Connect 4

Feels solid and safe

My first pair of zero drop shoes. I've had them for about three months now. I like them a lot. They felt a bit odd to start with, but I soon got used to them. Now, it feels odder, for longer, to go back to normal shoes.

I use them for day to day kicking around in, walking, cycling (on flat pedals) and hang gliding. They are good for all of those. On longer walks in the Lake District (or the local park) it felt strange to be able to feel the stones under my feet, but no longer. The soles are very flexible compared with normal shoes but still protect my feet from bruising.

I don't think they are completely waterproof ("water resistant" with "waterproof" lining, says Freet) but I admit I haven't tested this properly. The fairly high rubber rand around the sides means that you don't get wet too soon. They are made of plastic, however ("recycled plastic bottles", actually) so they don't remain as fresh as leather shoes, but I guess on the other hand I can chuck them in the washing machine.

The sole is brilliant, really grippy but very flexible. I don't quite understand the reviews which describe them as "stiff". Maybe other barefoot shoes are even more flexible; I don't know. They seem pretty durable, too, not yet showing much wear.

The laces are way too long! I have to tie a triple bow to avoid tripping over them.

They are very good for travelling, because they pack down small and light.

Conclusion: recommended. I will probably buy them again when these wear out. But I would prefer the same design in brown leather, with shorter laces!

I normally wear EU 37 in Freet Tanga and Tanga 2 (236 mm insole), which fits me very well. Based on the size chart, Connect 4 in EU 37 has the same listed insole length as the Tanga 2, so I ordered the same size.

Despite identical measurements on paper, the Connect 4 felt shorter in use. The toe area is more structured, so perhaps there is less usable space at the front?

The overall feel of the shoe is also noticeably more structured and firm. The upper is stiffer, and it feels hard in general. This may be great for durability and protection, but it gives a very different experience from the flexible, almost sock-like feel of Tanga.

I also have a high instep/high arch. To keep my foot from sliding forward, I needed to tighten the laces (even using a runner’s loop). However, tightening created pressure across the top of my foot. If I loosened the laces to relieve that pressure, my foot would move slightly, which led to heel rubbing and blisters.

So for me it felt like a trade-off:
Tight enough = pressure and discomfort on the top
Loose enough = movement and heel irritation

The shoe feels solid and well made, but it is not as forgiving as softer Freet models. If you have a higher-volume foot or prefer a very flexible, minimal feel, this is something to be aware of.

Bought these for my son who has huge feet (UK 12.5). He said they are comfortable and light. They are also definitely waterproof, which was the main reason for buying them. He wishes there was a plain black version of these. I hope Freet do bigger sizes, as my son's feet are still growing.

I really liked the original Connect so was keen to give these a go. Originally bought a size 44 but that was too snug so had to swap for a 45. Fits nicely though feels a little heavy (perhaps more than I’d usually like for a running rather than walking shoe). Generally pretty comfortable. My only issue is that the shoe is a bit stiff and niggles the outside of my ankle. A bit more padding or a fit lower on the ankle and it would be a brilliant shoe for me. As it is I’m hoping it will soften a bit through use but it might be a painful process!