Nike Free 5.0 Review

sound like some cool shoes!

Hey Carrie!

The shoes are cool in more than one way. :)

They look good but they are also really breezy in a good way with the total mesh ventilation system.

I'm not sure how they will do when the weather turns cold and I wonder if the heel mesh will eventually tear from over-wear. We'll see!

I own a pair myself, and all I have to say is...innovative.

Drew!

Thanks for seconding my motion!

I wear the Nike Free 5.0s every day and they really are curious and strange in the most wonderful way.

I love the shoes i run about 8mi. a day and then do alot of training in them and there incrediable. I haven't found the hell mesh to wear t much at all and the idea of not wearing them with socks ins't so bad becasue your feet dont really sweat to much in them so they dont ge tto gross....anyway time will tell on duribility but i dont thnk Nike woudl make a production shoe that wasn't tested for duribility especially with the marketing they have put behind these truely innovative "shoes"

Hi Jay --

Ooo! I am grateful for your specific and detailed experience with the Nike Free 5.0s.

8 miles a day, eh? I am jealous of you! You will live a long and healthy life with that kind of regimine.

I am glad to know the mesh is strong and won't tear. I agree that these shoes are made with magic and Nike is an innovative company.

I was won over the second I put them on! I was shopping for sneaks today and there was a display up but there were no shoes on it. I asked a clerk about them and he said they weren't in stock yet! I was trying on some other shoes when a senior staff member came around with shoes for the display. I immediately pounced on him and asked where he got them. He told me they had just come into stock. He got a pair in my size and I haven't taken them off since! The feeling of your feet is amazing!

Hey Ande --

Wowser, what a great story! The shoes are absolutely addictive.

You were lucky to find them in a store. I tried three stores around here and they were all sold out.

You can allegedly order custom Nike Free 5.0s on the Nike website but they never appeared to be taking new orders when I checked.

I finally settled with FootAction.com and ordered from there. The service was fast and efficient.

I've been interested in these shoes since I saw them, but I'm curious as to whether they'd be right for me.

I'm not a runner, but I like walking barefoot. I even play golf barefoot when I can. I'm curious as to whether these would make an ok shoe for me. Most of the things I've seen talk about them being used as a training tool, only some of the time.

Are they suitable for everyday walking around?

Not --

I am not a runner, either. I use the Nike Free 5.0s as my every day shoe for walking, powerwalking, lounging around, etc.

The Frees are a shoe that make you feel barefoot. You won't understand until you try 'em on. :)

thanks for the review, I just ordered mine off roadrunnersports.com using a free shpping promotion from: http://www.letsrun.com/shoes.php?shoe=nikefree&id=g

Cant wait until they get here, I didnt even bother looking locally because it is nearly imposible to find shoes in size 13

Hey Nayr!

Thanks for sharing the link.

Let us know what you think of your shoes then they arrive!

they are training shoes

Thanks, Gill!

The Free is totally awesome underfoot but i would prefer a more supportive heel counter. After running in them and i was ready to pitch out every other shoe yet will continue to alternate various shoes daily for my weekly mileage of 40-50. i would like to see a whole line devoted to this concept including racing flats. Thumbs way up!!!

Hi Zed --

Hey, thanks for the real world review from a runner's perspective!

I appreciate your comments and your weekly mileage is incredible!

ive had my shoes for several weeks now, they are the most comfortable pair of shoes ive worn.. I recently started wearing them sockless and I was pleasently supprised how well they breathe, kind of wierd feeling a breese on your feet when wearing shoes.

Hey nayr --

Thanks for the update on your new shoes! I may have to try the sockless method again after your fine recommendation! :)

Hi. I'm a high school cross country/track runner. And I'm about ready to start up the new XC season. I was wondering if I would be better off using these shoes for track/speed workouts, or if I should also use them for my long runs on hard surface. It just seems to me like running 10 miles with these would be too much for me, i'm not sure. Do any runners here know?

Hi Brandon --

You ask some excellent questions. I hope an expert here will read your inquiry and offer you an answer.

