Last week I saw this marketing video from Nike:
I thought its funny how Nike could use naked people wearing only Nike Free 5.0 on their running camp. Having said that, the video really emphasizes a concept called “barefoot training“. I researched about barefoot training and was surprised to know some actually does it to enhance their performance. For instance, some coaches in the US make their track and field team run barefoot on grass to strengthen their feet muscles. This cannot be done using regular running shoes. Nike Free’s core feature is to allow runners to use it as a tool in strengthening feet as weights, dumbbells and similar equipments are used to add strength our arms and limbs. As I’m starting to get really serious in improving my runs, I finally decided to try it myself. I asked first my wife (a non-runner) to try it so that I will have an unbiased and honest answer how it feels using it. She used it to walk/jog for 1km then she headed straight to gym using same shoes. I asked her how it was and here’s her feedback:
- feels comfortable and very relaxing
- you have total control of the shoes, not the shoes controling your movements
- feels like walking barefoot on a soft surface
- doesn’t stress her feet unlike her other shoes
I then used it and proceed to my “secret” training ground *laughs* called DLSU Oval Track . The first time I wore it, indeed it feels comfortable. It fits my feet like a glove and I could probably use it without socks. I run slowly for 2 kilometers and I noticed that its flexibility didn’t hinder my stride. The outsole is grooved so that each inch of my foot can flex as it wishes to:
. Additionally,it made doing lunges so much easier.
My verdict:
Pros
- Flexibility is the name of the game.The shoes mimics running barefoot and it does help you develop better perception of the body weight, support and muscle efforts related to your weight and consequently muscle strength of the lower extremities.
- Comfortable upper section is breathable.
- Extra-ultra light and without any extra padding and support, they are still comfortable for a feet with wide width like mine.
- Strengthens and trains you feet
Cons
- Does not come in different widths, although it fits just right on my feet. I understand that some with larger than average width may not like it at first.
- I wish they could come up with more colors. The one I have is neon green/krypton-kind of green I thought it would glow in the dark if I turn off all lights. You’ll never see Superman using this.
How I’m going to use this shoes:
First of all, I will never use this on my races. Human feet has evolved so much with the shoes on that I might suffer greatly if I used this on my races. However, I will use this on my speed work/tempo runs to build strength on my muscle feet. I will slowly build my mileage on it so that my feet would become comfortable using it then gradually increase on the distance.
For more info, please do visit the official Nike Free 5.0 website.
Features:
- This running shoe was built for the neutral to under-pronator who requires lightweight cushioning.
- Nike® Free mimics running barefoot on grass, which studies have suggested helps to develop stronger feet.
- 5.0-specific upper provides just enough support while still allowing the foot to move in a natural, efficient and barefoot-like manner.
- Minimal use of seams and internal layers enhance comfort, with or without socks.
- Expansive use of breathable mesh enhances comfort and ventilation.
- Overlays are strategically placed to balance the fit, durability and support of a shoe with the dynamic flexibility of the foot.
- An asymmetrical lacing system and unique tongue construction help to reduce pressure over the top ridge of the foot.
- Molded sockliner mimics the curvature of the foot for a great fit, enhanced comfort and added support.
- Phylite midsole provides a resilient ride and enough durability to double as an outsole, dramatically reducing overall weight.
- Deep Nike Free sipes molded along the length and width of the midsole enhance flexibility and stability.
- Wider sipes, in a women’s specific design, across the forefoot allow for greater engagement of the toes through propulsion for increased muscle activation and a more barefoot-like experience.
- Abrasion-resistant BRS 1000 carbon rubber under the crash pad enhances durability in high-wear areas.
- Waffle outsole provides traction and durability while also encouraging a more neutral and efficient toe-off.
Related posts:
dhenztm
on May 11th, 2009
@ 3:31 am:
Nice one Sam! I have a “crush” on this shoe and I plan on getting one soon so it’s nice for me to see good feedback on this shoe. I’m just curious if it can withstand long races… but I still would get one (most likely the red one hehe).
admin
on May 11th, 2009
@ 3:38 am:
Dhenz
I wouldn’t suggest you use this on races, probably this is good for your speed workouts/tempo runs. If you’re hill striker, this probably not a shoe for you. It fits just right for middle foot runners like me, probably good for 10k to build strength on your foot but don’t go yet on much longer distance than that. Building distance on it gradually is the key to use this shoes.
Pheidippides
on May 11th, 2009
@ 8:43 pm:
Good review. I have read a thousand reviews over the last week and finally decided that with a 15 day trial from Finish Line that the Nike Free were for me.
