I have two exciting reviews coming up for you guys so stay turned this week for my thoughts on two very nice products.
also what is new in the barefoot running community you ask?
starting with one of my favorite brands, Merrell.
Merrell is updating just about everyone of their shoes for next year. Looks like the only one that is safe is the Trail Glove ( Thank you!). The road Glove 2 looks so nice to me i cant wait to get them on and see how much better they can be than the first.
New Balance- As you may know NB came out with their zero drop line in the minimus collection. that came out in spring of 2012. Now is seems NB is updating their 10 line (4mm drop) the MR10, MT10, WR10 and WT10 all will be coming out in a v2. The M/WR10 is getting the biggest change of all. the shoe is completely new looking similar to the MR00 and WR00 with new uppers and new vibram soles. The trail 10, i was hoping that they didn't do too much to the shoe because it was one of the best out there. and they really didn't they touched up the lug pattern and add a new foam in the upper. cant wait to see these as well releases March 2013
Brooks- The entire PureProject line is getting an update as well as a new shoe the puredrift. they are coming with more natural lacing system looking much like the Brooks Green Silience. Hopefully they fixed their natural last that wasn't so natural. we'll only know when they come out, I like what the PureProject was doing and an update was just what they need to make them even better. Releasing January 2013
Vibram- the guys that basically started it all. I love their products and always will. Vibram has their fans and loyal fans they are. They continue to re invent their product and keep coming out with better updates and new ideas to keep their fans happy.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Friday, April 6, 2012
Brooks PureFlow Review
Brooks PureFlow (PureProject)
Overview
This shoe is your everyday trainer, for those long miles, short miles and everything in between. Built on an extremely unique midsole which adjust the cushioning levels depending on how fast the user is moving. also built on a 4mm drop (difference between the height of the midsole at the heel and the height of the midsole at the fore foot.) The upper is extremely soft and caused no hot spots. Now into the review
Upper
-Air mesh upper for superior breatheability
- Nav-Band allows for a more supportive fit
- Padded tongue to cut down on lace bite
- reflective material on toe box, heel cup and the Brooks logo
Midsole/ Outsole
- 4mm drop
- BioMoGo (earth friendly material) and DNA.
- Ideal Heel
- Big toe is split from the rest of the midsole
Tech Talk
Toe Flex: The split toe frees the big toe to function independently, engaging your natural balance for a more powerful push-off.
Anatomical Shape: Designed from the most detailed anatomical form gives each shoe the best possible fit and feel.
Nav Band: This elastic band wraps over the instep to provide true assurance and a glove-like fit.
Midsole: In just a slim 4 mm offset, the PureProject midsole packs our earth-loving BioMoGo technology blended with the responsive ride of Brooks® DNA, not to mention gender-friendly cushioning for custom comfort.
Ideal Heel: Our signature slimmed-down heel encourages contact points to shift forward, aligning your center of gravity for optimal spring with every step.
www.brooksrunning.com
Likes
- upper, so soft with, no hot spots
- Midsole, I couldn't imagine a more perfect midsole on a running shoe.
- the PureProject. I love what Brooks is doing here i can only hope they continue to update this line and make it better and better.
- Split big toe, helps in every way
Dislikes
- Nav Band, its just a little to tight for my liking
- Tongue, seeing what the tongue is on the Connect and Grit i wish that tongue was on the Flow
Points Scale
Performance- 5/5 The most absolutely perfect everyday trainer, i couldn't ask for more. Thank you Brooks
Price- 4/5 For $90.00 retail it is a good price and for the performance of the shoe, it can;t be beat. However i had purchased mine with my REI dividend so i didn't pay for them. Which always feels good.
Durability- 4/5 Brooks guarantees this shoe to the standard 300-500 miles. After logging 50+ miles seen no signs of wear. the upper is holding up very well. granted i have not hit high mileage with them, you can just tell they are made with quality.
Comfort- 4/5- The midsole is insanely comfortable, as well as the upper. The only downside is the tightness of the Nav Band. It may stretch out over time and be fine for for now that's the only downside. Ill keep everyone updated on that.
Looks- 3/5- The whole PureProject comes in two standard colors a green/ black and black and blue. each of the 4 shoes then has a different color. Giving you 3 color choices for each shoe. the third choice is a white and Orange The shoe is just a standard looking shoe nothing horrible, nothing special.
Total 20/25
Bottom Line
Natural strikers, midfoot, fore foot strikers are going to love this shoe. It has everything you are looking for in an everyday trainer. I personal have moved this up to my everyday shoe. This is the highest grade i have given a shoe. That is not by error this is the best shoe i have ever owned or put on for that matter. Go to a running store try them on and fall in love. Make sure to check out the rest of the PureProject, try them all on and go with the one that fits you the best.
