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Shoes like Nike Free

Shoes like Nike Free

Nike Free is a running and walking shoe that works effectively for 30 to 60 minutes of continuous movement. The brand doesn’t offer sufficient cushioning for prolonged workouts.  Nike Free is suitable for runners and walkers with a neutral gait. It has a Qalfit comfort rating of 4.8, a feature rating of 4.5, and a durability rating of 4.4. If you overpronate during an exercise, then you might consider going for Nike Free alternatives.

Nike Free joined the apparel industry in 2005 as the running shoes. It’s suitable for training because it’s light in weight and has a highly flexible sole that necessitates various foot movements. Nike Free forces the feet and leg muscles to work better than in the case of traditional footwear.

The Grooves at the sole of Nike free shoes don’t trap rocks like the earlier models. The upper is stretchy and roomy, making it comfortable at the forefoot. Unfortunately, the asymmetrical lacing reduces the confidence of the testers.

In summary, the key features of Nike Free shoes include the following:

  • It has a contemporary design that makes it fit like the skin
  • The low-density foam makes your feet feel more connected to the ground
  • Offer multi-directional flexibility
  • Rubber padding at the heel and forefoot enhance traction on every step
  • Double cuts on the outsoles and the sides of the midsole improve optimal flexibility
  • It has an updated lacing system that ensures that the feet are well-secured while running or walking.

The Nike Free has a futuristic design and good flexibility, but it’s not suitable for long-distance running. In addition, the midsole tends to lose its cushioning with time, and the outsell rubber also wears down faster. There is also a complaint from the minimalist shoe lovers that the original Nike Free Shoes are not readily available in various shoe stores. Therefore one might opt to go for shoes like Nike Free that still offer the same characteristic features.

Now, if you’re looking for Nike Free alternatives, keep scrolling because this article is specifically meant for you.

Top 5 Nike Free Alternatives

  1. Reebok Realflex Run 2.0
  2. Saucony Kinvara 11
  3. Brooks PureFlow 7
  4. New Balance Minimus 10 V1 Trail
  5. Skechers Flex Appeal 2.0

Reebok Realflex Run 2.0

Reebok is the number one alternative for Nike Free because the brand doesn’t sacrifice protection. In addition to the other features of Nike Free, Reebok Realflex Run 2.0 delivers the ultimate protection for your feet through its platform sensors. It’s similar to Nike Free because of its flexibility, weight, and comfort.

The top part of Reebok Realflex has a mesh material for heat management and shoe breathability. The comfort features of the brand include the insole made of foam, elastic outsole, and the Realflex technology that makes it pretty flexible.  Rubber materials reinforce the 9.8 mm heel-to-toe drop of Reebok Realflex Run 2.0. The shoe is available at a reasonable price, and it’s suitable for most light exercises.

How Reebok Realflex Run 2.0 is Similar To Nike Free

  • Lightweight
  • Upper mesh material
  • Flexible

 Saucony Kinvara

Saucony Kinvara is designed to offer optimal comfort to both men and women. Kinvara’s upper is made of breathable mesh, while its collar and the tongue have extra padding to improve the running experience. The PWRRUN cushioning makes the brand lighter and responsive for routine training.

Saucony Kinvara is the favorite Nike Free alternative that can be used for long-distance racing. The sole is flexible and light for easy transitioning from the landings to take-offs. The FORMFIT design makes it easy for the Kinvara to conform to the shape and size of your feet.

The comfort of Kinvara 11 is due to its PWRRUN foam midsole. The outsole has chevron-pattern flexibility. The only downside of Saucony Kinvara is on the short laces.

How Saucony Kinvara is Similar to Nike Free

  • Upper mesh material for breathability and heat management
  • Flexible
  • The heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm

Brooks Pureflow

Brooks Company is world-renowned because it produces light running shoes. There is a big battle when it comes to choosing the best brand between Nike Free and Brooks.  Brooks Pureflow is an affordable running shoe with 8.9 ounces, thus making it lighter than the Nike Free.

The outsole is made from durable rubber and has grooves for flexibility and protection. The midsole has thick foam. Brooks uses the DNA and BioMoGo technology for flexibility and better shoe responsiveness. The Brooks Pureflow has lighter construction like the Nike Free, it’s sleeker, and the interior delivers better running performance.

The upper is made from mesh-like fabric that can stretch for breathability. They’re too comfy; thus, you can wear them without socks. The only downside of the Brooks Pureflow is the wide toe box. The heel is well-rounded to relieve joint stress.

How Brooks Pureflow is Similar to Nike Free

  • The heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm
  • The outsole has flexible grooves
  • Has toe box
  • Breathable

New Balance Minimus

The New Balance Minimus is a minimalist’s shoe that is pretty similar to the Nike Free in flexibility and comfort.

The shoe’s upper part is made from mesh and other synthetic materials that offer good ventilation and proper flexibility.  Apart from being supportive and lightweight, the shoes are waterproof; thus, the natural feeling is not affected even during the rainy season.

The outsole of New Balance Minimus has Vibram flex grooves that make it durable. On the other hand, the midsole has the Acteva foam to comfortably keep the feet in their natural position. The New Balance experts recommend that you order a half size up for better fitting. Remember that the New Balance Minimus is more comfortable than the Nike Free for people with wide feet. Furthermore, New Balance Minimus weighs 7.2 ounces, thus lighter than the Nike Free.

How New Balance Minimus is Similar to Nike Free

  • The heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm
  • Outsole with flexible grooves
  • Breathable

Skechers Flex Appeal

Skechers women’s Flex Appeal 2.0 Sneaker makes a convenient Nike Free alternative.  Skechers Flex Appeal is the only shoe like Nike Free that is meant for women. However, you can still find a good model for women from the different varieties mentioned above.

First, Skechers Flex Appeal comes in a variety of colors; hence it’s aesthetically appealing. The padding provides extra protection at the collar and tongue. The interior is made from memory foam to support the shape of your feet without compromising their flexibility. The only limitation of Skechers Flex Appeal is that it’s very difficult for you to switch to a different brand once you’ve started using them. They’re affordable and lightweight.

How Skechers Flex Appeal is Similar to Nike Free

  • The heel-to-toe drop of 4 mm
  • True to size
  • Lightweight