Shoe Review: Mizuno Wave Prophecy

BACKGROUNDER:

NEUTRAL CUSHIONING SHOE

• Recommended for neutral runners to slight overpronators who want a high-performance ride and maximum versatility of high-speed training to week-end high-mileage runs.
• Excellent shoe for heel or midfoot strikers that offers a soft cushiony transition ride from heel to toe-off
• Uses Wave Plate cushioning instead of a midsole foam for greater shock absorption and easy toe-off
• Weight: 12.8 Oz.

Mizuno Wave Prophecy

This is the first time for me to review a pair of Mizuno running shoes although i own old pairs of their Wave Elixir-2 and the Wave Precision-9, the latter which i purchased about 3 years ago. I like the Wave Elixir model very much as it was light and responsive while the Precision-9 did not perform as well as its midsole outlived its use faster than the life of its outsole. Both were very durable, though those were the last pairs of Mizuno i bought since then.

Last week, i was pleasantly surprised to hear from Timmy (of Mizuno Philippines) that we were finally going to test-run their newest model, the Mizuno Wave Prophecy which had been advised to us of its pending release since last year.

CONSTRUCTION:

The Wave Prophecy is a massive piece of engineering, with a bridge-like plastic plate that extends from the heel up to the toes of the sole. These plates called the Infinity Wave Plates are two inter-connected plates, stacked together and molded at different densities. It acts like an energy return system that absorbs shock, maintain stability and pushes off efficiently.

The overlays are properly positioned, the heel counter well padded and the stitching are well done. The soft inner mesh are designed with red, black and white color strips and they did a good job in showing some flair in the over-all aesthetics of the shoe.

The outsoles are fairly aggressive that would work well on many surfaces. Also, the sock-fit insoles are removable, conforms with the shape of the foot and is well cushioned.

FIT AND FEEL:

Do not be disheartened if you can’t get into the shoe on your first try. The shoe seems to be narrow that you couldn’t slide your foot easily inside. This is because the tongue has two garter stretch connected at each side to the base of the underfoot that may block the foot when sliding in. The trick is to pull the tongue up while slipping your foot into the shoe.

Personally, i would have preferred to do without those elastic garters and instead, have those lace-on eyelets on top of the tongue, as with many regular shoes.

The arch seems to be a little narrow and too controlling–maybe the result of the garters securing the foot snugly. Thank God the forefoot space is accommodating enough. Also, you could physically feel a lump of cushioning in the ball of the foot which is likely brought about by the addition of the AP+ insert located at the side of the forefoot.

PERFORMANCE:

Scheduling a run amidst a brewing typhoon would not be an ideal time to test run a new shoe but still, i wanted to be done with my first impressions. And true to my fears, it began to rain lightly just after the 3km mark so i had to stop at a nearby shed as i didn’t want to get my shoes wet this early! (Ugh..nice timing!) Luckily, the rain stopped after a few minutes so i continued my run. I was scheduled to do a 16k run.

The first 3 kms was an easy run and immediately, i noticed the comfort, starting with the soft landing on the heel and continuing with a smooth roll-through to the forefoot. Although the shoe, at 12.8 oz was mid-heavy, the ride was plush, insulating and particularly soft in the midfoot.

At times, the shoe felt bouncy but its surprisingly stable enough even when charging up on hilly terrains. Though it was not as light as i wished it to be, the Wave Prophecy was responsive, specially in the midfoot and forefoot and nimble enough that i thought would be ideal for really long runs.

When the rain started to pour on during the last 3 kilometers, the shoe maintained its agility but like any shoe that have been drenched by continuous rains, i had to drag it along as it became heavy with water.

CONCLUSION:

• The Wave Prophecy does serve up an ultra-smooth ride in a package that blends soft cushioning with a slight amount of stability. It would be an ideal everyday trainer, able to cover long distances or shorter, fast work-outs.
• I like the heel to toe transition of this shoe, noting the cushioned heel strike to the stiff yet soft toe-off which seem effortless.
• This shoe is on the heavy side but that’s counter-balanced by the easy flexing smoothness of the forefoot and its ability to glide easily to faster speeds when necessary.
• The full-length Wave Plate, the Dymotion Fit materials that shrinks and expands with your foot and the great looking aesthetics of the shoe do their job well and are all winners!