*the review is a reflection of my opinion not of what someone told me to say. If you think something different please tell me and others in the comment box. Happy Running!
Overview
Upper
-Air mesh upper for superior breatheability
- Nav-Band allows for a more supportive fit
- Padded tongue to cut down on lace bite
- reflective material on toe box, heel cup and the Brooks logo
Midsole/ Outsole
- 4mm drop
- BioMoGo (earth friendly material) and DNA.
- Ideal Heel
- Big toe is split from the rest of the midsole
Tech Talk
Toe Flex: The split toe frees the big toe to function independently, engaging your natural balance for a more powerful push-off.
Anatomical Shape: Designed from the most detailed anatomical form gives each shoe the best possible fit and feel.
Nav Band: This elastic band wraps over the instep to provide true assurance and a glove-like fit.
Midsole: In just a slim 4 mm offset, the PureProject midsole packs our earth-loving BioMoGo technology blended with the responsive ride of Brooks® DNA, not to mention gender-friendly cushioning for custom comfort.
Ideal Heel: Our signature slimmed-down heel encourages contact points to shift forward, aligning your center of gravity for optimal spring with every step.
www.brooksrunning.com
Likes
- upper, so soft with, no hot spots
- Midsole, I couldn't imagine a more perfect midsole on a running shoe.
- the PureProject. I love what Brooks is doing here i can only hope they continue to update this line and make it better and better.
- Split big toe, helps in every way
Dislikes
- Nav Band, its just a little to tight for my liking
- Tongue, seeing what the tongue is on the Connect and Grit i wish that tongue was on the Flow
Points Scale
Performance- 5/5 The most absolutely perfect everyday trainer, i couldn't ask for more. Thank you Brooks
Price- 4/5 For $90.00 retail it is a good price and for the performance of the shoe, it can;t be beat. However i had purchased mine with my REI dividend so i didn't pay for them. Which always feels good.
Durability- 4/5 Brooks guarantees this shoe to the standard 300-500 miles. After logging 50+ miles seen no signs of wear. the upper is holding up very well. granted i have not hit high mileage with them, you can just tell they are made with quality.
Comfort- 4/5- The midsole is insanely comfortable, as well as the upper. The only downside is the tightness of the Nav Band. It may stretch out over time and be fine for for now that's the only downside. Ill keep everyone updated on that.
Looks- 3/5- The whole PureProject comes in two standard colors a green/ black and black and blue. each of the 4 shoes then has a different color. Giving you 3 color choices for each shoe. the third choice is a white and Orange The shoe is just a standard looking shoe nothing horrible, nothing special.
Total 20/25
Bottom Line
Natural strikers, midfoot, fore foot strikers are going to love this shoe. It has everything you are looking for in an everyday trainer. I personal have moved this up to my everyday shoe. This is the highest grade i have given a shoe. That is not by error this is the best shoe i have ever owned or put on for that matter. Go to a running store try them on and fall in love. Make sure to check out the rest of the PureProject, try them all on and go with the one that fits you the best.
*the review is a reflection of my opinion not of what someone told me to say. If you think something different please tell me and others in the comment box. Happy Running!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Shoes on my Watch List
Brooks PureFlow (road)
Brooks PureConnect (Road)
Brooks PureGrit (trail)
Salomon S-Lab Sense(trail)
New Balance 110(trail)
New Balance MT00 (Minimus Trail Zero) (Trail)
New Balance MR00 (Minimus Road Zero) (Road)
Vibram Five Fingers SeeYa (Road)
Brooks PureConnect (Road)
Brooks PureGrit (trail)
Salomon S-Lab Sense(trail)
New Balance 110(trail)
New Balance MT00 (Minimus Trail Zero) (Trail)
New Balance MR00 (Minimus Road Zero) (Road)
Vibram Five Fingers SeeYa (Road)
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Vibram Five Fingers Bikila Review
Overview
Upper
-Stretch Polyminde
-TPU toe caps for protection
-Closure strap
-Heel notch
Out sole/ Mid sole
-Podded TC-1 Vibram compound designed specifically for running
- 3mm Drylex sock liner
- foam EVA arch padding (it's not support)
My Thoughts
Likes
- toe flexiblity
- barefoot feel
- strap, keeps the shoe on and in place on your feet
- heel notch, feels great with that added support
- looks, they're funky, catch people's eye
Dislikes
- ease of water entry, water and sweat get in and it says in.
