Nike free run flyknit 2023 review năm 2024

The Nike Free RN Flyknit shoes are super lightweight running trainers designed for a barefoot ride, perfect for sprinting and shorter distance runs.

Fit

Nike's iconic Flyknit trainers are renowned for their flexible fit and comfortable ride. The upper of the trainer is made with a single-seam Flyknit design and gives a sock-like fit to the trainer. Your feet feel totally locked in without feeling inhibited or squeezed too tight. The super flexible and soft fabrics expand and contract to suit your needs and give superior breathability too.

The toe box of these trainers is particularly wide and comfortable and allows plenty of room for the toes and forefoot, even on the regular sizes. This provides a super comfortable ride and allows your feet to naturally expand during the run. The heel of the shoe is rounded to mimic the natural shape of the foot and allows you to feel like you're barely even wearing shoes. The fit of these trainers really is outstanding.

Appearance

Nike are renowned for their attractive trainers and fashionable gym wear. Their stylish designs marry with state-of-the-art technology to bring buyers the ultimate in modern sportswear. The Nike Free RN Flyknit women's trainers are no different, and come in several attractive and visually appealing colourways. As with all Nike trainers, you can customise their appearance with Nike iD and this allows an endless choice of colours and styles to make your trainers really your own. The older versions of this shoe were available in brighter colours, but the 2017 model has seen it be toned down with much more muted tones and pastel shades. This is by no means a bad thing, and these trainers are objectively very good-looking.

Performance

The Nike Free range is designed for a barefoot ride and effortless sprinting. They are super light, weighing in at only 178g, and are very minimalistic in their design. They allow for natural movement and all the benefits of barefoot running, while still giving light support and soft cushioning under foot. The outsole is made of foam with rubber at the heel and toe for extra durability.

If you are a sprinter or just generally a confident and competent runner, these trainers will be perfect for you. They will allow you to enjoy a lightweight run and sprint to your full potential. I found that when doing sprint intervals in these trainers, my whole body felt lighter and I was really able to push myself. I also found they encouraged me to be lighter on my feet as I ran and I also found myself running with more of a forefoot strike to normal, elevating my posture and allowing for faster movement.

If you over-pronate, have flat feet, or suffer from any other running issues, these shoes could potentially cause you an injury. They are definitely not designed for long distance running as they do not provide the necessary support and you should only wear them for short runs of around 5k or sprint intervals or track sessions.

Price

These trainers will set you back £109.95 for the regular pair or £124.95 if you opt for the Nike iD customisation. Although this is definitely on the upper end of the general spectrum, this is pretty average for a technical pair of trainers from a brand as big and well-established as Nike. These trainers are highly technical, unbelievably comfortable, and super durable, making this price very reasonable in my opinion. The shoes are also very attractive and could easily be worn as an everyday trainer meaning that the investment is worth even more and your money will go even further.

Verdict

The Nike Free RN Flyknit trainers are an incredibly attractive and comfortable pair of shoes. They perform well and may even improve your training if you use them correctly. They are definitely a must-have for any athlete or gym-goer.

These trainers are for you if:

• You are a sprinter, track athlete, or short distance runner
• You are looking for comfortable, stunning trainers for everyday wear
• You enjoy a barefoot ride or running in a barefoot style

These trainers are not for you if:

• You over-pronate and/or have flat feet
• You have a small budget
• You are a long distance runner

Liquid error (sections/main-article line 148): Could not find asset snippets/relatedblogs.liquid

Ah, the Nike Free Run… For me, calling this a running shoe is a stretch, but it came to my attention that there’s still a vestige of folks out there in the minimalist fan group that likes the slipper-like feel of Nike’s long-running “Free” lineup. What I like about the Nike Free Run 5.0 is it steers back toward a less bizarre-looking shoe than we saw in 2020 but continues with the ultralight and ultra-flexible design.

• Our top pick in best Nike Flyknit running shoes

Pros

• Insane lightness
• Glove-like fit
• Heel loop
• Easy lacing system
• Super breathable
• True to size
• Comfotable as an everyday slipper
• Extremely flexible

Cons

• Short runs only
• Lack of proper outsole
• Insole not removable

Audience verdict

Comparison

The most similar running shoes compared

• + Add a shoe
• + Add a shoe
• + Add a shoe
• + Add a shoe
• + Add a shoe

Audience score Best price Ranking Popularity # of colorways

If you are considering buying these shoes for running you must read on!

