Continue playing Product Showdown

Product Showdown

aka Shoe-Jitsu, Shoe-mo Wrestling, Shoe Duel, and a number of other witty names we couldn't decide on.

Nike Free 5.0 V4

Battle Stats

  • Total Wins: 43
  • Total Losses: 29
  • Wins vs. Competitor: 1
  • Sales Rank: #20000
  • Video Description View the Video Description for this product! (Please note that the color shown in the video may no longer be available.)
  • This running shoe was built for the neutral to under-pronator who requires lightweight cushioning.
  • Nike® Free mimics running barefoot on grass, which studies have suggested helps to develop stronger feet.
  • 5.0-specific upper provides just enough support while still allowing the foot to move in a natural, efficient and barefoot-like manner.
  • Minimal use of seams and internal layers enhance comfort, with or without socks.
  • Expansive use of breathable mesh enhances comfort and ventilation.
  • Overlays are strategically placed to balance the fit, durability and support of a shoe with the dynamic flexibility of the foot.
  • An asymmetrical lacing system and unique tongue construction help to reduce pressure over the top ridge of the foot.
  • Molded sockliner mimics the curvature of the foot for a great fit, enhanced comfort and added support.
  • Phylite midsole provides a resilient ride and enough durability to double as an outsole, dramatically reducing overall weight.
  • Deep Nike Free sipes molded along the length and width of the midsole enhance flexibility and stability.
  • Wider sipes, in a women's specific design, across the forefoot allow for greater engagement of the toes through propulsion for increased muscle activation and a more barefoot-like experience.
  • Abrasion-resistant BRS 1000 carbon rubber under the crash pad enhances durability in high-wear areas.
  • Waffle outsole provides traction and durability while also encouraging a more neutral and efficient toe-off.
  • Weight: 7 oz
  • Product measurements were taken using size 7. Please note that measurements may vary by size.
  • To enhance your running workout, check out these other fine products:

Average Customer Ratings (based on 116 reviews)

Overall: (4 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (4 Stars)

Posted: 2010-06-14 13:26:09
Reviewer: Anonymous from Boston, MA
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Loved the look/color of the shoe. The color I wanted was back ordered. Totally wish I ordered half a size larger. I didn't really realized until I had worn them out. Oh well. I'm hoping they'll be more comfortable once I break them in. I'm sad because I really, really heart them.
Posted: 2010-05-11 20:50:05
Reviewer: Cecelia S from Palm Desert, CA
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I bought these in hot pink (which I don't see as a choice now). Anyway, right out of the box the fit was like wearing slippers. It's featherweight and great when you live in a hot place like I do (the desert in CA). Honestly, at least in the hot pink color (which was the only one available when I ordered). Well I have gotten more compliments than any other pair of shoes I have worn. I direct everyone to Zappos. I'm sorry to see, upon writing this review, that the hot pink doesn't seem available. That would not have been my original choice, but apparently everyone else thinks they're amazing looking. For me the most important though, is the fit is unbelievable (and I have very bad feet)! So these are a bonus for me to have.
Posted: 2010-05-04 07:01:43
Reviewer: Heather T
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I love these shoes. I run between 20-30 miles a week, training for a half marathon right now. When I first switched to these shoes I was a worried because my first couple runs left my feet a bit blistered and in pain. However, I think that is just because I wasn't used to shoes that relied so much on my feet. Break through that and you have the most fantastically light and comfortable shoes ever! I'll be picking up another pair and running in these permanently.
Posted: 2010-04-28 07:58:33
Reviewer: Katie
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (4 Stars)
I have done a 5k in them, and no problem. It still feels a bit awkward to run in shoes, but the Free shoe is the least constricting. Tried running without socks, but got blisters. Other great thing about them is that they are super light and pack smaller than regular running shoes.
Posted: 2010-03-28 09:27:18
Reviewer: Miranda h from LEXINGTON, KY
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
These shoes are light as a feather. I like them because they are not bulky, do not have a lot of extra support. It is like running barefoot. No complaints.
Posted: 2010-03-26 08:37:09
Reviewer: JW from California
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
This is meant to be a minimal shoe. It has little padding and little support. It is meant to help you strengthen your feet and leg muscles while allowing you a more natural range of motion. It is not to be worn for high mileage running. If you are new to a minimal shoe, you need to work up to wearing the Nike Free slowly. Start by doing only about 10% of your weekly mileage and build up slowly from there. I am up to 13 miles at a time. I wear these shoes every day and I love them.
Posted: 2010-03-24 15:53:01
Reviewer: Anonymous from Andover, MN
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I got these for my 18 year-old daughter who runs five miles a day. After a break-in period she finds them comfortable and her prior foot pain has improved. I thought that the arch did not look very supportive, but she thinks that it is. She likes the looks of the shoe. I ordered a 1\/2 size larger than her usual shoes, since Nikes tend to run small and the size was perfect.
Posted: 2010-03-23 08:05:43
Reviewer: Anonymous from Salem, Oregon
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
These shoes are so light and comfortable. They come in several nice-looking colors, and I plan to order more. I received them the day after I ordered them from Zappos.
Posted: 2010-03-22 08:44:17
Reviewer: Lori B from Albuquerque, New Mexico
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
I'm not sure I would recommend this shoe for really long runs but for the shorter ones (5K's) these are great. It is such a light shoe you do feel almost as if you are running barefoot and, real or not, you do feel a bit speedier when you lace these on and get going.
Posted: 2010-03-22 05:13:58
Reviewer: Steph P from Connecticut
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Great sneakers if you are ready to join the barefoot revolution. Comfortable, lightweight, barefoot feeling with a good cushion to prevent punctures in your feet!

