29 replies to this topic

[pepster]

Has anyone tried these or heard any feedback about them.
They were reviewed in Runner's World a couple of months ago as shoes that try to simulate barefoot running as closely as possible.

[ashrun]

I got myself a pair of the nike free's from america about 4 months ago and personally wouldn't recommend them. Because they are built to simulate bare foot running they have absolutely no support what so ever. I found that within 7 days of wearing them i'd already got shin splints, so i got rid of them and have had no trouble since. Definately do not recommend if you have foot problems and need orthotics. Possibly would be handy for the occasional session and race but not full time.

[Grey beard]

From what I remember of the article the idea was to use them for short sessions once or twice a week, much like you'd fit a short bare-foot run on the beach into a program to strengthen tendons and fine muscles. It would take some time to get a foot used to wearing shoes to develop the extra strength and durability for longer bare foot running. The theory is that over time there are benefits (I guess all those barefoot Africans can't be wrong). Might be worth perservering with a small amount regularly ashrun.

[ads]

A viable alternative to the "Free" is the "barefoot". It is real, and you save approximately $140 on the "Free". As for the Free...the concept is sound enough, and I guess we all pay for bottled water...

It would be interesting to see how sales are of the "Free". They're a funny shoe, and on the surface the one piece mid/outsole has more guts than a flat, which kind of defeats the purpose of the shoe (step in if I'm wrong here!!)

Nike's R&D team can do what they like, as long they don't tamper with the Zoom Elite.

[kumar]

Guys I was also planning to buy the NIKE FREE 5.0.. I have flat feet.. so what do you guys think? Anyone with flat fleet tried it before?

[danieljohngreen]

Interestingly I am attending the media launch for the Nike Free next Thursday in Melbourne and I will write up a full report on the science behind the shoe and the decision to make such a shoe, who they are suited to and what they suggest they are to be used for.

I will post it on this thread on Monday 28th Feb.

Regards
Greeny

[whenwouldiberunning]

Received a free pair of these from a Nike Rep and found them to be great for grass sessions around Centennial Park. I now only use them for short runs around 30-40 minutes, warmup b4 sessions, etc, and have found the cushioning OK. I think they would assist with track racing somewhat, as you don't get much support with spikes.

[kumar]

Thanks Greeny.. If you can also get some info. if these shoes would be suitable for people with flat feel, that would be great.

[Oli]

Why buy shoes that simulate the act of not wearing shoes? Why not just go for a run on the sand at the beach barefoot?

I have Balmoral Beach 5 mins drive/20 mins walk from my house. I've started exercising by going down there and doing 20 minute walks along the beach. However, as most beaches are, the sand level is crenated (I think that's the word) - it's on a slope. I was reading in "no need for speed" by john bingham that walking/running on crenated surfaces can lead to injuries. Also, the arches in my feet feel sore and my knees occasionally feel sore on the distal side (outside) of each knee. First it was the right knee, now mainly the left knee.

Any suggestions? Should I keep walking/jogging at the beach or should I hurry up and buy a good pair of shoes and walk/jog on a trail/track?

- Oli.

[Headless]

www.nike.com/nikefree :D

[RunDave]

From competitive edge article: "They look great and will no doubt be mistaken as a fashion accessory"

Yep, I've already seen a few tossers walking around in these shoes along with their fubu etc.

[Oli]

Well greeny? :D

[tim]

I read that Nike have been meeting with barefoot Ken Saxton and getting feedback from him. Ken ran 12 marathons last year all barefoot. It takes a while to toughen up the feet to run any distance barefoot so I guess these shoes will give you the strengthening of barefoot even if you have soft feet. But then again to adapt to such a change in footwear even for a once a week session will still take time. So why not toughen up your feet whilst you are adapting.


They do look good though.

[Fossil]

I thoroughly recommend bare-foot running - just started a few months' back and it feels great and it must be strengthening me up too. I only do it once a week for speed work, on a grass track - did 8K on Tuesday with no problems and it felt real fast! The ideal alternative to wearing out shoes too!

[k_run]

The Nike rep gave me some Free to test. I have found them really good if used in moderation. I think the concept is also sound.

[casper]

Rundave, there is actually a pair of nike leisure shoes that are very similar in appearance to the Free, know that I've seen it's picture in the Competitive Edge article.The upper is identical. I have a pair and they are not running shoes but a very comfortable casual shoe ( and look much better than those people who insist on wearing runners with jeans (big fashion faux pas). It may be the tossers you saw are actually wearing the shoe I am talking about.

[danieljohngreen]

Sorry everyone, I wrote the review and it was posted on the homepage, but I forgot to add the link to this thread. Anyhow, have a read of the article and if you have any further questions, pop them on this thread and I will see if I can answer them for you.

