Axel updates its Nike Free clone

Axel's (www.axelsportswear.com) first iteration of the Free 3.0 sets a benchmark for affordable minimalist shoe but won't win any prize for looks. In fact, the 1st gen.'s colour scheme looks 'cheap'. The 2nd iteration MR2393CE costs RM20 more but has greatly improved aesthetics besides other improvements.

High abrasion rubber (black area) added to heel and toe. Wider grooves, hopefully less likely to pick up rocks. Note the "5.0" embossed on the side of the midsole implying it is equivalent to Free 5.0.

The grooves are significantly wider than both the previous clone and the original Free 5.0

Wider grooves make a more flexible shoe

Size US9 weighs 9oz - light enough for speedwork and racing

The 30mm stack height under the heel is close to a regular shoe

Price: RM70 (~USD24) or roughly 1/5 of the original. Available at Giant hypermarket, Bayan Baru (www.giant.com.my/stores?q=penang) and Jusco QB, Penang (www.jusco.com.my/). 

IMPROVEMENTS over its predecessor:

• Better colour scheme.
• Wider grooves than previous iteration - prevent sand sticking in grooves.
• Adds high abrasion rubber to heel impact and toe-off zones.

CONS

• Non removable insole - can be forcefully removed as the glue is minimal.
• Costs RM20 more than its predecessor.

A very affordable Vibram clone

Not content with its very affordable Nike Free clones (here and here), Axel takes a stab at the Zero Drop Shoe segment with model MC2348-BOG.

The shoe displayed on Giant BB’s rack with its price tag (in RM).

The mesh openings are so big that the orange insole is partially visible

 

The orange-coloured 4mm thick insole can be removed for an even closer-to-the-ground feel

So flexible, it can be rolled up like a Chee Cheong Fun ler!

Price: RM30 (<USD10) at Giant, Penang - this price is comparable to the cheapest Zero Drop shoe surveyed by Gnolls.

Advantages:

• Grippy silicone outsole. 
• Lightweight, US size 8 weighs 5.5oz - this places it the same weigh ballpark as the Vibram and the Nike Mayfly/Flyknit.
• Low 2mm heel to ball differential. 
• Stack height: ball 8mm, heel 10mm - according to G. Kolata "Myths of barefoot running," NYT, Oct. 2012, this is the optimum cushion thickness for efficiency. 
• Mesh panels give good ventilation.

 Disadvantage: Silicone outsole probably wouldn't last very long.