8.2
/10
Ultimate Packability
8.2
/10
Ultimate Packability
Last Updated:
Jul 6, 2025
Nike Free RN 5.0 Review: Best Packable Minimalist
The Ultimate Space-Saving, Featherlight Travel Shoe for Minimalists.
For ultralight packers, every cubic centimeter matters. When minimalist travelers claim a shoe can compress to almost nothing while still functioning for light activity, we had to investigate. This review dives into why the Nike Free RN 5.0 has been a cult favorite in the one-bag community for years.
Research Methodology
Minimalist travelers swear by the Nike Free RN's packability, but is it worth the trade-off in comfort? I analyzed years of discussions in r/onebag and ultralight travel forums to understand its true role. The consensus: it's an unbeatable \secondary\ shoe for saving space, but a risky primary shoe for anyone not accustomed to minimalist footwear.
🎒
Packability
10
User reports confirm the unstructured knit upper allows it to be squashed almost completely flat, fitting in the smallest of bag pockets.
🪶
Lightweight
9.5
At around 6.5oz, these are among the lightest sneakers available, adding virtually no noticeable weight to your luggage.
🤸
Flexibility
9
The sole's deep flex grooves are designed to promote natural foot movement, offering an experience very close to being barefoot.
🌬️
Breathability
8.5
The knit upper provides excellent airflow, keeping feet comfortable and cool on warm travel days, according to many traveler reviews.
Perfect For
🎒
Ultralight Packers
🪶
Barefoot Enthusiasts
🤸
Warm Weather Casual
👣
Hotel Gym Use
👟
Flight Comfort
Quality & Comfort
The comfort of the Free RN 5.0 is very specific: if you embrace a minimalist, "feel the ground" philosophy, these are remarkable. The knit upper feels soft and sock-like with no break-in needed. They are perfect for casual strolls (2-3 miles) around a city and for morning jogs. However, if you're not used to minimalist footwear, the lack of cushioning becomes very noticeable on hard surfaces. For most people, this is not a shoe for walking 15 miles a day on concrete. But as a secondary shoe, it's a star. It’s perfect for giving your feet a break from more structured shoes, for a quick hotel gym session, or for a comfortable and easy-to-remove option on a long flight. It's a specialized tool for the savvy packer.
Durability
For such a lightweight shoe, the durability of the Nike Free RN (especially the 2018 model) is often praised by users as being surprisingly good. The knit upper is resilient enough for its intended light use. The main place you'll see wear is the outsole. Because it's mostly exposed foam, constant use on abrasive concrete will wear it down faster than a shoe with full rubber coverage. But for its role as a packable, flexible shoe for light travel activity, it lasts well. I'd recommend hand washing to protect the delicate knit.
Packability
This is where the Nike Free RN 5.0 is an undisputed champion. It squashes down to almost nothing. It can be flattened and slid into the side water bottle pocket of a daypack. They take up less space than a rolled-up t-shirt. This functions as a perfect secondary shoe for travel, or even a primary shoe for dedicated minimalist travelers who value space and weight savings above all else.
Functionality
Functionally, the Nike Free RN 5.0 is designed to maximize natural foot movement and provide ultimate packability. The deep flex grooves in the sole allow your foot to move naturally, almost like being barefoot. Its lightweight and highly breathable nature work well for warmer climates or for keeping your feet cool during light workouts. Some versions even have a collapsible heel, so you can wear them as a slip-on mule—super handy for quick trips out of a hostel room or for easy airport security transitions. They are not designed for technical trails, cold weather, or for people who need a lot of arch support.
Value
As a specialized tool, the Nike Free RN 5.0 is a smart purchase. For a minimalist traveler, its ability to pack down to nothing while still serving as a capable light exercise and casual shoe offers fantastic value. It's not meant to be your only shoe for a trip with lots of walking unless you are a seasoned barefoot-style enthusiast. But as a super-packable, multi-purpose backup, it’s an affordable and effective choice.
The knitted upper makes them breathable and lightweight, but most importantly, they pack very flat. The only thing that really takes up space are the soles.
u/Gingerstrands (r/onebag)
Did You Know?
