Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I'm about to buy my 4th pair of Free Run+ shoes, so I thought it was time I wrote a review. This shoe has changed my running for the better and completely changed my opinion of Nike.

About me - 6', 190#, neutral. Avid runner for 15 years. At least one marathon a year for the last 6. I average 35 miles a week in the summer, all on pavement. I've tried a lot of shoes over the years, and consistently had better results with firmer, less cushioned shoes. For me, more cushioning = leg pain and stress injuries. This convinced me to try a "barefoot" style shoe. I might have tried these sooner, but was put off by the barefoot name. I mean, running barefoot through streets covered in broken glass, garbage, and animal feces is just stupid. I also think the FiveFingers design is gimmicky and silly. But when I actually researched the concept behind "barefoot" running, it clicked with me that it was consistent with my experience. Cushiony shoes feel good in the store, and you think they will ease the impact, but they do the opposite. They force you to heelstrike (very bad) and they minimize the use of muscles in your foot and ankle that you need to be strong. For years I had intermittent calf pain after long runs and started having plantar fasciitis flareups (which is horrible). When I tried more cushion it got worse. I actually felt better in my worn out shoes than new ones. This led to the epiphany that cushioning is bad. Minimalist, flexible soles encourage a natural rolling footstrike that builds up the muscles in your feet and ankles, leading to less pain, fewer injuries. You will need to train up slowly in these shoes. They make you use your feet differently. You may even find them awkward at first. I initially tended to scrape the soles on the ground when in full stride for some reason, but after a couple of weeks, I was loving them. I loved the light weight and comfort immediately. Don't expect instant results, but it does work.

Don't assume these shoes are only for short runs. My weekly long runs are 15-20 miles now and my feet feel great. I worked up to this distance gradually in these shoes, but I have no foot pain and no plantar fasciitis, and I was told by some that I would never get rid of it. As I've moved into my mid 40s, my recovery time from stress injuries has increased. I can't afford a three week layoff when training for a marathon. I will be running the Chicago Marathon in them in Oct.

With regard to sizing, I buy 1/2 size bigger than street shoes, which is what I have always done for running shoes. I'm consistently 11.5 D in street shoes, 12 in running shoes. The Free Runs fit snug, but are comfy. They are ok sockless, but I prefer a minimalist wicking sock like Wrightsock coolmesh. Socks greatly decrease shoe stink as well. My other pairs were all original Free Run+, but version 2 looks to be much the same with small improvements - wider toe box and lighter. I hope so. I am a huge fan of these shoes, and I really was skeptical before I tried them. I also have come to mostly like the Nike + system (I have a sportsband). I should do a review of it as well. The soles are relatively soft and do wear faster than some, but I quit trying to milk mileage out of running shoes years ago. I just buy a new pair every 350 miles or so and wear the old ones as street shoes. These are great for that use as well.

One minor complaint - the lateral pattern in the sole that makes them so flexible tends to pick up a lot of small pebbles from the road. I find I need to pick out the rocks from the tread after every run. This might be a problem for trail runners.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I can't believe I'm just now discovering the Free 2, what a phenomenal shoe. It's the best of all world's lightweight, and plenty of cushion. I think I may like it even better than the 3, though the jury is still out.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

Just received these on Thursday Mar. 31 via pre-order. Did 1 6 mile run in them and instantly fell in love! I love lightweight minimalist shoes and these just made me feel light and bouncy. This is my first pair of Free's, I've been waiting to try them and am glad I did. The flexibility of the sole is fantastic. I don't think I will be able to use these for longer runs but that is only because I use orthodics most of the time and that would defeat the purpose of the Nike Free. Can't wait to try them for a track workout, that will determine if they see any race use.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

Shoes looks are second to none. Weight is also second to none. For flat footed folks (like me) they are not good at all. My Langer orthotics cause my heel to come out of the back. Great for the gym, walking and casual wear. I tried running outdoors with these an dits like running in sandals, you feel every crack on the road/sidewalk on the bottom of your feet.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I was very impressed by this shoe. I just got these coming from a Nike LunarGlide 2 and I appreciated the cushioning the LunarGlide had to offer. This Free has a wide toe box, good support, is lightweight, and looks just amazing. I ordered mine on 4/16/11 and received them 4/21/11. The first day I wore them, I kept getting comments like "where did you get those?" an "can i have em?". One complaint i have is that after a few miles, my lower calves began to get sore. But, I guess thats what you get when you first get barefoot-like running shoes. I'm going to eventually get another pair of these. Can't wait for Nike free Run 3!

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I ordered these shoes, hoping that they would allow my footstrike to be more natural: I always buy varying types of neural shoes, but I always feel like there is some degree of biomechanic control that I can detect.... sometimes it's good, but more often than not, it's bad.

I also wanted a shoe that would have reasonably amounts of impact protection. In other words, I didn't want to have to alter my gait substantially because of a lack of padding. I was a bit unsure about this shoe, but after my first couple of test rides, I can say that it is performing very well.

