Nike Free Run 2 Review

Want to speed in fast, barefoot-like and foot-hugging running shoes that you can hardly notice on your feet? If that is the case and you are a big fan of Nike and you love to wear very lightweight models of running shoes, then Nike Free Run 2 might be an interesting model for you. Having it tested for over 50 miles on paved the same as unpaved trails, we have come to a few findings that we would like to share with you in this short expert review.

Our reviewer is a casual runner who loves other Nike and Adidas running shoes as well. So that some comparisons will also follow. What a great thing is that Nike makes this model for both men and women. So no matter who you are, please follow the review down here. 

How they feel overall

Nike company claims that the model of Nike Free Run 2 is supposed to be great for long runs, the same as short runs. Well, our tester found them to be good for short runs but not the long runs. Why that is the case we will describe a bit later. Now to the overall feeling… When you put Nike Free Run 2 on your feet, they feel extremely soft and close-fitting. There is this midsole combined with the outsole that is also super flexible. We have seen this just in the case of the older version of Nikes – Nike Free 5.0 or Nike Free RN Flyknit 2018. 

Nevertheless, this Nike Free Run 2 provides way more flexibility than the previous ones. Thanks to the large amount of flexibility, your feet will receive lots of stimulus. You will simply exercise your feet over time. And while you may feel uncomfortable at first, your feet and arches will become stronger in the long term. Thus, Nike Free Run 2 resembles barefoots and a kind of ‘light version of barefoots. The heel to toe drop is just 6 mm. This is also the reason why Nike Free Run 2 is especially great for those runs that are just 3 – 5 miles long. 

Long runs  

In that case running seemed to be much harder and our tester would not even recommend it for that purpose. The shoes are basically without the typical, thick midsole layer that you may find at different models of Nikes (such as Nike Air Max 2017 or Nike React Infinity,…). Unfortunately, these Nike Free Run 2 don’t provide lots of knee or ankle protection as they lack the proper shock-absorbing effect. For shorter runs ideal, for long runs, you may find it quite difficult and painful. Especially if you have some issues with your joints or if you are not used to these shoes at all.

Upper of the model

Our reviewer truly loved it a lot. The upper of Nike Free Run 2 has a tight, close-fitting shape. The whole upper is actually made of two parts. The inner part as you may see from the pics, is a one piece of leather combined with some synthetic lining. Greatly breathable and soft. The outer part is locking the whole foot in the shoe, making it more durable in the end. Unfortunately, the shoes feel a bit narrower than usual. He got it in the size 9.5 (US) while it felt like 9.0. 

All in all

Our runner expert got some very confusing feelings about these Nike Free Run 2. First, even though the shoes felt narrower, they felt comfortable for the shorter runs. He made it to get into them in a few days. But after that, the lacking cushioning and minimalist design made it pretty difficult to run in them for longer than 5 miles. The last point that is worth mentioning is the fact that even though the shoes do not have the traditional loop at the heel, they remain easy to slide in. 🙂  Nike Free Run 2 feel breathable and lightweight so that for shorter distances and possible exercising, this might be an option. For longer distances, rather go for Nike Pegasus 37 or for a different model with more cushioning.