Shoe Review: Viking Anaconda Boa II GTX

BACKGROUNDER

TRAIL SHOE:

• Recommended for hikers, trekkers and the occasional trail runner
• Excellent traction on any trail condition. Plenty of upper support
• Fitted with the BOA lacing technology
• Weight: 15 oz.

Many of our present trail shoes are generally made to look like real trail shoes with hard rubber outsoles, over-sized lugs, toe bumpers, etc. But European-designed trail shoes such as the Viking from Norway are specifically made for the trails because of the greater tradition of hiking, trekking and running in Europe.

The Anaconda Boa II GTX has every technical bell and whistle, from the upper to the outsole. No cost was spared and this trail shoe is made with high-tech materials and innovations a European company has to offer.

CONSTRUCTION

This model has a nice water-resistant synthetic leather that works well to keep feet dry in wet conditions. The inside lining is made of GORE-TEX membranes which keeps the shoe waterproof that doesn’t allow the water to sip-in. Although the outer fabric is water resistant, the pores of the membranes lets heat and moisture out keeping the interior breathable and comfortable.

The outsoles are fairly aggressive as Viking use their own unique technology called the “Ultimate Grip Concept” (UGC) and i have personally felt the excellent traction while running on technical trails, rocky paths and slippery surfaces. The rubber studs are set in different directions to guarantee an excellent traction to almost any terrain.

The UGC outsoles

Like some of North Face trail shoes, the Viking uses the BOA lacing system into their shoes. It’s a round piece of knob (the size of a 5 Peso coin) located on the sides and is connected to ultra-thin steel wires that serves as the laces.

When loosening the laces, you just pull out the knob and push the tongue of the shoe forward. Then to tighten it, push-in back the knob and rotate it clockwise and adjust its tightness. Pretty cool and simple.

FIT AND FEEL

I didn’t have a clue on how to unlock the BOA laces when i first tried it on. But once i got the gist of it, it was so simple to slip your foot on and out of the shoe and a lot convenient when adjusting the tightness of the lacing.

The fit is snug because of the exactness of the closure. There was no pressure points at all and the adjustments of the foot was even and secure.

PERFORMANCE

The Anaconda was developed by one of Norway’s oldest “outdoor” shoe company—and it shows. It’s an excellent hiking/trail walking shoe but not purposely for running fast paces or long intervals.

However, it’s performance on every technical trail imaginable is above par! I was able to test run/walk this shoe on a recent trail and mountain run to Mt. Manalmon in Bulacan a few weeks ago (my story here). The trek up and down the trails was about 10kms and it was a cinch stepping up on rocky terrain, over large tree roots and rough roads.

The traction was superb and even if it was heavy, the shoe was responsive enough when stepping up and down slippery stones and other wet surfaces that you never worry of sliding out of balance.

The grip was good and the BOA laces stayed firmly as it was intended to be. It was water resistant when the shoe was half-submerged in the river and when it was totally submerged when wading across  the river, it dried out quickly in a few minutes.

FINAL EVALUATION

The weakness of the Anaconda is this shoe was way too heavy, a little booty and because of its weight, it was hard to sustain a continuous run.

However, the traction was phenomenal, it had a decent fit and adaptable to any off-road terrain.

This shoe should be more than adequate for mountaineers, hikers, trekkers, trail walkers or peak-baggers.

I would not discount this shoe for runners as it can be used for occasional trail runs, as a recovery or cross training shoe to run on non-technical trails. But then,  i would not recommend this shoe for serious trail runners or for those wanting to race on trail races.

I’ll still give the Anaconda plenty of credit. While most trail shoes are geared to for running and having this ‘trail look’, Viking builds trail shoes for function.

The Anaconda has the makings of a good running trail shoe but Viking simply didn’t have lightness and racing in their minds yet.

Hopefully, soon!

Shoe Review: Reebok Realflex Transition

The Realflex Transition

BACKGROUNDER

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAINER:

• Recommended for bio-mechanically efficient runners, heel to midfoot strikers who need a light, well-cushioned shoe for fast-paced training or racing.
• Could be used as an everyday running shoe on paved roads, the track and simple dirt roads
• Weight 6.5 oz.