The Nike Free line was inspired by Nike's designers observing Stanford University athletes training barefoot on the university's golf course. This led to the development of a shoe that aimed to mimic the benefits of natural foot motion.
Quick Verdict
✕
Performance Scores
Minimalist Comfort
7.5
Flexibility
9
Lightweight
10
Packability
10
Lightweight
8
Packability
10
Flexibility
9.5
Breathability
8.5
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
The VOYAGER ULTRALIGHT transitions seamlessly from trail to terminal
Performance Analysis
Pros and Cons
Pros
✓
Unmatched packability; squashes nearly flat to save space.
✓
Featherlight build means you barely notice them in your bag.
✓
The knit upper offers a breathable, sock-like fit.
✓
100% waterproof knit (no coating)
Cons
x
No cushioning or support; unsuitable for long walks on concrete.
x
Thin outsole can wear down quickly on abrasive city streets.
x
Durability of post-2018 versions is reported as less consistent.
x
Not for rugged trails, cold conditions, or wet weather.
Final Verdict
8.2
Essential
The Ultimate Minimalist Shoe for Featherlight, Flat-Packing Travel Freedom.
The Nike Free RN 5.0 is a minimalist traveler's dream come true, offering unparalleled packability—it genuinely squashes almost completely flat—and an incredibly lightweight design. Its flexible knit upper and grooved sole provide a liberating "_barefoot-like_" experience that's great for promoting natural foot movement.
While its minimal cushioning means it isn't suited for all-day, high-impact walking on hard surfaces for most people, it excels as an ultra-packable option for light exercise, as a comfortable travel day companion, or as a secondary pair that adds almost no weight or bulk to your bag. For those who prioritize space-saving design and a natural underfoot feel, the Nike Free RN 5.0 remains a proven and highly-regarded travel shoe.
SHOP NOW
Compare Alternatives
Nike Free RN 5.0
$66
Nike's standard 60-day return policy
Flexible & Packable Design
Breathable Knit Upper
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
You Might Also Like
Best for Versatile Minimalist Action
Xero Shoes Prio
$105
View Full Review
View Full Review
Best for Natural Foot Comfort
LEMS Primal Zen
$130
View Full Review
View Full Review
Best for True Minimalist Experience
Vivobarefoot Primus Lite III
$
View Full Review
View Full Review
Best for Hot, Humid Climates
Allbirds Tree Runners
$105
View Full Review
View Full Review
Packable Minimalist
Nike Free RN 5.0
The Ultimate Space-Saving, Featherlight Travel Shoe for Minimalists.
8.2
SCORE
The Ultimate Minimalist Shoe for Featherlight, Flat-Packing Travel Freedom.
Last Updated:
Jul 6, 2025
For ultralight packers, every cubic centimeter matters. When minimalist travelers claim a shoe can compress to almost nothing while still functioning for light activity, we had to investigate. This review dives into why the Nike Free RN 5.0 has been a cult favorite in the one-bag community for years.
Research Methodology
Minimalist travelers swear by the Nike Free RN's packability, but is it worth the trade-off in comfort? I analyzed years of discussions in r/onebag and ultralight travel forums to understand its true role. The consensus: it's an unbeatable \secondary\ shoe for saving space, but a risky primary shoe for anyone not accustomed to minimalist footwear.
✓
Strengths
Unmatched packability; squashes nearly flat to save space.
Featherlight build means you barely notice them in your bag.
The knit upper offers a breathable, sock-like fit.
Good durability for its class, with the 2018 model praised for longevity.
X
Consider
No cushioning or support; unsuitable for long walks on concrete.
Thin outsole can wear down quickly on abrasive city streets.
Durability of post-2018 versions is reported as less consistent.
Not for rugged trails, cold conditions, or wet weather.
