Nike Free Review - JP Fitness Forums

Irishdazza · 10-01-2006, 08:41 AM

So I got these a fortnight ago, so I've used them for a week of cardio in my back off week and for a week of lifting with H2.

My initial thoughts on the shoes were that they were way to flimsy to last any length of time or to provide any real comfort/support. But they came highly recommended so since they were ridiculously cheap in a sale I gave them a go.

So...shoes on.

Very comfortable - literally like not wearing anything. Very light and very well ventilated. Your foot enjoys a full range of motion. You can really grip the floor with your toes.

Cardio week. Lotta jump rope and bag work - bit rough on the soles to begin with but ok towards the end of the week, actually ended up with less cramping in my arches than I normally get. Wasn't brave enough to kick the bag with them on - reckon they would fall apart.

Weights week - Oh my God! What a difference! Really felt much more stable especially on the heavier lifts. Helped alot on Squats and Deads. I can see why Randob raves about these!

Conclusion - I'll be buying another pair! Free bonus? Kit bag is lighter to and from the gym!

rookie · 10-01-2006, 11:07 AM

I wear nothing but frees and chuckie Ts. I love my nike frees.

gobbla · 10-01-2006, 11:51 AM

does anyone have any idea of how long the cushion lasts? I've been interested in them but have some concerns reguarding their longevity vs a more conventional shoe.

Irishdazza · 10-01-2006, 12:39 PM

Randob has had his over a year and says they are like new - but he only uses them for lifting.

Although I can't see them lasting to long with roadwork the guy in the shop said they last longer 'cause there is next to no cushion to go!

Michael Roussell · 10-01-2006, 03:09 PM

I recently got a pair of Nike Free sneaks and I love them!!! They are definately the most comfortable shoe I've ever owned. It took me a little getting used to running in them (my arches were sore the first week or so).

kmfisher · 10-02-2006, 02:38 PM

Do the Frees have any arch support at all? My legs will cramp regularly if I don't wear shoes w/ good arch suppport.

BeachHead · 10-02-2006, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kmfisher

Do the Frees have any arch support at all? My legs will cramp regularly if I don't wear shoes w/ good arch suppport.

Well, the shoe is relatively flat and thin, so if you need a lot of stability in your shoes then it will be a long process making the adjustment to the Free's. Nike Free's are ideal for people who are biomechanically efficient (That's not to say people who are not "Biomechanically efficient" can't wear them, you just have to be more cautious). If your feet supinate/over-pronate, you should ease yourself into wearing them. Start with some shorter runs, and build yourself up. You may find it will help your cramping as the small muscles inside your feet and ankles get stronger.

Kevin Larrabee · 10-02-2006, 03:39 PM

Many guys at Ryan Lees had these on including CB and Mike Robertson and Mike Boyle.

I am going to get a pair sometime around x-mas when I have money.

cappuccino · 10-02-2006, 07:27 PM

$80 for a shoe that feels like you're barefoot...Nike has to be a marketing genius!

....and I'm horribly intrigued, although I wear orthotics, so not sure gripping the ground is that helpful for me

Irishdazza · 10-03-2006, 09:30 AM

They come with two sets of differents sized inserts and the instructions recommend you wear them around the house for a few days, to be sure you've used the right ones and to let your feet get used to them, before you actually use them for training.

Jimbo · 10-05-2006, 08:46 AM

I think it's really REALLY important to understand that these shoes are NOT for someone who NEEDS support/stabilization shoes.

How many times have I heard, "You must have a GOOD pair of shoes!" Meaning that I must have the RIGHT shoes for me based on my weakness or mechanics issue when running.

How many runners are actually ready for these shoes? I'm betting a lot of us, myself included, would risk injury if I jumped on a pair of these. Heck, last time I bought a new pair of shoes it took me weeks to get used to them. My knees rebelled!

I understand that theory is that your feet/ankles/legs will be strengthened by using these (or running barefoot for that matter) but I'm scared of them.

These are not for everyone. I would approach with caution if you are a runner. Just MHO.

PS - Beachhead said all this well above. Just saw that.

Michael Roussell · 10-05-2006, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cappuccino

$80 for a shoe that feels like you're barefoot...Nike has to be a marketing genius!

...

I got mine at a nike outlet for 1/2 the price!

BamaDave · 10-05-2006, 09:40 AM

Yeah, I don't think these are intended for most long distance runners, except for racing.

ninja · 10-05-2006, 10:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michael Roussell

I got mine at a nike outlet for 1/2 the price!

Yeah, Eastbay had them for $65, so I bit.

Jason B · 10-05-2006, 01:11 PM

Hmmm... might have to get me a customized pair to go with my chucks. Nike.com customizes 'em, I could get the same style and writing as my chucks. Thanks for the recommendation.

Kevin Larrabee · 10-12-2006, 04:02 PM

I just go 2 pairs today. Of the 5.0 version.

$54.99 at footlocker, buy 1 get 1 half off. So I got 2 pairs for like $80! I love them!

Egham · 10-12-2006, 04:15 PM

I just picked mine up today. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's workout to see how they do. Your reports are encouraging!

Lost Dog · 10-12-2006, 04:34 PM

I keep hearing about these for deadlifts, but from the pics, it looks like the heels are pretty tall. Aren't they a bit thick for deadlifting?

John Izzo · 10-12-2006, 05:18 PM

I just got mine...did anyone have to order a size bigger than what they normally wear? or are these things supposed to fit really snug?

let me know, Thanks.