Nike Free 3.0

The Nike Free 3.0 v2 Running Shoe: Lighter feel, improved support

Featuring a restructured upper for enhanced comfort and support, the Nike Free 3.0 v2 Men's Running Shoe delivers the extraordinary feel and natural benefits of running barefoot, without sacrificing underfoot protection or multi-surface traction.

Benefits
• Minimalist design to help strengthen the foot and ankle muscles
• Seamless, one-piece mesh upper for lightweight comfort, breathability and flexibility
• No-sew overlays for support and a barefoot-like fit and feel
• Molded sockliner that mimics the natural curve of the foot for a great fit, comfort and support
• Deep, gender-specific Nike Free flex grooves for enhanced flexibility and stability
• Weight: 7.2 ounces (men's size 10)

Fit
On Nike's barefoot scale, the 3.0 most closely mimics the barefoot experience. The Nike Free 3.0 v2 Men's Running Shoe has a one-piece mesh upper with minimalistic, strategically placed no-sew overlays that provide the proper amount of structure while allowing the foot to move in a dynamic, barefoot-like manner. An updated, more traditional heel shape improves the fit and comfort around the heel.

Cushioning
Low-profile cushioning in the Phylite midsole creates a resilient ride--so much so that it doubles as an outsole, dramatically reducing the overall weight of the shoe.

Flexibility
Deep Nike Free grooves make this shoe super-flexible, yet sturdy enough to protect the sole of the foot and provide great traction. A wider tread pattern across the midfoot enhances stability through footstrike. Broader forefoot grooves allow the foot to move more naturally, enhancing the flex and grip of the toes during forward motion while strengthening core muscles that aren't activated in conventional running shoes.

Origins
After learning that Stanford athletes had been training barefoot on the university's golf course, three of Nike's most innovative and creative employees set out to develop a shoe that felt natural and weightless, just like bare feet. In 2002, they examined a group of men and women with pressure-measuring insoles taped to their feet, using high-speed cameras to capture images of each foot in motion.

The team spent eight years studying the biomechanics of shoeless running. The results yielded a profound understanding of the foot's natural landing angle, pressure and toe position, allowing Nike designers to build an unconventional and flexible running shoe from the inside out.

Additional Details
• Fused foam and rubber midsole/outsole for lightweight cushioning and durability
• Durable rubber outsole with Waffle pattern for improved traction and a more neutral, efficient stride