Nike Free Run 5.0

Your rating
Price band
Base model
Nike Free 5.0
β€Œ
Pro athlete users
β€Œ
Lionel Vujasin

Buy Nike Free Run 5.0 at today's best price (men's/women's)

UK

Nike Free Run 5.0: Review

β€œA minimalist shoe for a natural and flexible running experience.”

Overview


The Nike Free Run 5.0 is a running shoe that emphasizes natural foot movement and flexibility. This model is part of the Nike Free lineup, which has been known for its minimalist design since its inception.

Key Features:

  • Flexibility: The shoe features a highly flexible sole with laser-cut grooves, allowing for a natural foot movement.
  • Lightweight Construction: With a focus on a 'less is more' philosophy, the shoe is designed to be exceptionally light, enhancing the feeling of running barefoot.
  • Knit Upper: A breathable and flexible knit fabric upper provides a snug, second-skin fit, increasing comfort and natural foot movement.
  • Sustainability: Composed of 20% recycled materials, aligning with Nike's commitment to environmental responsibility.

The Nike Free Run 5.0 is an ideal choice for runners who prioritize natural foot movement and a minimalist running experience. Its lightweight and flexible design offers a barefoot-like feel, suitable for short runs and cross-training activities.

According to our analysis of prices across the internet, at current rates it's in the cheapest 30% of running shoes.

Verdict

The consensus on the Nike Free Run 5.0


The Nike Free Run 5.0 has garnered attention for its ultra-lightweight and flexible design, which appeals to those who enjoy a minimalist running experience. The shoe's knit upper provides a breathable and snug fit, akin to a second skin, which enhances the natural movement of the foot. However, it's important to note that this model is not suitable for long-distance running or serious runners seeking substantial support and cushioning. The Free Run 5.0 excels in short runs and indoor activities, making it a versatile choice for cross-training and other light exercises. While the shoe incorporates sustainable materials, its durability is a concern, particularly for those with wider feet who may experience quicker wear and tear. Overall, the Nike Free Run 5.0 is a specialized shoe that offers a unique running experience but may not meet the needs of all runners.

Nike Free Run 5.0: Base model


The Nike Free Run 5.0 is a special iteration of the Nike Free 5.0, focusing on natural foot movement and flexibility. The differences lie in the updated materials, including the use of sustainable components, and the refined design that enhances the minimalist running experience.

Comparable Shoes


β€Œ
β€Œ

The Nike Pegasus 38 offers a more traditional running shoe experience with greater cushioning and support, making it a better option for runners seeking a shoe for longer distances.

β€Œ
β€Œ

Compared to the Nike Free Run 5.0, the Nike Epic React Flyknit 2 provides a similar sock-like design but with a midsole better suited for long-distance running.

β€Œ
β€Œ

The Nike ZoomX Invincible Run is a plush and bouncy shoe with ample padding, offering a slipper-like feel that is more conducive to longer runs than the Nike Free Run 5.0.

6 Nike Free Run 5.0 Pros & Cons


3 Pros

The shoe's lightness and glove-like fit make it a comfortable choice for light activities and casual wear.
The highly breathable knit upper ensures cool and comfortable feet during workouts.
The Nike Free Run 5.0's extreme flexibility promotes natural foot movement.

3 Cons

The lack of a proper outsole and minimal cushioning limit the shoe's suitability for long runs.
Durability concerns, especially for runners with wider feet, may lead to quicker wear and tear.
The shoe's grip is limited, making it less ideal for outdoor running on varied surfaces.

In Depth


Upper

The upper of the Nike Free Run 5.0 is crafted from a knit fabric, which contours to the foot for a comfortable, glove-like fit. This design choice enhances the shoe's breathability and allows for a high degree of movement, making it feel like a natural extension of the body during a run.

Midsole

The midsole of the Nike Free Run 5.0 is designed to be lighter and more responsive than previous versions. Despite its thin profile, the midsole offers a degree of cushioning that is suitable for short runs and provides a barefoot-like running sensation.

Outsole

The outsole features strategically placed laser-cut grooves for increased flexibility, allowing for a more natural foot movement. However, the outsole's durability is a concern due to the exposed foam, which may wear down quickly with regular use.

Size/fit

The Nike Free Run 5.0 generally fits true to size, offering a snug and secure feel. However, runners with wider feet may find the fit to be narrow, potentially leading to quicker deterioration of the upper material.

Comfort

Comfort is a standout feature of the Nike Free Run 5.0, with its slipper-like feel making it an excellent choice for casual wear and light activities. The shoe's lightweight construction contributes to its overall comfort level.

Cushioning

While the cushioning of the Nike Free Run 5.0 is lower compared to other models, it is sufficient for its intended purpose of short runs and exercises that prioritize natural foot movement.

Breathability

The knit upper of the Nike Free Run 5.0 ensures excellent breathability, keeping the feet cool and comfortable during workouts.

Stability

Due to its minimalist design, the Nike Free Run 5.0 offers limited stability, which may not be suitable for runners who require more support.

