In my recent Wave Nirvana 8 and Wave Inspire 8 reviews my biggest gripe was the look of the shoes. It’s a small thing to complain about, I know. Mizuno may be a bit conservative when it comes to the standard colors for the Inspire and Nirvana series but they unleashed the designers for the Wave Elixir 7. What they came up with, visually speaking, is as striking a shoe as I’ve ever seen. Road hazard orange, lime green, silver and black all topped off with a tiger striped mesh! My first real test of the Wave Elixir 7 was at a local 15K. I knew that this test was gonna hurt. The good kind of hurt.

Mizuno Wave Elixir 7 Upper:

Mizuno redesigned the entire blueprint of the Wave Elixir 7. Everything here is a fresh take and the upper aesthetic is absolutely insane. Mizuno still uses a lightweight, highly breathable mesh but this time it is sublimated with an animal style print straight out of 1987. The overlays are now made from a lighter, more flexible material and are strategically placed to better form the shoe around the arch and heel while leaving the toe box a bit freer.

The Dynamotion lateral lace tab is removed and the heel collar has been lowered. The Wave Elixir 7 gets some updated shoestrings as well. The new laces are rendered in lime green and black and sport a lighter but stiffer feel from the laces in the Wave Elixir 6. Also, for the first time, the Wave Elixir 7 gets a cushy Ortholite sock liner which replaces the older style AP foam sock liner.

Mizuno Wave Elixir 7 Midsole:

Not to be outdone by the upper, the Wave Elixir 7 midsole has been refined to deliver the performance to match the attitude of the upper. All Mizuno running shoes are designed around the Mizuno Wave Plate. This unique construction situates a plastic plate in the midsole of the shoe and can be tuned to match different runners needs.

The Wave Elixir 7 plate moves the arch a bit farther back towards the heel than in previous editions and this results in a slight increase in stability while still allowing enough inward roll to provide a quick transition from strike to toe off. For the first time, Mizuno has introduced their Flex Controller technology to the Elixir series.

Flex Controllers are placed at the forefoot flex point and, according to Mizuno, provide for the optimal degree of forefoot flexion. Mizuno’s G3 wet traction outsole is still in place in the medial forefoot area of the Wave Elixir 7. X10 carbon rubber still ensures durability in the heel and Mizuno’s AP+ midsole formulation provides the bounce.

Mizuno Wave Elixir 7 opinion:

Years ago I was fitted for a Mizuno Wave Maverick as my first true running shoe. The Maverick has since morphed into the Elixir series and I always have at least one pair on hand. As my mileage increased I eventually moved on up to the Nirvana series but I have always had a soft spot for the Elixir. It doesn’t hurt that the Elixir is always ready to run fast either.

The Wave Elixir 7 is certainly no disappointment in either the looks or performance category. I ran the Elixir once on a treadmill and then took it to a 15K. I ran a new personal best that day and finished pretty well against some of the strongest runners in my town. The shoe never gave me any problems at that race or in any subsequent runs.

The arch is solid and the transition is classic Mizuno; fast and with no loss of power through foot strike. It’s an ideal shoe for those of us who need support but also desire a lighter, faster shoe we can take to a race. I even know a neutral footed runner who uses it as her daily trainer.

However, I have noticed that the Wave Elixir 7 fit is slightly narrower than before and the toe box is not quite as wide. I had no issues with this but do be aware if you have a higher volume foot.

Mizuno has brought the heat with this shoe, literally. The Wave Elixir 7 stands ready to eat asphalt and will relentlessly beg you to up the pace. Pain, sweet pain.

We thank the nice people at Mizuno for sending us a pair of Elixir 7 to test. This did not influence our review of the shoe, written after logging a very decent amount of miles in them!

Nike’s design team utilized their Portland based pro runners from Alberto Salazar’s training group, including Mo Farah and Galen Rupp, to develop a shoe that picked up where the Zoom Elite 4 left off.  The Zoom Elite 5 is not just a faithful reproduction of a popular shoe, but a lighter and slightly lower update that is sure to please Zoom Elite 4 runners and then some.

Nike Zoom Elite 5 First Impressions

I have to admit I was skeptical.  When I first learned that I would be testing and reviewing the update to one of my all time favorite shoes I anticipated the Lunar Elite series with some Zoom Air thrown in.  When I first saw the shoes I even thought to myself there is no way that these will hold a candle to my old Elites.  I slipped them on and things felt promising, even familiar.  The fit and last felt the same, and that old familiar arch support hugged my feet in all the right places.  While I don’t really like the canary yellow color that made my me feel like I was wearing tennis balls on my feet, these shoes looked and performed like workhorses.  No bells, no whistles, just function.

