured the attention of the office. The initial colorway leaves a lot to be desired but the performance doesn't. Featuring the Dynamic Support that is behind the hugely successful Nike LunarGlide+ the Nike LunarElite+ adapts to every stride to provide you with as much, or as little, support as you need throughout your run. Ultra-light, ultra-strong Flywire on the upper helps lock your foot down, and the LunarLite cushioning system in the midsole delivers ultra-plush cushioning and springy response. The Nike LunarElite+ should hopefully prove to be the ideal running shoe for everyday training and tempo runs.

Designed to sit between the Nike Lunar and Nike Free range is the Nike LunarLite. Featuring the Nike Free last that provides anatomical fit and the Wedged carrier construction as the Nike Lunarglide+ to offer runner-specific dynamic support. The Nike LunarLite appears to offer the best of both worlds.

Back to Basics

The Nike Free product models updated for Spring 2010 appear to be geared directly at runners versus the general sporting goods population that several of the Free models from previous seasons look like they were intended for. Ironically they seem to be more engineered which seems to defeat the purpose of simulating barefoot running however only time will tell.