The new Huarache 2K4 has its roots in the original Air Flight Huarache and the Air Dynamic Flight. The strengths and weaknesses of the previous Huarache inspired models have been well-documented: Its benefits include excellent ventilation, ultra-lightweight and extra-comfort. The tradeoffs were inadequate ankle support, poor durability and well, inadequate ankle support. For Nike to come back 10 years later to draw inspirations from a long lost concept, it must have improved upon those old shortcomings. Just how substantial are the transplants from the Air Dynamic Flight and Air Flight Huarache into the new 2K4?

      First of all, the resemblance is uncanny. Most of the design elements are directly lifted from the original models. The Huarache DNA is evident at the ankle area, its light-weight feel and sock like comfort levels. Like its predecessors, there are no frivolous materials used in its design. Nike used only what was necessary for an all-out performance machine. In order to save the weight by not using anti-inversion material, the ankle area remains exposed – a Huarache trademark. This time around, a see through elastic material is used to prevent dirt from reaching the interior while not diminish any of the breathability. The trim around the Huarache opening is reinforced slightly to improve ankle support. But the biggest upgrade Nike made to increase safety is a Velcro-strap which locks the upper area of the foot. The strap used is short and because it is not a non-wrap design, it doesn't have as much leverage when securing the foot. Like the Shox Stunners, the strap on the 2K4 encloses from outside in.

      However, despite these fine efforts, the shoes still fall short of having excellent ankle support. There is simply no substitution for the lack of material at the ankle area no matter how hard the designers tried. Those with weak ankles or past injuries will frown at this possible drawback. But to those seeking flexibility and light-weight, the 2K4 has put its priorities in the right place.

      To make up for some of its safety issues up top, the Huarache finds its solution down low. At the forefoot area, it uses a lateral-stability outrigger previously seen in the Flight 2K3, Jumpman Team Flow and the upcoming Jordan XIX. It helps to stabilize the landing and cutting so that sprains are much less likely to occur in the first place. It is like having stability and traction control so that your car will never have to use its air bags. With these safety features in mind, it is obvious Nike put a lot of effort to ensure the 2K4 is new and improved.