Nike Free RN Distance | Test and review

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Price comparison on Nike Free RN Distance

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		649 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		807 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,064 DKK	Til butik

Price comparison on Nike Free RN 2017

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	2-5 dage		487 DKK	Til butik
	1-7 dage		499 DKK	Til butik
	1-2 dage		599 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		930 DKK	Til butik

What’s great about the Nike Free RN Distance

The amazing thing about this running shoe is that there are buzz words in the sole. Free and flexible. The shoe lives up to that. You will notice right away when you step into this Free running shoe that it fits really well around your foot, and that the shoe weighs nothing. So to that extent the “new Nike Free running shoe” lives up to its predecessor. Even though I don’t think it’s the world’s best and coolest running shoe (you’ll see further down in the test), I still think it should be considered fantastic. Nike has built a lot more running shoe into this version of Nike Free than they had in the old Nike Free Run. I used the old one exclusively as sneakers or leisure shoes, I didn’t run in it. However, I would dare to do that in this version.
The fact that your feet will feel absolutely sublime in this shoe should of course also be included in our and your consideration. Because it is truly a pleasure to step into and be in this shoe.

I know, so this is not a recommendation, that Nike stipulates that it is a running shoe, but that’s why I still think it’s fantastic that the shoe is actually really good for many other activities too. Personally, I use my Nike Free RN Distance for both fitness training and the light version of my crossfit training. (The crossfit thing is in no way recommended, it wears out your shoes a lot, and they break relatively quickly, but they are super light and cool to wear)

What have others said about the running shoe?

Below you will find other people who have chosen to run in the Nike Free RN Distance. What is their experience with the shoe?

Jens Fuglsang, Exercise runner

Lone K. Jakobsen, loves to run

Cool facts about the shoe

First impressions of the Nike Free RN Distance

As always, you always look forward to a new pair of running shoes arriving at the post office or in the parcel shop. So of course I did this time too. It seems a bit strange, I know, but now I have recently picked up quite a few running shoes from various delivery centers, but I remember that with this one I particularly noticed the weight. I can’t explain why, as I have tested running shoes that are lighter than this one, but nevertheless I remember that it immediately struck me that we were dealing with a very light running shoe..
A pair of nice, light and very colorful running shoes come into view when I open the box. And you can’t help but look forward to going out and running in them.

As always when I receive a pair of running shoes, they are tested indoors, more to feel the fit and the general feeling of both width and size. Of course, I did the same with the Nike Free RN Distance. And here I have to say that the shoe was almost not there. At least it didn’t feel that way. When I put the shoe on, it very quickly became one with the foot, and that free feeling that Nike and the Free series play a lot on could be felt from the first second. So right at that second I was even more excited to get out and run in this shoe.

The first run in the Nike Free RN Distance

I chose a quiet and calm run of around 7-8 kilometers as the first run for the Nike Free Distance. If it fits into the program, I actually feel best taking a quiet and calm run as the first when testing a new running shoe. And that’s more because then there is time and energy to feel and sense what the shoe has to offer.
I have tested the running shoe called Nike Free Flyknit, which is a kind of brother or sister to this shoe. And I want to be honest and say that the Nike Free Flyknit shoe has become one of my favorite running shoes overall. So even though it wasn’t intended, the first run in the Nike Free RN Distance was probably unintentionally more like the Flyknit model than it was intended.

But back to the trip, you quickly notice that you are dealing with a “natural running” running shoe. Or at least I quickly felt that my gait was a bit different compared to the shoes I was running in at the time. I have to say that I don’t usually run in running shoes with too low a drop, and there really is no specific reason for that, other than that I feel better running in running shoes with a slightly higher drop. And that was probably why I very quickly noticed that this Nike Free RN Distance was a bit different to run in. When we talk about my running posture, and then a running shoe with a 4mm drop, we are talking about an effect that seems a bit bad in my running experience. The fact that I have to go further forward and run on my midfoot or forefoot only results in me feeling like I am hitting the ground too hard. Of course, this is only because I don’t practice and do it everyday, because I have also tried forefoot running in previous periods, and you can certainly feel a difference if you practice, and it becomes more of a habit to run that way. There are some “side effects” of going from your regular running shoe to a running shoe with such a low drop, and that is also why we recommend that if you want to learn to run more naturally and switch to natural running, do it carefully and in smaller steps. The body, and especially the calf muscles, have to get used to the idea. And that was also what I experienced after the first run in the Nike Free RN Distance, that my calf muscles were destroyed in a completely different way than usual. I would say that I should be able to run these 7-8 kilometers without getting pain in the calf muscles, but that’s what I got here, and therefore this little warning for those of you who want to try the Nike Free RN Distance. If you are used to it, there are no problems, if you switch over, you have to be careful.

