The numbering system indicates the cushioning of the shoe and follows a scale ranging from 0 (barefoot) to 10 (normal running shoe). Free 3.0 is the least and Free 7.0 (discontinued) is the most cushioned model so far.

Nike Free always helps enhance your body's natural motion, but the barefoot-like-running experiences vary from shoe to shoe. These variances are graded on the Free Scale. The lower the number, the more barefoot-like the shoe.

The Nike Free Run is a lightweight minimalist shoe that performs well on runs of short distances (sprints to 10k's). The shoe wrap allows the shoe to create a feeling of sereneness around the foot which in turn creates a great fit which results in a comfortable run. 7.80 oz. (221 gr.)

1972. The first version of what would become the Waffle Racer, nicknamed the 'Moon Shoe' is released with the first Swoosh logo. Pairs are handed out to athletes competing in US Olympic trials. The Nike Aztek is renamed to Cortez due to trademark issues with the original name, and is released during the Mexico Olympics ...