The new Salomon Sense Mantra is a lightweight training shoe for midfoot strikers who want natural motion, protection and neutral cushioning for high mileage training. We reviewed the Salomon S-Lab Sense last year, a shoe that is designed specifically for ultra-runner Kilian Jornet. Our review of the follow-up, the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra, will be out soon….
Category: Running Gear Reviews
Montrail FluidFlex
Trail running equipment specialist Montrail is continuing its minimalist direction with the Montrail FluidFlex (minimal, 4mm drop), part of the new Fluid line that also include the FluidFeel (neutral, 8mm drop) and the FluidBalance (stability, 10mm drop). With a 4mm offset (15 mm heel, 11 mm forefoot), articulated midsole and toothy microlug outsole, the FluidFlex…
adidas Energy Boost
Are EVA days numbered? Designed to help you run longer and more comfortably, adidas announces the revolutionary adidas Energy Boost, featuring game-changing cushioning technology, sought out for the past 30 years and in development for more than three years. Pre-order adidas Energy Boost now! The first-in-the-industry cushioning is made up of a material that contains thousands of…
Adidas adipure Gazelle SS ’13
Adidas is refreshing the colorways of their best selling Adidas adipure Gazelle for Spring & Summer 2013. The adipure Gazelle still has the same 7mm drop, lightweight, super-flexible, minimal cushioning, and is designed for the runner that is ready to experience midfoot and forefoot running. New colors are Light Grey for men and Joy Pink…
Your Guide To Merrell M-Connect Collection
Transitioning with the latest Merrell Barefoot running shoes Merrell is launching their new M-Connect series of running shoes this month. It is a complete collection featuring running, training, and hiking shoes in addition to running apparel. This article will cover the road running shoes. We will have subsequent posts covering the new Proterra hiking shoes,…
Puma Mobium Elite – Sneak Peek
PUMA is today launching a new-to-market category of performance running, Adaptive Running, with the introduction of the Puma Mobium Elite shoe. Highlights: Mobium Elite’s Technology – Adapts to your foot’s expansion and contraction to encourage midfoot striking and efficiency Windlass Chassis – Changes in length, height and proportion along with your foot’s natural movement Mobium Band…
New Balance 2013 Cross Country shoes – Sneak Peek
New Balance is attacking cross country courses in 2013 with their most powerful line up of cross country shoes. Fierce. Stealth. Aggressive. I loved the 2012 NB XC900 spikeless (one of my top rated minimalist running shoe) but looking forward to testing the NB XC5000 on the tartan track for sprints! New Balance XC700 Designed…
NB Minimus 1010v2 Trail – Sneak Peek
New Balance is also adding to the Minimus collection with the new and improved Minimus 1010v2 trail.This updated edition continues to offer the perfect blend of minimal and traditional features with fit updates and innovative advancements. The 1010v2 continues to round out the Minimus collection for New Balance by acting as a gateway for runners looking for…
NB Minimus Ionix 3090v2 – Sneak Peek
New Balance is adding to the Minimus collection with the introduction of the edgy NB Minimus Ionix 3090v2. This update continues to push the envelope with vivid designs and superior technical features from the first edition but with key improvements. The inspiration for the original Minimus Ionix 3090v1 was the geometry of a molecule, the smallest…
New Balance Minimus Road & Trail v2 Updates
New Balance is launching updates to its existing Minimus style – the original Minimus Road (MR10/WR10) and Minimus Trail (MT10/WT10), which we wear tested and reviewed over two years ago. New Balance Minimus 10v2 Designed for the minimal road runner who requires the perfect balance of protection and proprioception, the Minimus 10v2 is the result…
Vibram Five Fingers Lontra & Speed XC
Two new models from Vibram Five Fingers (VFF) that are released for winter (wet and cold) runners are reviewed here: VFF Speed XC and VFF Lontra. Vibram Lontra The all-new Lontra makes cold weather running in minimalist footwear a breeze. A multi-layer laminate upper with fully taped seams provides insulation and water resistance. The micro-pile…
Ten questions for Tony Post, Topo Athletic
