KIZIK Freedom Run Review: A Runner With Wide Feet Puts These Sneakers to the Test

If your social media algorithm is anything like mine, you've heard of KIZIK sneakers. They're sneakers you don't need to lace, you can slip right on, and are rated as great comfort sneakers. KIZIKs are regularly recommended as travel sneakers, and popular with nurses and folks on their feet all day. One of the latest styles from KIZIK is the Freedom Run, step-in running shoe that is also wide-foot friendly.

When I received the opportunity to receive a gift pair of the KIZIK Women's Freedom Run, I decided to have them tested out by someone who could give a quality review for fellow runners. Natalie is my neighbor, my friend, a fellow grown-ass woman, with wide feet, and a longtime runner and certified running coach.

Below is her real experience running and walking more than 30 miles in the Freedom Run. If you too have wide feet, if you hate tying your shoes, or just want to know whether a step-in shoe is a good option, this KIZIK Freedom Run review is for you!

30+ Miles in the KIZIK Women's Freedom Run Sneaker: Honest Thoughts

Natalie Bailey running outdoors on a paved trail while testing the Kizik Freedom Run shoes — Natalie, our KIZIK running shoes reviewer

I love running but I hate shoelaces. For everything but running, I avoid shoelaces at all costs. Birkenstocks, Danskos, and my slip-on everyday sneakers are my favorites. I have wide feet and a narrow heel, so I tie my running shoes with a heel-lock lace to keep my heels from slipping.

The KIZIK website promises a hands-free experience to putting the shoes on, while “locking you in for less heel slip.” When Alison shared the opportunity to test out a pair of step-in running shoes, I jumped at the chance.

Screenshot of tracked walking activities logged while testing Kizik Freedom Run shoes — Miles walked in KIZIK running shoes

For a few weeks, I tried out KIZIK’s Women’s Freedom Run running shoes. I’ve covered more than 30 miles in them, including both running and walking.

Screenshot of tracked running activities logged while testing Kizik Freedom Run shoes — Miles run in KIZIK running sneakers

My credentials

Natalie Bailey raising her arms crossing a race finish line

I’ve been a runner for a long time. I trained for my first 10K in 2000 and since then have run nearly 150 races from 5Ks to marathons to triathlons. I love helping other people run, too. In 2009, I got certified by the Road Runners Club of America as a distance running coach, and I served as a volunteer coach for multiple programs organized by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club. I also have had my share of injuries that have required orthotics, physical therapy, and ultimately, surgery to repair a torn labrum in my hip.

The good

Close-up of both feet wearing gray Kizik Freedom Run step-in sneakers

Stepping into KIZIK Freedom Run sneakers is great. I love that I can slip them on and go. People that find it harder to bend over to tie shoelaces would really like this feature!I found the shoes to be pretty comfortable. They’re nice and cushy with a heel drop of 9mm. People who like a cushy ride will really like these.

The unfortunate

Kizik Freedom Run stacked above a New Balance 880 running shoe showing lace placement differences

Because of the way the lacings with the Freedom Run work, there is less customization that the wearer can do to make them fit just right. Yes, the heel is secure. However, the opening for the foot is larger than in my regular running shoes, and I found my foot sliding around a bit.

With my typical shoes, I could have laced them tighter closer to the toe box and I could have used the heel-lock lacing but that wasn’t an option here. It turns out that shoelaces are important when you need a custom fit for running.

This photo really illustrates the difference between the KIZIKs (top) and my New Balance 880s. Both are size 10 wide, but there are differences in the placement of the laces. Because the KIZIK laces don’t reach as far towards the toes as the NBs do, I couldn’t adjust them to keep my forefoot from moving around as much.

Top-down view comparing the Kizik Freedom Run and New Balance 880, both size 10 wide

Also, it’s easy to see the wider foot opening for the KIZIKs in these photos. The heel does lock in, but the laces don’t go as far up towards the ankle, which also means that they are less customizable for the wearer.

I think ultimately I will end up using these shoes less for running and more for walking.

The recommendation

When I was a volunteer distance running coach, I fielded questions from my runners about why they were getting blisters or why their knees hurt. My advice was frequently to try a different pair of shoes. And I would send them to a local running specialty store where the staff could provide expert advice on which shoes would be best suited to their feet and needs. And that’s my recommendation here.

In Prince George’s County, Maryland, we have a specialty running store called Haraka Run and Walk. (“Haraka” means “speed” in Swahili.) The owners and staff are terrific and have deep expertise in the needs of runners. And seemingly small differences in the construction of shoes can make a big difference on the run.

I would have liked to be able to try on a few different sizes of the KIZIKs to find out which size worked best. I suspect that these run big, and that a smaller size would have worked a bit better for me.

Natalie Bailey

Natalie Bailey is conservation biologist and founder of Good Nature Strategies, LLC. She is a long-time runner who has logged miles in Tanzania, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Cambodia, using precious carry-on space for her running shoes. Natalie is a grown-ass GenX woman with a family of runners, including her ultra-marathoner husband and cross-country running son, now in college.

Frequently Asked Questions About KIZIK Running Shoes for Women

Are KIZIK running shoes good for running?

KIZIK Freedom Run hold up fine for easy miles and walking, but we found the fit too loose through the midfoot for faster or longer runs. If your feet prefer a snug, customizable fit, you'll get more mileage (literally) using these for walking.

Do KIZIK Freedom Run shoes run true to size?

We tested a size 10 wide, the same size worn in regular running shoes, and felt they ran big. If you're ordering online, consider sizing down.

Are KIZIK shoes good for wide feet?

The step-in style of KIZIK gives a wider foot opening, which helps get your foot in and out with ease. However, since there's no heel-lock lacing option and the laces don't extend far enough toward the toe box, they don't snug up a wide forefoot the way traditional laces can.

What is the heel drop on the KIZIK Freedom Run?

The Freedom Run has around a 9mm drop, which will will feel familiar if you already run in cushioned trainers.

Should I buy KIZIK shoes for training runs?

Advice from a coach is go to a running store, get properly fitted, and find out the design of shoe that is best for you. If that kind of shoe is similar to KIZIK, they are well-made and comfortable sneakers.