Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
8mm
Breathability
8/10
Latest Version
No
Terrain
Road
Type
Minimalist
Key Features
• Hexagonal Flex Grooves Encourage a Natural Footstrike.• Removable molded insole• Nike Free flex grooves• Cushlon Foam for a Plush Landing Surface• Flywire Cables between mesh and foam add comfortable lockdown.• Outsole Traction Support on multiple surfaces.• Upper Mesh Internal Zonal Support
Upper
Nike Free 5.0 retains the traditional style upper, consistent with this line of shoe. The asymmetrical lacing system is offset to the lateral side, which helps reduce pressure and improve comfort over the top ridge of your foot. The upper is put together with synthetic polyester and mesh. Synthetic textile fibers, such as Dacron, the trade name for polyester, are used for great strength and wrinkle resistance. While the seamless and stretchy mesh inner sleeve provides a supportive sock-like fit that moves with each step.
Midsole
Did I mention the revolutionary Nike Free technology on the outsole? Well, the midsole is also considered revolutionary. The low-profile, Phylite technology in the midsole expands multi-directionally for more dynamic movement. It provides a resilient ride and is so tough, it doubles as the outsole. This dramatically reduces the overall weight of this shoe. Moreover, the deep flex grooves along the length and width of the midsole promote flexibility as well stability.
Outsole
The outsole of the Nike Free 5.0 comes from the revolutionary next-generation Nike Free technology. This technology applies mathematics and mechanics to each step, allowing the shoe to flex as well as expand and contract while you run. In addition, the rubber outsole features a hexagonal pattern that helps absorb impacting shock. Because of the minimalistic style of the outsole, this shoe is really quiet. It makes very little noise when contacting the ground.
Breathability
The upper is engineered and packaged to move with your foot, promoting breathable support while running. Plus, the breathable mesh keeps your feet cool and allows for full range of motion while training and lifting.
Comfort
The Nike Free 5.0 boasts the most cushioned, natural ride. In fact, Nike says “Let your feet move the way they are meant to while maintaining the cushioning and support of a more traditional running shoe.” This is the most cushioned Nike Free available. With less upper layers, you get a light, but still cushy feel. Soft fabric lining and full bootie construction work together to provide seamless comfort. Plus, the regularly padded tongue is back. Nike brought it back because of complaints from runners of pressure across the top ridge of the foot.;According to reports, this shoe fits as expected in 80% of the time. For those that reported the fit wasn’t quite right, the recommendation was to buy a full size larger. If you are unsure which size to select, your best bet may be to choose the larger size. You can always make adjustments for a better fit using socks and/or insoles.
Style
This shoe is not only light but good looking. It’s popularity among athletic footwear wearers is a mostly due to it’s usage as a fashionable and casual shoe. Sure, runners like this shoe, but folks are more likely to buy it for casual use. Nike Free 5.0, is like Baskin Robbins, it comes in 31 different flavors! Colors include the basics – black, dark grey, cool grey, and white, but also the interesting: Game Royal, Neo Turquoise, Metallic Silver, and an Orange/Pink combo. There has been a complaint that the Crimson Red is too orange. Also, a complaint that the platinum/white/black colorway is darker than what the picture shows.
Durability
Nike Frees have strategically placed BRS 1000 carbon rubber for enhanced durability. Carbon rubber is a synthetic rubber with carbon added, which results in an extremely durable outsole material. The solid rubber under the big toe provides even more traction and durability.
Protection
Protect yourself by knowing your body. If you are new to Nike Frees, you will likely experience some muscle soreness. Its just like when you begin exercises muscles you haven’t worked in a while. This is normal and shouldn’t last long. Keep in mind, everyone’s body is different and will adjust at a different pace. You may benefit from alternating your Frees with your other running shoes for a few days, giving your body time to adjust.
Responsiveness
The anatomically shaped heel rolls with the ground for the more natural range of motion. This allows your body to respond at its best. In addition to the heel, Nike Frees possess hexagonal flex grooves that allow your foot to move naturally. It is similar to running in bare feet. Runners who love minimalistic shoes, generally hate shoes that try to control their movements. The grooves in the sole of the shoe allow the foot to contact, then move into pronation very smoothly, allowing you to feel in control.
Support
Although Nike Frees are lightweight and promote the natural range of motion, they are also incredibly supportive. Frees feature an inner sleeve made of layered mesh, providing a sock-like fit while still allowing the shoe to be put on easily and taken off quickly.;Be mindful if you need support to counteract overpronation. This shoe has a forefoot that bends/caves, making it a great minimal shoe but not so great for correcting overpronation. If your heart is set on Nike Frees and you are an overpronator, don’t worry! You can get a firm insole that will help.
Terrain
When running in sand, this shoe does great. It is similar to running in bare feet which is important on the sand. While the shoe is also designed for pavement, sidewalk, packed dirt, and gravel, the honeycomb design of the sole may grab rocks. This can be a problem when coupled with the super thin outsole. These are also really great for wearing around the office and running on the treadmill.
Price
Because there are so many variations of the Nike Free 5.0 (runners, trainers, round toe, etc…), the price also varies. Basically though, this shoe relatively inexpensive. Especially compared to other shoes I have reviewed recently.
Drop
With a differential of only 8mm, your foot is pretty close to the ground. The 5.0 has a bit more drop than the 3.0, but this is because of more cushioning under the heel and less under the forefoot.
Stability
Internal support structure stabilizes your foot and helps keep your form strong.
Bottom Line
Nike Free 5.0 offers the perfect combination of flexibility and support. These shoes will match your intensity through even the toughest workouts. They are also great for runners who are new to natural running. This is mostly due to the fact that this shoe has hexagonal flex grooves that offer six points of flexibility. These allow your foot to move more naturally in every direction. Plus, these shoes are really quite, meaning you can sneak up on those other runners to pass them before they even know what’s what!;Because you’ll be using some muscles in your feet more than you might be used to, don’t forget to transition into using your Nike Free footwear gradually. Also, don’t forget to keep your eye out for more college logos and colorways to be added to Nike Free Trainer 5.0 collection.
