Nike Free RN 2020

Editor rating: 8.0 / 10

User's rating: based on 31 user ratings

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By Tali Treece

All Nike Shoes

Nike Free RN 2020 Review Facts

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Years ago, several employees at Nike became interested in the fact that the track team at Stanford trained barefoot in the grass. Running barefoot allow these athletes’ feet to move naturally, expanding and contracting without the hindrance of a bunch of rubber and plastic around their feet. In many ways, this seemed like the ideal running workout. Of course, running on grass is extremely limiting. And, for a number of different reasons, most people can only run barefoot if they are on a soft, flexible surface.

The employees at Nike were inspired to create a shoe that mimicked the experience of running barefoot in the grass, while still allowing runners to put miles in on hard surfaces, such as asphalt and cement. The fine mesh upper of the Nike Free RN 2019 puts little pressure on the top of the foot (making it almost feel like you’re barefoot), and has many small openings that allow air flow for breathability and comfort. The outsole is made of soft foam, with small amounts of rubber at the toe and heel to aid in traction without adding much extra weight. And the “cuts” along the outsole allow the shoe to move with the runner’s foot, making it as if you really are sprinting through soft grasses like the Stanford team — even if in reality you’re just jogging down the neighborhood sidewalk. Given this lightweight, minimalist comfort, as well as the sleek, low-profile design, the Free RN 2019 is a shoe that will appeal to anyone looking for naturalistic, minimalistic, and stylish footwear to complete their workout and casual wardrobe.

Editor's Pros & Cons

Pros

Lightweight, minimalist design mimics barefoot running
Cushioned more than other “barefoot” running shoes
Breathable, flexible, and comfortable
A variety of fun color combinations
Can be worn as running shoe or stylish city walking shoes

Cons

Lightweight, minimalist design means it’s not super durable
Stones and other debris can get caught in outsole

See How

What are buyers saying?

We have spent 5 hours analyzing a total of 550 reviews.

These reviews are then categoried into "Positive" and "Negative" feedback.

Below you will read a summary of them:

Positive

I'm glad that these have been a solid upgrade. I can feel my feet on the ground. They are light without being cheap material. These are a great product Nike, do not change them like you have the others.
I got these shoes back in April as a gift and they are great. By far the best running shoes I’ve had. However, I have the white pair and have notice how the toe easily becomes dirty after going for a neighborhood run. Do you or anybody have suggestions as how to clean the white pair?
I walk a lot because I hate running. These have the right amount of cushion and comfort for my speedy walks. They are supportive and great on a casual day too.
I like the width they have compared to other Nikes. My feet are able to comfortably move around without pain when I am exercising.
They do not look like the old style but they are just as comfortable. They fit true to size, unlike the narrow shoes Nike usually makes. These are the best Nike trainers out there.
The cushion is pillowy soft and I wasn’t sure if I had a shoe on. They are super light and flexible. These are a great shoe.
These were very comfortable and fit snug to my feet. I love the bounce back that I get when I run and the are super manageable.
I will be using these for my short distance runs. They are a little thin in the souls but they are still very comfortable. They are extremely light and I love it.
These are a great shoe from Nike. They are light and cushy yet stable enough to run distance. I like how breathale they are too. I highly recommend these shoes.
I have a wide foot and find it hard to fit into nice shoes. However, these fit great. They are well supported and have great cushioning.
I am very happy with this shoe. It is super comfortable but I would recommend going up a half size or so, they run small.
These have some sort of design on the bottom that picks up pebbles, so I would not wear them in the woods or on dirt roads. But, they are very light and very comfy. I want other colors too. I would recommend these shoes.
These are most definitely an upgrade from the last model. They are slim and fit my foot snug. They have a better heel structure and they tongue is attached and looks better on.
I love the soft grey color they offer, I have a few colors, this is my favorite I like that it feels like i do not have shoes on when I am in these. These look great with shorts and have excellent comfort. They do pick up small rocks though so be warned.
I get a great bounce and they have solid support when I am running. I have been sticking to this style since the first model. They are just fantastic made shoes.
I like the easy slip on and the super cushion insides. The are very lightweight and I own probably 5 different pair of this style. I absolutely love them.
These shoes seem to have solved every problem I have with my feet. All other shoes created real pain in my heels. I am able to take these babies for 5 mile runs no problem-- usually on the treadmill though.
These are very light way and have a great thin profile. I went up a size bigger and they are still tight but I am ok with that.
These aren't as durable as most shoe, but most Nikes aren't. These are great for training and running. They are very light and don't give me ankle fatigue. They fit like a glove.
I recommend these shoes to anyone looking for a great, comfortable, lightweight, airy, snug shoe. Don’t miss out, they are the best.
These surprised me and fit to size. I love the soles and the bounce. I really couldn't ask for a better shoe.
I use thee for all my workouts, I like to switch it up. They also look great wearing casual. Great colors and the design is slick. These are probably the best designed Frees yet.
I like the sock like feel on these. The upper mesh is real cozy and the tongue is attached for a great slip on style feel. These are way better than last years model. Great upgrade Nike.
These fit my feet and have great shoes. I own a lot of Nikes and these are my everyday gym and street shoes.