View Current Price
Compare
🪶
Lightweight
8
🎒
Packability
10
🤸
Flexibility
9.5
🌬️
Breathability
8.5
🌧️
Weather
9.2
Performance
🎒
Ultralight Packers
🪶
Barefoot Enthusiasts
🤸
Warm Weather Casual
👣
Hotel Gym Use
👟
Flight Comfort
Perfect For
Quality & Comfort
The comfort of the Free RN 5.0 is very specific: if you embrace a minimalist, "feel the ground" philosophy, these are remarkable. The knit upper feels soft and sock-like with no break-in needed. They are perfect for casual strolls (2-3 miles) around a city and for morning jogs. However, if you're not used to minimalist footwear, the lack of cushioning becomes very noticeable on hard surfaces. For most people, this is not a shoe for walking 15 miles a day on concrete. But as a secondary shoe, it's a star. It’s perfect for giving your feet a break from more structured shoes, for a quick hotel gym session, or for a comfortable and easy-to-remove option on a long flight. It's a specialized tool for the savvy packer.
Durability
For such a lightweight shoe, the durability of the Nike Free RN (especially the 2018 model) is often praised by users as being surprisingly good. The knit upper is resilient enough for its intended light use. The main place you'll see wear is the outsole. Because it's mostly exposed foam, constant use on abrasive concrete will wear it down faster than a shoe with full rubber coverage. But for its role as a packable, flexible shoe for light travel activity, it lasts well. I'd recommend hand washing to protect the delicate knit.
Packability
This is where the Nike Free RN 5.0 is an undisputed champion. It squashes down to almost nothing. It can be flattened and slid into the side water bottle pocket of a daypack. They take up less space than a rolled-up t-shirt. This functions as a perfect secondary shoe for travel, or even a primary shoe for dedicated minimalist travelers who value space and weight savings above all else.
Functionality
Functionally, the Nike Free RN 5.0 is designed to maximize natural foot movement and provide ultimate packability. The deep flex grooves in the sole allow your foot to move naturally, almost like being barefoot. Its lightweight and highly breathable nature work well for warmer climates or for keeping your feet cool during light workouts. Some versions even have a collapsible heel, so you can wear them as a slip-on mule—super handy for quick trips out of a hostel room or for easy airport security transitions. They are not designed for technical trails, cold weather, or for people who need a lot of arch support.
Value
As a specialized tool, the Nike Free RN 5.0 is a smart purchase. For a minimalist traveler, its ability to pack down to nothing while still serving as a capable light exercise and casual shoe offers fantastic value. It's not meant to be your only shoe for a trip with lots of walking unless you are a seasoned barefoot-style enthusiast. But as a super-packable, multi-purpose backup, it’s an affordable and effective choice.
The knitted upper makes them breathable and lightweight, but most importantly, they pack very flat. The only thing that really takes up space are the soles.
u/Gingerstrands (r/onebag)
You Might Also Like
Essential
The Ultimate Minimalist Shoe for Featherlight, Flat-Packing Travel Freedom.
8.8
The Nike Free RN 5.0 is a minimalist traveler's dream come true, offering unparalleled packability—it genuinely squashes almost completely flat—and an incredibly lightweight design. Its flexible knit upper and grooved sole provide a liberating "_barefoot-like_" experience that's great for promoting natural foot movement.
While its minimal cushioning means it isn't suited for all-day, high-impact walking on hard surfaces for most people, it excels as an ultra-packable option for light exercise, as a comfortable travel day companion, or as a secondary pair that adds almost no weight or bulk to your bag. For those who prioritize space-saving design and a natural underfoot feel, the Nike Free RN 5.0 remains a proven and highly-regarded travel shoe.
SHOP NOW
Nike Free RN 5.0
$149
✓
Nike's standard 60-day return policy
✓
Flexible & Packable Design
✓
Breathable Knit Upper
SHOP NOW
We may earn a commission when you purchase through our links, at no additional cost to you.
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor - Over 25 Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor - Over 25 Countries Visited
About The Author
Shaun
Travel Gear Editor - Over 25 Countries Visited
Shaun's recommendations stem from direct experience traveling 24 countries and living across 4 continents (currently based in Canada after years in the UK and Australia). Witnessing the gap between marketing claims and actual performance, he created this platform dedicated to unbiased, experience-driven gear reviews you can trust, free from paid promotions.
"From UK cobblestones to Aussie beaches and Canadian winters – living across continents teaches you what travel gear really needs to endure. That's the standard here."
📍
🇨🇦
Currently Based
🏠
🇬🇧
Hometown Country
🕒
7+
Years Travelling
🌎
25+
Countries Visited