etnies Kids Deleted

Battle Stats

  • Total Wins: 6
  • Total Losses: 10
  • Wins vs. Competitor: 0
  • Sales Rank: #20348
  • Video Description View the Video Description for this product! (Please note that the color shown in the video may no longer be available.)
  • Don't fade away into the crowd. Stand out with the etnies™ Toddler Fader.
  • Suede or action leather upper with embroidered etnies icon.
  • Round toe design.
  • Alternative hook-and-loop closure gives your grom an easy on/off.
  • Padded tongue and collar for added comfort.
  • Textile lining feels great on your feet.
  • Lightweight EVA footbed.
  • STI Foam Level 2 heel support.
  • Gum rubber outsole provides great traction.

Average Customer Ratings (based on 5 reviews)

Overall: (4 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (4 Stars)

Posted: 2009-07-17 11:06:10
Reviewer: Shawna from NC
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
These shoes are so cute. Very easy to put on and take off. Great shoe for a toddler. Love Zappos fast shipping and great customer service.
Posted: 2009-03-03 19:49:26
Reviewer: Micah T
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Exactly what it looks like plus cool features! Love this shoe on my year and a half old baby girl! She seems to love them as well (never wants to take them off!). It's really nice that you can remove some cushioning for extra room as the Childs foot grows. Very satisfied!
Posted: 2009-03-03 05:44:16
Reviewer: Mom O from Brownton, Minnesota
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Great for wide feet! I looked everywhere for a pair of shoes wide enough for our daughter, these shoes are awesome. The velcro closure opens very far to the front, finally no hassle to put her shoes on! They wipe clean easily too!
Posted: 2009-02-19 14:23:50
Reviewer: from East Coast
Overall: (5 Stars) Comfort: (5 Stars) Style: (5 Stars)
Sweet Shoe - Perfect shoe for small kids/toddlers...no more laces!! This is our second pair of Etnies for our 3 year old daughter. We are a skate family and these shoes work out killer.
Posted: 2009-07-09 12:59:08
Reviewer: Anonymous from East Bay, California
Overall: (4 Stars) Comfort: (4 Stars) Style: (4 Stars)
There are good perks to this very cute skate shoe: 1) So easy for parents or tots to get on and off, but stay on very well; 2) They will indeed grow with your child’s foot because the inner lining can be removed if desired for more wiggle room; 3) My child is able to run, jump, climb, and ride in these comfortably. That all said, there are a few drawbacks: 1) They became quite dirty within a few hours of playing at the park. Most of the dirt I could wipe off, but some remained and they looked fairly dirty after that first wear; 2) They were bulky and took a bit of getting used to because of all the padding; 3) They aren’t very breathable with all that padding, and my child’s feet are pretty sweaty after each wear. (Removing some padding helps). Overall, I think these are nice for the price. They go with nearly everything. They’d work well in cooler weather, and are great for everyday playing and tumbling around. My only advice would be to treat them before the first wear, and clean them regularly.

Battle History

Previous Month February 2012
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
26 27 28 29