I actually waited for these ever since Nike came with the FlyKnit upper. I am already a big fan of the Free midsole having gone through two of them (both 3.0) putting around 400 miles on each. I was disappointed that Nike did not launch the Free FlyKnit on the 3.0 midsole and 5.0 was the only option but I pre-ordered and it came promptly a week before the store launch... so kind of special. And the free sock kind of helped with the sticker shock of $160. First some facts - I have narrow feet and hence Nike works for me since they come with narrower toe boxes. I run neutral and have built mileage on the Free over a period of time. I have midfoot strike.
It does indeed look like a sock and works like one. Though the Free 3.0 was conceptually not very far from the Free FlyKnit, the later has a very different ride feel. Over the last couple of days, I ran a 5K on a treadmill, and a 10K mostly on trails. It does not look it but the shoe does provide a lot a upper support but fits like a second skin. The 5.0 midsole is slightly thicker than the 3.0 but I did not feel the difference much. Throughout my runs on the treadmill and the trail I stayed on my midfoot strike. It runs better on a trail but collects stones in the waffle grooves. The green color is vividly bright, and I think I may have like a blue or the red and blue better. The upper grasps your ankle with a stretchy band which felt great even on the 10K but I am not sure how it will work for someone with a wider ankle. The shoe breaths much better than the current 3.0. which is great for Houston, TX where humidity makes it feel as if you are running your mouth full of GU.
Overall I like it more than the present 3.0. and I feel it will work for people who are comfortable with a narrow toe box, a minimalist ride and really bright colors.
