Verdict from 3 experts and +100 user reviews

5 reasons to buy

  • A majority of the wearers marveled at how comfortable the Nike Free Trainer v7 was.
  • The material used in this shoe was lauded for being lightweight and breathable.
  • Many training enthusiasts were pleased with how versatile it was for many types of fitness activities.
  • A lot of testers liked how supportive this shoe felt on their feet.
  • Some of the buyers also noted that they were satisfied with the snug fit of the trainer.

3 reasons not to buy

  • The dynamic stretch bands were disfavored by a handful of purchasers; they felt that the trainer would fit better if they could tie the laces themselves.
  • The midsole was not firm enough for weightlifting exercises, as stated by a number of gym-goers.
  • The lack of upper overlays made it difficult for some users to perform side-to-side movements.

Bottom line

The Nike Free Trainer v7 has been praised for its overall comfort and snug fit. On the flip side, some buyers were disappointed with the half-sleeve upper design and the lack of support for weightlifting. But despite the drawbacks, the Free Trainer v7 was still touted as a reliable and versatile training option by many testers.

Tip: see the best training shoes.

Expert reviews:

User reviews:

Video reviews

Good to know

  • The Nike Free Trainer v7 hails from the brand’s line of shoes that deliver a barefoot-like training experience. Because of its name, this man’s training shoe can be easily confused with the women’s Nike Free TR 7. While the two models share similar Free sole units, their designs differ significantly.
  • The new model ditched the hexagonal panels that were prevalent in prior versions. It now features a triangular pattern for multi-directional flexibility.
  • The upper unit employs a half-sleeve design for a snug and secure fit. It also utilizes a dynamic stretch band instead of laces to keep the foot locked-in.

The Free Trainer v7 features an updated Nike Free sole. The new sole has triangular segments that allow it to expand and contract in any direction. It helps in delivering more flexibility and freedom of movement for the foot.

The sole also has rubber pods that are strategically placed on the toes and heel portions. They serve to protect the platform against the wear and tear while ensuring traction on a variety of surfaces.

The midsole of the Free Trainer 7 is made of a one-piece foam material. The material is designed to be lightweight and responsive. Its form-accommodating construction promotes the natural toe splaying.

This Nike trainer features a half-sleeve construction with a fully attached tongue. The coverage is comprised of a 3D-printed, breathable mesh. This material keeps the shoe lightweight and capable of providing support in the right areas.

The upper is reinforced with the Flywire, a proprietary technology developed by Nike. It features sturdy filaments that add support and prevent the foot from slipping throughout the training session.

For the lacing system, it uses dynamic stretch bands. They allow wearers to easily slip on the shoe and acquire a snug fit while still having the freedom to move.

How Free Trainer v7 compares

This shoe: 82
All shoes average: 79
61 92
This shoe: £100
All shoes average: £90
£60 £130
This shoe: 277g
All shoes average: 279g
215g 340g
Ready to buy? Available from £55
Not sure yet? Overview of all 471 training shoes
Author
Nicholas Rizzo
Nicholas Rizzo

Nick is a powerlifter who believes cardio comes in the form of more heavy ass squats. Based on over 1.5 million lifts done at competitions, his PRs place him as an elite level powerlifter. His PRs have him sitting in the top 2% of bench presses (395 lbs), top 3% of squats (485 lbs) and top 6% of deadlifts (515 lbs) for his weight and age. His work has been featured on Forbes, Bodybuilding.com, Elite Daily and the like. Collaborating along the way with industry leaders like Michael Yessis, Mark Rippetoe, Carlo Buzzichelli, Dave Tate, Ray Williams, and Joel Seedman.

nick@runrepeat.com