Sometime ago in a blog post i did about Reebok, i rued that their running shoes were under-represented in the local running scene as most of their models were catered exclusively to aerobics, gym or basketball enthusiasts. Where were their “Premier” models like their Verona KFS,  Fusion 2, the Phoenix and Trinity models? I didn’t see them sold anywhere locally, even when most of them were rated by Runners World Magazine as its Editor’s Choice, Best Buy or Best Debut picks.

Instead, they came out with blazing marketing blitz on their Zigtech and Easy Tone model, which would later cause the US Federal Trade Commission to order the company to refund a hefty sum to buyers for false advertising on their Easy Tone model.

While the Easy Tone, a toning/walking shoe, that  purportedly provided extra tone and strength to leg and buttock muscles was viewed as a false claim by the FTC, the Zigtech on the other hand sold very well although real runners were still not convinced as to its worth as a true running shoe. However, it had its share of glowing reviews and many runners swear to its admirable performance and have used it in marathons and ultra races.

The Reebok Realflex comes in a time when minimalist shoes are the rage and runners would like to try everything that would allow them to run as naturally as their bodies would allow. While not a minimalist shoe per se, the Realflex Transition might be a transition shoe for minimalist running as it is lightweight, very flexible and and all-around trainer.

I was skeptical with this shoe right out of the box but my perception changed when i was able to run on it on varying distances, speed and terrain.

CONSTRUCTION:

• Over-all, the Realflex Transition has minimalist construction, the upper is made of synthetic layers with breathable mesh and suede leather around the outer forefoot area and heel cup.

• This is probably Reebok’s training shoe at the extreme lightweight end of the spectrum and the Realflex takes the minimalist concept as far as construction goes.

• The shoes’ interior, from the heel to the midfoot area is well padded and the removable insole is thick and cushiony. The outsole is engineered with independent multi-directional “nodes” strategically positioned to give additional cushioning.

 FIT AND FEEL:

• The Realflex has a nice, snug fit. It’s one of the most flexible shoes i have ever tested. I like the footing which is soft but firm and there are no irritation issues with the upper and even on the heel-counter which is somewhat high.

• Like i mentioned earlier, the insoles are super thick which looks and feels like an orthotic and gives it a somewhat bouncy ride. Its lightness is palpable as you can immediately discern that this is made for tempo, intervals, fartleks, hill repetitions and racing.

PERFORMANCE:

I was amazed at the lightweight feeling and the cushioning was major, like somewhat of an over-kill. The responsiveness was robust, the upper is seemless and the shoe performed like a racing flat and it glided well on pavements as well as on dirt roads.

The nodes provided great traction and when cruising up hills, it provided some extra bounce which helped to push me up on the inclines. The Realflex performance was solid but then, i would like to put it more on its paces like on technical trails and see how it performs. The slugs are pretty aggressive but because of its soft, flexible built, i have some doubts as to its durability and longevity.

CONCLUSION:

My initial impression of the Realflex Transition is overwhelmingly positive. The slight stability bars along the edges provided some control and the outsole package of the shoe were just fine. The shoes’ interiors are comfortable and well-padded. It is also quite light thanks to its minimalist composite materials of the upper.

It’s nice to see Reebok make conventional running shoes once in a while even if the Realflex main features are borrowed from concepts of minimalist shoes. However, i would like to think that Adidas (the owners of Reebok) would still want to develop newer innovations on their own brand and would rather spend a bigger allocation of funds for their shoes’ development to enhance a better, lighter and mainstream shoes for serious runners. I venture that Reebok would still be concentrating more on shoes geared towards a wider scope of athletes and cross-trainers for their avid users which for many, is still a good thing.

My thanks to Reebok, Philippines and to local Reebok ambassador, Blas Tiangco for letting me try-out this shoe.

Shoe Review: On-Running Cloudsurfer

BACKGROUNDER:

Lightweight Cushioned Shoe:

• For efficient runners, forefoot strikers and underpronators who want good cushioning and a light flexible ride
• Good second shoe for fast-paced training, racing and long distance runs
• Won the Avansa Over-all award at the recent ISPO Brand New 2010 Awards for Innovation in Sports
• Weight: 10.0 oz (estimate)

Engineered in Switzerland, made in China.

Well, the production in China is mostly a given, where majority of running shoes (or nearly all of them) are made there but the ON-Running shoe has its roots in Switzerland and no less than the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Testing and Research has tested and acknowledged the cushioning capabilities of this shoe.