I wore them out on a run this morning (my first run after a marathon last sunday). They felt great and I ran my fastest mile (by a full minute). The only problem I have is that I can’t wear them without socks unless I like blisters. After 3 miles, my legs and knees felt like I didn’t run.
I LOVE these shoes. And I even got the green ones. My wife called them froggy feet, I said they were Jamaican, and Jamaicans are lightening Bolt fast.
admin
on May 12th, 2009
@ 1:05 am:
Hi Pheidippides
Good to hear that. It’s really one of the best shoes Nike has ever produced. Kenyans are faster by the way hehehehe
Sam
Tyrone@Millionaire Acts
on May 12th, 2009
@ 9:53 am:
Very nice set of shoes Sam! The color is great too. It looks very light and comfortable to wear especially that feet is one of the most used part of our body.
It relieves stress from walking and running. But how much does it cost?
admin
on May 12th, 2009
@ 10:03 am:
Hi Tyrone,
That shoes cost php4,500. It’s expensive (quality running shoes are really expensive) but the ROI is good in terms of improved speed due to stronger muscle feet. If you care about the sports, you’ll need all the means to do it. This shoes is one of the best Nike has ever produced.
Sam
Jaymie
on May 13th, 2009
@ 10:25 pm:
Great review. I have a pair myself but haven’t used them on a run so the review will have to wait. You can use them all throughout the day to strengthen your feet even while doing errands! That’s what I do haha
admin
on May 14th, 2009
@ 1:45 am:
Hi Jaymie,
I tried using it one time at the church last Sunday, people were looking at it and not at me!*laughs*..the color is probably attention getter but yeah, its a good idea to use it throughout the day if only I stay at house most of the time (but I don’t). Could be used as a walking shoes I guess.
Sam
chasek
on Oct 12th, 2009
@ 5:44 am:
The nike free’s are really slick looking.. but im not sure if it really compares to being barefoot..I would probably go with the vibrams for those.. although if you walk into church in the fivefingers it might even be a little more “weird”. Here’s a comparison of the nike free’s and vibrams:
http://barefootrunningshoes.org/2009/10/08/nike-free-versus-vibram-five-fingers-10-points/
also, i think the newer nike free’s are called shocks now? just confused.. hehe
briankluse
on Oct 15th, 2009
@ 5:01 am:
hey chasek.. nike free shoes look awesome.. vibrams look weird.. both are comfortable.. go with the nike frees!! that site talks more about it on this site.
http://barefootrunningshoes.org/nike-free-shoes/
nikefreeguru
on Nov 6th, 2009
@ 1:54 pm:
hmm checked out those sites, I already decided I like the nike free’s and not the odd looking vibram shoes, but the review about the nike free and barefoot running is pretty good too:
http://barefootrunningshoes.org/2009/11/04/nike-free-5-0-v4-running-shoe-vs-barefoot-running/
justin
on Dec 10th, 2009
@ 4:51 pm:
Hello running ninja.
Not sure if you noticed, but looks like you may have been majorly spammed here in the comments of this post — just see the last three comments from “nikefreeguru,” “briankluse,” and “chasek” all pointing to the same site.
I’ve made it a bit of a personal crusade to stomp out this stuff as I see it *all the time* b/c I follow blogs that write on Vibram Five Fingers for my fan site on them (birthdayshoes dot com). Inevitably, someone blogs about Nike Frees or VFFs and soon thereafter, you see links to barefootrunningshoes by random usernames that appear different but are all probably from the same IP.
Anyway - best of luck with the Frees! Nice review here.
Bill
on Jan 13th, 2010
@ 3:55 am:
Great review!
Why not try them racing though? They are nice and light, and we haven’t “evolved” to shoed running yet (as its been 30-40 of running shoe use and evolution takes millions).
iyapots
on Apr 14th, 2010
@ 1:01 am:
Hi peeps and running ninjas ^_^
i used my Nike Free 5.0 this day with 5Km run/jog/walk routine and after i did those and reach back home…I felt like i didn’t run! Sole doesn’t hurt
i thought they are looking at me….gosh.. 
this one is best Nike design…buttt — the width compresses my wide feet…urgh i just wish they have designed a bit wider so my feet can move sideways a bit….but all in all I LOVE IT!!! my Nike Free air is Black, gray lining exterior and light green interior…its fabulous…people look at it
i just got it for 3,500php from 4,500…a marked down price!!! weeeeeeeeeehhh