You’ll find plenty of Nike shoes that are like socks from the Flyknit collection. The Flyknit technology is an engineered fabric that fits like a sock, with support and durability for sport.
1. NikeLab Veil Gyakusou
Perhaps the Nike shoe that looks the most like socks is the NikeLab Veil Gyakusou. It’s a pair of sock runners without laces that are actually meant for running.
The NikeLab Veil Gyakusou is actually the first commercially available running sneakers from Nike that are made using actual sock construction. It’s water resistant too.
The shoe isn’t actually from Nike. Instead, it’s considered part of the NikeLab, an innovative collection of street-style apparel, footwear, and accessories created from Nike classics.
After making its debut in late 2017, these sneakers are hard to find these days.
2. Nike Flight Bonafide
The Nike Air Flight Bonafide is the modernized version of the classic Zoom Flight 95. It features a laceless sock-like Flyknit upper with a zip closure on the heel.
In addition to the sock-like design, the sneakers are famous for their white foam midsoles with the signature carbon fiber “Bug Eyes” and rubber outsoles.
I think the design of these sneakers is super futuristic. In fact, these are one of the many Nike shoes that reminds me a lot of Balenciaga sneakers, don’t you think so?
3. Nike Air Sockracer Flyknit
The Nike Air Sockracer Flyknit is the modern version of the Air Sockracer, but equipped with an upgraded Flyknit construction. It features a sock-like upper and two forefoot straps.
The moment I got my feet inside these shoes (sockless as they are intended to be worn), I was immediately impressed with the feel of the Flyknit upper.
Like your favorite pair of socks, the Flyknit is snug, but it does have enough elasticity to allow both of my feet to move freely and my toes to splay naturally.
I think these are one of the best Flyknits that Nike’s ever made.
Although I don’t recommend playing sports or doing agility drills in these, the Sockracer Flyknit is my daily driver in the gym because they’re super comfortable and lightweight.
Just run forward and you’ll have no issues.
4. Nike Sock Dart
The Nike Sock Dart is a sock-like pair of sneakers fitted with a strap closure. The upper is like a sock, hence the name “Sock Dart”. It’s made of knitted textiles that are extremely breathable.
I think the Phylon midsole is a game-changer. It’s very comfortable, lightweight, sporty, and is awesome for people like me who stand and walk for long periods of time.
My only complaint is that the knitted textile is super thin, so I don’t expect it to last a long time. I should also give them some slack considering it is a pair of sneakers that look like socks.
5. Nike Aqua Sock 360
As the name suggests, the Nike Aqua Sock 360 is a pair of Nike shoes that look like socks.
The Nike Aqua Sock 360 builds upon the Aqua Sock, which is a pair of water shoes, and turns it into a casual street-style pair of sock-like sneakers.
In fact, the design is versatile enough that you can pair these sock-like shoes with your favorite activewear, joggers, shorts, and tees, especially if you go for black and white.
I had the chance to try a pair that belongs to my friend and I think these mimic the feeling of walking barefoot. Think of these shoes as “water socks”.
They’re perfect for walking on hot surfaces without burning your feet.
6. Nike KD 8 Elite High
The Nike KD 8 Elite High is not for everyone, considering it’s a pair of basketball shoes. However, since we’re on the topic of Nike shoes that are like socks, I had to include them.
The Elite High is actually a KD 8 sneaker with long extended compression socks.
I actually play basketball so I tried a pair that my friend has. Right off the bat, I hate it. Not only are they hard to put on, but the “compression socks” actually get hot quickly.
The “socks” don’t actually do anything to provide security and stability. They’re only there for proprioception purposes and to keep both ankles warm.
I’d rather wear other “normal” basketball shoes to be honest.
7. Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018
When it first made its debut in 2013, the Nike Free Flyknit took the world by storm. There it was, Nike’s crazy new pair of running shoes that are basically socks.
The 2018 version dubbed the Nike Free RN Flyknit, has the same soles as the Nike Free, but the upper is a flexible knitted material that’s really sock-like.
Many runners love the Free RN Flyknit 2018 because they’re just so comfortable and look sleek at the same time. In fact, it’s a great pair of sneakers for short distances (sprints to 10k).
8. Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit
The Nike Free RN Motion Flyknit is basically the laceless version of the Nike Free RN Flyknit. In place of laces, the sneakers have a pair of straps that secures the upper portion.
What I like about the strap design is that it’s customizable, allowing you to add tightness to the sock-like fit without adding uncomfortable pressure along the top of each foot.
In terms of the midsoles, they were impressive. My feet were never left feeling tired after a long run, as the soles offer comfort and durability all while having responsive cushioning.
9. Nike Space Hippie 01
They say another man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and the Nike Space Hippie 01 is a story of trash transformed because it’s made of at least 50% recycled material.
For a pair of running shoes, they do what they are supposed to.
I feel plenty of support during each stride and a slight boost during push-off. The entire time I ran I had a sense of satisfaction knowing these are recycled trash.
The bubbles from the assembly, the visual attachment spots on the inside, the knitting of fabric, and chunks of still whole materials used to make these shoes are funky. I like them a lot.
Are these the most affordable Nikes? No. But if you want a sleek and modern sock-like pair of sneakers while still taking care of the environment, these are the kicks for you.
10. Nike Air VaporMax 2021 FK
The Nike Air VaporMax 2021 FK is another “green” pair of sneakers.
Made from at least 40% recycled materials by weight, the Nike Air VaporMax 2021 FK is super airy and easy to wear thanks to its super stretchy, recycled Flyknit fabric.
It’s one of those Nike shoes that look like socks, and the upper provides a glove-like fit. Or should I say, sock-like fit. Basically, they hug both of your feet securely.
11. Nike Space Hippie 04
Although the Nike Space Hippie 04 is only made of at least 25% recycled material by weight, it’s the most lightweight silhouette within the Space Hippie collection.
Both the Nike Space Hippie 01 and 04 have a sock-like design and a low-cut profile. It looks close to the likeness of the popular Nike Epic React.
I think the Space Hippie 04 is the perfect summer footwear, considering that the upper is well-ventilated despite using different recycled materials.
It also has a springy underfoot. Each sneaker pops back quickly after I step on the ground. It feels so responsive that walking all day long is never a problem for me.
12. Nike Flyknit Soccer Shoes
Last but not least, I’d like to mention all of the soccer shoes inside the Nike Flyknit collection. I’m not going to list every single one of them simply because there are too many.
That said, most of Nike’s soccer shoes employ the Flyknit technology, which is designed to give soccer players excellent touch, control, and striking power thanks to a sock-like fit.
Chief among them is the Nike Mercurial Superfly 8 Elite FG (Firm Ground). The cleats are gorgeous, lightweight, and super comfortable in my opinion.
If you do play soccer, I’ll let you know that I tried these cleats on artificial turf and I felt I had good control to run, stop, and accelerate without any issues.
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