Negative

I thought these would be the same as the ones I bought in the past, nope. after a few days they started to flatten out too much. And after a few weeks, no support at all. Now, these are a pain in my feet. Horrible design..
I used these to just walk around a theme park for a few days and these left jurassic blisters on my feet. I was so upset because these were all I had and they fooled me. Tey were comfy when I put them on at home. It seems like the more you wear them the crappier they get in comfort.
I like the comfort and design of the shoe. However, these were not made for my style of running. They grab every bit of debris under the shoe. It creates a huge stability problem for me, or for anyone I would think. These are only made for track I feel. They are also not as breathable as other Nikes.
I’ve owned so many Nikes and these are the worst. They have no support and after a few wears, the sole is non existent.
I wear orthotics and have usually used this style shoe. Well now they have changed the sole design and it is horrible. I need the extra stability and these tend to pick up rocks and pebbles, which really throws me off.
I only wear these in the house now. They are horribly designed and pick up all sorts of things when you walk outside. They aren't good for much else.

8.6

Outsole

When first designing this line of shoes, employees at Nike were inspired by track teams training barefoot in the grass. The Nike Free RN 2017’s outsole was designed to mimic this practice. The outsole is very soft and scored with deep grooves. Its auxetic tri-star pattern allows the shoe to conform to the natural movement of your foot with every step you take. While the flexibility of the sole gives you that barefoot feeling, the comfy cushioning in the foam heel allows you to run on hard surfaces, like asphalt and cement, without feeling discomfort.

Midsole

The same geometric auxetic pattern that defines the outsole is at play in the Free RN's midsole. As in the outsole, here the concept is the same: make all parts of the sole able to mimic the natural movements of the foot, moving as you move, going where you go. Nike used scientific studies to understand how people's feet expand when lifting off the ground with each running stride. They then used that information to create a splaying midsole that imitates the way your body reacts to force. Not only does the shoe expand with the natural expansion of your foot, but it also absorbs shock upon impact, helping you run longer and faster.

Upper

The upper of the Nike Free RN 2017 is made of a circular-knit mesh material. The seamless design allows for the small expansion of your foot that happens every time you strike the ground when running, while the mesh improves breathability. In some areas, the mesh is reinforced for structure; in others the density of the mesh is lower, providing even better air flow. The shoe also boasts the Flywire lacing system (light, strong cables anchoring the laces) which allows the shoe to adapt to your foot movements while still keeping it snug and secure. In addition to those features, the upper has an internal liner which keeps the shoe feeling nice and tight around the top of your foot.

Weight

Part of the appeal of this shoe is that it’s very lightweight, with a men’s size 9.5 weighing in right around 8 oz. One of the ways Nike achieved this nice light weight was by forming the outsole of foam and placing hard rubber at just the toe and heel of the shoe. With shoes as light as these, you can run faster longer without your legs and feet feeling weighed-down and exhausted. You can also toss them into your suitcase without worrying about making your luggage overweight, so you’ll be ready to go for a run, or a comfortable long walk, wherever your travels may take you.

Breathability

Thanks to the thin, fine mesh of the upper, the Nike Free RN 2017 has excellent breathability. Anyone who has gone running, or even just walking, on a hot summer day appreciates just how important this aspect of footwear is. When wearing this shoe, you can rest assured that even the slightest breeze will help cool your tired feet.

Comfort

The Free RN 2017 wins full marks for comfort. Designed to mimic the natural movements of your foot, this lightweight shoe quickly feels like a part of you. The outsole is soft, light, flexible, and lightly cushioned. The upper is made of mesh so your feet won’t get hot and sweaty, thereby protecting you from that most uncomfortable of feels. The low-cut heel has nice padding, but still maintains the structure-less form of the shoe, which gives it its characteristic sock-like comfortableness. If you are looking for a shoe that can be both your jogging shoe and the last piece of your everyday casual look, this comfortable footwear is the thing for you.

Style

When it comes to running shoes, everyone wants style — you’ve got to look the part out there on the running trails, where everyone is checking everyone else out as they jog by. Thankfully, the Nike Free RN 2017 does its part in making your workout wardrobe fabulous. Available in a variety of colors, from classic blacks and grays to flamboyant pinks and reds, the Free RN will match any exercise outfit you want to pair it with. In fact, thanks to its sleek design and minimalistic profile, the Free RN can be stylishly worn with any casual clothes. This is the perfect urban shoe, making you stylish whether you’re running the streets or window shopping down the sidewalks.