More walks = Run naturally with Nike Free

Even though it’s not a running shoe to my taste, I owe it to myself, and not least our loyal readers, to give the shoe a few more chances. And I would like to point out again that I don’t think it’s a bad running shoe as in bad construction, poor cushioning and such. It just doesn’t fit my way of running. I’m sure that if you’re a permanent forefoot or midfoot runner, the Nike Free RN Distance is just the thing for you. But I just have to write the review based on my own feelings :-)
I’ve probably run 6-8 runs in the shoe by now, and in the weeks where I’ve run 2 or 3 runs, I can easily feel that you easily get into the rhythm of running in a shoe with a 4mm drop, and then the shoe is a different experience for me. I don’t have the same pain in my calf muscles, and it becomes a more natural running style for me. But I have to say, and it has nothing to do with the drop and running style, that I don’t think I would recommend this running shoe for runs over 12 kilometers. I’ve run 12 kilometers in this shoe, and my feet were completely sore.

Size selection

Buy them as you normally would from Nike. So you should be aware that Nike has had a reputation for being both narrow and slightly smaller in size for many years. However, I think the trend has changed a bit in recent years, at least when we talk about the width of the shoe. I bought the Nike Free RN Distance in size 44, which is half a size larger than I buy all my other running shoes in. And I think it fit nicely and as it should. Otherwise, you can use our size guide

Advantages and disadvantages of Nike Free

Analysis Part 1: Who can and who should use Nike Free RN Distance

In the first part of the analysis, we take a look at the shoe’s use. Who can and who should choose to run in a Nike Free RN distance.

Which running style

Nike Free RN Distance is for the neutral running style. But at the same time, the construction of this running shoe is such that it borders on the concept of natural running. In short, this means “run as God created you.” Since the shoe has a relatively low drop, you are very far down to the ground..
If you are a heavy pronation runner today, you may want to try this shoe, but do so with caution, because if you are used to a lot of support on the inside of the shoe, you will experience that you lose all this artificial support, and it is now your own body and foot that must create the foundation.

Fit

This is where the shoe really wins my heart. And it does so not least because of the Flywire system that you see in more and more Nike running shoes. It is basically a system that is placed on the side of the running shoe, and which attaches together with the laces and then down into the outsole. When you tighten and lace your shoes, this system ensures a perfect and unique fit every time.
That’s why I’m a fan of the fit of the Nike Free RN Distance, you can definitely look forward to it.

But combined with the cool, lightweight material that the shoe is made of, it gives the shoe a fit that I would describe as a 9 out of 10.

• Size: Regular
• Heel: Normal
• Midfoot: normal
• Forefoot: Slightly wide
• Shoe tip: normal
• Arch structure: low
• Shoe shape: semi-curved

Surfaces and conditions

It is definitely an asphalt running shoe. You may be able to run on forest paths etc. in it too, but you have to be careful. As I wrote earlier, you can easily pay the price for the upper being made of such a light, flexible but unfortunately also fragile material. So if you are going on something other than asphalt, then keep an eye out for branches, thorns and the like.
There are no advantages or disadvantages to using the shoe in wet or dry weather. I have tried both, and both worked really well. In fact, I have noticed that the shoe, due to the light and thin material, is really quick to dry. And that is a clear advantage.

Price level

A completely reasonable and fair price. If I look at what you get in this shoe, and what you could have gotten if you chose another shoe, it makes perfect sense to me that the Nike Free RN Distance has a price of around 1000,- (And you can always find your running shoes cheaper online). It is quite fair that it should be a little more expensive than the old Nike Free Run was, as Nike has built some more “running elements” into the shoe that justify the slightly more expensive price.

Weight of Nike Free RN Distance

I use a size 44 and it weighs 248-250 grams. It must be said to be on the low end of the scale. That is usually the case, or at least in many of the running shoes we can throw into the natural running category. It is about creating as free and foot-shaped a feeling as possible. Nike has hit the spot with this Nike Free running shoe.

Type of running shoe

It is a really good transitional running shoe for those who want to experiment with forefoot running. This type of shoe with a drop of 4mm and still a nice support will be perfect for the purpose. So I would consider the shoe to be for fast and short runs. I would certainly not dare to move more than 12 kilometers in the shoe.

Drops and heights on the forefoot and heel

Below you can see the specific heights of both the forefoot and heel. This gives you a drop of 4mm. And it is the low drop that gives the natural feel in the shoe. The fact that you are relatively close to the surface makes the feeling of your run more like you would run barefoot. You can find running shoes with zero-drop, i.e. 0mm, but then we are also a bit over the extreme, and over to those who have practiced it.