Nike Zoom Elite 5 Upper

The Zoom Elite 5 features a durable dual density mesh upper with well placed underlays throughout the mid foot section of the foot which provides a nice snug fit.  The mid foot section of the upper features a nylon mono mesh over the underlays  which increases breath-ability and synthetic leather material is used as a webbing over the mono mesh to make this a pretty tough upper.  Throughout the toe box area of the upper welded overlays are used which are completely seamless and The fit is very similar to the Zoom Elite 4, but I find the 5 to fit even better.  A wide toe box gives way to a mid foot section that hugs the foot well due to the underlays being incorporated into the lacing system.  Oval laces compliment a simple, yet effective, lacing system which never placed undue stress on the tops of my feet.

One complaint that I had about the Elite 4 was how snug the shoe was throughout the mid foot.  The Zoom Elite 5 underlays do allow the wearer to tighten the upper to their liking but it never feels too tight or constricting.  Nike steered clear of using any plastic logos or reinforcements throughout the upper which allows it to be pliable and lightweight.  I found the upper breathable enough for running in warmer weather (70 + degrees) but I also didn’t have any issues wearing this shoe in temps below 20 degrees without heavy socks.  I also noticed absolutely no wear throughout the upper after close to 200 miles in them.

Nike Zoom Elite 5 Midsole

I mentioned that the Zoom Elite 5 is a bit lower than it’s predecessor, and while I don’t have exact stack height specs from Nike, I will say that this lower stack height adds a bit of stability and sure-footedness the ride.  Nike also lowered the heel drop from the previous version ever so slightly to 9mm (2omm heel – 11mm toe) in the midsole which gives the shoe a great transition through the gait cycle.

Rather than using Lunar foam as Nike used in the Lunar Elite, Nike kept the Phylon midsole foam from the Elite 4 in the new incarnation to preserve the firm responsive feel of the series.  The feel is fantastic, especially throughout the arch area of the foot which is very supportive.  Rather than achieving this through dual density foam or some sort of plastic device, the Phylon foam is shaped in a way throughout the arch foot bed that supports the runner.

Zoom air is present in the forefoot of the midsole which provides snappy and responsive cushioning for faster paced running.  For those unfamiliar with Zoom Air, Nike describes it as:

Zoom Air cushioning comes in a flat, thin unit that provides low-profile, super-responsive cushioning for top speeds and fast “off-the-mark” movements.

Nike Zoom Elite 5 Outsole

A very simple waffle outsole made of durable carbon rubber is used throughout to provide great long lasting traction.  Nike did not create awkward cutouts throughout the outsole of the shoe, and I’m happy to report that this shoe does not collect rocks.

Nike Zoom Elite 5 Overall Impressions

Nike has accurately recreated the best parts of the very popular Zoom Elite Series and improved the shoe where it was needed.  Simply put, Nike has created an absolute winner in the Zoom Elite 5.  This is the type of shoe that I could put on any runner, whether they underpronate, supinate, or are neutral, and they’ll be impressed with the feel and ride of the shoe.  The upper  is flexible, seamless, and the fit will accommodate many types of feet.  The combination of Phylon foam and Zoom Air in the forefoot offers a plush, flexible, and fast ride.

At 10.7 oz (men’s size 10) with a 9mm heel drop the Zoom Elite 5 bridges the gap between lightweight trainers and a well cushioned shoe runners would use for easy days or long runs.  This shoe can do it all:  During long runs my feet felt supported even when my form fell apart from fatigue.  Faster tempo running was a pleasure due to the Zoom Air in the forefoot, and the cushioning hasn’t lost any responsiveness in 200 miles.

If you were a fan of the Zoom Elite 4s then these shoes are  a must buy.  For anyone else, you don’t know what you’re missing!

we thank the nice people at Nike for sending us a pair of Zoom Elite 5 to test. This did not influence our review of the shoe, written after logging more than 200 miles on them!

Mizuno Wave Creation 13 Upper

I’ve come to expect a good fitting upper when testing Mizuno shoes and the Creation 13′s upper does not disappoint.  A breathable mesh covers most of the upper reinforced by synthetic overlays which kept my foot feeling supported and locked down.  The mesh throughout the upper has some elastic properties, but especially in the toe box giving the wearer a customized fit.  