I was thinking of getting these shoes to strengthen my feet for soccer,also just for wearing around everyday.However I'm not sure what type to get, the trainers with the extra strap or the regular kind. Any help would be great.

soccer --

I would ask your Nike salesman for a definitive answer, but in my unofficial opinion if your foot is going to flex side-to-side alot as you change directions you want the cross-trainers for their added support. The strapless version, as I understand it, is for straight-ahead running or walking.

Thanks so much for your quick response and advice!

I thank you for reading this blog, soccer! :)

Alright, one more question for any long distance runner, I promise! Will these shoes have a high probability of causing injuries such as shin splints? I had splints for the longest time, and I’m finally recovered for the most part, and I just want to make sure they wont come back because of these shoes. Thanks a lot!

Just received mine today from nikeid.com. Custom designed! Most interesting shoe I have worn to date and I got to customize it and even get a 12.5 US size. Wow!

Congrats, Jeff!

Love your website! Qigong is wonderful. :)

I wore my Nike Frees for three hours today all over Manhattan and it was a great adventure to walk "barefoot" around NYC.

I still can't get over the sensation of going down stairs and actually feeling the edge of the stair with my toes in these Nike Frees.

Hey David - I tried on a pair tonight and loved them. Decided to come home and shop on the Internet. Confession - haven't bought a pair of athletic shoes in 15 years - I'm a flip flop type of girl on the weekends.

I'm heading for Italy soon - lots of cobblestone streets. You mentioned "feeling the pebbles" under your feet. What do you mean by that? Would they be good for extensive walking on cobblestone streets?

Thanks,
Rene

Hi Rene --

It's all a matter of taste, I suppose, when it comes to feeling the street on your feet. I use the 4.5 inserts because I like the feeling. If you want more cushion leave the 5.0 inserts in the shoes and you should be fine.

One major reason the elderly fall so much is they lose feeling in the bottom of their feet so they have no sensation of where their foot is in space and that leads to tripping. The Nike Free 5.0 shoes give a great feel for what is beneath you without you having to actually have touch your bare feet.

I picked up the free's about the time they hit the stores. What a great shoe. I just started running in April after a very long time off. Since my first run the shoes have never given me a problem, not a blister, not a feeling of soreness, no shin splints, nothing. Because of the mesh support the shoe really conforms to your foot quickly. I started running 5 miles a week and am now up to 25. I've switched to the 4.5 insoles and my feet have never felt so good.

Josh!

Thanks for the excellent message!

You answered a lot of questions! :)

Hey, thanks a lot, Josh. That helps. I was worried about injuries. I went to a sporting goods store today and all they had were the 5.0 trainers with the strap on top, so I decided to order the regular 5.0s from a running specialty store in town. I'll let you know what i think of them!

I run 55 miles a week and just ordered a pair to strengthen my feet when I move up to 70+ a week in September right before xc season.

Thanks for the cool information on your running program, Bob! Helpful stuff, that! :)

I have these and the mesh at the back has ripped or torn. I am going to try and return them, and get a replacment because I really love them.

Hi Plasma!

My wife's 5.0s ripped in the mesh area the first day she wore them. She didn't return them because she didn't want to deal with the hassle and they haven't ripped any further.

I have two pair and I'm rough on them and there are no tears anywhere.

Good luck on your return!

I just wanted to tell everyone how helpful all the postings have been for me. I have been reading about these shoes over the last couple days and cant wait to get my feet into some of the trainers. I am a health and physical education major at the Univeristy of Alaska, Anchorage and a devout weight trainer and runner. My major has me learning/participating in almost every activity possible, and I am very excited to try them all 'barefoot'. Thank you again for the useful information and I'll post again once I get my own pair!
Andrew

Thanks for the great comment, Andrew, and we look forward to hearing how the shoes work for you! :)

I just bought a pair based on recommendations here and at the Cool Tools blog, http://www.kk.org/cooltools. At first, my right foot felt a little uncomfortable, like my little toe was falling off the edge of the insole. Then, I switched to the 4.5 insoles and found happiness. They really feel great; I notice the barefoot feel especially when I do a knee bend and there is no leather putting a crease in the top of my foot.

The one question I have is about the fit. I'm going sockless (ooh!) and while I have a bit of room at my toes, the shoe is snug laterally. Is this the way these should fit? I normally wear 8.5 and bought a size 9. I think they're good, but wanted to get other opinions on how these should fit since they are quite different.

Thanks for the recommendation. I'm looking forward to my run tomorrow morning.

Hi David --

I was always told Nike shoes run one full size larger than what you normall wear in real life. I have found that to be true. I always "add one" to my shoe size when buying Nike and it works out as expected. :)

I finally got my pair today! I like them already, I feel a lot more cushioning with the 5.0 inserts, and you can feel more barefoot with the 4.0 inserts. I havent decided which inserts to use when running with them, but I'm kind of leading towards the 4.0 inserts. Anyway, they are great.

Cool, Brandon!

Thanks for the update!

I got a pair of these about 3 months ago. I hadn't run for several years due to hip pain, but these shoes made me want to try again. I have had no pain with these, causing me to suspect that my pain was caused by too much stability control in previous shoes (I put on the old shoes to test and couldn't run a 1/4 mile without pain.) These shoes feel great--they're light, cool and flex with my foot. It's better than running barefoot. (I hate wearing shoes in general). I'm not sure about the durability--both of mine have torn around the heel; though mine were probably an early unit so maybe they've fixed this. I have still been able to use them, but I'm looking for a new pair.

I did get an attitude about them from a running store (hansens, royal oak)--they're concerned that people will use these for more than just training (like me) and they don't seem to like the way Nike markets these (not indicating they are simply trainers.) Good feedback in general, but they couldn't grasp a low distance runner (15 miles/week) who just enjoys running and finally could run without pain, nor could they offer any alternatives--guess I'm not a true runner in their eyes. (guess they don't get my money, either.)

Hey Steve M!

Thanks for the in-depth review of your experience with the shoes. Your information is excellent and I thank you for taking the time to be so preicse and detailed!

I run about 10 miles a week, at the most. But in high school and college I was a full time athlete. I am about to try out the Nike Free when I get my pair in the mail. I tried some on at the Nike store in Vegas and I couldn't believe how great they feel. I always go barefoot or in sandals, so the idea of shoes with those benefits is definately a nice one. I had one question for anyone who knows. I tend to walk on the outside part of my foot, so the soles always wear at an angle -wearing down on the outside and staying full on the inside. It over corrects and after I've had shoes for about 9 months to a year, they start straining my calves (which unfortunatley are about the strongest part of my body), and it hurts something fierce. Any word on if these shoes correct for this at all? I'd assume not, but they seem to be able to do everything but make protein shakes... and that will just take someone creative enough.

Thanks for the post, running!

I'm sure someone here can give you some answers to your questions. :)

I've been running exclusively with my Nike Free's for about a month now. At first i was hesitant to run too far because of the advertising. But my first 6 mile run in them left me feeling very positive about them. I then tried an 8 mile run and liked them even better. I find that I no longer have the sore legs and knees that i had with my former shoes.
I'm 54 and should probably have sore knees and legs after a 15 mile run, but I don't anymore since I've been running with the Frees. I love being able to feel the ground under my feet instead of a cushion. I really like how the shoes "encourage" me to be a mid-foot striker.

I'm hooked and see no reason not to treat these shoes as everyday, 45-50 mile a week, shoes.

Thanks for the informative post, Rick!

We appreciate your expert insight. :)

Has anyone heard about a Nike Free 5.0 Trail shoe? I've only found one website that sells these after googling. Are they for real?

Hi Chris --

Welcome and I'm sure someone here will have an answer for you.

Does it not make sense to quit using the "like barefoot" shoes and actually start to run barefoot for real?

Unless you are running barefoot in an area that you know has nothing that can puncture your foot you should use the Frees just to be safe.

If the risk of "puncture" is your only concern, it would make sense to develop (and consequently take care of) areas which would be well suited for real barefoot running. On the long run, this could ultimately have greater benefits for feet and gait than running with the Frees. And if you are not in it for the long run, why are you running?

