Do you Really need Nike+ shoes to use the Nike+ Sensor insert?

Or is that another one of Nike's gimmicks to make us all spend more money?

I'm interested in possibly getting the Nike+ band, or even the Nike+ Watch (which appears to be a little more superior than the band?).

Which should I purchase, if any? I'm looking for something that can map runs, track distance, monitor heart rate, speed, and probably calories burned (while I'm at it, right?).

I have the RunKeeper app for my iPhone, and essentially I DON'T want to have to carry that with me on runs (it's too bulky and distracting).

I think you do, however it is important to remember that these devices are not 'factual' they are approximate values gained by using assumed rates of metabolism etc. When calculating calories lost.

Polar products do watch like devises which are similar and there are less expensive options out there.

You could get a heart rate monitor and work out the rest when you get home though, as most of the calorie calculations are based on time and average heart rate with age and weight alone… They don't consider effort required to give you a number.

No you do not need Nike shoes to use the Nike Sensor insert. They actually make little pouches to put the sensor in and you can lace that into your shoelaces. That said, the Nike chip in combination with the phone app is kind of hit and miss with my experience. Some people have a lot of luck with it and some people find it fairly inaccurate.

The Nike+ band is similar in terms of it's accuracy and I've used a Nike+ watch before and I've had a lot of success with that. I've always liked that watch and found it pretty comparable to a Garmin 110 or 210 or a lower end Polar watch. What I do like about the Nike+ watch is that it's fairly simple to use and it plugs directly into the computer to charge and download your runs (you don't need a cable).

It won't do heart rate, but you can get a Garmin 210 with that capability or a Polar watch (I'm not sure which model) but for some of these options, you have to wear a heart rate strap, so I would try to avoid that, because it's uncomfortable, although it is more accurate.

Ultimately, a Nike+ watch will map runs, track distance, speed and calories burned, but that Garmin is also a good option. If you use the Nike+ sensor insert, you need to use it combination with a sport band or a phone.

Hope that helps!