My Running Addiction

13 April, Nike Launch their new Nike Free Run +2 at the Hort Park. Just like it’s predecessor the Nike Free +2 is a lightweight performance shoe that incorporating the concepts of barefoot running with ample protection. Base on the Nike Free technology, the design incorporated into the shoe are engineered to ignite muscles in the user’s body from the ground up strengthening the muscle in the user’s foot, ankle and leg. The Nike Free Run +2 is available in male (8.9 Ounces) and female (7.2 Ounces) version keeping in mind of the Gender specific engineering. female feet are more flexible thus an additional reverse or extra-wide flex groove is added on the forefoot of the female version. Height of the midsole is higher in female version than men to accommodate their fit preference.

Among those who were present was Singapore Faster marathon runner, Mok Yi Ren. The athletes were there to share their experience running in the new Nike free Run +2. a podiatrist was also presents to give participants a little insight on Barefoot running. Everyone was loan a Free Run+ 2 for a short test “feel” of the new footwear.

At first glance the design and colors of the shoes was strikingly attractive (White/Chlorine Blue-Total Orange) and it would have no problems attracting runners, gym-goers, walkers or anyone who wants that sporty, healthy and youthful look.

3 stations were set up as an interesting way of try-testing the shoes. Nike product staff and athletes were on hand to take the testers through the design, technology and features of the shoe. participants jump and bounce around a little along the pavement as well as on grass, many was quite happy with the cushion and support the shoe provided, in spite of it being ‘categorize’ as a barefoot or minimalist-type training shoe. Foot scan test station were also set up and participant were given a chance to see for themselves their foot type and pressure point in running with the Nike Free.

One should always be mindful that The Nike Free Run +2 is a training tool, not an immediate replacement for “normal” running shoes. 4 out of 5 people that come into that I had a chance to speak to about the Nike Free Run +2 are under the impression that they can replace the [insert name of running shoe here] they currently run in.

Unlike all my other running shoes review, This time I was not given the chance to clock at least 80km accumulative mileage on this footwear in order to give a proper and detail review on the shoe but having Run and train on its precedessor the Nike Free i can say that I would only recommend newbie or even seasonal runner to use the run no longer than 15km as the shoe don’t provide enough cushioning when running on pavement and roads due to its thin  “bootie-based”  Sole.

From personal experience I can’t emphasize strongly enough is that user must take a progressive approach to adopting the shoes. Clocking serious distances in Nike Free right out of the box without any previous experience with barefoot training is asking for trouble. Take heed of the training recommendations included in the box with the shoes — for the first week, just walk around the house in them and then, gradually add them to your training regimen, with only incremental increases in distance and intensity. Rushing and pushing yourself to run high mileage at very short time is a great recipe for pain and injury.

That being said, if used sensibly, I very much believe that the Free can be an invaluable training tool for serious runners. For me personally, the Nike Free have been a terrific addition to my gear bag and I try to do at least one solid run a week in them.

Overall, the product launch was a success, participant got an experience trying out the Nike Free +2 and also get a feel of Barefoot Running. Participant got to know a little bit better about their feet and about the Nike Free Run +2. Still, it would have been good to take it for a ride of at least 5km (I ran on it for only 800m before the launch) to get a better feel of it. Nike Free Run +2 – Free Yourself!!

Ps: I also got a sneak peak on the new Nike SportWatch GPS during the event and It’s ultra-cool. Can’t wait to get them.

Cheers! (: