Nike Free TR2 Trainer Review
Specs
Get the most out of your training with the Nike Free TR2 training shoe. No compromises in support, breathability or movement in this iconic trainer. Open hold mesh upper with strategically placed overlays on the forefoot and arch provides the perfect blend of breathability and support. Phylon midsole with traditional Nike Free flex grooves combined with the new Diamond Flex grooves. Rubber pod outsole with delta nodes traction pattern gives ultimate traction on multiple surfaces.
Fit
Since this is a training shoe, the fit and overall feel of the shoe is going to be a little different then your typical running shoe. The fit is definitely a little tighter than what you would get from a running shoe, with a smaller toe box, tighter mid foot and slightly wider forefoot. Training shoes are intended go be used for training, meaning that you will be making quick changes of directions as well as running. Therefore lateral support becomes a major concern and is really what makes or breaks a training shoe. The upper of the shoe is formed from a blend of mesh, in areas where support is not necessary, and stiffer synthetic to provide lateral stability. This synthetic material provides plenty of lateral support and makes for a very tight, almost soccer shoe-like, fit when you pull the laces tight. Like I said, the midfoot is on the tighter side, but even if you do have wider feet, I don’t think that you will have any issues with these shoes fitting you comfortably. I wore a size 9US in this shoe, which is actually half a size smaller than what I would normally wear in running shoes, but given that these are training shoes, I feel that they should fit a little tighter. I would recommend going with your regular soccer shoe size, if you’re looking to order a pair.
Weight
These shoes weigh in at a very light 10oz. While this is about average weight for a soccer shoe, this is well below average weight for a running shoe. These will definitely feel decently lightweight, while still giving that extra support that required from a training shoe.
Function/ Versatility
The great thing about trainers is that you really can use them for anything. The main function that they were designed for was any kind of running or movement where changing direction is the main concern. These will do that great. You can also use these as running shoes, but since they are trainers and they have somewhat of a thinner sole in the forefoot, it is best to go with a dedicated running shoe if you intend on using these solely for running. That’s not to say that you can’t run in these shoes, but if you are looking to run for long periods of time, the extra padding from a running shoe is definitely going to work better. The sole has some very minimal tread on them, and I would recommend using these predominantly on smooth, hard surfaces and not so much in the grass. With all of that said, these are designed to be training shoes, and they will do that the best.
Running
Generally the sole on any training shoe tends to be thinner than a running shoe. The reason for this is stability, where the closer that you are to the ground, the more stable that you will be. While the thinner sole does aid in stability, it does take away some of the cushion that you would get from a thicker sole. This means that running in these shoes will be great, and the thinner sole feels very responsive, but if you will be just running for a long period of time, you most likely will not be happy with the lack of cushion. Another thing to touch on is that this shoe is part of the “Free” line from Nike. This means that the sole is split into several sections in order to be as flexible as possible, making for a more natural feel when you’re in your shoes. While I didn’t find this to be a major influence on the overall shoe itself, it did give the shoe somewhat of unique feel in that it was nice and flexible from right out of the box. These will also make some great everyday shoes that can be worn around quite comfortably with no issues whatsoever.
The Verdict
This shoe is pretty self-explanatory in that it delivers exactly as it claims. As a trainer, these are great. They provide plenty of lateral support, the slightly wider forefoot make for a very stable feel when making hard changes of direction and the overall fit is very comfortable. These shoes van be used for pretty much anything, and although they don’t do anything spectacularly, they still manage to do everything well. If you’re looking for a trainer, or even just a pair of everyday shoes, these are a great option.
Fit 8 out of 10
Weight 8 out of 10
Function/Versatility 8 out of 10
Running 8 out of 10
Total Score 32 out of 40 or 80%
