Nike Free Women

I don't know why companies try and sell trainers by advertising that they make it feel like you running barefoot. Running barefoot is really painful and if I am spending £70 pound on a pair of running trainers I want them to support my feel and cushion them so it doesn't feel like I am running barefoot! I tried the Nike free trainers though and I found them really comfortable. They are designed so that there is no stitching to irritate your feet or rough edges.

Price and availability

These trainers are stocked by most large chain sports stores such as JJB, DW Sports and Sports Direct. They retail at around £69.99 however if you do not care about having the latest season colour then you will find them much cheaper at discount stores such as sports direct.

Description

These trainers have a short lifespan in them and are not as hard wearing as some as the other Nike running shoes. They are designed for the light user, hence the cheaper price tag. They come in standard UK sizes and go up in halves which are good as an ill fitting running shoe can have dire consequences.
I'll start at the bottom, the sole is made from carbon rubber which is designed to last longer than regular rubber it is springy and soft; absorbing the impact of the concrete with minimal shock for the knee joints. It feels like you are running on air when you first slip the trainers on and takes the stain out of your knees. I always know when I need new shoes as my legs really ache when I run.
My shoes are blue and navy and quite bright as most running shoes tend to be. The external material is mainly mesh making the shoes very breathable and allows them room to give. This material is coated with a water resistant material so the foot should stay dry in wet weather. There are no fused materials or sewn together sections so you will not feel any bumps or lumps inside the shoe. It is these bumps that can lead to chaffing and rubbing and ultimately blisters.

Overall

The shoes are really comfortable for the first two months of having them but after this they just do not offer the same level of comfort. I probably run between 10-15 Km a week which is not a great deal, so after two months they have carried me 120 Km. After this time I did not get the same pleasure from wearing them and found running much harder. My knees ached and I felt the impact of the hard concrete a lot more. I persevered for financial reasons and after 4 months I gave up and bought a new pair of trainers. Despite these having the tough carbon soles they are not designed go for a long time. They advise you to change your running trainers every 6 months and I certainly did not get that out of these trainers. On going into running shops and speaking to the staff, most of the trainers priced between 70 - 100 pounds offer 500 miles of life in them. I found the Nike Free fell far short of this and for this reason I am disappointed. They would be good gym shoes or fashion shoes if you like the design but for running they do not hold up their side of the bargain.