Nike Free

[lifesaparty]

Hey guys. Has anyone tried these "barefoot" running shoes? Any opinions?

link to shoes
http://www.nike.com/nikefree/usa/ind...kefree#landing

I read this from an article
"However, the test results from the group wearing the new "barefoot" shoes showed improvement in all the parameters measured, and the improvements in speed, lateral movement, and coordination were significant--in the 10% to 20% range. "

link to the entire article (a review)
http://www.american-trackandfield.co...ereview04.html

Does anyone think they are worthwhile? Worthless? I like the concept.

[gobbla]

I don't have a pair, was going to pick some up for annual testing vs training because they are LIGHT! The price tag burned me a little bit, and from what I've seen in the reviews you really don't want to wear them more than a couple of miles a shot (returning to the price tag).

didn't help at all did it? [img]redface.gif[/img]

[ninja]

I almost bought them. I actually went to the store with the intention of purchasing them, but after the test fitting, I decided against them.

I love comfortable shoes, and I didn't feel like I was wearing shoes when I had them on, and echoing G's sentiments, I wasn't going to pay 85 bucks for the feeling of nothing.

I ended up resorting to my usual shoes of purchase; buying Nike Shox.

[Mike's Girl]

wearing shoes with out socks.... hmmm is it worth the stank of the shoe?

Do you guys wear socks with nike free'?

[ivey]

I talked to a kid in my local running store and asked what he thought of them. He loved them. However, he did caution that they're to be appoached as just a training tool that has the express purpose of helping to strengthen your lower legs and feet. Only run in them for 2-3 miles at time. I'm sure as you become stronger, you can run in them longer, but I would still think that they wouldn't be something you want to do any serious distance in. If you want a shoe like that, choose a performance trainer.

[watts]

I went down to my local playmakers store to check them out and see what the employees had to say about them. apparently they were specifically designed for after-race strides and cooldowns, and to add some change for your feet say - once or twice a week (if running every day). the soles of the shoe are very soft, and will only allow 150 to 200 miles MAX. thats less than half of the general running shoe from asics or brooks. I say -- if you have the extra cash and dont mind burning 85-95 dollars to get a shoe that you only wear sometimes, go check 'em out. From what i saw - they had absolutely no arch support, but the adds @ nike.com claim that running in them reduces pronation (at least while in their shoe). I'm sure they would work fine for those runners who supinate tho.