The lacing system is simple, yet effective, and the tongue is sewn into the upper which keeps it in place.  The fit hits that sweet spot for me between being too tight and too loose hugging the mid foot but allowing plenty of toe box room typical for Japanese shoe companies.

Mizuno Wave Creation 13 Midsole

The upper of the Creation 13 sits immediately on a bed of soft and responsive EVA foam which runs the length of the shoe.  Mizuno uses their AP+ copolymer midsole material (think of a denser EVA foam) throughout the forefoot of the shoe providing a firm but responsive ride.  

Heel cushioning is mostly provided by the extended Wave Plate technology which runs from the heel through the arch of the shoe.  I would describe the heel cushioning as very plush and responsive with a firmer forefoot feel.  The Wave pattern in this shoe consists of a plastic base structure underneath the softer EVA foam and upper which is reinforced by four pillars of EVA foam connected to a lower wave plate.  The overall effect is very plush heel cushioning that is also rigid and inflexible.

The shoe features an 11mm heel to toe drop which is 1mm lower than the industry standard.

Mizuno Wave Creation 13 Outsole

Mizuno uses its X10 carbon rubber throughout the outsole.  In the heel area of the shoe it is used sparingly to save weight and the forefoot is given a bit more liberal coating of carbon rubber.

Overall Impressions and Performance

I have to think that if you were to dismantle the Mizuno Wave Creation 13 piece by piece it would amass the largest pile of gadgetry in the world in a single shoe.  Is that a bad thing?   Not necessarily as long as the shoe functions.  

I tested this shoe  primarily on easy days hoping to get the most out of the maximal cushioning for my beat up legs.  While the plush upper feels great the shoe is simply overbuilt in my opinion.  At 12.3 oz it is nearly one ounce heavier than its competitors and the the extended wave plate makes for a very stiff neutral shoe.  Any running on cambered (slanted or crowned roads) left me sliding off the platform of the shoe or feeling like I would turn my ankle due to the hard edges of the outsole.

For heel strikers this shoe delivers fantastic, responsive cushioning and a smooth transition into toe off.  Mid foot or forefoot strikers will likely find that the heel structures of the Creation 13 simply gets in the way.  I think that big guys and gals will love this shoe as the cushioning is firm and durable and will likely take all the beating that can be dished out.

When I first opened the Brooks box, I noticed the striking design. I tested the yellow and grey color way. The color combination was eye catching, and the overlay mesh had an interesting decorative pattern. I liked the branding design, which has the shoe name located along the lacing system and the Brooks name down its heel.

Brooks Trance 11 Upper:

Brooks Tongue Tied lacing system reduces the sliding of the Trance’s tongue. The upper materials are extremely comfortable. Its open mesh overlay provides breathability and maximum moisture management. The microfiber construction offers durability and comfort in a light fabric. The toe box is wide and gives a generous fit. Its Blown Rubber Forefoot is soft and durable for all weather climates. The environmentally friendly BioMogo sock liner offers additional comfort.

Brooks Trance 11 Sole Unit:

Overpronation occurs when a runner’s stride hits the ground on the lateral side of the heel. The foot strike does not absorb shock efficiently, which results in uneven distribution of weight. This causes the individual’s arches to collapse, or a weakening of the ankles.

The Trance 11 is a luxurious ride and offers top of the line technology to correct overpronation.

Brooks’ patented Caterpillar Crash Pad is one of the featured technologies. The perimeter of the sole is lined with the Crash Pad to provide a smooth ride and maximum flexibility. This allows an efficient stride, and a smooth heel lay down. In other words, it shifts energy from heel to toe and guides the foot towards a more normal and fluid stride.

Brooks patented DNA Technology is full length to offer a more customized ride. Its gel cushioning is made up of non-Newtonian liquid, and responds to the amount of force placed on the foot by providing custom support. Brooks’ DNA also offers twice the normal energy return. The faster you run, the harder the liquid becomes. The tuned density midsole technology adapts to the runner’s weight; providing additional custom cushioning. Additionally, the midsoles are engineered to allow pronation control and stability through its Progressive Diagonal Rollbar.

Brooks Trance 11 Opinion:

Two of Brooks’ bestselling stability shoes are the Adrenaline GTS 12 and the Trance 11. While both are great stability options, what are the main differences between the two?

The materials in the upper of the Trance offer maximum cushion and are softer, which adds to the higher cost. The Adrenaline GTS 12 provided a snugger, more conforming fit. The Trances were plusher and offered maximum comfort. Unlike the Adrenaline GTS 12 model which offers DNA filled pods, the Trance 11 model offers full length DNA cushioning.

