Comments on: Nike Free 3.0 v4: Initial Thoughts

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to César.

Thanks for the update – need to get more miles on mine, but the shoe isn’t calling to me. The fit and breathability are problems.

—-
Pete Larson’s Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly – Form Footwear and the Quest For Injury Free Runninghttp://www.amazon.com=“”> Work: http://www.anselm.edu/internet…
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By: Chris Miller

Chris Miller — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

How is the heel/toe drop compare to the version 3? I've yet to find a definitive answer on what the heel/toe drop of it is. Running Warehouse list it as 7-8mm but I've heard that it too is closer to 4mm. Just trying to figure out if this is going to be an adjustment or not...

By: dan

dan — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have a pair I`ve been using for my some of my training for a couple weeks now. The width wasn`t a problem for me, but I also took the laces off. They fit just as well without them. The biggest two problems I`ve had is that they don`t vent well at all and they get sloppy when I`m doing sprints around turns, and having the laces on didn`t help with that at all.

By: César

César — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I remember when Pete first posted this that some people were asking about the breathability, I can give you a hands on opinion.
I´ve run (own) both the 3.0 v4 and the 5.0 v4. I like them a lot, but I have to be honest I am very disapointed too.The 5.0 is too high (heel) for a true minimalist shoe (I know they are not precisely intended to that market), although very comfortable and much roomier in the toe box than the 3.0. They are heavier than the Kinvaras. The 3.0 is too narrow, so take Pete´s advice and go half a size bigger than normal, although I did this instinctively even the half size bigger than normal feels weid, too long and still to narrow. My toes feel cramped... Both are the worst breathable shoes I´ve own, even for nike standars. I find the breathability of the 3.0 to be the worst ever particularly if you run in hot and/or humid weather. Our summer weather ranges from 25 to 42°C, that means running when the sun comes down around 7pm onwards but still temp remains at an avg. of 32 to 37°C, so yes, around here breathability is a very important issue.... The 5.0 are a bit better but truly not much better. My take is the 5.0 v4 is the best in the Free run lineup right now, but, it would be great if they took the 5.0 platform and made it a 3.0 with the 5.0 upper just with much better breathability.

By: Madolyn Leigh

Madolyn Leigh — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have these shoes and they are great!

By: Jon

Jon — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi! I recently bought this shoe. When I took out the insoles, I started to love them. The fit was better and I had more ground feel. However, the seams/stitching rub against a part of my foot and I got a blister. That run was sockless. I'll try socks next time, but if it comes back, do you know what I could do? I don't have any thin insole to put inside. Do you think I could tape it or something? Thanks.

By: Brian Martin

Brian Martin — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Hi Pete, I tried to try these on on Friday – tough to get my feet into my usual size 9 and as you say very snug around the forefoot. But even worse for me, the lack of volume in the midfoot and the toe box meant the upper was squashing down on the top of my foot and my toes just walking around – very unusual sensation. The midsole looks great, but the rest of the shoe is probably not going to work for me – not sure why they changed the upper material as it feels horrible. Lucky I have a spare pair of 3.0 v3! Brian

By: Mina Krstić

Mina Krstić — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

hey! im thinking of buying this shoes but mainly for walking and everyday activities, should i ? thanks!

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Brian Martin.

I agree. We'll see if a good break-in period helps...

By: Pete Larson

Pete Larson — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

In reply to Jon.

Do you have a thin insole from another shoe that you could swap in? I'm hoping that this type of insole will become more readily available soon.

----
Pete Larson's Web Links:
My book: Tread Lightly - http://ow.ly/bdUO0
Work: http://www.anselm.edu/internet...
Blog: https://runblogger.com
Dailymile Profile: http://www.dailymile.com/peopl...
Twitter: http://twitter.com/oblinkin

By: Paolo Roncallo

Paolo Roncallo — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have only run 12 miles in mine and already the toebox has expanded nicely. The decreased heel to toe ratio makes these feel far more comfortable compared to v2.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Having run in both, I'd very much like to have a Free with the midsole of the 3.0 v4 and the toebox of the 4.0 v2. While the new designs of this year's uppers allow for weight reduction with structural support, the trade off is ventilation - as you pointed out, Pete. I'm looking forward to your review.