Hey, quick question here. I was wondering if nike sells just the inserts the the Frees? I wear my Frees everyday and the inserts are getting worn out.

i got these shoes about 4 months ago and the mesh on the back of the heel has ripped. i just got a pair of the trainer hoping that they will be more durable. i play soccer so will need them for more a lateral movement.

recommendation to everyone thinking about buying these shoes: if you are planning to do anything else besides run or walk in these shoes (like play soccer) get the trainers for the added support. i have friends in which the actual material by the toes of their nike frees has ripped because they did to much lateral movement.

Thanks for the comment, Daanny!

As my last question received no reply, another question for David: do you or any other people that write on this site and/or page, receive any money or any other form of retribution/compensation (even if only modest sums) directly or indirectly, for this Nike product content? No prejudgements, just would like to know honestly and without ambiguity if what we read here can be considered advertising and/or publicity. Thank-you.

Hi corrado --

I am the only person who creates posts for this site. I do not receive any money or advertising or free samples for anything discussed on this blog.

I can't speak for the people who comment because I only know of them what they present here.

David, many thanks for your reply. I have enjoyed reading your site and I hope you agree these are fair questions. I am trying to find reviews that tackle the issue "money's worth", as difficult and as admittedly subjective (e.g. heavily dependant on personal income) as this maybe. Do you know of anysuch blog? cheers and thanks again.

I have suffered from shin splints for years and now I am running like I've never had a problem my whole life!!! These shoes are a godsend! If anyone suffers from shin splints please give these shoes a try. You will be so glad you did.

Thanks for your real world review, Blair! We appreciate your comment!

Hi I have a pair of these shoes myself, but if you wear socks with them doesn't that take away the ventilation feature?

Hi John!

It depends how much your feet sweat, I suppose. Not wearing socks makes my feet really sweat in the shoes while wearing socks my feet don't sweat at all.
:grin:

Does anyone have any thoughts/experience on how the Nike Free will help or aggrevate plantar faciatis?

That's an excellent question, Jason! I'm sure someone here will provide you an answer.

I am searching for a good shoe that can be worn on the street but can be used for running. I have been looking online at the Free. My concern is that I will be running along a beach quite often as well and I am not sure of the Free being designed to be near water. I have also considered the Nike Hydrous because it is made for water areas but I don't know if it will work for running. Catch 22. I would like to note I have also looked at the Adidas xCountry, I think it would be excellent in the sand but the water may destroy them. My question I guess is how would the Free stand up to water? Were they made with that as an intention? Any input would be appreciated, thanks.

You ask some excellent questions, Mike. I'm sure someone here will have the experience to help you.

Yeah, but then it becomes a great teaching moment as I tell them it isn't snot and it is evidence of my greater health than theirs!

I then get into the common cold, the two most popular months for students to get stick, dry dorm air and how to conquer all these ills with a Neti Pot.

Regarding running on the beach...

The regular nike free's are *ok* with water.. though I've only splashed a few puddles and ran in the rain, not on the beach. I really do love the shoes, however, I would think they arent the best choice for beach running. The outer material has vents for comfort and coolness and sand would probably enter there and get stuck between the outer layer and the inner "sock"

The trail version of this shoe may be built differently, but I'm not sure.

A good cheaper choice might be Solomon's Amphibian pro shoes. they are made for river or ocean ect and drain awesome.

Thanks for the excellent and informative comment, Alex!

By they way, Nike changed the 5.0 slightly so supposedly the heel is more renforced.
I just got my new pair (after sending my 5 month old ones back to nike) the 10//2 black and gold ones are pretty snazzy looking and the heel is indeed a little different looking. The mesh itself appears the same, but instead of being glued to a plasticy looking cup like my first pair appeared. the mesh is sewn onto the same material as the outter upper material..

No rips so far, but I have only logged 2 runs.

Happy holidays.

Excellent update, Alex, thanks!

I'm glad to know there's a newer and improved version of the 5.0s out there now.

anyone used these for tennis, or any one know they would perform well with tennis? I'm looking for a nice tennis shoe and these things look and feel sweet, i tried them on the other day and loved them.