The Adrenaline GTS 12 offers adjustable elastic lacing that provides a secure and its signature “midfoot wrap” fit while the Trance 11 Toe Box is wider and offers a roomier fit. In addition, the arch support in the Trance 11 model is lower. Both offer great support, but I preferred the custom fit of the Adrenalines. Coming from someone with flat fleet, the arch support in the Trance 11 was lower than my personal preference .

Pearl Izumi Kissaki First impressions:

The first thing that caught my attention was the very vivid color scheme. Initially I didn’t care for the color, but after some time it grew on me. Especially after previewing other shoes with even louder color schemes, like the Boston 3, made these even more palatable. I also quickly noticed the shoes smooth appearance that comes from its seamless upper. Once I put the shoes on I noticed right away how the mono tongue wrapped my foot hugging it in the shoe.

Pearl Izumi Kissaki Upper:

The most Unique feature of the Kissaki is the seamless upper. Pearl Izumi has diverted from the norm and used a taped seam versus stitching. This seamless upper was very smooth, as I mentioned earlier, which settled in around my feet fairly nice without creating any pressure points, chaffing, or hot spots. In order to further reinforce the taped seams a bonded overlay has also been used. This gives strength and support to the shoe and protection as well.

The only fault I found was that a strip bonding was placed vertically toward the center of the toe box on the lateral side, and not the medial. This imbalance in the bonding created a lack of support on the medial side that caused the bonding to the front and rear of the toe box to close in on one another and created a pinch point during toe off. Although it never caused any particular discomfort it definitely created an awkward feeling. This may be noteworthy to runners with foot disorders, such as bunions, as it may cause discomfort in those runners.

The upper is built out of an open basket type mesh that is seated on top of a thin mesh screen. This leaves the upper very open, airy, and flexible. I would definitely recommend a nice pair of wool socks for those headed out on cold days as I found out the hard way.

Another unique feature of the Kissaki is the semi-mono tongue. The tongue is a one piece construction that is anchored to the medial side of the foot and wraps over the foot to the lateral side where it ends unanchored. This allowed the tongue to hug my foot, again giving that smooth feeling. During all of my time in my shoe I rarely noticed that the tongue was even there.

The lacing system of the shoe is comprised of a series of tight rigid loops that are spaced close together. I found it very difficult to tighten up the laces, and one I was able to get into the laces themselves it was very easy to over tighten the shoe. This definitely caused some discomfort at points early on to the top of my foot. Once I was able to figure out the best adjustment the pressure was not as noticeable.

Wether due to the lacing system or just construction I found the midfoot to be a little roomy. For me and possibly to others, aside from those with a wider foot, it lends itself to be a little loose. The toe box of the shoe is nice and wide allowing ample room for my toes to splay and move comfortably. I did notice the toe box to be a bit shallow. My toes definitely hovered close to the front of the shoe, but I never experienced any trauma or discomfort as a result of it. Point being is if you are considering these shoes I would definitely order a ½ size up, I know that I would have benefited.

Moving to the heel where we find a memory foam collar. The collar was a nice addition and did not cause any excessive pressure or chaffing. However, the rest of the heel has room for improvement as I found it to be wide. I have a normal width heel and the rear of the shoe was a bit sloppy especially when going downhill, and on semi-technical trails.

Finally, the upper is topped off with a set of flat laces that have two reflective bands woven into them, a nice added touch. The laces remain secured and tied on all of my runs with no discomfort.

Pearl Izumi Kissaki Midsole:

Pearl Izumi has constructed the Kissaki midsole from its 1:1 energy return foam. This absorbs shock and rather than displacing it into the ground the foam returns it back to the runner. The 1:1 foam has been strategically placed in the forefoot and heel crash pad. This along with the three flex zones in the forefoot helped give me a nice smooth, responsive, firm ride. Midfoot and forefoot strikers will appreciate the firm ride and the pleasant heal to toe transition.

The kissaki is built with a plastic bridge in the midfoot section. This provided nice mild stability without being over the top. Mild overpronators, like me, will enjoy this while those seeking out additional stability might want to reconsider this as a daily trainer and more of a race day shoe.

The sole has a 19mm heel and a 10 mm toe giving it a 9mm drop. This was a nice change I thought from the standard 12mm making it a sound choice for both midfoot and forefoot strikers alike.

