I’ve been running all winter long exclusively in Nike Free running shoes. I find them very comfortable and have had zero knee, foot or ankle issues while using them. That said, I’m still a little leery of using them in the running segment of a longer tri, say a half or a full Ironman-distance race. Has anybody used them in long events? Any problems?
Prsonally, I’ve used them and liked them. If I recall correctly the farthest I ever ran in them was a standard eight miler I do here in Dearborn for training. I definately did race in them and in their genetic fore-bearers the Nike Sock Racer. The longest event I did in Sock Racers was a half Ironman and the longest I’ve done in Nike Frees is the Sylvania Olympic distance tri. They worked quite well for that.
Here’s the old sock racer back in 1986 at some race in Ohio:
Here’s the old Sock Racer back in 1986
Tom,
Best tri racing shoe ever. People love to dump on Nike, but in many respects they were way ahead of the game - maybe too far ahead. I know that some others have new Tri specific shoes that more than afew are making a big fuss over, but I am not sure what they have over the Sock Racer and that was 20 years ago!!
You’re either way ahead or way behind…i love those sunglasses.
I’m not a normal Nike wearer, but I picked up a pair of Frees a couple years ago and used them in all my sprint and oly races for that season. I liked the fact that I could leave them tied and still slip them on (no speed laces necessary). Besides, they are super light and just feel fast.
I never really got the whole thing where people said Nike Frees were like running barefoot. Granted they don’t have a lot of stability features, but they still have a fairly thick heel and more cushioning than a lot of racing flats out there. Heck, they probably provide more cushion than my older DS Trainers (which a lot of people use for longer tris).
If you’re a pretty neutral runner and have been running in them all winter with no issues, I see no reason why they wouldn’t serve you well in a 1/2 IM. (of course I’m a software salesman and not a running shoe expert so take my opinion for what it’s worth)
I tried them last year and do all my running on them now (used to run on DS Racers mostly). I’ve raced a half in them last year, and I will be wearing them for a full this year. I am looking at the new Hayward 3+ though, since they share the same idea. Could be an alternative for the longer distance.
The longest event I’ve entered since starting with Frees almost three years ago is a half. I wear them for all pavement running, training or racing, but not for trail running and racing. The soles don’t offer quite enough protection, and the tread packs in badly with mud or gravel.
I raced in them last year… a second to everyone else’s comments about ease of entry in T2.
I do about half my training in them, and I’ve had a host of knee problems (all from well before I started using Frees) with no adverse effect. Also nice for bringing along when traveling (brought them to Rome - not the best shoes for cobbles, though)
You are right about their utility as travel shoes. They take up almost no space in a suitcase, unlike a lot of other running shoes. I like to travel with a single carry-on bag, so shoes that pack small are key. If you get the all black shoes, they’ll not be so obvious as as running shoes.
I started using them two summers ago and haven’t run in anything else since then - including training for and finishing two marathons last fall. If your feet like them for training, there’s no reason not to race in them.