Sneaker Bloggers Talk About Their Favorite Nike Frees

The Nike Free series has always been on point with aesthetics as much as performance but the Trainer 5.0 is the Free I find myself rocking in and out of the gym

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Image via Complex Original
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Blogger: Ryan Hudson of Stride Nation

Favorite Free: Nike Free Run+

The original Nike Free Run+ was to me what Himalayan walking shoes were to Elaine in Seinfeld. They were my first pair of Frees, and for me, still the best. I've tried a couple of the 5.0 models since then, but nothing has been able to match the comfort, support and snug fit of those first Frees. (Somewhat ironically, I never even used them for running, much less took advantage of the revolutionary-for-its-time Run+ sensor in the sole.) Almost four years, they've been relegated to essentially nothing more than shoes I slip on when I'm headed to the pool, but that original second-foot feel still remains.

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Blogger: Nick DePaula of Sole Collector

Favorite Free: Nike Zoom Kobe II (2007)

Is this kind of cheating? Sure. But the Zoom Kobe II definitely features "segmented flex grooves with Free principles," as designer Ken Link described to me back when they originally released in the spring of 2007.

It was a first in hoops, and it translated perfectly to the hardwood, offering up a great combo of flexibility and court feel in a low-to-the-ground package. They might not've been as impactful as the low-top era of Kobes IV-8, but all these years later, the Kobe II, much like the rest of the Nike Free series, was breaking new ground in performance.

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Blogger: Brandon Edler of Finish Line

Favorite Free: Nike Free Trainer 5.0

The Nike Free series has always been on point with aesthetics as much as performance but the Trainer 5.0 is the Free I find myself rocking in and out of the gym the most. The Chinese finger trap concept allows the shoe to respond to your movements keeping your feet secure and the design looks sick with the right color blocking. The pimento and black colorway is always my go-to choice when available due to high school ties and growing up a Chicago Bulls fan. Plus the pimento pops on Instagram so your sneaker photography skills look on point. 

My favorite Nike Frees are not used for running, but are great for the gym and when I'm coaching. When I'm on my feet for hours coaching, walking around and running back and forth they offer great support and also look cute. I also like how snug they fit on my feet and how light they are. They are great for all day events when I know I'm going to be on my feet all day long. 

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Blogger: Nick Schonberger of Complex 

Favorite Free: Nike Free Run 2

There was a magic moment during menswear's heritage years during which hard bottoms were shunned for sneakers and the #menswear aesthetic grew balls. New York Fashion Week, with its hours of standing and miles of pavement pounding, necessitated comfort. The fool hardy held strong to Red Wings and Aldens. The brazen reached for the Nike Free Run 2. Street photographers lapped it up. And, thanks in no small part to them, the Nike Free Run 2 transcended its intended use and found footing as a cultural icon.

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Blogger: Russ Bensgton of ComplexTV's Quickstrike and Complex Sneakers

Favorite FreeNike Free Trail

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Essentially 2004's original Free Run 5.0 beefed up for off-road use, the Free Trail melded an FSB-type sole with a soft suede upper, complete with a crinkly water-resistant liner. They were somewhat difficult to put on, even with the heel pulltabs, but that just made lacing them completely optional. The ultimate lazy man's foul weather shoe, the all-black model was a everyday staple. They were available for a long while on clearance for $50 because people are stupid.