Nike Free's for ironman or marathon?

Triathlon Forum
1

So the last two ironman’s I have done I have done with running injuries. I always end up with bad knee pains when training. I tried a million different types of shoes, even Newtons :). I underpronate when I run. Anyway…

I bought nike free’s awhile back and just used them as a everyday shoe. Recently I started running in them training for IM Arizona, and they feel great! No knee pain yet. Granted I haven’t upped my mileage yet, but it does seem as this shoe could have potential.

Anyone using these for long distance races?

2

Try the Lunar Racers as well.

Edit: Do you train in super cushy shoes and then race in lighter ones? I found my knee problems went away when I started training in a thinner shoe. (Adidas Boston ClimaCools, soon to try the Lunars)

3

as you up your mileage you’ll know whether you can race in them. anyone else’s experience is just that, theirs. Your body will obviously react differently. Some people run marathons barefoot…

4

I have no problems with a flatter shoe. I have the Nike Lunar Trainers and they served me fine until the mesh top lost it’s snap. I have the Asics Nimbus 11 now and love them. I’m lucky to have have good mechanics though. I don’t know if you will want to run long distances in them if you underpronate. It could be that they are making your feet stronger helping with the knee pain. I love Nike Free’s. I would start working them up slowly but I think you will want more strike protection going longer distances. Just listen to your body.

5

I used to do marathons and Ironmans in the Nike Sock Racer…ahhhh you guys are too young to remember those.

6

I use the Frees in training at least once a week (usually twice). I race in the Lunar Racers and find them to be great. The upper feels a lot like the Frees with additional cushioning. I’ve done long (18mi) runs with no problems and have used them in a HIM too. Go for the Lunar Racers, you will not regret it.

7

There’s no need to race in the same shoes as you train… Why not wear the Free’s for the bulk of training and perhaps something a little more protective for long runs/races?

8

My ITBS pain disappeared AFTER switching from Lunar Trainers to Free 5.0 and Free Everyday.

Starting this month i use Nike Free 5.0 for short runs/bricks (2-3 miles), Free Everyday+ for all other runs.

Next month:4-5 mile runs with Free 5.0.
Planning on using Everyday for IM Cozy, but willing to test out Free 5.0’s along the way to see where they max out on comfort by Nov.