The ON is relatively new in the market making its debut at the International Trade Fair for Sports Equipment and Fashion in Munich last year. It is presently available in Europe, the United States, Australia, Singapore and Malaysia and developed by Ironman Triathlon Champion Olivier Bernhard and endorsed by former New York Marathon Champion Tegla Laroupe.

I was able to test run this shoe last week and the model i have is the “Cloudsurfer”. The fact that this shoe has nothing to do with surfing, it was created to simulate a glide-like soft landing and to make a powerful push-off with the help of its lugs.

CONSTRUCTION:

The Cloudsurfer is one radical-looking running shoe that i’ve tried. Its big advance: to land as soft as landing in soft ground and to push off effectively by using its 3D CLOUDTEC Cushioning technology which are pieces of circular rubber lugs they call “clouds” embedded on the outsole. That’s right, the outsole! ON shoes has become one of the first shoes to take the cushioning battle to the outsole. Gimmick or not? Not.

ON shoes accomplishes this with 13 circular “clouds”, 9 of which are located in the forefoot area and 4 much sturdier clouds on the heel side. With these, the clouds compresses, locks and rebounds for a powerful push-off and compresses back to a very cushioned landing.

Aesthetically, the shoes are very well built with a lightweight mesh fabric while the panels are wide enough for cooling ventilation.  The sock-fit insole are removable and well cushioned to conform to the shape of the foot for comfort and support. The collar and tongue are well padded as the stitching and overlays are very well done.

FIT AND FEEL:

There’s no problem getting into the shoe, so once you’re in, you’re locked-in. The pull-up tab on the heel was not necessary, in my opinion. The fit is snug and wraps around your foot nice and comfortable. It flexes in the forefoot and is flexible enough for both forefoot and heel strikers. The inside feel is roomy and did not overheat even when used in hot weather.

PERFORMANCE:

The ON is a solid workhorse and running an initial 13k on asphalt and concrete on my first try did not pose any inconvenience, whatsoever. The ride was smooth, transition was very responsive and there are times when you don’t feel the ground as those “clouds” may have been doing its job in dissipating the shock.

The light, glove-like feel seem to float on fast-paces and even running on cement (which i hate and try to avoid) seem to be inconsequential as your concentration remains to moving fast and efficiently, as possible.

The following day was my tempo and interval day and tried to see how responsive it was on faster-paced running. True to form, it is light, agile and very receptive. From a tartan track to a dirt track and back on the roads, the ON did show its adaptiveness and i’m tempted to try it on a trail one of these days.

HIGHEST AND BEST USE:

High marks for this shoe! On a scale of 1 to 5, 5 being the highest, i’ll rate this at 4.5. Ideal for efficient runners who want a responsive, lightweight trainer and a good second shoe for fast work-outs or as a well-cushioned racing shoe.

CONCERN:

This shoe doesn’t come cheap and will be lumped with other expensive running shoes like the Newton and Somnio. So with the price, the questions are: Are the rubber clouds durable enough and for how long will they last? I’m sure there have been tests on longevity and durability conducted on this and would like to know of the outcome. So, the jury is still out, as for now. The On-Running shoe will be available at Chris Sports in early September, 2011.

She's Chris Sports' Marketing Manager Arleen Lindo giving my test pair last week. Thanks, Arleen!

Shoe Review: Somnio Pacemaker 2.0

Pacemaker 2.0

INTRODUCTION:

• This is a neutral shoe for fast-paced running or for racing
• With a slightly curved last, an excellent shoe for runners with medium to high arches and low to moderate pronation
• The shoe comes with interchangeable plantar footbeds, cushioning inserts and varus wedges which allow the runner to customize the shoe to their own spececific biomechanical needs.
• Weight: 10.5 oz

Innovation reigns supreme in running shoes, specially if it can address the biomechanical needs of a runner in terms of his foot alignment, arch, and cushioning needs and make specific adjustments to get the best shoe fit.

When K-Swiss came out with its “Run One” convertible running shoe that came with 2 insole options, the stable (extra support) insole for long runs and the cushioned insole for recovery days, many thought that this was going to be the next norm of running shoes until the SOMNIO line of shoes came out which was more specific in matching the runner’s biomechanics.

