Axel MR2900CE is slightly lighter and cheaper than its Free 5.0 clone

Axel (www.axelsportswear.com) moves away from copying the Nike Free's grooved sole in its latest minimalist model, MR2900CE. Axel's previous minimalist models either replicate the Free 5.0 (5.0 clone link) or Free 3.0 (3.0 clone link). The new sole has fewer and shallower grooves than the Free. For those who run mainly on roads, this is a blessing because the grooves are a magnet for gravel. The stack heights are: heel 3 cm. ball 2 cm.

Available in black/yellow and gray/red colour schemes. At RM60 (~USD20) from the Giant supermarket chain (www.giant.com.my/stores?q=penang), it is slightly cheaper than Axel's Nike Free 5.0 clone. One distinguishing feature is the metal eyelets - these are seldom seen in running shoes - their smoother surfaces allow the lace tension to be distributed equally.

 The grooves are shallower and fewer than Axel's Free 5.0 clone. Impact areas below the heel and the ball have hardier material (black outsole). The combination of shallower grooves and hard outsole makes the shoe less flexible than the Free 5.0 clone. However, the outsole patches under the ball may be superfluous because these are not the areas of the greatest wear - IMHO, the toe area will usually wear out quicker due to toe-off forces.

At ~8 oz. per shoe (a pair is shown to weigh 16 oz.), it is roughly 1 oz. lighter than the Free 5.0 clone, but slightly heavier than the now obsoleted Free 3.0 clone. The weight saving is probably achieved by eliminating the showy plastic heel counter and overlays used in the Free 5.0 clone.

Pros: cheap (RM60/USD20), light (8 oz), relatively flexible.
Cons: unnecessary outsole patches under the ball reduces flexiblity and increases weight.

Cheapest ultra-light (6 oz.) shoe

At 6oz, this shoe falls in the same weight category as the Nike Mayfly or Saucony Virrata but costs RM30 (~USD10) only at Giant Hypermarket (www.giant.com.my/stores?q=penang).

This model is available in 3 design variants - the left two variants are unbranded, the red one on the extreme right is branded as 'Rocklander'.

A pair weighs 12oz (or ~6 oz. per shoe)

Despite the absence of an outsole, the wear is surprising good. Morever, the shallow and gently sloping grooves do not pick up gravel.

The uppers consist of a mesh outer layer and a rubber-like inner layer. The uppers' poor durability leads to the eyelets elongating under the lace tension. The elongated eyelets are particularly visible at the medial side. The fear of the eyelets breaking mid-race made me retire the shoe prematurely. Additionally, the original black laces quickly frayed and had to be replaced with the white ones above.

 

An elongated eyelet viewed from the inside.

Pros: flexible. Possibly the lowest cost 6 oz minimalist/racing shoe. Highly flexible. Sole does not pick up gravel.
Cons: Shoe is very wide, thus requiring the laces to be tightened to the maximum. To compound the problem, the uppers are stretchy, leading to foot sliding. Upper material is not durable and this cause the eyelets to elongate under the laces' tension. Laces quickly frayed.