I was thinking of getting a pair of the Free 7.0, just to wear around, and gradually move down in number. Would just wearing them around to work and walking be of benefit, or should I run in them. Any thoughts, I currently run in Saucony ProGrid Hurricane 9s, which I love.
I haven’t tried the 7.0s but use 4.0 and 5.0. I do recommend that you wear them casually for a week or so before running in them. Then introduce them to your running very gradually. You’ll know you’re ready to go full time when your Sauconys feel like plaster casts.
I have some 5.0s that I wear arround. I cant run in them because they are neutral shoes, but they are great to just wear around. I have found that I have much stronger feet and ankles.
I’m on my second pair of 5.0’s. I only wear them for runs of 4 miles or less. I was able to run 2 miles in them right from the start. But, I do wear only a cushioning shoe. They are not like running bare footed. They are more like half way between wearing a trainer and being bare foot. That means they are forgiving if you heal strike every once in a while. I love these shoes. They are light and really do strengthen your feet.
The shoes are not tough at all. My first pair (version 1) on lasted 190 miles before the fabric on the heal ripped. My current pair (V2) are built a little different. But, these are not trail running shoes at all. I use mine mostly for indoor track workouts or sidewalk running.
As for just walking around, they will be fine. But, be careful there are a lot of ungly color combinations for these shoes.
Oh, my trainers are Nike Air Zoom Vomeros if that tells you of my shoe preferences.
I run once or twice a week in my Free 5.0. They are great.
My main kick around casual shoe is a Nike Free Trail. I find them extremely comfortable to wear all day and it certainly won’t hurt you to wear your frees around all day.
I’ve been using them almost exclusivley for over a year now. No problems whatsover… I’ve run up to 15 miles with them and wouldn’t hesitate to run longer in them. Alan Webb has been using them to get his feet stronger and resolve some injury issues he’s had in the past and look what it’s done for him. I’m a big believer in supplimenting some barefoot running along with your normal pounding of the pavement. The free’s are the next best thing to barefoot running for strengthening you feet. When you have a few minutes, do a google search on “the men who live forever” and look for the Mens Health article. It may change the way you run…
I run in either my free 5.0v2’s or Asics Nimbuses… quite a contrast I know.
Frees are my race shoes (no trouble going 10k in them) despite my history of serious knee problems. Super comfortable for wearing around as well. I haven’t experienced any issues with material tears, although given how much of the sole is foam, there is some noticeable wear there.
I’m kind of concerned about the changes to the current versions… elimination of the soft heelcup in particular…
I wear the 5.0 and it isthe most comfortable show I have ever put on. I use it for walking and caual wear.
I’m kind of concerned about the changes to the current versions… elimination of the soft heelcup in particular…
dangit, that is the best part. Guess i’m going to have to stock up ont he older ones.
I know it. I was really looking forward to trying the 3.0s, until I felt the heel. Why on earth would they change it? That soft heel and the pull loop were fantastic in transition. Plus I’m convinced that was what made them comfy without socks.
they did this to me with the sock racer way back when too…swore off Nike until the Free came out (almost went for it with the Hurache shoes)…now they evolve again…damn you Nike.
I heading for the outlet store today to go scavage for old ones.
I believe that the break-in time of the Frees depends on your running style. I’ve always landed on my midsole or even more toward the front of my foot, so I felt comfortable running in these from the start. I got them last summer and haven’t worn anything running since then. I ran a half marathon two weeks ago and did a 20 run last weekend in them. No problems. But if you are a heal striker, so slow on using them until you’re used to the different running style they require.
I’ve been using the 7.0s exclusively on the track and treadmill for about a year now
and have had no problems with them. Picked them up for $39 at an outlet too!