Pearl Izumi Kissaki Outsole:

The kissaki is constructed with a full blown rubber outsole with a carbon rubber heel crash pad. With about 125 miles on the shoe it is showing very little signs of wear, and I say with confidence that that it could go another 300. Something I did enjoy with this shoe was the tread pattern that was used. Not only did it grip the road well, but I found it also to grip and hold well on mild to moderate trails. I found it also to hold fairly well in the snow, and packed snow.

Pearl Izumi Kissaki Opinion:

So weapons for the feet? They could be if future improvements can be made to upper of the shoe. For now the shoe is really going to fit a limited number of runners well, but not the majority. What it does have going for it is the ability to transition between the road and packed trail very well. The energy return through the toe is also hard to beat, as is its durability.

This would be a great high mileage shoe for efficient runners or mild pronators. Those looking for a little bit more stability or heavier runners should look to the Kissaki just as a solid race day shoe.

We thank the nice guys at Pearl Izumi for sending us a pair of Kissaki to try. This did not influence our review of the shoes!

Asics GEL Kayano 18 First Impressions

If Asics plays it safe with the GT series, then the Kayano series is where they roll the dice. It seems like this shoe gets a major change nearly every year. Off set lacing, giant GEL heel packs, Heel Clutching System, oh my! My test pair arrived in a stunningly sinister silver and black color way. I couldn’t wait to run in them.

Asics GEL Kayano 18 Upper

Theo Comfort was order of the day when Asics built the GEL Kayano 18. All materials found in the GEL Kayano 18 upper are high end. Asics uses very breathable and noticeably soft mesh combined with premium overlay material to provide runners with a truly luxurious upper fit.

The GEL Kayano 18 gets Asics Biomorphic fit materials in the arch and forefoot flex points. This material will not bunch, pinch or grab a runners foot and is only found on Asics top shelf shoes. The lacing pattern is still slightly offset but not to the degree found in earlier versions of the shoe.

Asics has decided to remove the internal heel counter and replace it with an external “exoskeleton” design. As a result, the shoe feels like it has almost no heel counter at all. Inside the heel pocket we find Asics PHF (Personalized Heel Fit) memory foam. Initially, I felt some slippage in the GEL Kayano 18 heel, probably because Asics uses a very slippery heel collar lining that slides when you wear technical socks. At any rate, the slipping feeling didn’t last long.

Ruggero I think “luxury” is a good way to describe the feeling of the Kayano 18 upper. Just picking the shoe up in your hands you can feel the smoothness and softness of the memory foam used in the tongue and the heel collar. The shoe fits great: I didn’t have any problem with the heel slippage and I couldn’t feel any pinch or itch at any point. The upper unit of the Kayano is truly amazing.

I have very flat feet and I felt very comfortable in the Kayano’s upper. I also want to say that my pair came in the white/orange colour in the pictures and I prefer it to the dark colour that Theo run in

Asics GEL Kayano 18 Sole Unit

Theo Asics has implemented a new type of midsole posting called Dynamic Duomax which Asics claims responds better to the needs of the runner. For the first time ever, Duomax Soft Top is in place in both men’s and women’s versions of the shoe. Duomax Soft Top enhances the cushioning properties of the GEL Kayano 18. Asics uses its legendary GEL cushioning system in heel and forefoot areas of the GEL Kayano 18 to provide the plushest running experience ever in the GEL Kayano franchise.

Asics Space Trusstic System shores up the mid foot of the shoe and works to relieve some of the torsional forces that running places on a shoe’s midsole. Lastly, Asics has also included a Guidance Line design which carves a channel on the sole of the shoe to help guide the foot through initial contact to toe off.

Ruggero I was also surprised of the amount of plush cushioning delivered by the Kayano, especially in the forefoot – which is a good thing if like me you tend to land on your midfoot. I was expecting a little more support, though.

Asics GEL Kayano 18 Opinion

Theo The GEL Kayano 18 is certainly a premium shoe but after a couple of runs I knew that it was not for me. Not only that, but I feel that the GEL Kayano 18 is completely miscategorized. To me, the shoe feels a whole lot closer to a neutral shoe than a shoe designed for moderate over pronators. When running in the GEL Kayano 18, my feet literally felt as though they were diving inwards with very little to help slow my pronation. For the record, I’m six feet tall and 160 pounds on a heavy day. The GEL Kayano 18 simply could not keep up with what my feet need from a shoe.

However, The GEL Kayano 18 looks incredible in the silver and black color way I received and it is extremely comfortable and well cushioned. It transitioned reasonably well for a shoe with so much shock absorption.

