Nike Free Run 2 Running Shoe Review
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As the barefoot / minimalist shoe revolution goes into full swing, it has a lot of runners asking whether the new style of shoes are for them or if they should stick with their traditional running shoes. And while barefoot running shoes aren’t for everyone, it would help out a number of runners to add them into their running shoe rotation.
Over a year ago, I had to a chance to test out the Nike Free Run + and I was happy with that shoe as a nice transitional shoe into barefoot running. With the new Nike Free Run 2’s, there were only a few changes made to improve the shoe. The outer of the Nike Free Run 2 has a different pattern than the previous model making for a different style of mesh and providing a little bit different overlay for added shoe form. The most noticeable difference while running in the Nike Free Run 2’s vs. the original model is the added room in the toe box. While in the Nike Free Run 2, you will notice a nice wide toe box allowing your toes and feet to have a natural splay, mimicking that of barefoot running. In essence, when you foot lands on the ground, it is natural for your feet and toes to spread out.
I took these shoes out for a number of my shorter runs going up to 10 miles and I also tested the shoes on my longer runs that went up to 20 miles. During all my runs, I felt very comfortable and could hardly notice much of a difference compared to other traditional running shoes I am testing. The ride is very soft in the Nike Free Run 2 and the flow from heel to toe has a nice transition. From the naked eye, it looks like the new Free Run 2 added a millimeter or two of midsole foam compared to previous models. I personally felt the shoe to have a little more midsole than the previous model.
While the Nike Free Run 2 is closer to mimicking barefoot running, the padded midsole and heel to toe drop keep these shoes distant from more true barefoot style running shoes like the Vibram Five Fingers and the Merrell Trail Glove. This is not to say one is better than the other, but more of a clarification of whether the Nike Free Run 2 is a barefoot running shoe or not.
The Nike Free Run 2 running shoes weigh in at 9.5 oz. which is lightweight for a standard running shoe, but more par for the course as far as minimalist shoes go. There can be added weight as the cracks between the sipes tend to collect small rocks and don’t come out easy while running. It would be nice to see if Nike could create some sort of rock guard in future models. Overall, I like the idea of having this shoe as a transition shoe to barefoot running and I think it’s a great option for those looking to make the move. The Nike Free Run 2’s retail for $90 and come in a variety of neutral and flashy colors to accommodate every runners taste and style.
For more info on the Free Run 2 and other Nike footwear, visit www.nike.com or www.amazon.com/nike.
Comment from ZRod:
Coming from running in mostly neutral minimal shoes this year, I had a slightly differing take on the Free Run 2. I agree that it can serve as a transition shoe to allow runners to begin using a more minimalist shoe, but I found it to be the starting point, not the end point that Nike seems to promise. I too found the wider toe box and enhanced upper to be appealing; it felt as if you were putting on a pair of old slippers rather than running shoes. My first take was that foot slip would be a huge issue, but within a few steps out of the front door it was apparent that the sock-like heel cuff would hold the shoe in place as long as I needed.
The run of the shoe is fairly interesting at first, and then more comfortable as the shoe breaks into your foot. The arch in particular seems a bit high for the average runner, but did break in after only a few five mile runs. This high arch made for a slightly awkward forefoot strike (it tended to pitch forward a bit suddenly, as my gait tended to land directly on it) at first, but as mentioned, upon breaking in it was just fine.
As mentioned in the review above, what sets this apart from other minimalist/barefoot shoes is the amount of cushion. It’s fairly significant, and can feel slow when compared to other shoes in the category. The amount of cushion on it is actually more akin to shoes typically found in a “neutral cushioned” category; the interesting thing is that while it may fit in that category, it runs more like a barefoot shoe due to the upper and separated tread of the outsole.