THE FITTING BEFORE THE RUNNING:

The fitting process comes in 5  steps and is conducted by a trained SOMNIO expert. In my case, my shoe fitting was supervised by no less than Mr. Danny Orr, SOMNIO’s Marketing and Biomechanics Consultant who saw to it that the shoes customization would match my running characteristics.

To summarize, the 5 steps entailed:

1. Placing the foot on a Laser Alignment device to measure length, arch height, pronation tilt and analyze running patterns
2. Adjustment of the varus to optimize the alignment of the laser tracking on the patella
3. Determination of arch height using the Archometer in the alignment device
4. Selection of the correct inserts using the Durometer gauge, depending on your general weight and varus setting
5. Running trial is made after all the components (FEAT system) are inserted in the shoe. I was made to run on a threadmill.

I have neutral feet and on the heavy-set side. I informed Danny of my Plantar Fasciitis problem and he adjusted the inserts, accordingly, The customization of my Pacemekaer 2.0 read as follows:

Left Shoe:

• Orange varus wedge which is the mid-type
• Blue plantar arch insert to address my recurring Plantar fasciitis
• Green IndX inserts for more cushioning

Right Shoe:

• Blue varus wedge
• Blue Plantaar arch insert
• Green IndX inserts

 

The foot beds, varus wedges and the inserts

Plantar arch bed placed inside

SOMNIO shoe experts tweaking my shoe

FIT AND FEEL:

I use a size 10 shoe and usually wear thick socks and i slipped into the Pacemaker easily. It felt light, which i find similar to the lightness of the Adidas Boston Ekiden (here) and the Adidas F5o Runner (here) .

The heel is snug, no slip ups, the mid-foot are close fitting while the forefoot is wide enough for me even if the shoe didn’t come in a 2E width which i usually prefer. Also, the shoe was flexible enough even with all the insers and arch beds inside.

 

The outsole

PERFORMANCE:

Now, this is where the shoe get its high marks and the evidence is in running outdoors. On first try on an easy 5km jaunt, the transition was responsive enough and the ride was smooth–no questions of why, could’ve, should’ve done this or done that..it just performed remarkably well!

The comfort was evident although i would have preferred more cushioning in the forefoot as i felt the ground when i pushed-off on my toes. The shoe breathe well and there were no issues of over-heating inside even when the sun was way up that late morning.

Did a combination of tempo and interval runs the following day and The Pacemaker was more responsive on those burst of speed and the lightness would be ideal to race on them for 5k up to the half-marathon. There is no compromise on stability as the arch bed and the wedges seem to do its job well.

 

Mr. Danny Orr, Somnio Biomechanics Consultant

Ready to go!

CONCLUSION:

The idea of “tweaking” a running shoe through the use of inserts is not a new one, but the concept as introduced by SOMNIO has been about the right customization to adapt to each runners’ bio-mechanical needs. And that says a lot!

The comfort and flexibility you feel running in these shoes are instant and given the right tweaking of the shoe, there’s no need to break them in, as i initially thought. However i would suggest to take it out on a few more runs to observe and determine if the cushioning, stability and over-all fit is what you actually want then adjust it yourself accordingly or bring it back to the SOMNIO expert for further tweaking.

The Pacemaker 2.0 and other SOMNIO running shoes doesn’t come cheap. It costs about the same as a NEWTON running shoe, even more. So at about P7,000.00 per pair, the questions are: Does it work, and do the various wedges and inserts do its job to fit the shoe as intended? Yes, it works but i haven’t wear-tested it enough on long runs to determine its long-lasting receptiveness.

SOMNIO maintains that it will continue to upgrade their line of shoes and i look forward to log many more miles in this shoe.

Shoe Review: Sketchers Resistance Runner (SRR)

INTRODUCTION:

• Originated from their walking and cross-training shoes which falls under their “Shape-Ups” technology.
• The SRR is now their running/jogging shoe which was introduced recently.
• Uses Kinetic Wedge technology
• Weight: About 14-15 oz.

A running shoe? Seriously!

So, what’s a shoe brand known for leisure-walking doing on these pages? Frankly at first, i wasn’t sure what to make of this shoe except that it’s price, at P6,295.00 (US$143.00) a pair really took me by surprise. It’s Sketcher’s version of a running shoe, the Resistance Runner. I was fortunate enough to be given one from Sketchers Philippines and i took it from their store in Market! Market!, Taguig. The shoe came in a large box with a monitor-like illustration of its features, an extra shoestring and a pamphlet.