I’m looking forward to running more miles in them and hopefully, on dry weather!

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!

“On-Running” Running Shoes of Switzerland

The On-Running Cloud Surfer

the On-Running insignia

When the running shoe “ZOOT” came about to these shores, not many local runners knew of their existence (except perhaps for some of our triathletes) which expanded its type from a high performance racing shoe for triathletes to a shoe for people who run exclusively. This shoe has gained ground throughout the world and has joined the ranks of the top running shoes you can find around.

When Tonet’s sister, balik-bayan Cecil Danao (who has run countless marathons and Ultra-marathons all over Europe) came home from Switzerland last January for a short vacation, i couldn’t help but notice the shoes she was wearing when she ran the Condura Marathon. When i asked her what it was, she said “On-Running” running shoes. What? She said it was one of the top running shoes in Europe and was a bit surprised when i told her that this was an “unknown” in the Philippines.

Cecil in one of her ultra marathons in Europe

So now, i’ve heard that On-Running will be made available here in Manila and making its debut very soon. The very unusual, off-putting name doesn’t warrant any attention at first when mentioned but this shoe has amassed a lot of following specially in Europe and is also available now in the U.S., Singapore, Australia and Malaysia. It’s real innovation is the ‘Cloud-Tec’ rubber elements on the soles. These rubber lugs reduces impact considerably, improves shock absorption and has that lightweight and fast feel to it.

I really would like to see this shoes in these parts and i now see more competition to the Zoot, Newton and Brooks labels that has been a regular staple to local runners.

Extending The Life Of Your Running Shoes

Here’s a secret i and some others have been doing to extend the life of our running shoes.

I’m basically a heel striker although i’ve recently switched to midfoot running to improve my form and ease-off the pounding on my heels which recently had been injured. Still, it’s in the outer heel area of my shoes’ outsole that’s the most worn down and i’ve done a remedy that has minimized its scraping wear and has extended all of my shoes’ life considerably.

We as runners tend to look at the outsoles first (the black rubberized material that directly makes contact with the ground) to determine the shoes’ over-all condition and it’s a factor whether the shoe, after using it for say, 700 kms should already be discarded.

Now, for those who are heel strikers and tend to wear the outer heel part of their shoes easily, here’s what i do:

• I break-in my brand-new shoe, use them in my training runs, races, etc. until they have reached 100kms.
• It’s during this time (100kms) that i notice the shoes’ outer heel showing a slight wear, abrasion and de-compression.
• I bring the shoe to my local shoe repair shop and have that part reinforced by adding a piece of rubber sole, twice the size of a regular plastic tap (Boston) which the shoemaker shapes and glues to that part of the heel where the wear is evident. (Please see pictures below).
• The piece of rubber is shaped to contour with the edges of the heel. It’s like a plastic or rubber tap nailed to the heel part of a leather shoe.

The rubber sole tap. The repairman covered the whole left-right heel portions and this was made after running 100 kms.

Another view of the reinforced rubber sole tap

So, why do i have to run at least 100kms before i have the shoe reinforced? It’s because i don’t want to alter the shoes’ balance and equilibrium, the way the manufacturers designed it to be while i’m using it new. Well, this is just how i feel it should be, maybe you would want to have a re-tap outrightly after you buy it brand new so, it’s totally up to you.

This rubber tap is much, much better than applying Shoe-Goo which rubs off easily.

An old running shoe that has already 800 kms to it. The midsole still feels ok and the reinforced heel taps could still support the heel area.

In my experience, you can reasonably expect to get an additional 150-200 kms to your shoes’ life expectancy of 600 to 700 kms, depending still on many variables such as your weight, stride mechanics, the type of surface you run on and the durability of your shoes’ midsole.