Tony Post, a 30-year footwear veteran of Rockport and Vibram USA, is Topo Athletic founder and CEO. Post first gained notoriety in the footwear business when he ran the 1990 New York marathon in a pair of Rockport’s dress shoes – reposted by my NRC colleague Bill Katovsky at Zero Drop. Topo Athletic believes that products…
Introducing Topo Athletic…
Topo Athletic introduces a new kind of athletic shoe, one that brings a subtle but sophisticated technology to the instinctive movement of the human foot and body. The primary focal point is the split–toe. The split toe creates a unique anchor point in the forefoot thus offering more security and a stronger connection to your…
Puma Toori Run C Quick Review
Bright colors, bold shapes, overall a plain in-your-face unique design. PUMA’s Toori Run Collection has reared its head as the new art inspired training shoe. Influenced by famed anime comic strips and the bright lights of Tokyo, the Toori Run makes a bold statement both in and outside of the gym. These street-prepped trainers are…
Top 3 super-minimalist running shoes of 2013
The latest trend in running shoes is towards lightweight and slightly-cushioned minimalist shoes. It seems to be the reverse for those already transitioned to minimalist shoes with going totally unshod or barefoot as the next logical step. But there is a good news for these advance minimalist runners with the upcoming super-minimalist running shoes. These…
Wear Tested Top 7 2013 Picks
We’ve recently published the Wear Tested 2012 Top 7 Ranked Minimalist Running Shoes based on the shoes availability nationwide. In the next few weeks, some of the long awaited 2013 minimal shoes will be coming into the market followed by the rest in July or August timeframe. 2013 promises more lightweight cushioned minimal shoes but…
Asics GEL-Excel33 2 Quick Review
Asics America updated technology debuts in Version 2 of the GEL-Excel33 with footwear that adapts and responds like nothing runners have ever experienced before with its FluidAxis technology. Asics claimed to have revolutionized running shoe design. Until now, running shoes have been traditionally designed around the up-and-down movement of the ankle joint. But the foot…
Brooks Running Pure Drift Review
Experience the next thing to naked feet with the hyper-light Pure Drift. That is how Brooks Running describes the latest addition to the Pure Project collection of minimal shoes, the Pure Drift. The Pure Drift is the lightest shoe in their collection and is designed to ‘further amps up the runner’s connection with the ground…
Skechers GOrun 2 is now available!
Available now, the follow-up to Skechers top selling running shoe, GOrun 2 is better than ever. Major updates are: lighter weight, softer & more breathable mesh, and custom-fit removable insole. I like the GOrun 2 for speed training and running on roads. They come in a variety of both loud and muted colors for both…
The Running Event 2012 – Wrap Up & Best Products
The 2012 Running Event just ended December 6. It has been an exhaustive but thoroughly enjoyable three days at the Running Event (TRE) and Austin, Texas! I intend to make this pilgrimage every year as long as I’m still involved in running gear and running education. The Summer Outdoor Retailer Show is another major tradeshow…
The Running Event 2012 – Day Three
The last Running Event day is usually quiet and last minute deals are finalized between buyers and vendors. Vendors network with each other. Retailers network with each other. It’s a small community and everyone knows each other. Read my complete The Running Event: On The Floor – Day Three report… You can see all my Examiner.com articles…
The Running Event 2012 – Day Two
Continuing with what we saw on the floor on TRE Day One yesterday, it’s shoes galore! Read my complete The Running Event: On The Floor – Day Two report… You can see all my Examiner.com articles here.
The Running Event 2012 – Day One
Greetings from Austin, Texas! This is my third year attending the Running Event in Austin. The Running Event (TRE) is a conference and expo for over 1,000 running specialty store buyers and featuring over 225 vendors including mainstays Adidas, ASICS, Brooks, Mizuno, and Nike. TRE will showcase premier and up-and-coming products in the $800 billion…
Altra Zero Drop Superior Review
With a removable StoneGuard system and CheckerTrail sticky rubber outsole, The Superior trail shoe is Altra Zero Drop‘s latest offering. The Superior is designed to give incredible protection and stability on loose dirt and rocks – you can tackle the toughest trails with this rugged shoe. The Altra Superior lightweight trail shoe offers a zero…