Your browser does not support the video tag.

First off, I am not a fan. I am just going to come out and say it. I think Nike is way off the mark here with this shoe. I am not a minimalist hater, the opposite actually, my roots in running were in the minimalist camp, but the Free Run 5.0 just doesn’t cut it for me.

From the lack of a proper outsole to the narrow fit, and the hideous looks of this all-black slipper, I just hate it.

I’m even trying to be objective. There are some highlights, so please continue on down the page!

Who should buy the Nike Free Run 5.0

If you’re into cross-training for running the Nike Free Run 5.0 may work for you. They may be ideal for Crossfitters and weightlifters more focused on bulking up than long cardio sessions though.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

I realized that these are more suited to indoor activity than hitting the pavement, and they are going to take some time to get used to if you are not coming from a minimalist shoe.

In the end, these are short-distance (at best) runners for those short sprints between weight sets. I think that they may be ideal for yoga too...

Who should not buy it

Don’t buy these shoes if you are a serious runner. Let me rephrase, don’t buy these shoes if you are planning on running in them. They can be used for foot strengthening for runners looking to cross-train, but if your plan is to run-train in these steer clear.

Instead, check out:

• The Nike Pegasus 38 for a similar style and fit, but with a much more robust and run-designed midsole.
• The Nike Epic React Flyknit 2, again it’s a sock-like design, a stretchy knit upper, but with a proper midsole for long-distance running.
• The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run is a super-plush, bouncy, soft shoe with ample padding and a slipper-like feel.

Runs narrow even with a stretchy upper

I have wide feet, and most Nikes just don’t work for me. The Run Free is different because it’s so flexible in the upper that it could fit an elephant’s foot if needed, but it still feels narrow.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

My feet overflow over the edges of the midsole, and I fear that the upper will deteriorate quickly for anyone with caveman feet like myself.

That being said, once on, they are very sock-like and have great lockdown. There’s no slip or movement inside the shoe and the Flywire lacing pattern pulls effortlessly to get the right level of containment.

Nike Free Run 5.0 are slipper-like

Comfort is one area Nike crushed it with these shoes. They are literally like slippers on your feet. I love wearing them, in the house, to bed, maybe even to get the paper at the end of the driveway in the morning.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The upper is a super stretchy and breathable mesh, it hugs every nook and cranny of your foot. It honestly feels like a water shoe or a neoprene sock.

I can’t complain here, except when you take them running… So ya a small issue I guess. At that point they feel too shallow in the heel, and like I have no protection or structure for the activity ahead.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

The ride of the Free Run 5.0 is disappointing

Their ride isn’t terrible, but it’s not really meant for long efforts.

The new cushioning is lighter, softer, and more responsive than previous versions, however, and they are a bit bouncy, which makes them feel slightly peppy and responsive.

The thin midsole (15.3mm in the forefoot and 23.4mm in the heel) is actually above average in density at 25.5HA (Average is 21.9HA) giving it that slight feel of responsiveness and protection from sharp objects.

The main downside of the Run Free 5.0 though is its soft nature and endless laser-cut grooves (they score a 1 out of 5 on our flexibility test with 1 being the most flexible both longitudinally and torsionally). The sole flexes so much there’s really no toe-off. The shoe is just too flexible and doesn’t add anything to make your stride more efficient.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

They flex at 9.6N, the average shoe is 37N, and even in cold weather when they stiffen up 47.9%, they still flex at a measly 14.2N.

Your browser does not support the video tag.

I get it, it’s a minimalist shoe, you should use your muscles and bones to create propulsion. This argument is fine, I even believe it, but that’s so niche, it feels like selling these shoes as running shoes to the masses is a major mistake.

Lastly, there’s a big heel that feels much taller than the measured 8.1mm drop (15.3mm in the forefoot and 23.4mm in the heel). Minimalist shoes should be flat, even 8.1 is too tall, but in reality, they feel like 12mm, which seems to mess with the biomechanics of what this shoe is trying to accomplish.

If you are going to make a low to the ground shoe with lots of flex and ground feel, make it all low to the ground…

Lots of ellipsis in this review, hope you get the sentiment.

Break-in slowly

I think your feet will tire quickly in these and you’ll need to take it very slow to start.

Just like any minimalist shoe, you need to build up the muscles in your feet and legs to run effectively in these, and in the end, this shoe is just not a great partner for long-distance running.

