I just bought Nike Free 4.0 samples

I thought they got scrapped because of a problem with the upper, or something. They're often available cheap on ebay. People seem to be dumping them.

They have a nice feel to them.

I got my pair very cheap so I figured I'd take a chance on them. so far I like them a lot.

Haven't run in them yet but I hope to soon.

I also just purchased a pair. The insole is textured, which I think is a great idea.

They feel great, however, I have not subjected them to the abuse of miles.

As far as design flaws, I can't see any.

Some say there is a problem with the upper.

I have a high arch, so problems with velcro closure (as opposed to laces) are not a problem. No slippage.

However, I'd be curious to hear what caused Nike to scrap.

JonDCH wrote:

I also just purchased a pair. The insole is textured, which I think is a great idea.

Really? Textured insoles? They must have gotten a whiff of this:

Jaguar,

Thanks for the link to that research paper. I remember reading a synopsis of it in the New York Times a few years ago. I was so persuaded by the results that I put textured insoles in my running shoes.

So, when I discovered the textured insoles in the Free 4.0 I was quite impressed. Yep, Nike may have picked up on that study. They lowered the heel a bit in the 4.0. That plus the texture gets the shoe closer to the barefoot ideal.

I also run in Puma H-Streets and Puma La Bambas.

I've examined the upper more carefully. The piece just above the heel is made of a fine mesh. It looks flimsy. Perhaps this is what caused Nike to scrap the product launch. Given that I picked up the shoes cheaply, I figure if it does give way I can always slap a little duct tape on it.

How are those La Bambas? Do they run large like their xc shoe?

The Pumba La Bamba does not run small. I have these shoes in a size 12, like I usually wear in racing flats.

JonDCH, do you think it would be possible to remove the textured insoles from the Nike's and swap them into the Puma H Streets?

My thought is the benefit of textured insoles has something to do with the concept of acupressure/reflexology. Somewhat related.... I heard a talk about 2 months ago on a study involving cobblestone walking in the elderly. Apparently, this is really popular in Asia, as people swear it improves their health. From what the study found, the cobblestone walkers ultimately felt better, had lower blood pressure, and less incidence of falls. Here's a link about it:

http://www.reflexology-research.com/jan2004reflexions.html

Jaguar,

The textured insoles can be placed in the H-Streets. It would require some cutting with an Exacto blade, but it can be done.

You can buy textured insoles. Dr. Scholl makes a pair. They are different than what Nike has inside the Free 4.0 - softer, but they work (the heel is a bit thick on teh Scholl's but I cut it out).

Are Free 4.0's available now? I thought they were being released in January, can you get them right now from somewhere other than EBAY?

I just bought a pair for $49.99 at

http://www.designerathletic.com/Home/

I ordered them yesterday (12/23) and they are supposed to be here on the 28th.