The price for this simple piece of rubber? P40.00 to P60.00/pair including labor! Having it repaired at Mr. Quickie should cost you more but your neighborhood shoe repair stand can do the job as well.

So, when does a running shoe outlive its use?  If you can feel some brittleness in the cushion, sponginess of the support system, when the white part of the outsole (midsole) is already showing and have logged more than 800 kilometers on it, it’s time to reward yourself with a new one!

Shoe Review: Adidas CC Ride

ADIDAS CLIMACOOL (CC) RIDE

BACKGROUNDER

LIGHTWEIGHT TRAINER/RACER

• Recommended for efficient runners as a fast-paced trainer or short distance racer
• A very flexible shoe that can perform well on a variety of different surfaces
• Weight: 8.2 Oz. (Size 10)

The Adidas ClimaCool (CC) Ride should have been lumped in the minimalist shoe category, as with the Nike Free Run+2 or the Saucony Kinvara but it’s being marketed as a conventional running shoe that provides a 360-degree CLIMACOOL cooling system which makes it extremely breathable for the entire foot.

When i tried it on the first time for a test-walk, i felt that this shoe was even lighter than the Adidas F50 Runner which i reviewed a few months ago (here), and it leaves very little between your foot and the ground and has very little stability than the latter shoe. It has a very thin, perforated sock liner and runners who frequently suffer from blisters will find this to their liking because of its adequate ventilation.

CONSTRUCTION

The upper is minimally constructed with thin layers of open mesh, similar to that of the Saucony Kinvara, simple and nothing fancy, just designed with air-channels to emphasize breathability. It seems that this shoe was built for runners who run in hot, tropical weather. The only one that’s padded is the heel area, a non-woven fabric lining to give additional comfort.

The outsole has a soft, zigzag design that has similarities with the Reebok Zig Tech and the Nike Free versions. The crevices between the zigzag design gives it its flexibility on the forefoot. The arch is partly supported by 3 extra ports running from the outsole to the midsole, just under the arch part.

FIT AND FEEL

The CC Ride is half-size bigger than the sizes you usually wear and has a remarkably smooth feel for such a minimalist shoe. For my first test-run, i went to the Ultra Track Oval and gave it a few spins. Even when running on the tartan track, i felt the rubber ground underneath which would be favorable perhaps for lean and efficient runners who would like a feel of the surface underneath when running fast tempos.

The fit was snug from heel to toe. Moreover, with its lightness, it was very responsive and because of its flexibility, it allowed your foot to move freely as if running on barefoot. Me and my friends ran repeat up the stadium stairs and felt nothing to hinder the steps up.

I took it the next day on the roads and anticipating some rough terrain, i decided to insert silicone heel pads on both shoes to give it additional cushioning. Ran it on asphalt, cement, short dirt trails and hills to check how the shoe felt on the different surfaces. I still felt the terrain underneath specially when i intentionally stepped on small pebbles and stones so i sticked on running on the smoother surfaces and felt just fine.

PERFORMANCE

Performance of this shoe was highly satisfactory as expected, and runners who race frequently would appreciate the smooth, agile ride and the responsiveness was evident, great for mid-foot or forefoot strikers.

OVER-ALL IMPRESSION

My over-all impression of the Adidas CC Ride is generally positive. It feels fast and it got that natural feel, just a smooth ride from toe-off to landing. The flexibility and agility you feel when running on them is immediately instant. As an afterthought, there was really no need to break in the shoe.

Nevertheless, the thing i wished for this shoe was they should have put a little stability on it and add more cushioning if they had it intended as a conventional running shoe. Otherwise, this would be one shoe minimalist runners would like to have. It’s an excellent neutral shoe for those who would do lots of speed work on their runs and to those who want to incorporate barefoot-like training into their routine. It comes in different color combinations.

A caveat:  Heavy runners or over-pronators who need greater stability and cushioning should look elsewhere.

Racing Shoes: How Often Do You Wear Them?

I’ve often been asked by newbie runners whether they should wear racing shoes every time they join races. No doubt, runners by all means want to improve their times and wearing these racing shoes can make an appreciable difference in their finish times when they compete.