Regards
Greeny

[tim]

the article has me interested now does anyone know where I can check them out in Sydney?

[Grandpa]

From their description they seem to have been made by the same tailor who produced the Emporers new clothes. At least they are "free"

I've never been impressed with Nike. My foot doesn't cnform to their "last"

It seems like a bit of a joke that they expect you to buy shoes that emulate running in bare feet. Save the cash and run in bare feet if you think it would do you any good

Shoe design has gone a long way since I bought my first road shoes in 1967. Lets not go back to bare feet. Unless of course we want to go back to sundials or horse drawn carts

Grandpa

[kumar]

Daniel, Any word on the use of this shoes for people with flat feet?

[tim]

I was hoping to have a look at them today but I can not find a running shop that stocks them.

I suppose I could try the Nike shop in CBD.

[danieljohngreen]

Here are some stores that currently stock them in Sydney and Canberra. Stores are only allowed to stock them after the staff have been educated in what the shoes should be used for and who they would be suitable for.

These shoes should also be suitable for flat footed individuals, as long as they are used properly, ie. you take it very easy in them to begin with.

(TAF = The Athletes Foot)

Sydney :
Luke's Northside Runners - Manly - Luke Hayes, (02)89669123
TAF Chatswood Chase - Donny Lanesbury - (02) 94114641
Athletic Edge - Steve and Raquel - (02) 93993669
TAF Hurstville - Brian - (02) 95796600

Canberra :
The Runners Shop - Brian Wenn - (02) 62853508
TAF Belconnen - Scott Payne - (02) 62516993

Regards
Greeny

[tim]

thanks :)

[tim]

well I had a look and they felt so good I bought a pair. I went to the Athletic Edge and had a good chat with them there. I also got a pretty good discount.

Just got back from a run in them and they really felt good. I agree with Nike that they seem half way between a full running shoe and bare feet. There was enough cushioning to give me a comfy run but the shoe was flexible enough to allow my foot to move the way it likes.

So I am sure they will not be for everyone but I are certainly like them.

[Colin]

When over in NZ recently, I was shown a hardcopy of an extensive email from Gerard Hartmann (Paula Radcliffe's physio) in which he raves about the Free.

Bear in mind that the email was obtained from a Nike employee (including some internal Nike correspondence), and I suspect Hartmann is a Nike endorser.

If this is surprisingly not already available in an online copy i will get it faxed to me and post it here.

[wombatface]

I have a pair and I like them! I'm not a slave to fashion or brand name. I buy shoes that fit and do the job. Maybe it's the enthusiasm that comes with a new 'toy' but I've blogged about the Frees.

[tim]

I have a problem with them. They are so comfy, light and flexible that I do not like running in my other shoes.

[cliff barnes]

ashrun mentioned up top of this post that he got severe pain in the nike free's and wouldnt recommend. i dont know if someone has explained this in a later post but im guessing you didnt understand the concept of the shoes.
yes, they will hurt your feet, changing the way your foot works will not be painless and overnight, for the first two weeks your recommended to wear them for only half an hour a day and build up your resistence and strength.
its a workout for your feet and will benefit you later on, but if you do not use them properly then there is no point and yes they will cause pain. but if you want to strengthen arches and muscles then i recommend them.
ever come home from the gym not hurting? no, because you are working out and need to push yourself to improve yourself. same thing goes for feet, they r a gym session for feet basically.

[wombatface]

cliff barnes said: 'yes, they will hurt your feet,' [and] 'they r a gym session for feet basically'

I would disagree. I guess it would depend on the individual but the Frees have never 'hurt my feet'. I know tim has run up to 18k in them.

If you are used to 'crutch-type' shoes you would need to introduce the Frees gradually. I've run 7k's or so in the Frees with no problems. You do 'feel the ground' more than with clunky shoes but that's the idea! To get your feet back to what is natural. Did ancient man/woman run in shoes?

The Frees do look wide in the sole under the heel but you feel no wideness. They are just bloody comfortable! By the way, I have no financial interest in Nike or any shoe shop. (w)

[tim]

I think it depends on the conditioning of your feet. If you are a runner who has always worn shoes with a lot of support then the move to frees should be very gradual. Running in them is supposed to strengthen your feet so initially I can imagine there would be some soreness whilst your feet are adapting. For many people just a session once a week may be all they’re after. For myself I was drawn to them and when I read Greeny’s report saying one person was doing all their training in them and also someone had a pair with 1200km and they still looked good.

I am doing most of my training in them at the moment because as you said WF they are the most comfy shoes I have ever worn. But I also did many of my miles last year barefoot on the beach so I guess I did not need much time to adapt.