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The aim of the Nike Free Run campaign is to give athletes the training benefits of running barefoot alongside the protection of running with shoes. The brains behind the line noticed that athletes at Stanford University seemed to be performing better and sustaining fewer injuries when training barefoot, and it got them thinking. Could they design a trainer that would combine the performance advantages of running barefoot with the protective advantages of wearing trainers? After extensive research they did it, and in 2004 Nike Free was born. So that's the history, now on to the essential bit: how all the innovation and research behind the development of the Nike Free Run concept actually works.

A revolution in sports footwear - Nike Free Run

The breakthrough came when the developers of Nike Free Run realised the importance of the depth of the grooves on the soles of shoes. This is the key feature of their design: the increased flexibility that a deeper groove provides. Granting you an extra level of freedom, these trainers allow you to move your feet as if they were bare. Our feet have naturally evolved to be good at absorbing the shock caused when they hit the ground, thereby reducing the impact on the joints. Wearing traditional running shoes lessens this effect. Moreover, when 'running free' our toes grip onto the ground; this increases stability and exercises muscles that would otherwise go unused. These may seem like small details, but little things done often quickly add up, and with Nike Free trainers you'll soon see the huge difference something so simple as increased flexibility can make to your fitness.

Protection and performance combined with Nike Free

OK, understood, Nike Free supports and protects your feet whilst giving you the benefits of running barefoot. But what's with all the numbers? What's the difference between a Nike Free 2.0 and a Nike Free 5.0? Well, the numbers represent how flexible the soles of the trainers are. Think of it like this: 0.0 on the scale would be going bare foot, whilst 10.0 would be wearing a traditional running shoe - Nike produces running shoes for every stage in between, so you have the power to choose how you want to balance freedom and protection. But don't get too lost in the technical details and forget what's most crucial: regardless of the precise extent to which each version of this innovation in footwear trains and supports the body, the fact of the matter is that Nike Free Run trainers are comfortable, stylish, and will ensure that you have a great workout. So discover Nike Free trainers at Zalando now!