Yes, the outsole picks up several small rocks and other debris (I’ve had to pull sticks, trash, and glass out of it so far), but that’s to be expected from the design – it was obvious that while this would be an issue, Nike wanted the performance of the separated outsole. When running pavement or road races in which I won’t encounter much gravel, though, it’s not an issue in the slightest. In fact, due to the amount of cushioning, it’s become my go to shoe for longer distance runs – it’s as comfortable on the first step out the door as it is on the last.
Hello, Thanks for this interesting review. I’m about to buy the nike free run+ 2 shield. Please tell me, is this a shoe to be used for running every day? Or just 2 a week? I run every day around 10 kms, I am neutral runner with slight overpronation. Thank you!!!
Hi Sofia,
I just bought a pair of Nike Free 2 “Shield” with the waterproof upper. I was entering my first half-marathon and decided my old asics 2150s felt too clunky (for lack of a more technical term). The Frees took one or two mid distance runs of 10-15km to get used to but they were like a dream on race day. They are incredibly light and comfortable, don’t see why you couldn’t run every day in them. The warnings that you will pick up all manner of debris in the outsole are absolutely true though…
As someone going backwards from logging 30 miles a week in Vibram’s, I tried these out as an option for when I want to look more normal and practical when going for walks and outings with my family and doing other recreational activities. I basically wanted the same lightweight, flexible, ground feel of the Vibrams in a regular looking sneaker. These are working out pretty good so far, they’re so flexible you can actually flex your toes upward toward your shins without much problem, which looks kind of cool on a running shoe. I like the way they feel, very snug around my feet like gloves. They run a little small because of this and I have less room at the end of my toes than I would want in a regular running shoe, but its ok because of the fit. I also run in them occasionally when my feet need a rest day and they definitely give a good reel on the road and encourage a proper forefoot strike.
I purchased the Nike Free Run 2 and planned to use them to the gym only. I go about 4-6 times per week.
Let me just be straight. These shoes feel more like high-heels for men. The arch in the middle (inner part of foot) is just unreasonable. I honestly thought I had purchased defective shoes, so I took them back to FinishLine and they were very cool about it and exchanged them for me.
Second pair, same thing. The arch is so bad that it makes it unbareable to simply stand on them.
As far as “barefoot” blah blah blah goes, the shoes was not designed to work with a natural human running motion. The heel has been raised a bit, not sure by how much, but its noticeable. Standing straight on these shoes actually will require effore as you will tend to lean forward naturally.
Due to a raised heel, you tend to land more on the center of the shoe, which will cause foot pain or, like me, spasms on the arch muscle. The right way for a foot to land while running is by the forefoot (toes side), not by heel or center.
Dont get me wrong, if you are just wanted to do short sprints over long period of running, then the shoes will work great. In order to avoid landing on the center of the shoe, you would have to lean more weight forward as you would while sprinting, NOT jogging. But remember, when you do come to a stop, you will feel that arch pushing up against your muscle so bad that you will have to put effort to stand.
Oh, almost forgot… The high arch does not break in due to it being created by the white foam part of the shoe. That always comes back and doesnt break in.
I will give the second pair another chance at 3 more gym workouts, but I have a feeling I will be returning them for sure. Nike really screwed up on this shoe IMO. Hope this was informative and helpful.
I think those shoes are excelent for the races from 5K to halfmarathon,but not for everyday training.
I think those shoes are excelent for 5K to halfmarathon races,but not for everyday training.
Received these today and threw them on right away, before reading this review. I cannot agree more about with the initial assessments. Soft, feel like a sock or comfy pair of jeans. For me the fit is perfect, size 10.5. 5’9″ 144 lb male.
Also agree that these are just the first step in a transition to barefoot, with at least one more shoe in between.
I can run in almost anything, which means I tend to prefer zero drop, minimal shoes…especially for short races.
I have run in Reebok racing flats ( my current favorite for speed) Salomon s/lab Sonic, SpeedCross, Altra, Superior and Escalante, Newtons, Nike Free 5.0, Mizuno Wave Inspire. I run fine in all of them and none have been bad.
These will replace the Nike Free 5.0. and become and everyday runner.