Jake Pulver
Barefoot Essentials: The Evolution of Nike Free
Nike Free 5.0 V1
Photo via Nike
The Nike Free 5.0 technology served as the perfect introduction for the greater masses. As alluded in the shoe’s name, Nike created a scale of cushioning from 1 (barefoot) to 10 (fully cushioned), with the 5.0 V1 serving as the initial midpoint. The shoe featured a traditional lacing system and a perforated fabric overlay – not the most advanced look out of the bunch on the upper, but especially for 2004, the flexibility and progressive character of the sole rocketed the Nike Free 5.0 V1 into the future.
Photo via Nike
In addition, the sneaker took “natural motion” literally with a skeleton foot imprint on the insole.
