Nike Free 5.0 Running Shoe Review

The Nike Free 5.0 running shoe from Nike is not a novice to the unpredicted inventions of this world-renowned shoe brand. It has been more than a decade since the shoe range is offering more flexibility than the Lunar Glide series of the company. In July 2004, Nike came up with its free concept to the runners’ world. The Free Running Shoes were inspired by the coaching techniques of Vin Lananna, a running coach in Stanford. Vin used to train his athletes barefoot on the grass with an only purpose to strengthen the foot muscles. The Free concept from Nike emulated that experience to a great extent by offering unmatched flexibility to the runners.

Nike Free 5.0 running shoe has been classified into three models and introduced a major change to fit the need of most runners, be it an athlete or a casual runner.  

How the entrant different from forerunners

Unlike the previous Nike Free shoe design featuring a linear flexible groove system to provide sufficient flexibility from the front to back, the free concept shoes introduced for 2014 has a hexagonal design. The design evokes the hexagonal air pockets in Reebok’s early 90s collection. The sole purpose behind the design is to show and offer more flexibility in all the direction for better support.

How they are built?

Since the inception of free concept in 2004, it has been for the first time that the shoe brand has transformed the sole design completely with radical innovation. The latest geometry has surpassed the most seen intersecting linear flex groove system to favor hexagonal columns alienated by razor thin yet deep flex grooves. Each foam column acts like an independent structure with transitional units.  

The Nike Free 5.0 has undergone considerable improvements to the upper as well as outer sole.  The midsole flares below the arch increases the support and the underfoot features an Ortholite insole with a lining of foam strobel. While the Nike Free 4.0 had a more flat ramp, the runners will feel the arch contacting the midsole in Nike Free 5.0.

Runners it is designed for

The redesigned sole in the Nike Free 5.0 running shoe proves to be the icing on the cake for runners desirous for a smooth and cushioned ride with multi-directional flexibility and seamless transition. The upper part is decked out with innovative construction techniques and new materials. Excluding some gaps, most runners will be pleased by the overall package. Nike Free 5.0 shoe is super flexible and offer barefoot-like movement.  The near-minimal shoe offers decent cushioning, which are just the best for forefoot and midfoot running styles.