- sizing, finding your size can take some time. it's trial and error when trying a pair on. i would not order online unless you have tried the model on at a store.
- They smell, just the thing that everyone says they smell. The Aegis seems absent in the foot bed.
Points Scale
Performance 4/5 Given it is not barefoot, running barefoot is barefoot but i does a great job of giving you that feel. Giving you that added protection for roads and rocks
Price 2/5 The Bikila retails for $90.00 which some find expensive for a "rubber foot glove". If you looking to transition into or already in midfoot strike running these are a great shoe to have in your running line up. Considering most people won't use them as an every day trainer, maybe 1 or 2 times a week for most people.
Durability 4/5 With a Vibram out sole pretty much being all the shoe is your going to get a tone of miles out of these shoes. I have notice wear on the toes but that's it. Vibram also addressed the durability of the top of the toes with the TPU toe cap.
Comfort 4/5 No exposed seams in the shoe it truely feels like your just wearing socks. The Eva in the mid sole is great for all day wear.
Looks 3/5 In my personal opinion not the best looking (SeeYa and Komodo Sport are my personal favorite) Five Finger out there nor is it the worst. I feel like they lack a little bit on the colorways. However the Ladies colorways are awesome.
Total 17/25
Bottom Line
Just a funky way to mix things up on your weekly training. Getting 1 or 2 runs a week in these will build other leg muscles that you don't always build up with a reduced running shoe. They always catch people's eye and they always seem to ask if you like them and my answer is always "yes, love them." I glad i have a pair in my running line up. I recommend going to a store trying them on and just see for yourself why people love these "crazy" looking shoes.
-Stretch Polyminde
-TPU toe caps for protection
-Closure strap
-Heel notch
Out sole/ Mid sole
-Podded TC-1 Vibram compound designed specifically for running
- 3mm Drylex sock liner
- foam EVA arch padding (it's not support)
My Thoughts
Likes
- toe flexiblity
- barefoot feel
- strap, keeps the shoe on and in place on your feet
- heel notch, feels great with that added support
- looks, they're funky, catch people's eye
Dislikes
- ease of water entry, water and sweat get in and it says in.
- sizing, finding your size can take some time. it's trial and error when trying a pair on. i would not order online unless you have tried the model on at a store.
- They smell, just the thing that everyone says they smell. The Aegis seems absent in the foot bed.
Points Scale
Performance 4/5 Given it is not barefoot, running barefoot is barefoot but i does a great job of giving you that feel. Giving you that added protection for roads and rocks
Price 2/5 The Bikila retails for $90.00 which some find expensive for a "rubber foot glove". If you looking to transition into or already in midfoot strike running these are a great shoe to have in your running line up. Considering most people won't use them as an every day trainer, maybe 1 or 2 times a week for most people.
Durability 4/5 With a Vibram out sole pretty much being all the shoe is your going to get a tone of miles out of these shoes. I have notice wear on the toes but that's it. Vibram also addressed the durability of the top of the toes with the TPU toe cap.
Comfort 4/5 No exposed seams in the shoe it truely feels like your just wearing socks. The Eva in the mid sole is great for all day wear.
Looks 3/5 In my personal opinion not the best looking (SeeYa and Komodo Sport are my personal favorite) Five Finger out there nor is it the worst. I feel like they lack a little bit on the colorways. However the Ladies colorways are awesome.
Total 17/25
Bottom Line
Just a funky way to mix things up on your weekly training. Getting 1 or 2 runs a week in these will build other leg muscles that you don't always build up with a reduced running shoe. They always catch people's eye and they always seem to ask if you like them and my answer is always "yes, love them." I glad i have a pair in my running line up. I recommend going to a store trying them on and just see for yourself why people love these "crazy" looking shoes.
Nike Free Run 2 Review
Overview
Upper
- mesh with synthetic overlays
- welded support
- no tongue
- stretch mesh
- off set laces
Mid sole / Out sole
- Nike free mid sole
- Nike+
- rubber in high impact spots
My Thoughts
Likes
- Colorways, they make some sweet colors in this shoe
- Nike+, love the Nike+ community on this is great
- Flexibility, that's given
Dislikes
- To big of a heel drop 7mm
- to think of mid sole
- lacing system, i cant really get a great fit with the shoe
- the heel is bulky
Points Scale
Performance 2/5, honestly i am not a fan of this shoe. I Can't handle long runs in this shoe.
Price 3/5 Retails for $90.00 to $110.00 depending on what materials you want on your shoe i would give the shoe a 4 for i paid $90.00, but they up the price for more reflective material and other reasons, really Nike?