Having ran on them a number of times, mostly on leisurely runs, i might say that i have a good grasp of what this shoe can do and what it isn’t. So, this is going to be a short review.

The shoe has a rocker bottom, a wedge that’s similar to a rocking chair and putting them on first then standing still, you feel the sway once you move your body and tilts your feet in different directions which kids would surely enjoy doing.

But all this rocking and swaying dissipates as soon as you start running. The wedge on the heel part is so curved that you’d think that it was overly cut-off. Immediately, i notice that i was landing on my mid foot and the spring back up when you push from your forefoot is very evident, propelling the body into the next stride easily. You get accustomed to the feel and find yourself landing naturally on your arch or mid-foot.

When your mid-foot lands on the ground, you feel the springy soft midsole kick-back which they call the “kinetic spring system.”

TECHNOLOGY SPECIFICATIONS:

• Ultra-light injection molded kinetic footbed
• Kinetic Return System
• Resamax Kinetic Wedge technology
• High-Abrasion, ultra-light rubber outsole

FIT AND FEEL:

The SRR offers a nice fit, a bit roomy inside and as mentioned earlier, the rocker-feel comes into play which keeps your legs in constant motion even when standing still.

The forward motion is excellent as you feel going into stride smoothly with some forward bounce. Likewise, the midsole is very cushiony and the spring-like effect is palpable, specially on easy runs.

PERFORMANCE:

While the ride is smooth and cushiony, one of the main drawback of this shoe is its heavy weight, which feels that you’re dragging combat boots while on fast-paced running. Because of the weight, i felt my feet and my legs fatigued in less than 30 minutes of running.

Moreover, there is not much ventilation inside the shoe as i felt the heat accumulating even if i was wearing light socks.

CONCLUSION:

While there are good things going on for this shoe like its wedge technology and kinetic spring system, the SRR is definitely NOT for fast-paced running nor is it for long distance runs. The shoes are far too heavy and heat accumulates easily inside for lack of ventilation. This is not an ideal shoe for the serious runner.

However, the SRR is a good alternative shoe for leisurely jogs of less than 5 kms and perfect as a walking-shoe. It’s also an excellent wear for recovering after a marathon or an ultra-marathon.

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Shoe Review: Adidas Adizero F50 Runner

BACKGROUNDER

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAINER/RACER

• Recommended for biomechanically efficient runners who wants a responsive lightweight trainer or racer
• Good second shoe for fast work-outs or as a flat-out racer
• Weight: 8.4 (oz.)

Picking up where the equally light Adizero Ekiden (reviewed here) left off, the Adizero F50 Runner blends a lot of cushioning, lightness and space, so roomy in fact that the size seems to be half an inch longer than your regular shoe size.

I usually don’t wear light shoes as a training shoe except when I go out for tempo runs or fartleks but the F50 seems to have enough support for those short uptempo runs. Last Tuesday morning, I wore-tested them for the first time and set-off for an easy 6 km run and found them to be lavishly comfortable and extremely smooth and soft from heel to toe.

 

Later that night during our aNR sessions at UP, I wore it again and tested how it responded to faster paced running. I did 2 laps at the academic oval (4.4kms) at tempo pace and the shoe was indeed responsive which should please runners looking for a “quick” shoe for fast-pace runs or racing.

CONSTRUCTION:

The upper has a retro-look that reminded me of uppers that were constructed during the 80s. You feel that it was made of canvas but it’s actually composed of layers, a net-like layer of open mesh contained into a semi-transparent outer layer. You will only notice the transparency when you look from the inside. Naturally, this gives a lot of breathability that would provide for maximum ventilation when running.

The positioning of the three (3) stripes has been altered as it is now laying horizontal-like rather than the usual vertical positioning. The layering of the stripes gives it a “faster”, sporty look.

The shoe has an extended heel notch which I assume was made so the Achilles tendons won’t get irritated or rubbed against especially in fast-paced running.

Insole: Molded respoEVA lining that provides an ergonomic fit

Midsole: adiPtene and ForMotion technology that covers full forefoot to give that extra propulsion and increased responsiveness.

