Nike Free Run+ 2 Shoe Review
Available from NikeStore and NikeStore UK
Barefoot running is something that is becoming more and more popular in the running world. Although any people are loath to take the plunge and but a pair of Vibram Five Fingers or go that one step further and start running down their street with nothing on their feet, most people would agree that a shoe that bridges the gap between barefoot running and conventional running shoes would be a good idea. The Nike Free Run+ 2 has been designed to mimic the foot’s natural movement as closely as possible. By doing this it encourages an efficient running style whilst not compromising on cushioning or fit. This Nike Free+ 2 review is going to examine the shoe in more detail by taking a look at how Nike have designed their latest and most advanced running shoe as well as how it performs during testing.
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First Impressions of the Nike Free Run+ 2 Shoe
I first saw the Nike Free Run+ 2 Free running shoe whilst at a Nike sponsored “Spikes” event a few weeks ago. Nike were showcasing some of their latest creations as well as showing off the new Arsenal themes spikes that they had created for their top British track star Mo-Farah the 10,00m runner (looking good!)
The MD of Nike marketing gave a presentation on the new Nike+ Free running shoe and it made me realise just how much research and testing they have carried out to create shoe that is so totally unique.
How Does the Nike Free Run+ 2 Encourage Barefoot/Natural Running?
As I have already said, the main driver behind the Nike Free Run+ 2 is the desire for a more flexible and naturally moving shoe. Why would we want a shoe that mimics the foots natural range of motion? Well Stanford University research has shown that runners who adopt a more natural running style benefit from less impact every time their foot hits the ground and as such they are less likely to pick up impact related injuries such as stress fractures or joint damage.
So what does a more natural running style look like? Well, put simply a more natural running style is where you land on your forefoot rather than your heel. By doing this you are mitigating the part of the running cycle that creates the damaging impact that we were just talking about. Heel striking (as it is called) not only creates a large amount of impact, but it also essentially puts the breaks on your running and is not an efficient way to move. The Nike Free Run+ 2 Free running shoe aims to encourage forefoot landing by removing some of the thick heel section cushioning that you find on most conventional running shoes and incorporating a lower profile heel. This levels out the running surface of the shoe and means that you will find that your center of pressure is nearer the mid and fore of the sole as opposed to the heel.
Nike Free Run+ 2 Flexibility
8 years of research have led to the conceptualization of two new features that made the Free Run+ 2 shoe one of the most flexible shoes on the market.
A one piece inner shoe liner creates a snug and supportive fit for your foot whilst not reducing the foots natural rang of motion. By creating this snug position for the foot, Nike have been able to remove some of the inflexible mid sole material that would have had to provide support in a conventional running shoe. This one piece inner liner also has the added benefit in that it removes the potential for skin irritation as there are no exposes seams or inflexible portions of material that might have caused blisters and rubbing.
Nike’s Secret Weapon
The second, and perhaps the most obvious flexibility addition to the Nike Free Run+ 2 is the addition of the deep flex grooves along the outsole of the shoe. This is Nikes secret weapon as it is the addition of these modular strips tread that mean that the shoe can provide both a high level of cushioning along the length of the foot whilst at the same time allowing the shoe to flex along the foot’s natural line of motion
Nike Free Run+ 2 Review
I was looking for a shoe that provided both a cushioned ride as well as encouraging a more natural way of running. I picked up a spot of toe tendonitis a few years ago and I believe that is was due to the inflexible and bulky shoes that I was wearing at the time as it was forcing my feet to move in an unnatural way and placing pressure on an area that shouldn’t have pressure. I have always wanted to try barefoot running but have never wanted to reduce my mileage for a few months whilst my lower legs became used to the different style of running. When the Nike Free Run+ 2 shoes were released I had to give them a try as they bride the gap between conventional running shoe and a true barefoot running.
First impressions of the shoe were good. Just by turning them over in my hands I could see how lightweight they are and this feeling was echoed again when I started running in them. The sheer amount of flexibility that the shoe offers is staggering and it really does feel like you are running in a shoe that offers no support at all. The key thing is that within a few strides you find yourself running in a more natural way and my previous heel striking tendencies went out of the window, even towards the end of the run when I started feeling tired.
My lower legs ached significantly after my first run but this was only to be expected from the change in running style and gait. After two weeks my legs were firmly used to the new style of running and I have been getting no pain or soreness whatsoever.
One thing that I will say is that the section on the lugs (grip) that contain the soft tread (possible foam?) wear down very quickly. This isn’t so much of a problem as there is still plenty left on the shoe but I wouldn’t like to take them off-road due to the wear that this would entail. They are definitely only meant for hard surface or road running.
As always the, Nike Free Run+ 2 shoes are Nike+ ready and so linked up with my SportWatch GPS without a problem.
That concludes this Nike Free Run+ 2 shoe review. The shoes are a great way of bridging the gap between conventional running shoes and barefoot running, and are a great shoe for anyone looking to move to a more natural running style.
Available from NikeStore and NikeStore UK
This article was a guest post from Pete Barnes – Thanks Pete 
Nice review Ross. I have been looking into the Nike Free Run sneakers and I have to say I like the sound of them. It is going to be tough to turn in my old Asics’ for a new brand though.
Surely it isn’t in NIkes interest to promote barefoot running as they make all of their money from selling gullible runners like us some of the most expensive shoes on the market that have been wrapped up with clever marketing.
I wonder if this natural running shoe is actually just an attempt to cash on those people who think that by buying a pair of shoes with the words “Free Run” in the title makes them true barefoot runners.
I just got the Nike Free Runs 2 today and they are pretty good. They are very comfortable but the only problem I have with them is that when I run my foot hits the ground a lot harder than usual and it makes my whole leg sore.
Thanks for sharing this great review about the Nike free run + 2 running shoes. I really want to try these because my old shoes are going to the trash. Keep on the good work with the reviews.
Great write up Ross, I too have had archilles tendonitus for over 5 months took ages to brush off I had been using Mizuni crusaders that totally restricted the movement of my feet. Have also been wearing vibrams and then decided to change to Nike free 2 run, firstly if you have archilles problem remove the inserts in the nike free and put 8-10mil inserts. which I did I am now back running again no archilles pain and I put it down to the flexibility of the sole and landing on forefoot
Hi Ross. This review came just in time. I am hesitating between these Nike Free Run shoes and the Reebok’s one. I really like this new unusual design at both of them. Reading this you helped me to make the decesion
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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 feel on the road and encourage a proper forefoot strike.