Durability 2/5 With just an EVA mid sole i think that in the area that i strike (midfoot) there is some very significant wear after 50 miles
Comfort 4/5 The mid sole is awesome i could wear these all day
Looks 4/5 this shoe looks awesome the upper has its own unique style to it. and the colors you can get in this shoe is crazy as well as Nike I.D.
Total 15/25
Bottom Line
This shoe is alright if your interested in it i would suggest trying it on and taking a test run with them. I wish Nike wouldn't advertise this as a "barefoot" shoe. These shoes are nothing close to a "barefoot" or minimalist. It's flexible and that is just about the only feature it has. Nike+ community is awesome.
Upper
- mesh with synthetic overlays
- welded support
- no tongue
- stretch mesh
- off set laces
Mid sole / Out sole
- Nike free mid sole
- Nike+
- rubber in high impact spots
My Thoughts
Likes
- Colorways, they make some sweet colors in this shoe
- Nike+, love the Nike+ community on this is great
- Flexibility, that's given
Dislikes
- To big of a heel drop 7mm
- to think of mid sole
- lacing system, i cant really get a great fit with the shoe
- the heel is bulky
Points Scale
Performance 2/5, honestly i am not a fan of this shoe. I Can't handle long runs in this shoe.
Price 3/5 Retails for $90.00 to $110.00 depending on what materials you want on your shoe i would give the shoe a 4 for i paid $90.00, but they up the price for more reflective material and other reasons, really Nike?
Durability 2/5 With just an EVA mid sole i think that in the area that i strike (midfoot) there is some very significant wear after 50 miles
Comfort 4/5 The mid sole is awesome i could wear these all day
Looks 4/5 this shoe looks awesome the upper has its own unique style to it. and the colors you can get in this shoe is crazy as well as Nike I.D.
Total 15/25
Bottom Line
This shoe is alright if your interested in it i would suggest trying it on and taking a test run with them. I wish Nike wouldn't advertise this as a "barefoot" shoe. These shoes are nothing close to a "barefoot" or minimalist. It's flexible and that is just about the only feature it has. Nike+ community is awesome.
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Puma Faas 300 Review
Over View
Upper
- all lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays
- perferated lightweight footbed
Out sole/ Mid sole
- Faas Foam midsole
- ever ride and ever track outsole
- rocker design to encourage a natural strike
- 2 piece out sole for added flexibility
My Thoughts
Likes
- lightweight this shoe feels like there is nothing on your feet.
- Faas Foam midsole, extremely light with the perfect amount of cushoning
- Looks, this shoe flat out looks good
- rocker out sole
Dislikes
- Footbed, the perferations seam to big and you can feel the holes it gets a little uncomfortable
- lacing system, it seams like the fit just isn't quite right.
- slightly to large of a heel to toe drop. 7.6mm
Points Scale
Performance 3/5 The shoes performs well for what it is for. It's nothing special but it is no slouch.
Price 4/5 retails for $85.00 which it's self is a great price for a running shoe. However i purchased mine at a Puma outlet store for $42.50 which is insane for this good of a shoe. Look online for discounted prices as well.
Durability 2/5 Due to the thinkness of the ever ride/ ever track out sole i foresee a problem getting up towards the 125 mile mark. i have seen wear on my pair after roughly 30 miles.
Comfort 3/5 The mid sole is awesome the cushioning is perfect, but the footbed is a major downer for myself.
Looks 4/5 My personal belief is this shoe looks good, i wear it everywhere. running, walking and lounging it's just a cool looking shoe.
Total 16/25
Bottom Line
Upper
- all lightweight mesh upper with synthetic overlays
- perferated lightweight footbed
Out sole/ Mid sole
- Faas Foam midsole
- ever ride and ever track outsole
- rocker design to encourage a natural strike
- 2 piece out sole for added flexibility
My Thoughts
Likes
- lightweight this shoe feels like there is nothing on your feet.
- Faas Foam midsole, extremely light with the perfect amount of cushoning
- Looks, this shoe flat out looks good
- rocker out sole
Dislikes
- Footbed, the perferations seam to big and you can feel the holes it gets a little uncomfortable
- lacing system, it seams like the fit just isn't quite right.
- slightly to large of a heel to toe drop. 7.6mm
Points Scale
Performance 3/5 The shoes performs well for what it is for. It's nothing special but it is no slouch.
Price 4/5 retails for $85.00 which it's self is a great price for a running shoe. However i purchased mine at a Puma outlet store for $42.50 which is insane for this good of a shoe. Look online for discounted prices as well.
Durability 2/5 Due to the thinkness of the ever ride/ ever track out sole i foresee a problem getting up towards the 125 mile mark. i have seen wear on my pair after roughly 30 miles.