Outsole: molded lightweight rubber

 

FIT AND FEEL:

The midfoot fit is quite snug although the heel part seems to be a bit roomy and opens up a bit and you’ll notice it when walking. However, I find the feel inside “homey”, meaning comfortable and secure enough with no irritations whatsoever.

PERFORMANCE:

Performance-wise, it made a very good impression based on the easy run and tempo run tests. The agility and responsiveness are palpable in the mid-foot and forefoot.

 

DRAWBACK:

There’s a slight drawback I noticed about this shoe. As Adidas Ph provides me shoes to use and review (for the aNR series), this particular shoe they sent me had a minor flaw. Before wear-testing any shoe I review, I usually put the new pair on top of a table, observe it at the rear and check if the whole shoe would lay flat-out on the surface and would stand upright.

I noticed however, that the right pair tilted a little on its left side as if an overpronator had used them. It also didn’t lay flat on the surface like there was a small gap underneath the forefoot (see picture below).

With this slight glitch, I didn’t think it would cause any problem while running as it hardly made any difference when I was wear-testing them.

CONCLUSION:

Except for this minor flaw, the Adizero F50 Runner is still an excellent option for faster-paced runners with neutral or high arches who want a lightweight trainer or those looking for speedwork or a race day shoe.

However, I would not recommend this for over-pronators or heavy runners who need greater support.

Shoe Review: Brooks Ghost 3

INTRODUCTION:

NEUTRAL CUSHIONING SHOE

• Recommended for neutral runners and slight underpronators who want a high-performance ride and “do-everything” versatility from high-speed training runs to week-end long hauls.
• Excellent shoe for runners with high arches that gives sufficient arch support.
• Won Runners World Magazine’s “Editors Choice” Award in their September 2010 issue.
• Weight: 11.1 oz.

It doesn’t matter what brand of shoe you wear. What matters is that they work for you. I’m reminded of this running shoe ad many years ago when as a newbie to running, i had committed the beginner’s mistake of  choosing a shoe based on looks and style rather than matching it with my feet’s characteristics and bio-mechanical needs.

The BROOKS brand was one of my first running shoes and was available locally during the early 80s. Together with SAUCONY, it competed with ADIDAS (then the predominant shoe) and in lesser terms, with NIKE and ASICS (Tiger).

My first Brooks shoe was a model called “Vantage” which i purchased back in 1984. It had a nice design and color, something that i would gloat about to friends. The trouble was, every time i finish my runs on them, i experienced various pains like a sore knee, aching ankles, a black toe-nail here and there, etc. I was so frustrated about the shoe that i gave them away and vowed never to use this brand again.

Fast forward to 2011. Two weeks ago, long time drinking buddy Norman (close friend of June) came home from the US and brought for me one of Brook’s best selling running shoe model, the GHOST. I got its latest version, the Ghost 3.

Brooks:Ghost 3

I gave it a short spin during our trip to Lucban, Quezon last week and found one very comfortable, snug and light training shoe. Three days ago, i gave it a more rigid test by going on an easy-moderate 19k run with running partner Betty around the Ortigas-Meralco area.

The ride was smooth, cushioning was adequate, easy on the feet–a far cry from the model i had 27 years ago. Well, countless changes have occurred in design and manufacturing and the Ghost 3 was an opener on how this brand has evolved.

CONSTRUCTION:

The Ghost3 Has incorporated in this shoe the brand’s new BioMoGo mid sole foam that has been engineered to biodegrade 50 times faster than conventional EVA material and this makes it environment friendly.

Also, Brook’s unique Hydro Flow HT units gives it excellent cushioning and shock absorption that compresses and releases “bubbles” to a springy motion in both the heel and forefoot.

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Aesthetically, the construction has been nicely done, well-made with an airmesh that’s open enough for heat to dissipate.

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FIT AND FEEL:

At first glance, the shoe seem to be bulky and heavy but surprisingly, it’s lightweight and offers up a soft and resilient ride and feels more comfortable at higher speeds. Flexing the Ghost 3 from its forefoot, it easily bends so you get the feeling of responsiveness from heel strike to to-off.

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The cushioning is ample for even long, slow training runs and its snug fit is constant even in fast-paced running.

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PERFORMANCE:

Performance-wise, the Ghost 3 did not disappoint. Runners with neutral-feet  like me will like its lightweight and responsive feel. My short strides really compliments with the shoes’ easy to carry feel. I couldn’t help but compare this shoe with my now old SAUCONY Pro-grid RIDE because of its excellent receptive feel, arch support, lightness and zippiness.

