Triathlon - Nike Free Trainers

i was just wondering if anybody has used these trainers, and what they thought of them?

my knees sometimes play up, so I wont be using them as my main training shoe, but i was thinking that if improving the strength in my feet (and all the other benefits you are supposed to gain from bare foot training) then I might be able to reduce injuries when running in what ever, be it structured trainers or nike free trainers etc.

i would appreciate any thoughts or experiences you might of had...

Cheers, Chris

Hey Chris..

I use the Nike Free Trainers and love them. In the past I've used your typical Reebok or Nike running shoe.. tried the Nike Shox, but didn't like them. The Free's give me a very smooth, true feeling in my stride. True it is much more intense on the foot. It's something you'll need to work into, but I found it well worth the $80-90 price tag.

Let me know if you have any more questions,
Bryan

Hey Chris..

I use the Nike Free Trainers and love them. In the past I've used your typical Reebok or Nike running shoe.. tried the Nike Shox, but didn't like them. The Free's give me a very smooth, true feeling in my stride. True it is much more intense on the foot. It's something you'll need to work into, but I found it well worth the $80-90 price tag.

Let me know if you have any more questions,
Bryan

I would think the Free trainers might be harder on knees due to less support against pronating, shock absorbtion,etc ???

I read one of their ads (so take this with a grain of salt) that said they're really not for folks who generally buy a stabilizing or motion control shoe, or who have irregular foot anatomy, such as pronounced flat-footedness.

I've had a pair of Nike Free's for about a month now and actually prefer them over my regular training shoes. I broke them (or rather my feet) in slowly as advised by the company, and last weekend used them for a 10K. They have actually increased my speed. Wearing them will automatically improve your running form: less heel strike and more shock absorption by leg and foot muscles rather than joints. I have regular feet, only (very) slightly overpronating. I've had injured knees in the past, but so far have had no problems with the Free's. My regular running shoes now actually feel like too much shoe, too heavy, too stiff and too restrictive.

Not sure if it actually mimics running barefoot on the beach though, but I will check that as I plan on using them for the Sprint Tri (Monterey Bay) this weekend.

I'm considering wearing them for the SF half marathon too.

Yeah, thats what I thought. I was planning on using them say once a week, just to improve running form, and improve the muscles in my feet which are not trained as much when running in regular shoes.

I suppose I was hoping that by training occasionally in nike free trainers, it might improve my technique, not matter what shoe i was wearing, which would then reduce injuries etc.

I imagine once your feet had got used to them, running times would decrease dramitcally coz they really do feel like you dont have anything on your feet! Sounds awesome to me in that respect,

Cheers

Chris

I have a pair of the running ones, I currently use them during weight training. I've tried to run lightly on them a few times, with both inserts and I keep getting these massive blisters on the arch of my feet. Help!

I've been sticking with my Air Milers for runs, but I do enjoy them for squatting and deadlifting as it seems to promotes a more natural balance and footing.

I read one of their ads (so take this with a grain of salt) that said they're really not for folks who generally buy a stabilizing or motion control shoe, or who have irregular foot anatomy, such as pronounced flat-footedness.
im have a pretty low arch to flat foot and ive been training in flats lately for the last few weeks.ive noticed less pain in my shins(used to have shin splints) you pronate less in lower heeled/minimal shoes because its low to the ground,lower center of gravity.barefoot training is great to strengthen feet and the lower leg, the way humans were meant to run on the balls of feet or forefoot.if anyone wants to try training in flats,i recommend building up slowly in them,run for 15-20 minutes.

http://www.tullyrunners.com/Articles/RaucciArticle.htm
read "if the shoe fits"

has anyone used them without either of the inserts?

I'm having a heck of a time with blisters on my arches... I don't have flat feet. Both the 4.5 and 5 inserts seem to give me these long massive blisters down there after about 2 miles or so.

I'm wondering if I purchased too large of a shoe?