Durability

The durability of the Nike Free Run 5.0 is a concern, particularly in the outsole, which is composed of soft, exposed midsole foam that is prone to quick wear.

Grip

The grip of the Nike Free Run 5.0 is limited due to the majority of the outsole being exposed EVA foam, which lacks a robust grip pattern. This makes the shoe more suitable for indoor training environments.

Who should buy the Nike Free Run 5.0?


The Nike Free Run 5.0 is best suited for runners and fitness enthusiasts who engage in daily running and cross-training activities. It's particularly beneficial for those who prefer a minimalist approach to their workouts, valuing a shoe that promotes natural foot movement and a barefoot-like feel.

Who should not buy the Nike Free Run 5.0?


Runners seeking a shoe for long-distance runs or those who require substantial cushioning and support should not opt for the Nike Free Run 5.0. Instead, they might consider alternatives such as the Nike Pegasus 38 or the Nike ZoomX Invincible Run, which offer more robust midsoles and are designed for longer distances.

Nike Free Run 5.0: What's it good for?


The Nike Free Run 5.0 is particularly good for short-distance runs and indoor workouts where flexibility and a natural foot movement are prioritized. Its lightweight and breathable design make it a strong contender for those who value a minimalist running experience.

4 Nike Free Run 5.0 FAQs


Is the Nike Free Run 5.0 suitable for long-distance running?

The Nike Free Run 5.0 is designed for short runs and cross-training activities, and may not provide the necessary support and cushioning for long-distance running.

Can the Nike Free Run 5.0 be used for indoor workouts?

Yes, the Nike Free Run 5.0 is well-suited for indoor workouts, offering flexibility and a natural foot movement that can benefit various types of exercises.

How does the Nike Free Run 5.0 fit?

The Nike Free Run 5.0 generally fits true to size, providing a snug and secure feel. However, individuals with wider feet may find the fit to be narrow.

What makes the Nike Free Run 5.0 environmentally friendly?

The Nike Free Run 5.0 is made with 20% recycled materials, aligning with Nike's commitment to sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

Nike Free Run 5.0 alternatives

β€Œ
β€Œ
Nike Free Run 5.0
Now viewing
β€Œ
Nike Free Run 5.0
bestDealShow prices
priceBand
Price band
similarity
Similarity
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
Very similar
released
Released
Jun 2021
Apr 2019Mar 2020Sep 2019Nov 2022
productAthletes
Pro athlete users
β€Œ
Lionel Vujasin
Weight
Weight
232 g
352 g
M: 309 g
W: 269 g
Forefoot
Forefoot
25 mm
Heel to toe drop
Heel to toe drop
8 mm
Heel
Heel
33 mm
Brand
Brand
Nike
adidasadidasadidasPUMABrooks
Shoe Type
Shoe Type
Comfortable
Carbon fiber plate
Carbon fiber plate
Orthotic friendly
Orthotic friendly
Removable insole
Removable insole
Rock plate
Rock plate
Rocker
Rocker
Techs
Techs
4Dadidas 4D4Dadidas 4D
Environmental Characteristics
Environmental Characteristics
Sustainable
0

Nike Free Run 5.0 characteristics and specifications

Characteristics
SportsRunning (+2046)
TerrainRoad (+1361)
UsagesDaily running (+1131)
BrandNike (+259)
Support TypeNeutral (+1598)
Pronation TypeNeutral pronation (+1574)
Arch TypeHigh arch (+1521)
FitMedium toe box (+851)
FeaturesBreathable (+751)Carbon fiber plate (+100)Orthotic friendly (+452)Removable insole (+435)Rock plate (+127)Rocker (+177)
MaterialsKnit (+210)
Environmental CharacteristicsSustainable (+174)
ColorwaysArmory Navy / Black / Obsidian, Beige, Black, Black / Dark Smoke Grey / White, Black / Lime, Black / Multi / Hyper Royal, Black / Multicoloured, Dark Smoke Gray / Metallic Gold Coin / Black, Grey, Grey / Pink
Specificationsvs Average
Model
Run 5.0
Released
Jun 2021
Measurements
Weight
232 g

Pro athletes using Nike Free Run 5.0

Related guides

AuthorTom Green
Tom is the founder of geerly. Based in West London, he found his passion for running in his mid-30s. He’s best at longer distances, and is a regular at the London Marathon, where he's edging closer to sub-2.40. He started geerly because he found it frustrating when shopping for running shoes spending ages trying to find the best deal in his size, and wading through verbose, waffling reviews clearly designed to appeal to search engines rather than be helpful to users. For geerly he's passionate about writing reviews that get straight to the point, and helping runners find the right gear at the best price.
new!
Sync your parkrun results to your Strava activities
Profile picture
Tom Green
September 2, 2024 at 9:55 AM
Gunnersbury parkrun #230 (my #3️⃣4️⃣)
πŸ“Š Stats by geerly.com πŸ‘Ÿ πŸ•’ Official time: 00:22:45 | Course PB 🚨 🏁 Overall position: 35/549 🚹 Gender position: 21/299 🎯 Age grade: 61%