I have played tennis and touch football in mine. I don't know if that is recommended or not, but I've done it!
:mrgreen:

Hello,
After reading about free 5.0s, I've kind of wanted a pair, just for the sake of really light running shoes. But now after reading these posts a few months after first wanting the shoes, there is no doubt in my mind I will order a pair before this week is over. This board of posts are amazing, now I know exactly how the shoe feels/works. My only problem is that I do not know whether I would rather the running shoe or the trainer shoe. I would be mostly running on ashpalt or a gravel path.
Thanks a lot for all of your input!

Thanks for the wonderful note, Ryan!

I'm sure there are others here who will better be able to answer you!

Hey,
This forum is great! I've been running in my Free 5.0's for about 7 weeks and have logged about 160 miles. When i first begin doing my long runs in them (max 9 miles) they felt great, but now the last 15-20 miles or so no longer have that nice feel of gliding while running. Do any of the runners who respond to this forum think i've worn the shoes to the end of their life, and is time for new ones... or have my feet gone retarded and are protesting my healthy habits...help
~oh and another factoid... 2 of the last 3 times i've been running i've gotten cramps in my feet while running and in general the muscles in my feet feel very tight...and now i shall restate my plea.. help!

thanks so much everyone
Elliot

I think that you may be overusing your frees! I say this because I am pretty sure these kicks have been designed for running medium distances (8-10) miles....I would call this long distance but since you've been doing up to 20 I'll have to say medium....and the reason I say this is because the Nike website states that these shoes are not for professional use. It also says they shouldn't be used for high intensity training regimes or run overly long distances in them, and I can see why because your feet probably can't withstand this amount of stress put on them for such a long time, your foot muscles just aren't large enough and strong enough for that.
I would suggest that when running over 10 miles, to switch to a more supportive shoe so less stress is placed on your extensor/flexor muscles (and tendons) in your feet....and more stress onto your achilles up to your gastronemius (calves).
Hope I this helps.

Well, I have read through all the excellent information listed on the site, and have about decided to buy the Nike Free Trainers, but I have one concern. The Free(s) I've currently got my eye on have a strap on them. Does anyone know anything about the strapped Nike Free Trainers? Why is there a strap anyway?

Thanks,
Josh

Yes, these shoes really look like magic. I've been wanting to purchase them and I'm sure I will pretty soon. The Free Trainers caught my eye because of the extra support strap. I know they limit the whole concept of "free" but I'm sure I'll need the strap for some stability. I am an international karate competitor so I've been on my barefeet for half of my life. I think these would be ideal for emulating free motion while giving me some support and traction; exactly what I need. The comments are great and seem to further encourage me to purchase the frees.

Thanks,
Derek

Josh,

About your question about the strap on the free trainers... I have a younger brother who recently wore his brand new frees outside to play football with some friends... It was not too much later that he camne in the house crushed because his foot puctured the fabric of the top of his frees ,where the slits are located, when he tripped forward... From that experience and from what I've heard... the strap is there to prevent this from happening, the regular frees are for running straight only and the front strap of the trainers are so you can have some side to side movement without hurting the shoe.

Blair

Hey

-These shoes sound amazing. I'm training with my small group to run the Pikes Peak half-marathon this summer and I don't know which free would be better-the strapless or the straps. I heard the straps are better for turning and stuff, but I'm still wondering. Oh, and I'm really tight on cash right now-does anyone think they'll drop price by June?

Hey Ethan,
I got my frees off of eBay for a total of 92$ Canadian, and that includes shipping to Canada from the US. I thought this price was amazing and the store I got mine from (runningman0) always sells a lot of different sized frees each week.
Ryan

Hey-

-Yeah, I just got my shoes in the mail from Designer Athletics for $50.00 on E-bay. They feel great, but I heard that they also come with different inserts. These did not...are those just an option or was I supposed to get them. What is the default (original) insert? Am I at the barefoot or the more-cushioned right now?

