Alternatives to the Nike Free?

Running Shoes/Running Gear Shoes

15 years ago 02/17/2009 11:18am EST

I swear I'm not making this up.

So i'm talking a guy I go to school with and he says, "Do you know of another shoe like the Nike Free but cheaper?".

This guy just runs recreationally, said he used to get shin splints, his girlfriend used the Nike Free for weightlifting, he tried them for running and after he stopped just throwing his foot down on the heal, he said he realized he know longer had shin splints. He claims with the bigger shoes he just would bang his foot down without thinking about it and it cause more problems.

He likes the Free, but doesn't want to pay full price (he buys more than anyone i know on ebay) so is looking for something cheaper. I wasn't sure what to recommend. Perhaps a racing flat but figured the minimalists on here would know for sure.

15 years ago 02/17/2009 11:23am EST

re: wejo

Nike made a shoe called the Zoom Hayward. It probably isn't much cheaper but offers a very similar feel. The shoe puts up a lot less resistance however has a bit more cushioning.

The comment about the heal seems odd to me because the Free actually has good heel cushioning...maybe the way the heel breaks in 4 made him realize how he's striking.

15 years ago 02/17/2009 11:51am EST

re: wejo

Tell him to find a Ross, TJ Maxx, and Marshall's. Not always, but every once in a while they have running shoes for really cheap.

http://www.rossstores.com/

http://www.tjmaxx.com/index.asp

http://www.marshallsonline.com/index.asp

I've found Nike Frees for $20-$30 at these stores. Nike vintage Oregon Waffle, Daybreak, Cortez, etc. at Marshall's for $20. Puma cross country flats for $20. Spikes for $10-$20. Just the other day Ross had Nike Mayfly's for $15.

15 years ago 02/17/2009 11:55am EST

re: wejo

Saucony Kilkenny XC Flat

15 years ago 02/17/2009 12:03pm EST

re: wejo

New Frees can be found on ebay for $50 or less in normal sizes, I don't consider that to be too expensive.

XC flats are not going to offer the same flexibility, nor the amount of cushion that the Free will.

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