Updated: November 6th, 2011
Nike Free Run+

Nike Free Run+

Full Name: Nike Free Run+
Category: Training, Barefoot running
Weight: 9 oz. (255 gr.)
Suggested Price: 85 $
Recommended For: Efficient runners or runners who want to change their stride/go barefoot
  • Nike Free Run+ General Info:

A “barefoot-like feel” with “shoe-like benefits” is Nike’s description of its successful Free Run+. Nike originally thought its Free products on a scale from 0 to 10, where the 3.0 was closest to being barefoot, the 7.0 was the closest to a normal shoe, and the 5.0 was in the middle between barefoot and full shoe. The 5.0 is no longer sold by Nike, but the Free Run+ shares the same degree of construction that allows runners to enjoy the simplicity of minimalism within the familiar feeling of a shoe.

  • Nike Free Run+ Sole Unit:

The sole is the major feature that differentiates the Nike Free from any other shoe. The entire sole is deeply carved to provide flex grooves that basically split the sole into “blocks”. Each block can move independently from the others, allowing the foot an extended and almost unrestricted range of motion than what typically found in a shoe. The sole itself feels soft and pliable to bend, but is not squishy during impact.

The sole of the Free Run+ attaches directly to the upper. In other words, the protective outsole doubles as the midsole cushioning. Nike’s proprietary Phylite material combines the cushion of a midsole with the durability of an outsole. The two work strangely well together in one material, as the Phylite resists compression and wear just as well as other shoes that use separate materials for each purpose. The Phylite sole in the Free Run+ is not exactly the same as previously used in the numbered models, but the technology is essentially the same. The Phylite provides a good feel for the road while allowing the foot a full range of motion.

The bottom sole is textured in a design to give good traction over surfaces. Nike uses its BRS 1000 carbon rubber (the “black” parts) in high-wear areas in the heel and forefoot. The shoe performs well on all surfaces, but may pick up rocks or other debris in its flex grooves.

The cut of the heel on the Free Run+ is different than that of the Free 5.0 V4 and should offer better ankle protection. The 5.0 V4 (and many other Frees) divide the heel crash area into an evenly cut four squares of padding, like a crosshair in the heel of the shoe. This split the heel into four quadrants whose lines determined how the shoe flexed. The one flex line in the middle of the heel meant the shoe could flex largely to one side or another at impact. This flex, combined with the soft fit of the shoe, made for a sloppy heel fit, especially during heel impact. The Free Run+ is not split in the middle of the heel, but instead offers three columns of crashing area with a less-deep groove so that forces distribute themselves in more directions with less of a commitment to any one direction. This results in a more stable heel fit, especially when on grass or trail where a flat landing is more difficult.

The Free Run+, as indicated by the + after its model name, is prepared to hold a Nike+ measuring chip. The chip is placed in the midsole arch (beneath the insole) where it should go mostly unnoticed.

  • Nike Free Run+ Upper:

The Nike Frees have a reputation for providing a soft, glove-like fit in the upper. The Free Run+ stands true to the concept and adds a new bootie-like construction.

Compared to the Free 3.0 or 5.0, the Run+ is wider in the midfoot area. The uppers of the previous models were soft enough to accommodate wide feet. The Run+ is just plain built wide enough to allow bigger feet into the shoe. The Run+ is not as curved as its predecessors, though, so the midfoot width is not necessarily in proportion to an increase in forefoot room. Further, the toebox of the Run+ has added protection around it instead of just mesh material, but some runners may find the toebox to be of a shallow height and restrictive material.

The end result is the shoe is not as soft as previous Frees. It does not have as much of a glove-like feel, either. The shoe is more protective of the foot, though, as its tougher materials and mesh make it seem like less of a slipper than previous models of Frees. The weights of the Frees are about the same, though, and require less energy over the course of a run than traditionally heavier shoes. Many people use Frees as racing-day shoes for this very reason. The Free Run+ has more protection than the 5.0, but without a change in performance.

  • Nike Free Run+ Opinion:

The Free Run+ should appeal to a wider audience than the Free 5.0. The Free 3.0 and Free 5.0 were much the same shoe except for a difference in midsole height (the lower heel of the 3.0 making it more minimal and like a racing flat). The heel height was the only real discriminator between the two shoes. The Run+ carves out a more unique identity with its bootie construction, less-curved platform, and more protective upper. It also has a spot for the Nike+ chip, which other Frees do not.