This shoe, however, does take some getting used to, so be prepared to audition it for a while before you make up your mind. If you are looking for ONE shoe to do all (gym, sports, running etc) this is NOT the product for you. If you are getting this for running in straight lines (generally speaking), or for a change-of-pace shoe... then oh yeah... go for it. The worst that can happen is that you don't like it, and then return it.

As a side note, I bought the black and lime green, and the shoe is so ugly it's kind of cool (seriously ugly... i'm not even kidding).

PS: I am a traditional heel-striker... so if you are a mid - to - forefoot striker, take this review with a grain of salt. I'm 6 foot, 175 pounds, and my favorite distance is 10k.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

Very Nice shoes. First shoe I've worn in years (running or street) where I did not have the use an orthotic. The arch contour is great for me and I doubt I could get an orthotic in as they are fairly snug. Anyway my goal is to strengthen my feet and ditch the orthotics eventually. Will start some short runs soon (as soon as it gets below 100 degrees!)

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

great feel without losing heel cushioning.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

The thing that really bugs me about the Run+ 2 is that the tongue is integrated into the shoe. I have narrow feet and there is too much fabric that has no where to go. This means it bunches up in weird places. The first gen 5.0 Free's had a more conventional tongue that alleviated this problem. Other than that, still a great shoe. I love my 5.0's!

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I have been running for more than ten years and have had plantar faciitis. My doctor recommended this shoe to build natural strength and form. It has greatly reduced heel strike and I no longer wear $300 arch supports. I just bought my second pair after 7 months.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

Nice shoes. Very light weight. Still adjusting to them.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

At 195 pounds, I was totally cautious about switching to a low profile shoe, especially after running in stability shoes for 20 plus years. It took a few weeks but now I can never go back. So light weight your feet will fly, knees stopped hurting, and I dropped 30 seconds per mile without any new training, only modifying how I strike (and accidentally increasing my turnover).

This is a perfect shoe....

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

This may sound like hyperbole, but these are the best shoes I've ever worn, and it's not even close. Let me start by saying that I'm not really a runner. I'm a big, heavy guy who's working to get in shape. I've worn Nike, Mizuno and Brooks running and cross-trainer shoes, with varying success. At best, I didn't experience back or knee pain when I worked out, walked or jogged. My feet always hurt, and my back and knees often did too. I got custom orthotics, which helped, but it also limited what shoes I could wear and/or were comfortable.

The Free Run+ 2's have been a godsend for me. Combined with my orthotics, I can walk, jog and work out without back, foot or leg pain. I've used them every day for just under a year and they are still in good shape. I think it's a combination of their light weight, the support when combined with my orthotics, and the 360 degree traction the soles give. The wide toe box is tremendous for my feet, while the standard width is just wide enough to be snug on my foot without being uncomfortable.

I use them for walking and jogging, for doing at home workouts (yoga and dynamic resistance), and for just walking around town.

I know this is a runner's site, and to each their own. For me, though, this is the perfect shoe. In fact, when I saw they were being discontinued, I picked up a new pair even though my current pair is still in good shape because I can't imagine using anything else.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

This shoe runs at least 1/2 size, maybe 1 full size small. Usually wear a 13 1/2 or 14. Bought a 14, they fit like a 13. Disappointed.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I have to say these Free Run's are amazing! I have been thru 4 pairs of shoes in the last month trying to find a good running shoe that doesn't make my feet fall asleep. I am new to running and really enjoying it but its tough when your feet are asleep. I wore these shoes last night for the first time and ran for a while on a treadmill with no signs of pain or feet falling asleep. I am a heavier runner so i didn't think minimalist shoes would be for me but man was i wrong!!

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

my new favorite shoe! Very comfortable shoe for any distance. If your looking for a lightweight, minimal support shoe with lots of cushion this is it!!!

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I've been running in the Vermero 5 and wanted something lighter.

Great shoe, but be sure to order a full size up! A 10.5 in Vermero (mens) is NOT the same as 10.5 in Nike Free Run + 2. Had to reorder them in 11!

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

As I have written in other reviews, I fired New Balance this year and hired Nike, I love all the shoes so far especially this one. I heard an ad years ago about wearing this shoe is like walking barefoot in the grass, and they ain't s'in ya. I wear em casually and they treat my feet beautifully. Very similar design to slip-on triathlon shoes. The sole is simple and comfy with good cushion. The fit is amazing. I found myself relaxing late at night with them on...weird! Gonna buy another pair.

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

<3

Comments about Mens Nike Free Run+ 2 Running Shoe:

I purchased these shoes for my son. While he is an intense athlete, his passion has been relegated to organized team sports. When he showed an interest in running, I jumped at the opportunity to shod his feet with a winner. Thanks to Nike for creating a shoe that embodies the latest "free" technology, while at the same time incorporating timeless style and functionality. My son's running experience has been a good one, thanks in part to an excellent shoe.