Nike Barefoot Running Shoes And Apparel Review

IF I hadn’t taken up running, I’d have never become a writer. If I hadn’t become a marathoner, I’d have never become an author. You see, it’s all about going the distance, finishing what you start; no matter how fast, no matter how slow. Setting a goal and seeing it through to completion.

Go the distance.

Most people, however, never even begin. They talk a good talk, give others their uninvited opinion. But it takes courage to commit to something larger than life, stick with it when it stops being fun – which is why running has proved a valuable, living metaphor for me.

What immediately struck me was how much harder your feet work. With less cushioning and suspension your ankles are forced to stabilise themselves more, while your feet move through a greater degree of motion mimicking, well, barefoot running.

It’s helped me develop the courage to set goals, the stamina to see them through to fruition. As the old saying goes, ‘talking is fun but doing gets done’. Or, put another way, ‘Just Do It’ – which brings me rather neatly to a company which has accompanied me throughout my personal running journey: Nike.

 I’ll be honest, I’ve always liked Nike. Perhaps it’s because of their victorious, mythological associations. Perhaps it’s because they make damn good training gear. Or perhaps I’m just a sucker for their inspiring advertising campaigns. However, I’ve never been overly enamoured with their footwear – at least, not when it comes to running. Instead, I’ve opted for more ‘serious’ brands such as Asics and long-term favourite, Brooks.

So it was always going to be a challenge prising my Brooks Adrenaline GTS from my feet. Over the years they’ve successfully proved themselves throughout thousands of training miles and four marathons. Like most long-term distance runners, though, I haven’t been immune to the lures of barefoot running – especially since seeing Christopher McDougall, author of best-seller ‘Born to Run’, effortlessly pit-pattering barefoot through Central Park in the New York Times’ video below.

Come mile twenty of a marathon, the idea of whipping off my trainers as my calves and Achilles tendons begin to ache and cry out in knots, suddenly becomes appealing. After all, when you look at the height by which heels are elevated in your average well-cushioned running shoe, you have to wonder at the effect it has on our feet and, ultimately, our posture.

Personally speaking I can barely walk in kitten heels, let alone anything higher. And when I slip on a new pair of trainers I definitely feel my calves shorten as my heels are slightly elevated. Still, I’ve been reticent to invest in a pair of ‘barefoot’ running shoes in case it was a waste of money. So when Nike gave me the opportunity to road test a pair of their new Free Run+2’s (£70), I was straight in there, especially with the prospect of a fifth marathon looming on this November’s horizon.

Nike Cyclone Vapor Women's Running Jacket Also kitted out in a pair of their running capris (£21.19) and their new ‘Cyclone Vapor’ running jacket (£72), I took off along my trusty 10k training route. What immediately struck me was how much harder your feet work. With less cushioning and suspension your ankles are forced to stabilise themselves more, while your feet move through a greater degree of motion mimicking, well, barefoot running. Overall, it contributed to a tougher workout.

The next day my feet ached like hell, calf muscles too. Some runners are able to make an immediate transition from traditional well-cushioned running shoes to those of a barefoot ilk. I, however, agree with those who recommend you transition gradually and give your feet, ankles, knees, and posture time to readjust – particularly heavier runners.

I must say, though, that my Free Run+2’s are fantastic for power-walking. To complement my training and help strengthen my feet, I’ve been wearing them for shorter runs and during power-walks. Because my technique is slightly different in my Free Run+2’s, I feel my feet have greatly benefited and been strengthened, particularly through the arch and into the forefoot. Power-walking in them also allows a more gentle and gradual introduction to the benefits of barefoot training.      

Nike Tech Women's Running CaprisAnd it’s on that basis that I unreservedly and highly recommend them for power-walkers. If you’re an adherent of the run/walk technique and are new to barefoot training, I recommend you also make a considered transition – perhaps substitute them one session a week and over a shorter distance than you’d normally cover in your usual trainers until your feet and posture get used to them.  

Admittedly, I’m being cautious in my recommendation of such trainers for beginner runners as I’ve been running for years and have learnt to listen closely to my body – injuries have humbled me. Still, as mentioned above, their super light weight and impressive flexibility throughout the sole make these perfect for power-walkers, while experienced sylph-like distance-runners should have less of a problem transitioning. When in doubt, however, err on the side of caution and seek advice from a specialist running shop.  

Follow Thea on Twitter @UrbanDeva.

Visit her website at www.urbandeva.com