Nike Free

Neutral trainers are not supposed to get padding, but the Nike Free is the perfect example of a product that can offer the best of both flexibility and cushioning. It is a lightweight neutral shoe that mimics the natural range of motions during barefoot running. It is a great alternative to use in improving your natural running technique or your gait cycle on the road, track and pavement. The newest update in the collection, The Nike Free does not disappoint in terms of fit and function. It is a highly recommended as a performance shoe for daily training and foot strengthening. Its minimal features are likely to keep your feet close to the ground without compromising protection or comfort.

Arch support and pronation control

The arch support of the Nike Free is minimal, considering that it is a neutral trainer with a lightweight concept. The shoe is highly recommended for under pronators, since it is more supportive to the outward foot roll motion of the runner. However, it truly does not decelerate pronation as effectively as stability and motion control shoes. The lack of cushioning technologies may also be attributed to the minimal pronation control of the shoe.

Terrain

The Nike Free is designed for road, track and gravel use. The shoes take the hard edge of the pavement by providing a reliable underfoot cushioning. The cushioning technology, which is the Phylite foam, has compression properties that improve shock absorbency during landing impact. The road, track and gravel tend to have a more cruel force on impact, especially if there are slight irregularities on the ground. The Nike Free’s underfoot cushioning is further improved by the waffle lugs, molded sock liner and gender- specific flex grooves.

Use

The Nike Free is a neutral trainer with a lightweight concept. It could easily pass as a great choice for daily training and speed work. However, its construction is more than that. Aside from being a go-to shoe for general fitness activities, the Nike Free can be used as a transitional shoe. Its minimal feature body can provide a closer feel to the ground without sacrificing cushioning entirely. It is also a great choice for biomechanical runners who are into shoes with lower heel to toe drops. These shoes can mimic the barefoot experience, but still have padding for step-in comfort and adequate support.

Durability

The durability of the Nike Free could only be described at a minimum threshold. This is due to the fact that neutral trainers have lesser technologies that maintain structural support of the shoe. It is not fair to compare it with the durability of stability and motion control shoes. However, its midsole and outsole have adequate durability to last for a hundred miles or so. The resilient fabric of the upper could also last long, even with excessive use.

Fit and sizing

The Nike Free is true to its size. In terms of length, the shoe has a standard measurement. It offers a contoured fit, thanks to the Dynamic Fit System in the shoe construction. It has a medium fit for the heel and forefoot, but its mid-foot is pretty low. This is a good sign that the heel to toe drop would truly promote a natural gait. The toe box of the shoe is also roomy, so splaying won’t be a problem.

Outsole

The outer sole of the Nike Free shares its cushioning technology with the midsole. The primary material would be the Phylite foam, which has a lightweight structure, but does not compromise on cushioning and support. The undersurface is composed of BRS 1000 carbon rubber and waffle lugs that ensure traction and durability. Lastly, there is the Beveled Heel, which is an outer curve in the heel structure.

Midsole

The primary midsole material is still the Phylite foam. There are also flex grooves integrated into the midsole to maximize the pressure of the landing impact. The Transtarsal Flex Grooves are found in the mid-foot area, while gender-specific Nike Free Sipes cover the full- length under surface of the shoe.

Upper

The upper construction of the Nike Free has a lot of tweaks in the new version. Its main material is the Free-specific mesh, which guarantees flexibility and breathability.  It also has the asymmetrical lacing system and a molded sock liner that improves the overall fit of the shoe. The Nike Free is incorporated with the Dynamic Fit System, which is an inner sleeve, and the Dynamic Flywire, a band that improves the fit and support of the upper. Lastly, the upper is connected to the midsole through the Strobel Last.

Summary

Doing the transition from a traditional shoe to a minimalist one could be a challenging phase for most runners. However, this could easily be achieved by choosing the right neutral trainer as a transitional shoe. The Nike Free is one of the best choices in terms of fit, function and price. Its Dynamic Fit system provides an unparalleled and adaptive fit that could mimic your foot’s curvature while providing the necessary protection. It has a low heel to toe drop that facilitate a more natural running technique and encourage a natural gait.  Despite offering a barefoot-like experience, it still has adequate underfoot cushioning for a better step-in comfort and support. At $100, you are able to enjoy a more natural running technique in a well-supported and flexible platform

Price

The Nike Free originally retails at $100. Despite the latest technologies in its construction, the shoe has an affordable price tag that would appeal to both professional and casual runners looking for the best neutral transition shoe on the market. Neutral trainers that are commonly priced higher than $100 could be discouraging to people who are not planning to venture into the barefoot running scene; however, the Nike Free is an exception to this belief. Its versatility and flexibility makes it a good technical shoe for general fitness and speed work on the road, track and gravel.

 Price

The price of the Asics Gel DS Trainer is $115. This price is reasonable enough for this kind of shoes and a lot of runners really prefer this, especially the ones who need great support from their running shoe.