Nike Free Zen and Now 5.0 Walking Shoe

The Zen version is no longer available, but other Nike Free 5.0 shoes are very similar. These shoes mimic walking barefoot. The extreme flexibility from the grooved sole allows your foot to move as it wishes, not how the shoe wishes. The shoes come with a recommended training schedule to slowly build your time in them, as your feet and body adjust to the extreme freedom. They are meant to be used in combination with regular walking shoes, while strengthening your foot muscles.

Fit
I have avoided Nike for years because their narrow toe box and lack of widths made them unwearable for me. But the Nike Free Zen and Now 5.0 fits like a glove. I can wear a thin sock with it or go barefoot in it.

Flexibility
The Nike Free Zen 5.0 imitates being barefoot. The outsole is grooved so that each inch of the foot can flex as it naturally wishes to do. The result is a shoe that is a pleasure to wear, but one you are recommended to ease into wearing. It comes with a schedule to slowly build up your time in the shoe as your body gets used to the extreme flexibility. But being flexible doesn't mean being sloppy. Walkers more than runners need a flexible shoe to allow the foot to roll through a step. I didn't realize how limiting my other lightweight, flexible shoes were until I put on the Nike Free Zen 5.0.

Upper
The upper is comfortable pleated fabric with more reinforcement against wear vs. the running version of the Nike Free shoe. It feels great without socks.

Heel
The heel is slightly undercut and less flared than the running version of the Nike Free 5.0, which is better for a walking stride. My immediate reaction was wanting to racewalk in them. You can get a great heel plant and roll-through for a fast walking stride.

Verdict
These are a comfortable part of my shoe wardrobe, great for walks of 30-60 minutes, or wearing around the office, school, or home.