Details
Brand
Nike
Heel To Toe Drop
5mm
Breathability
10/10
Latest Version
Yes
Terrain
Road
Type
Neutral
Key Features
• 5mm drop• Men’s only design• Support focused gym trainer• Tri-Star Flex Grooves consist of triangular outsole pods for outstanding flexibility• Rubber outsole nodes provide traction• Wide outsole design for stability• Sturdy engineered design• Dynamic stretch panels for a flexible feel and supportive fit• Flywire upper technology for support and stability• Sock-like ankle collar provides security and stretch
Upper
The Train has an engineered upper design. For support, the shoe’s upper features Flywire technology to enable a secure and stable fit. Dynamic stretch bands also contribute to the locked in, supportive feel of the shoe. The sock-like construction of the Train is accentuated by the shoe’s stretchy ankle collar, which is intended to provide additional support around the ankle. Reviewers agreed that the collar felt supportive but a few users mentioned that the material was a bit too stretchy and lacked structural integrity. Another handful of reviewers complained about the ankle collar being too tight. The majority of reviewers, however, liked the wide toe box design and lightweight feel of the Train.
Midsole
The midsole of the Free Train is made up of EVA foam. Nothing special to note. The cushioning in the Train is minimal since the focus is on support and the shoe is not intended for long distance run training. Reviewers agreed that the Nike brand shoe was not a good choice for running workouts because of the lack of midsole cushioning. Still, reviewers found the shoe comfortable, lightweight, and most importantly, very supportive.
Outsole
The Nike sneaker’s outsole is made of rubber. Nodes dot the sole and provide traction. The outsole also happens to be wide to help with overall stability. Triangular pods are scattered throughout the sole, as well, and make up the Tri-Star Flex Groove configuration for an ultra-flexible outsole design.
Breathability
The engineered upper fabric allows for decent breathability. Reviewers didn’t find any drawbacks concerning the upper’s ability to breathe. The sock-like fit is supportive but provides wearers enough breathing room.
Comfort
Most reviewers described the Free Train as comfortable. The very flexible outsole was well-liked by a majority of users, and the upper provided a snug yet supportive fit for most wearers. Reviewers also talked about liking the lightweight feel of the gym sneaker and appreciated the roomy toe box. A few reviewers complained that the sizing ran small, however.
Style
Most reviewers described the Free as a great looking shoe. Many users were happy to wear the sneaker outside the gym because of its sleek design. The men’s only shoe was initially released in only four colorways including grey, white, cobalt, and black. Later on, however, Nike released the sneaker in a slew of new colors including a silver version with neon green accents.
Durability
Reviewers found the Free Train quite durable. You won’t need to worry about the midsole cushioning compressing over time since the shoe’s midsole material is minimal. The rest of the supportive sneaker holds up. The outsole is sturdy enough to handle daily gym workouts, and the upper’s engineered fabric is resilient enough that it should last a long while before any apparent signs of wear show up.
Protection
The Nike Free sneaker provides an average amount of protection. Midsole cushioning is limited, but the durable outsole’s nodes offer great traction. The shoe is also very supportive, which protects you when you’re working out. Whether you’re performing a HIIT workout or lifting weights, the idea is that the Train will keep you secured and locked in to prevent excess movement that might contribute to injury.
Responsiveness
Reviewers had nothing to say about the responsiveness of the shoe. The flexible feel and supportive base point to a shoe that feels somewhat responsive, however.
Support
The Free Train is incredibly supportive. The snug sock-like engineered upper provides a locked-in fit. Reviewers found the shoe supportive enough for lifting purposes. Reviewers also liked that they experienced all-around support with the Free thanks to the stretchy ankle collar and wide flared outsole. A few reviewers complained that the collar felt too tight around their ankle, but most were happy with the extra security it provided.
Terrain
The outsole’s nodes provide decent traction, but the rest of the sole is relatively smooth and not a good choice for slick or rocky surfaces. Not to mention, the Tri-Star groove configuration on the sole is a magnet for small rocks and mud. The sock collar on the shoe might keep out trail debris, but it’s not designed to do so. The Train might be suitable for hard packed dirt trails, but otherwise, it’s best kept off the trails.
Price
Reviewers said that the Free was well worth its price. The shoe is a good value with a relatively low cost. In a world full of sneaker choices, the Free Train delivers on its promise of comfort and support.
Drop
The gym sneaker features a drop height of 5mm. Not quite zero, the 5mm drop keeps users fairly close to the ground without sacrificing protection. The lower drop also contributes to the overall stable ride provided by the Free Train.
Stability
A wide outsole design helps ensure wearers are perfectly stable as they lift weights or perform high-intensity interval workouts. The snug engineered upper delivers structural support, and the fitted sock-like ankle collar helps provide lateral stability. Reviewers were impressed with how supportive and stable the Free Train felt and agreed that the sneaker was stable in all directions.
Flexibility
The Nike sneaker provides outstanding flexibility thanks to its Tri-Star outsole configuration. The ultra-bendy triangular pods allow the sole to flex in almost every direction. The result is an incredibly natural ride feel.
Traction
The outsole features rubber nodes for traction. Traction provided is decent, but the rest of the outsole is not well-equipped to handle slick wet surfaces.
Bottom Line
The Nike Free Train is an excellent choice for gym goers seeking a supportive, neutral sneaker for HIIT or lifting workouts. The sleek design is appealing but also comfortable to wear. While a few users might find the sizing runs small, the overall fit is snug and supportive. The wide design allows for room to breathe, and the fabric ankle collar provides an added support element. The shoe is also ultra flexible, which adds to how comfortable it is. The quality-built Nike shoe’s durable construction should last for many workouts at the gym whether in your basement or down the street.