Saucony Hattori (available April 2011)

Racing shoes are relatively light compared to your ordinary training shoes and because they weigh less, they tend to allow you to run faster. But what if an overweight male runner who stands 5’5 tall, weighs 200 lbs and over-pronates asks for your suggestion on what racing shoe to buy that would compensate his heavy weight?

Should you really recommend a racing shoe for him just so he could slice off a few seconds off his PR or run faster?

Here are some guidelines to help you decide:

• Racing shoes for the efficient runner. If you have a biomechanically efficient stride, don’t have any current injuries and want light shoes to wear on races, then go for the racing shoe. Research show that if you train on a 12 oz. trainer to an 8 oz. racer, you can chop-off 15 seconds in a 5k or as much as 2 minutes in a marathon. Not much in my opinion but for some elite runners, every second count.
• Racing shoes makes you feel faster and psyches you up for faster-paced racing. A race day is different from your ordinary training days as you come prepared for the rigors of the race and revs you up to do your best and probably achieve the PR that you have always been pinning for.
• BIG, heavy runners should avoid it. That should be the advise given for that 200 lb-overweight runner as he would need a lot of cushioning and stability that racing shoes don’t have. Better to play it safe and stick to his training shoe.
• Racing shoes don’t offer enough cushioning. If you need a lot of cushioning, it’s better to stick with your trainers as racing shoes offer 20% less cushioning than your ordinary trainer.

Somnio Nada

• Avoid racing shoes if you need extra support and stability. Racing shoes are light because they offer less stability, support and motion control features. If you over-pronate, the more you should avoid them.
• Racing shoes are ideal for 5k and 10k races, the theory being the less you race in them, the better to avoid the risk of injury. They are ideal for middle distances but leave them home when you run races from the half-marathon distance and more.
• Don’t wear your racers if you’re slightly injured or just recovering from an injury. I know of many runners who have taken a long lay-off to heal their injuries only to aggravate them when they come back and race, and in racing shoes at that! We sure can’t prevent anybody from racing soon after an injury but it will help, if you run on your regular trainers to minimize muscle tear.
• AN ALTERNATIVE: Consider wearing performance or lightweight trainers instead of racing flats! These shoes are designed for fast-paced racing and training and for long-distance racing, as well. Most weigh about 10 oz which is midway between a training shoe and a racing flat but offers better protection than the typical racing flat.
• If you’re still undecided what to race on race day, your training shoe will suffice! Nuff said…

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: 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!

Alternating Shoes

If it were not for the prohibitive cost, we runners would have around five, six or even more pairs of running shoes in our shoe racks which we would use alternately on our daily runs. Depending on one’s status in life, those who can afford to buy do so, more than what is really necessary–like buying several pop CDs on the market.

However, there are due advantages in having more than one running shoe and i believe that low to moderate mileage runners should have at least two or more shoes to wear on alternate days.

The benefits of rotating the use of two or more running shoes are manifold:

• to avoid dependence of a particular shoe on a certain amount of support, cushioning and ride that when this model is phased-out, you could easily adjust to other brands and models, as well.
• it lessens the wear-down of your shoe by maintaining its cushioning and support thereby, helping prevent injury.
• a better ride and specific use for a particular training plan like when i do tempo runs or track intervals, i use light training or racing shoes than i would when using my heavier stability/cushion shoe for LSDs and trail shoes for off-road running.
• give them time to dry-out after running in the rain thereby facilitating the decompression of the midsole foam to its original form.

Most importantly, i always alternate them to prolong their life, minimize the wear on the outsole which makes them last longer and run those extra miles more. I have some shoes which are more than a year old that have not even breached 400 kilometers and continue to use them without any “major-major” injury.:-)

One should discard the shoe depending on how often and how far you run.  If you can feel some brittleness in the cushion, sponginess of the support system, when the white part of the outsole is already showing and have logged more than 700 kilometers on it, it’s time to reward yourself with a new one!