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.