Great site for all the reviews! I am a 35-40 mile a week runner and with past situations with shin splints, I am not eager to forfeit "cushioned" running. I am, however, eager to use these at work as a personal trainer. The gym has rubberized floors so I imagined there won't be a lot of foot or lower back stress. Time will tell. I like how these shoes offer so much flexibility and am happy to rid of the rigidity of regular athletic shoes. If anyone can tell me how they feel on your feet all day, it would be appreciated. Thanks for the site, David!

Hey May... I have been wearing my frees everywhere I go... At first your feet may feel like they are more tired than usual (like you've been standing longer) but I no longer wear any other shoe. Also I talked my mother into getting a pair... she has an old injury to her foot where the swelling never went away... anyway she has wore them all day long at work since she bought them. Her job also requires her to be on her feet all day long.

Hope it Helped....

I've been thinking about getting a pair of these for a while. I have always run in the Nike Prestos and love them, and think they are probably fairly similiar to the Nike Free. Has anyone tried both, and if so, how do the Free compare to the Prestos? Thx.

Hey Matt,
I have both prestos and frees. I used to just wear my prestos for running and they were quiet excellent. I found them very light and a great running shoe. I have recently purchased the Nike Free sneaker and there is not enough to say that would quite describe all of the benefits you get with this shoe. These sneakers feel lighter than any pair of slippers Ive ever owned. When I run, I seem to never want to stop, and I usually push myself well beyond my running limits with other sneakers. It seems that instead of my legs or feet getting tired first and causing me to stop, its my lungs and upper body that gets tired first. I highly recommend these sneakers to EVERYBODY who runs, or anybody with muscle problems that inhibit them from running. They are so comfortable and light, I wear them everywhere I go. I am going to switch to the thinner soles this week.

Ryan

I was thinking of getting the Free 5.0s but I wasn't sure how good they really are. But after reading all these reviews I'm sure that I'll be satisfied with them. I only have one question though, and the answer will be the deciding factor to whether I'll get these shoes or not. I'm planning to wear these shoes for everyday commute, not just for exersizing. And I'm wondering if I go out with these shoes in the rain, will my feet get soaked or will they do a good job in keeping water out.

Scott,

In my own personal opinion and experience, the free 5.0's are as good as keeping water out, as a pair of socks. However, my use for them is mostly for excercise (or walking when it's dry out). I do not recommend these sneakers if you don't want your feet to get wet.

Hi all,

I'm from Singapore and am currently considering getting a pair of 4.0s. I am an avid volleyballer. I am a casual runner but am interested to go further in running as I love running. What are the differences between 4.0 and 5.0? I would think the 4.0 would make you even stronger than the 5.0 would, as it offers less cushion. Does the 4.0 has the heel rip problem too? Could anyone who has the 4.0 offer some precious insights? Thanks a lot.

Hi all,

I just got a pair of free 4.0's. Got a US size 11.5. It's a little big, but they didn't have size 11. My usual size is 10.5 or 11, depends on brand. According to this review, one should take a full size larger than what they normally wear. But I found it to be too big... Also will the free 4.0's expand? I have room in my toes, and my heel does not stick to the lower mesh cloth.

As for sizing issues and anybody wishing to purchase a pair without trying them on (ordering online), I suggest that you first try on any pair of Nikes to find your size. I normally take 11.5 in Nikes, so I tried a 11.5 in Nike Free's and they fit perfect just like my other Nike sneakers. However, I think that if you don't wear Nike's, and you don't know what your NIKE shoe size is, add atleast 1/2 a size to whatever else brand shoe size you have (i.e. I wear a size 11 for my boots, but for Nike sneakers 11.5 fits me perfect). I also know my Nike shoe size in relation to Asics/Pumas/Reeboks, so if anybody wants to order a pair of Free's and they have Asics/Pumas/Reeboks, just ask me and I'll be glad to write up what sizes fit me in what brands.

Ryan

Hi all, i have a couple of questions. I am looking towards buying a pair of free trainers, but i am wondering if i would be able to not only run and train in these, but also play soccer effectively and alot in them. I also heard that the trainers sizes run small, so i am a 9.5 but i have read that i should get a 10.5, is this true. Please send feed back!

Thanks!