Comfort 3/5 The mid sole is awesome the cushioning is perfect, but the footbed is a major downer for myself.
Looks 4/5 My personal belief is this shoe looks good, i wear it everywhere. running, walking and lounging it's just a cool looking shoe.
Total 16/25
Bottom Line
- If someone is looking into getting into mid foot strike running i would recommend looking into the Puma Faas running line. they are arranged by numbers higher numbers mean more cushioning and lower numbers are less cushioning. if you progressed downward they would be a great transition to minimalism. I like these shoes but i kind of like them more for casual wear. I do still enjoy running in them.
Merrell Trail Glove Review
Overview
Upper
- Mesh and microfiber lined upper
- Aegis lining
- Omni-Fit lacing system
- Non removable foot bed
Outsole
- Vibram designed out sole with TC-1 Compound
- 0mm drop from heel to toe
- 1mm rock plate in fore foot
- 4mm EVA compound
Likes
- Lacing system, i love this lacing system, by far the best lacing system i have ever used. This Omni- fit system is great it seams to always have the perfect fit all the time.
- Finger Lugs, The finger lugs on the Vibram out sole are great. I have never lost traction on hills (up and down) you seem to kick up dirt.
- Lightweight, these shoes are crazy light 6.2oz
- barefoot feel, i like the barefoot feel being on soft trails and being able to feel everything underneath me. I'm not so much of a fan of barefoot feel on roads, but trails i love it.
- Flexibility
- Rock Plate, Thank you
Dislikes
- Aegis lining doesn't seem to be effective, ever product i have with Aegis it puts off the smell for a little bit but then it gets smelly.
- microfiber lining, i feel like my foot sticks to the shoe, which sometimes its good, some times it's not.
Performance 4/5- this shoe out performs any other trail shoe I've used. also out performs some "barefoot" road shoes on the road.
Price 3/5- Retail they are $110.00 however you can find them at some stores for $79.00. I happen to have found my pair $35.00 new. If you couldn't find them for $79.00 at stores i would have gave it a 2.
Durability 4/5- vibram outsole I've put 50+ miles and no sign of wear.
Comfort 4/5- no bad seems on the inside, soft lining great shoe.
Looks 4/5- doesn't look like a hiking boot like most trail shoes. subtle colorways and some pretty loud ones. whichever you choose.
Total 19/25
Bottom line
This is my go to trail shoe I want to try some other trail shoes but i love this thing to much not to run in them. If they were to ever update the shoe and remove the Omni- Fit i would go out and buy 2 more pairs of these shoes. the shoe just flat out performs.
Upper
- Mesh and microfiber lined upper
- Aegis lining
- Omni-Fit lacing system
- Non removable foot bed
a view of the Omni- Fit
Outsole
- Vibram designed out sole with TC-1 Compound
- 0mm drop from heel to toe
- 1mm rock plate in fore foot
- 4mm EVA compound
Likes
- Lacing system, i love this lacing system, by far the best lacing system i have ever used. This Omni- fit system is great it seams to always have the perfect fit all the time.
- Finger Lugs, The finger lugs on the Vibram out sole are great. I have never lost traction on hills (up and down) you seem to kick up dirt.
- Lightweight, these shoes are crazy light 6.2oz
- barefoot feel, i like the barefoot feel being on soft trails and being able to feel everything underneath me. I'm not so much of a fan of barefoot feel on roads, but trails i love it.
- Flexibility
- Rock Plate, Thank you
Dislikes
- Aegis lining doesn't seem to be effective, ever product i have with Aegis it puts off the smell for a little bit but then it gets smelly.
- microfiber lining, i feel like my foot sticks to the shoe, which sometimes its good, some times it's not.
Performance 4/5- this shoe out performs any other trail shoe I've used. also out performs some "barefoot" road shoes on the road.
Price 3/5- Retail they are $110.00 however you can find them at some stores for $79.00. I happen to have found my pair $35.00 new. If you couldn't find them for $79.00 at stores i would have gave it a 2.
Durability 4/5- vibram outsole I've put 50+ miles and no sign of wear.
Comfort 4/5- no bad seems on the inside, soft lining great shoe.
Looks 4/5- doesn't look like a hiking boot like most trail shoes. subtle colorways and some pretty loud ones. whichever you choose.
Total 19/25
Bottom line
This is my go to trail shoe I want to try some other trail shoes but i love this thing to much not to run in them. If they were to ever update the shoe and remove the Omni- Fit i would go out and buy 2 more pairs of these shoes. the shoe just flat out performs.
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