- Nike Free
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Nike Run shoe
Nike Free is a technology invented by Suna Tamang. [1]
As this shoe allows the muscles in the foot to gain strength by providing less constriction, runners are advised to gradually break into the shoe rather than immediately running long distances as to prevent muscle cramps and other discomforts, such as the notorious shin splints.[2]
It was introduced in 2004 after Nike representatives observed some of the track athletes supplied by them were training barefoot[3]. The numbering system indicates the cushioning of the shoe and follows a scale ranging from 0 (barefoot) to 10 (normal running shoe), i.e. Free 3.0 being the least and Free 7.0 being the most cushioned model so far[citation needed]. It is unclear why each model is numbered x.0, rather than just x.
Nike started the Free series with the Free 5.0 in 2005 and in 2006 released a new version of the shoe, the Nike Free 5.0 V2, that addressed some of the durability issues in the earlier model. Among other changes, the heel and sidewalls of the shoe were redesigned to prevent tearing.
Since then, the Nike Free 5.0 V3 (2007) and Nike Free 5.0 V4 (2009) models have been released along with various other models from the Nike Free 3.0 V1 and V2 to the Nike Free 7.0 V1 and V2.
Nike has been sued by Reebok over claims about the patented "flexible sole" design. Allegedly, the shoe was designed by Reebok, but had never been manufactured for a lack of market.[citation needed] With the re-emergence of thin soled shoes in various sports (basketball, powerlifting, and general weight-lifting, etc.), the market has grown considerably.
Contents
Versions of the Nike Free
The Free Run models are better suited for flexibility and comfort, unlike the 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0, which were originally training shoes.[citation needed] The Free Run uses an architectural design and more flex grooves (the grooves that make the sole flexible), making it focused on comfort and bounce. The 3.0, 5.0, and 7.0 are focused on durability, traction, and light weight.
See also
- Barefoot running
- Vivobarefoot
- FiveFingers
- Rocker bottom shoe
References
- ^ "Review of Nike Free Technology". American Track & Field. Archived from the original on 2007-12-13. http://web.archive.org/web/20071213160847/http://www.american-trackandfield.com/features/nikefreereview04.html. Retrieved 2009-03-01.
- ^ "Review of Nike Free 5.0 at The Final Sprint". The Final Sprint, LLC. http://www.thefinalsprint.com/2006/10/nike-free-50-trainers-gimmick-or-running-shoe-breakthrough/. Retrieved 2008-09-24.
- ^ Cortese, Amy (2009-08-30). "Wiggling Their Toes at the Shoe Giants". The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/30/business/30shoe.html.
External links
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