Lady:
Heel height: 24mm
Forefoot height: 20mm

Master:
Heel height: 24mm
Forefoot height: 20mm

Analysis Part 2: Technical review of the running shoe

Analysis part 2 is the more technical approach to things. This is where a technical term or two may easily appear. We try as much as possible to keep it in understandable terms, but if there are any things you are in doubt about, you are always welcome to write to us and ask.

The outsole

A very flexible outsole with hexagonal elements that help create both the grip you get on the ground, but also the great flexibility that is in the sole. It has been named Flexriller, and is made that way because it should help promote the natural feeling when you run.

Midsole

Lunarlon midsole. There’s nothing wrong with the material. But when the shoe is supposed to be as natural and light as possible, it’s not a typical Lunarlon midsole as I know it. You still feel that unique bounch effect it has, but I think it’s a little lacking in both softness and control/support.

Heel

No discomfort or other things that jump out at you. So the heel sits as it should, and you actually feel that you are supported really well. It can be added that mesh panels have been added to the heel area for optimal comfort and ventilation.
The heel is anatomically correct, which should give you a fantastic fit (which I also think is in the shoe.)

Forefoot

Like the rest of the shoe, the forefoot is incredibly flexible. You will also be able to feel this if you take the shoe and twist it in your hands. The fit in the forefoot is not as tight as it is in the Nike Free Flyknit version, for example. In fact, I would say that I am a little surprised by the good space for the feet. So if you are a fan of having room for your toes, then the Nike Free RN Distance is definitely a good shoe for you.

Upper part

We have mentioned it in other descriptions and contexts. But it is an upper that is made in one piece, and of course there are mesh panels inserted to optimize ventilation and the indoor climate in the running shoe. But the upper is one of the primary elements in a running shoe, and it is also in the Nike Free RN Distance. Because it is created with as little weight as possible, but at the same time with the ability to fit really well around the foot. Not quite the same sock-like feel as on Flyknit running shoes, but I would say that we are close.

“The Free family from Nike”

As mentioned, you can easily say that the Nike Free RN Distance has family members. At almost the same time as this new Free was launched, they also made a Nike Free RN Flyknit. In pronunciation and partly in appearance they can easily remind each other, but in my opinion there are a lot of differences between the 2 running shoes from Nike.
Among other things, there are 2 points that stand out a lot in my eyes, it’s the drop and the upper. Let’s start with the smallest point. The upper is quite naturally a point where the 2 shoes stand out from each other, and that’s because there are 2 completely different materials they are made of. The Nike Free Distance has a “regular” mesh upper, but the Nike Free RN Flyknit has a, yes you guessed it, a Flyknit upper. And there is a huge difference between the 2 materials as it is now.

In addition, there is a difference in the drop of the 2 shoes. The Nike Free Flyknit has an 8 mm drop, which makes you as a runner feel like a more ordinary running shoe. It is still light, flexible and all that, but when you take your steps, with the 8 mm you will experience more like a “normal running shoe”. That is, the kind of running shoe where you will be described as heel-landing, and then you take off forward.
Nike Free RN Distance is there against only a drop of 4mm and it gives you a feeling of natural running, you get closer to the ground, and quite naturally you will experience that you land further forward on the foot. Here we are talking about midfoot or forefoot landing. And this is where I think the biggest difference is between the 2 shoes. And I will admit that I was very surprised by that difference, so you should be aware of that.

Comparisons

Even though I just said the opposite, I still think it’s good to compare the Nike Free RN Distance with Nike Free RN Flyknit. At least when you talk about comfort and fit, and this whole free concept in the running shoe. But otherwise I actually think that the Nike Free Distance reminds me a little bit of the same feeling I had when I ran inNew Balance 1500. And a soft, free and flexible running shoe.

Summary

Not the best running shoe I’ve tried recently, but certainly not the worst either. So it has to be an average running shoe. And it will be because I, proven or not, keep drawing parallels to its brother Nike Free Flyknit. And that running shoe just suits me and my running habits and temperament much better..
But as I also said in the video, the shoe is fantastic to wear on the foot, weighs nothing, and of course I would also be able to run in it. I just think there are better alternatives on the market, so I actually think that, after all, I would use this Nike Free Distance more as a sneaker than as a running shoe.

Price comparison on Nike Free RN Distance

We keep an eye on the best prices for you. Below we have collected some of the best prices right now on this Nike running shoe.

Reseller	Leveringstid	Country	Total price	Read more
	1-2 dage		649 DKK	Til butik
	5-7 dage		807 DKK	Til butik
	3-5 dage		1,064 DKK	Til butik