Test-running it in Lucban. Doesn't match my socks and shorts though:-)

CONCLUSION:

No doubt, the Ghost 3 is an excellent cushioned shoe for runners with neutral feet who wants a light, well supported and efficient footwear for everyday training.

Shoe Review: Saucony Progrid Ride 3

PREVIEW:

NEUTRAL SHOE TRAINER:

• Recommended for neutral and efficient runners looking for a well-cushioned shoe for long training runs
• Made and designed for long distance runners of moderate weight
• Weight: 11.5 oz.

During last year’s 2010 KONA IRONMAN World Championships, a survey was done on which brand of running shoe was most worn by its participants. The survey showed that SAUCONY shoes came in a close 3rd (198) behind NEWTON shoes (second at 204) and ASICS (464) which topped the list. (Check here for the complete survey: (http://lavamagazine.com/gear/survey).

The survey shows the popularity of Saucony as a reliable and one of the most sought after running shoe around. Save for the 80s era wherein the first incarnation of the brand was available locally, at present, it has barely found its niche in the country except for one model, the KINVARA which is available exclusively at “A Runner’s Circle” (arunnerscircle) store in Manila.

CONSTRUCTION:

As with their other popular models, the ProGrid Ride 3 uses their exclusive Heel ProGrid midsole cushioning that absorbs the hardest impact and efficiently dissipates shock for a smooth transition. The cushioning is also evident in the forefoot with its SRC (Super Rebound Cushioning) that provide a smooth toe-off and increased shock absorption.

Its upper is made of its Hydrator Collar Lining, Saucony’s performance fabric with its wide airmess that brings comfort and breathability while its outsole is called XT-900, a carbon rubber outsole material that offers excellent traction system without sacrificing durability.

FIT & FEEL:

The original ProGrid RIDE (1) is by far, my best running shoe ever! It had my exact fit, a 9&1/2, 2E width, great cushioning and had an excellent plush ride. It had about 1,000kms on it and had worn them exclusively on races from 5k to the marathon. Unfortunately, i had to retire them after the Camsur International Marathon last year as i felt it already outlived its usefulness and felt the cushioning has sagged considerably.

Saucony RIDE

 

I somehow missed its update, the ProGride Ride 2, having worn other brands in the interim, but i would say that RIDE 3 comes very close to the original RIDE. Like its grandfather, the RIDE 3 has still that sublime feel: the multiple density midsole is sufficiently cushioned for long runs but its spry enough to be able to rev-up for faster paced work outs like tempo runs and fartleks.

PERFORMANCE:

The ProGrid Ride 3 lived up to its expectations. The ultimate test came during last December 27, 2010 Rizal Day Run when it endured the full 32k distance for the first time. Running on relatively new shoes takes a while in getting used to but the cushioning was ample during the long haul, the fit remained snug even if they were half size bigger at size 10 (if no 2E width is available, i always get a half-size bigger), the heel cup felt secure and the forefoot was accommodating but not baggy.

Felt a little rubbing-off underneath my forefoot which i thought would lead to blisters but it wasn’t the shoes but the culprit was the tight fitting new socks i was wearing. After the race, no blisters occured, though.

BEST USE:

Highest and best use is for long training runs or long races like the marathon and ultra-marathons.

CONCLUSION:

Another great one from Saucony! I had bounced around a couple of other shoe brands but i still come back for this particular model mainly because of its over-all fit and the very pleasant ride it gives with nary a discomfort feeling whatsoever. Moreover, they’re a good combination of comfort and stability.

Shoe Review: Adidas Supernova Sequence 3

PREVIEW:

STABILITY TRAINER:

• Recommended as stability trainer for runners with normal to low arches
• Excellent shoe for runners who need good mid-sole cushioning and for those who mildly over-pronate looking for a combination of cushioning and enhanced stability.
• Weight: 13.0 oz.

I’ve previously reviewed two other Adidas shoes, the Adidas adizero-boston-ekiden, a lightweight trainer/racing shoe and the supernova-glide-2 a neutral training shoe both of which are light and very responsive.