While the shoe is different from the Free 5.0 and other Frees, it is not necessarily better. The difference is in the fit. The less-curved platform is considered more universal, but may not please runners accustomed to the curve of the 5.0. The more universal platform of the Run+ makes it a better fit for a larger audience, though, and should guarantee its availability for some time.

I’ll now try describing the experience of running in any of the Frees. The shoe’s light weight makes it suitable for racing and drills. The responsive non-squishy cushion makes it a viable option for runs of all distances. Nike originally produced Frees to mimic the feel of barefoot running, but conservatively recommended it for drills and foot strength training. Runners have since pushed the limits for how far the shoes can go.

One of Nike’s original goals with the Free line of shoes was to replicate the feel of barefoot running. Nike measured barefoot runners on a force plate and then adjusted their shoe design to more closely resemble the distribution of forces during a barefoot landing and push.

The Free Run+ has some arch support as can be seen in a medial view of the shoe. During the heel strike, the built-up arch provides protection from excessive pronation as the foot rolls forward and inward. During a midfoot or forefoot strike, though, the built-up arch provides a landing pad almost like striking down on a mound of grass. Forefoot and midfoot strikers are likely to find the shoe lets them strike similarly to how they would barefoot. Heel strikers unaccustomed to barefoot running will still enjoy the comfort of the shoe with its added protection, but will only be engaging the barefoot experience in so much as reducing weight and materials. The Free Run+ allows all types of foot strikes, so form is determined more by the runner than by wearing the Free Run+.

Like its predecessors, the Free Run+ provides more flexibility than any other shoe on the market. The shoe is comfortable to wear and runners may find themselves wanting to wear them all the time. This makes it all too easy for runners to run longer and harder in the Frees than their feet are prepared to do. Exercise caution whenever you change something about your training, including shoes. The feet and legs may take some time to adapt to the additional flexibility, lower heel height, and reduced stability or cushioning aids. Some runners have used Frees for racing a mile or a marathon, whereas some runners get sore feet or tight calves after only a few yards. The Free Run+ should offer a middle ground for runners curious to discover how their bodies respond to the minimalism of the Free line.

Let us know what you think of this shoe in the comments!

Review by Joe Dowgiallo

  • Nike Free Run+ Price Comparison:

