Nike Free 5.0

jedidove · Post by **jedidove** » 16 Jul 2005 18:12

Hey I just bought this cool shoe today. It's called the Nike Free 5.0. It was designed for people who like to run barefoot. I got it as a light running/workout shoe and just to wear around (comfotable). I noticed that it might have some footbag potential. It's probably no Rod Laver and I don't excpect it to be since I have lavers and they serve their purpose.

Its EXTREMELY flexible. If you curl your toes the toe of the shoe will curl up. The ankle's are also very flexible well there really isn't much of an ankle.

Very comfortable. Probably one of the most comfortable shoes I've ever worn.

The inside and outside seem like good stalling surfaces (but I'm a noob so I can't tell 100%). The toe is also pretty good but I don't think their quite like toe box modded lavers. I find the toe curling ability is really good though and helps a lot on my pendulums.

The material is some sort of suede-like fabric. It has slits in it for breathability (is that even a word?) but its not a hole in the shoe because there is a thin "sock" underneath the material. The same thin material is whats used at the back heel section.

They are very light. Their main purpose is running and running shoes are always extremely light.

They also seem to have good arch support. My insoles say 5.0 on them but the shoe also came with an extra set of insoles that say 4.5 on them. Maybe they have different support. The insole design is identical (skeleton of a foot).

I can't judge them 100% since I don't really have enough experience or skill to compare shoes. If anyone gets the chance try them on at a local shoe store and bring a bag to check them out. You can probably find them anywhere since they are very new and popular.

The website is http://www.nike.com/nikefree/
There's some images on the site but I'll try to upload some of my own. You can probably also find some on google but nothing beats seeing them in person.

Edit: Oh and the one I bought and am refering to is the Runner model. The Trainer has a strap in the front and the runner doesn't.

Lazytowner · Post by **Lazytowner** » 18 Jul 2005 13:58

wow, I kinda want those.

Jamo · Post by **Jamo** » 18 Jul 2005 15:38

I was going to get these for boxing, but i get a bad case of flat feet and walking bare foot makes it feel like my arch is tearing apart, so i want a shoe that DOESNT emulate that...know what i mean.

jedidove · Post by **jedidove** » 18 Jul 2005 20:19

^^^ Yeah I know. The 5.0 insole has a pretty good arch though. Actually I was flat footed too but I've improved a lot. The reason? Lavers! They have such high arches. At first they hurt and for awhile my arches were sore but now they are very comfortable and I am developng a better arch.

About that tearing apart thing I ABSOLUTLEY understand you. I usually would only get it in one foot though. I think that problem of mine has been fixed but I haven't done a lot of barefoot walking lately to tell.

Anyway back to the 5.0's. After some use trying to play with it I have noticed the toe isn't very good unless you have very good technique. Still have to get some other opinions though. They might not be able to step up to footbag requirements but they will remain a killer "regular" shoe.