This week, i received from Adidas their foremost stability shoe to test, the Supernova Sequence 3 which is by far the heaviest shoe among the three. While the Boston Ekiden is almost exclusively for fast and efficient runners and the Glide 2 for neutral runners, the Sequence 3 evokes the heritage of their stability models or for those who mildly over-pronate.

Like the Glide2, the Sequence 3 has a good blend of midsole cushioning and support some of which it gets from a lacing system integrated with the stripes.

CONSTRUCTION:

Cool style and its main construction feature is the stitched-on micro-suede upper which gives a soft, foamy feel outside and inside while the collar and tongue are also padded. The shoe is well constructed and has breathable air mess that inhibits heat to accumulate inside. And like in many Adidas running shoe, it has a blown rubber outsole (adiWEAR) that offers the ultimate in high-wear durability.

Among its other features include:

• A redesigned forefoot with adiPRENE technology and new flex zones for improved transitions
• A non slip lining and adiLITE respo EVA anti-microbial sockliner for comfort
• Pro-moderator medial support device that prevents overpronation
• Torsion systems for mid-foot integrity

FIT & FEEL:

When i tried it first last Tuesday for a 5k test run, i thought the forefoot was too narrow and the toebox wasn’t deep enough. However, i realized then that i was wearing new thick socks which i don’t normally use on my daily runs. Still, it felt comfortable but was getting that snugly feel because of the thick socks that almost rubbed the upper part of my foot from beneath the shoe’s upper.

PERFORMANCE:

Aimed for a 12k run this morning wearing my regular thin socks this time and voila! The Sequence 3 really felt comfortable, my foot was more relaxed and the 12k ride was excellent! It was stable, the cushioning was evident and the shoe was responsive. The only obvious flaw was that it was a bit heavy.

BEST USE: Highest and best use is for long training runs either on roads or even on non-technical trails. I would also use it for some tempo runs because of its stability.

VERDICT: A very good stability shoe!

Shoe Review: Adidas Supernova Glide 2

PREVIEW: 

NEUTRAL SHOE  TRAINER: 

• Recommended for high-arched, heavier runners who wants a responsive,  neutral trainer with some stability
• Excellent cushioned shoe for long work-outs or as an everyday trainer 
• Weight: 11.5 oz.

After getting these little devils last week from Luis (gingerbreadrunning), my co-Team Leader at the Adination running clinic, i couldn’t wait to get home to try this particular Supernova series, and it didn’t dissapoint. Running a series of fartleks at the UP Academic Oval, you won’t even feel or conscious about testing a new shoe as it didn’t appear to require any break-in of sorts. The snug feel at the heel and mid-foot and the excellent cushioning all equated to a very comfortable ride, like you’ve spent some time with them already.

Adidas Supernova Glide 2

CONSTRUCTION

This shoe is not flashy nor doesnt have the bitchy artwork of the Adizero Boston2 Ekiden which i reviewed here recently (boston-ekiden). It’s simple in design, bland would be more like it, but the construction wallops a string of the usual advance innovations Adidas is known for with a men’s specific fit and stable heel that can withstand the rigors of those who land on their heels first.

Some of the unique features of this shoe:

• Air mesh upper for maximum ventilation; adiPRENE®+ in the forefoot maintains propulsion and efficiency
• New engineered 3D TORSION® element for smoother heel-to-forefoot transition; GEOFIT™ construction for anatomical fit and comfort
• adiWEAR® 6 outsole offers the ultimate in high-wear durability; Men’s-specific flex grooves and outsole lug construction

FIT AND FEEL

If you’re more on the feel that snugs the whole feet like the wrap of a “Lumpia Shanghai” (pork spring roll) when cooked, then this is your shoe. No slippages, no rubbing and the weaved airmesh helped to dissipate any heat accumulation inside the shoe. Running in various tempos, what’s constant is the extra ordinary cushioning that i felt even when running on cement.

PERFORMANCE

The Supernova Glide 2 gave a well responsive feel on slow jogs to short sprints. There is nothing negative about its performance. Though a little heavier than the Adizero, it did not impede any stride or foot strike and felt light enough on long tempo runs. If you’re using a miCoach, this shoe is compatible with it where you can place the sensor under the removable sockliner of the left shoe and review your performance, heart rate and other details about your run.

BEST USE

For long training runs, fast tempo runs and can be used for longer races like the 21k and the marathon.

VERDICT

An excellent shoe for the heavier runner with high arches who wants to run fast!