{"datafeed":{"items":[{"IS_PREORDER":"0","PREORDER_MSG":"No","MYKEY":"13_13416184-00195239275074","DEEP_LINK":"https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/go\/index.php?id=13_13416184-00195239275074&clickref=&override_tag=&referer=https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/2010\/12\/nike-free-run-running-shoes-review\/&site_id=","MERCHANT_NAME":"Nike","NAME":"Nike Free Run 2 Baby\/toddler Shoes In Black, Size: 2c | Da2692-004","MERCHANT_LOGO":"http:\/\/45.33.39.133\/\/logos\/DFS_nike_200x70.png","DISPLAY_PRICE":"47","IN_STOCK":"0","STOCK_MSG":"<i>Out of Stock<\/i>","IMAGE_URL":"https:\/\/static.nike.com\/a\/images\/b_rgb:FFFFFF%2Cc_limit%2Ch_2500%2Cw_2500%2Cf_png\/702073db-de33-45b4-b378-81c6eded559d\/image.png","DESCRIPTION":"LIVE FREE AND PLAY HARD.<br\/><br\/>Comfy, flexible and super easy to wear\u00e2??the Nike Free Run 2 transforms a running shoe into all-day kicks.<br\/><br\/>The deep grooves in the sole are the signature of the Free\u00e2??s \u00e2??barefoot-like\u00e2?\u009d feel.<br\/><br\/>With soft foam underfoot and a secure strap, little kiddos can count on these versatile low-tops from each crawl to every growing step.<br\/><br\/>Free Defined:The deep grooves in the sole are designed for flexibility so every growing step feels natural\u00e2??a staple of the Free franchise.<br\/><br\/>Slip-On Style:The hook-and-loop strap and elastic laces make these kicks easy to take on and off.<br\/><br\/>Easy Comfort:Leather and mesh combine for a fit that's durable (so it's made to last) and breathable (to help keep little feet cool).<br\/><br\/>More Benefits:Soft foam underfoot provides lightweight cushioning.<br\/><br\/>The collar features padding for slip-in comfort around the ankle.<br\/><br\/>A heel tab helps you easily pull the shoe on and off.<br\/><br\/>Designed as everyday kicks for all-day play.<br\/><br\/>Style: DA2692; Color: Black\/Dark Grey\/White; Size: 2C; Gender: Male; Age Group: Toddler | Nike Free Run 2 Baby\/Toddler Shoes in Black, Size: 2C | DA2692-004","IS_CUSTOM":"0","PRODUCT_URL":"display_product.php?mykey=13_13416184-00195239275074","PRICE_COMPARE_SQL":"","ORIGINAL_DEEP_LINK":"https:\/\/www.anrdoezrs.net\/click-3445118-13610728?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nike.com%2Ft%2Ffree-run-2-baby-toddler-shoes-hpV2ks%2FDA2692-004%3Fnikegos%3Dtrue","DELIVERY_COST":"0.00","PRODUCT_CATEGORY_ID":"-1","USED_PRICE":"","USERFIELD1":"","USERFIELD2":"","USERFIELD3":"","USERFIELD4":"","MERCHANT_DESCRIPTION":"Nike official store. Free shipping on all orders over 100$.","DATAFEED_ID":"13","COUNTRY_CODE":"USA","RRP_PRICE":"47.00","DELIVERY_TIME":"","CATEGORY":"","SUBCATEGORY":"","CURRENCY_PREFIX":"$","CURRENCY_CODE":"USD","COUNTRY_NAME":"United States"},{"IS_PREORDER":"0","PREORDER_MSG":"No","MYKEY":"40_b0crcp8z1k","DEEP_LINK":"https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/go\/index.php?id=40_b0crcp8z1k&clickref=&override_tag=&referer=https:\/\/www.runningshoesguru.com\/2010\/12\/nike-free-run-running-shoes-review\/&site_id=","MERCHANT_NAME":"Amazon.com","NAME":"Nike Mens Free Run 2018 Road Running","MERCHANT_LOGO":"http:\/\/45.33.39.133\/\/logos\/DFS_amazon_com.png","DISPLAY_PRICE":"67","IN_STOCK":"0","STOCK_MSG":"<i>Out of Stock<\/i>","IMAGE_URL":"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/319a36bCPiL._SL500_.jpg","DESCRIPTION":"","IS_CUSTOM":"0","PRODUCT_URL":"display_product.php?mykey=40_b0crcp8z1k","PRICE_COMPARE_SQL":"","ORIGINAL_DEEP_LINK":"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0CRCP8Z1K?tag=rsg-single-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1","DELIVERY_COST":"0.00","PRODUCT_CATEGORY_ID":"-1","USED_PRICE":"","USERFIELD1":"","USERFIELD2":"","USERFIELD3":"","USERFIELD4":"","MERCHANT_DESCRIPTION":"Prime shipping","DATAFEED_ID":"40","COUNTRY_CODE":"USA","RRP_PRICE":"0.00","DELIVERY_TIME":"","CATEGORY":"","SUBCATEGORY":"","CURRENCY_PREFIX":"$","CURRENCY_CODE":"USD","COUNTRY_NAME":"United States"}]}}
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases

Recommended reviews

Saucony Cohesion 15 Review

The Saucony Cohesion 15 has some serious "Dad Shoe" vibes. I was sent a boring ... (Read expert review)

New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 Review

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3 is a lightweight daily trainer with a ... (Read expert review)

New Balance Fresh Foam X 880 v12 Review

VERDICT: The 880 is a great classic trainer with a modernized ride that ... (Read expert review)

Hoka Mach 5 Review

The Hoka Mach 5 is a lightweight, smooth-riding trainer which can fill a ... (Read expert review)

Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 Review

The Adidas Adizero Adios Pro 3 is a long-distance specialist. Its highly ... (Read expert review)

Reebok Nanoflex TR Review

The Reebok Nanoflex TR is one of the best budget training shoes on the market, ... (Read expert review)