Durability

Due to their light weight, which is made possible by foam and mesh, these are not the most durable of shoes. They will last longest if worn only on the terrain they were made for: flat, smooth surfaces, such as asphalt and cement. The good news is, Nike has been coming out with a new model of the Free shoes every year for a while now. And since the shoes just keep getting better, you’ll probably want to replace your old kicks with the latest model anyway.

Protection

These shoes were not designed to provide a great deal of protection. The cuts in the outsole, which provide such incredible flexibility, do allow small rocks and other debris to get trapped in the bottom of the shoe. You may also feel bigger rocks if running over road because the outsole is made of foam, not rubber. The upper will not provide much protection either, as it is made of thin mesh. It is important to keep in mind what these shoes are meant for. Obviously, they aren’t hiking boots, or even trail running shoes, so they simply aren’t made for terrain that would require more protective footwear. All the features that make these less-than-protective are the exact features that make the Free RN line so flexible, breathable, and all around comfortable!

Responsiveness

These shoes are wonderfully responsive. In fact, Nike’s goal when first designing this line was to create a pair of shoes that responded to impact the same way your foot naturally would if you were barefoot. The Auxetic foam of the outsole is made to expand and contract just as your foot does when you’re running. Also because of that lightweight foam outsole, you can feel the ground beneath you — which of course might be a pro or a con, depending on where you’re running. In any case, this is a shoe that responds to the movements of your body, no matter where you’re running or walking. It’s a shoe that helps you be you.

Support

Compared to the 2016 model, the 2017 Nike Free RN has a slightly more structured upper, thereby providing slightly more support. While the upper is still made of thin, close-knit mesh, it’s reinforced in key areas around the foot, giving you a feeling of snug security. Of course, this is still a very unstructured shoe. The minimalist design gives the shoe a sock-like feel, but the construction of the inner lining and the tongue makes the shoe nice and secure. It doesn’t feel like it’s squeezing your foot, but it is pleasantly tight, giving you the support you need.

Terrain

The Nike Free RN 2017 is ultimately an urban running shoe. Given its mesh upper and its soft, flexible outsole, this shoe is not made to withstand the rough, uneven terrain you’re likely to encounter while hiking in the countryside. Rather, this shoe is an excellent choice for running on paved trails, or wearing it as a stylish walking shoe when visiting a new city.

Price

Nike’s Free RN 2017 is a reasonably priced running shoe, in the mid to upper price range of quality running shoes. It is currently on sale on several websites, making it an even better choice at the moment.

Traction

The outsole is made of soft foam, reinforced with hard rubber at the toe and heel. The rubber is enough to provide traction on a smooth, even surface, but would not serve you well for quick turns and complex maneuvers. This is not necessarily a knock against the shoe — the Free RN was designed to be a daily runner, not a trainer. In order to keep it so lightweight, flexible, and free, the design of the shoe must be minimalist, not heavy-duty.

Flexibility

If only one thing could be said about the Free RN 2017, it would be that this shoe is flexible. There is no plastic at all in the outsole, and only a minimal about of rubber (on the toe and heel to provide traction). The deep grooves in the bottom of the shoe allow it to move with your foot; there is no hard material to keep the shoe from going where you go. If you hold the shoe in your hands and twist it in on itself, you’ll quickly realize that it's as flexible as an Olympic gymnast.

Stability

The bootie-like structure of the tongue — one piece connected with the rest of the upper — gives the shoe support and stability, even before you lace it up. The laces run through Flywire cables, which are directly attached to the lacing system and go into the sole’s base. This combination of tongue, Flywire, and laces nicely secures your foot so you don’t have to worry about slipping and sliding around in your shoe while out on your run.

Drop

At 8 mm, the heel-to-toe drop is moderate, similar to the majority of standard running shoes. This is a greater drop than in past Nike Free shoes, due to the fact that the cushion in the heel has been increased. While this means it’s no longer a shoe that can be worn for weight lifting and running, it does make it more accessible to runners who have not conditioned their feet for barefoot running.

Key Features

Mimics the natural movement of the foot

Flexible and responsive

Provides lightweight foam cushioning

Breathable and comfortable

Sleek, low profile design stylish enough for all-day casual wear

Bottom Line

The Nike Free RN 2017 does exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s a minimalistic shoe that mimics the natural movements of the human foot, but it’s not an all-out barefoot shoe. The soft foam outsole cushions the foot as it strikes the ground, but the cuts through the foam allow your foot to expand and contract as naturally as if it were barefoot. While this shoe is not going to provide a great deal of protection and is not suited for running on rough and uneven surfaces, that’s okay, because that was never the mission of the shoe. Rather, the Free RN 2017 is the ultimate urban shoe. Comfortable enough for long jogs with your running buddies, stylish enough to wear while hitting the mall with your girlfriends. Moderately priced and available in a great variety of colors, this is a sneaker that will appeal to a great number of people.