Wow the weight is insane

Insane!

6.2 ounces (175g) is the lightest shoe we have ever put through our lab, but it comes with definite sacrifices.

In the end, it’s just too light and isn’t a proper running shoe but more of a cross trainer, walker, even just an interesting-looking active sneaker.

Durability seems low

Durability is low on this shoe. There’s barely any outsole with just two small patches of firmer rubber on the toe and heel.

The rest of the outsole is soft, exposed midsole foam which will wear down quickly.

The upper is thin and stretchy and will deteriorate quickly in my opinion. For anyone with wider feet, you may see holes where you’re stretching the upper fairly soon after purchase.

Grip is nonexistent

With so much exposed midsole the grip is lousy. The outsole is 90% exposed EVA foam without any real grip pattern. I think this is mostly an indoor training shoe that is most ideal in the gym and on the treadmill.

Reflective swoosh on the Run Free 5.0

One nice touch is the reflective elements in the swoosh on the side of the shoe. If you find yourself getting the paper at night, you will be visible to your neighbors.

Are these dance shoes

This is one ugly shoe! When these arrived I thought these were my sister’s jazz dance shoes from high school. Not for me… But they would look great on a high school stage or in a fashion show in Milan.

Conclusion

I just don’t see where Nike is going with these. There was a lot of tongue-in-cheek humor in this review, but overall I think these are sneakers or cross-trainers at best, but they are not serious running shoes.

Take caution and go slow to start if you end up buying these despite this review.

Lab test results

Nike Free Run 5.0 Average Durability Outsole hardness 80.5 HC 80.2 HCOutsole thickness 0.0 mm 3.2 mmWeight Weight 6.17 oz (175g) 9.38 oz (266g)Cushioning Heel stack 23.4 mm 33.4 mmForefoot stack 15.3 mm 24.7 mmDrop 8.1 mm 8.7 mmInsole thickness 4.2 mm 4.4 mmMidsole softness 25.5 HA 23.6 HAMidsole softness in cold 34.0 HA 29.3 HADifference in midsole softness in cold 33.3% 26.6%Stability Torsional rigidity 1 3.2Heel counter stiffness 1 2.7Midsole width in the forefoot 111.6 mm 113.3 mmMidsole width in the heel 90.1 mm 90.2 mmFlexibility Stiffness 9.6N 29.3NStiffness in cold 14.2N 39.4NDifference in stiffness in cold 47.9% 39.6%Size and fit Internal length 272.1 mm 268.8 mmToebox width at the widest part 104.8 mm 98.1 mmTongue: gusset type Both sides (full) Comfort Tongue padding 5.1 mm 5.7 mmHeel tab Finger loop Removable insole No

Specs (official)

Compare popularity Interactive

Compare the popularity of another shoe to Nike Free Run 5.0:

Recently viewed

Paul Ronto

Over the past 20 years, Paul has climbed, hiked, and run all over the world. He has summited peaks throughout the Americas, trekked through Africa, and tested his endurance in 24-hour trail races as well as 6 marathons. On average, he runs 30-50 miles a week in the foothills of Northern Colorado. His research is regularly cited in The New York Times, Washington Post, National Geographic, etc. On top of this, Paul is leading the running shoe lab where he cuts shoes apart and analyzes every detail of the shoes that you might buy.

Are Nike Free run Flyknit good for running?

They are definitely not designed for long distance running as they do not provide the necessary support and you should only wear them for short runs of around 5k or sprint intervals or track sessions.

Do you wear socks with Nike Free Flyknit?

I have the Flyknit ones and they are definitely best work without socks! That's not just me, a lot of people wear them without socks. They do take getting used to, but blisters haven't been a real issue to me unless I'm running farther than I probably should in them, 5mi+, for example.

Do Nike Free run big or small?

Generally Nike Free models are true to size. I have Free models and other Nike running and basketball models and I'm a size 12 across the board. However, Nike shoes in general are not good for people with wide feet. If you have wide feet, order a half-size up.

Are Nike Flyknit shoes good?

Nike ZoomX Invincible Run Flyknit Women's Along with the Nike Pegasus Trail GORE-TEX, these are some of the best Nike shoes for running I've personally tried and tested. You are gonna love these if… you're looking for a daily trainer for easy runs, that's innovative, a bouncy ride and well cushioned.