Kayano series fans will likely be split over the direction the shoe has taken. More neutral runners could very well love it while those of us who need more help from our shoes will be forced to look elsewhere.

In fact, I recently tested the Asics GT 2170 and found it to be much more stable and provide considerably more arch support than found in the GEL Kayano 18. As such, I’m recommending this latest Kayano to neutral to mildly over pronating runners who are looking for a long run shoe with the slightest touch of support.

Ruggero I am a heavier runner than Theo (85kg -> 185 pounds) and while I did feel the support of the Kayano 18, I need to agree that is indeed less than what I was expecting to find. I didn’t find my arches collapsing too much, but what I felt was the super-soft cushioning. After a couple of 7/8km runs and two 12km runs I didn’t feel any ankle pain – which usually means that I overpronated a lot during my run – so there is definitely support, but landing on so much cushion makes the foot a little unstable, or at least it feels like it.

All in all the Kayano is a great shoe and I also would reccomend it to larger runners that are looking for a high-mileage (marathon training) shoe that offers soft soft cushioning and a touch of overpronating control.

The new Wave Nirvana 8 has received a new and more minimal upper design in a striking blue, silver and orange color combination. The removal of several overlays is immediately noticeable but the midsole, despite being color matched to the overlays, is identical to that of the Wave Nirvana 7. As expected, the Wave Nirvana 8 feels very protective when on the foot.

Mizuno Wave Nirvana 8 Upper:

The sole focal point of the Wave Nirvana 8 is on its upper. Mizuno seems to have looked in the back catalogue when designing the upper for the Wave Nirvana 8. The new upper is reminiscent of that found in the original Wave Nirvana. Mizuno lowered the heel collar and removed the Dynamotion Fit lateral lacing tab found on the Wave Nirvana 7. The flex eyelets from the previous edition are removed in favor of a more traditional looking eyelet row. The Wave Nirvana 8 also employs a less complex series of overlays designed to reduce weight and improve fit.

Mizuno Wave Nirvana 8 Sole Unit:

As stated earlier, the midsole on the Wave Nirvana 8 is carried over from the Wave Nirvana 7. As such, it is still built around Mizuno’s full length stability wave plate. Mizuno utilizes these plastic wave plates as a literal ‘suspension system’ to provide shock attenuation and stability to their shoes. The Wave Nirvana 8 wave plate is tuned to deliver premium stability for an over pronating runner. Over pronation occurs when a runner’s foot lands and rolls too far to the inside, placing extreme stress on the arch and inner shin musculature. In the Wave Nirvana 8 the wave plate travels nearly the full length of the shoe in order to provide stability from contact through toe off.

Still present in the Wave Nirvana 8 sole are Mizuno flex controllers. According to Mizuno testing, flex controllers help provide the ideal amount of forefoot flexibility to aid in improving transition to toe off while allowing for less midsole foam at the forefoot flex point. This design feature aims to accomplish weight reduction while maintaining a flexible, yet stable ride. Other carryover features include Mizuno’s classic VS-1 heel cushioning wedge , premium AP+ midsole foam and an Ortholite sock liner.

Mizuno Wave Nirvana 8 Opinion:

I have relied on the Nirvana series to be my workhorse for 8 years now. No other shoe has consistently delivered the stability of the Nirvana. Although I only weigh 160 pounds at six feet tall, I have very flexible arches which demand additional help from my shoes. And I don’t like adding orthotics to my shoes. I believe that a $100-$150 shoe should be enough. Mizuno delivers by placing the arch support near the heel in their shoes and this is, for me, the ideal way to engineer a shoe.

In regards to the new upper, I have mixed emotions. I’m not a fan of the color combination on this Nirvana. It’s just too…blue. However, it definitely provides a better fit than the previous model and is responsible for the slight weight reduction from the Wave Nirvana 7. The new upper sits much lower on the foot and I had to be careful not to over tighten the laces. Although the previous Dynamotion Fit lacing tab bothered some, it never gave me any problems. I can say that the lateral aspect of the collar is definitely lower than before. Either way, the shoe fits better than before and sports the same stable ride as the Wave Nirvana 7. In fact, I have not tested a shoe that combines this amount of stability with flexibility and cushioning.

Only recently has another shoe threatened to take away the number one spot that the Nirvana has maintained in my shoe rotation. Unsurprisingly, the challenger was the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 which I reviewed earlier. After many runs in both shoes I must say that as good of a shoe as the new Wave Inspire 8 is, it just cannot deliver the long haul stability of the Wave Nirvana 8. Such is the strength of the Nirvana series, dear readers!

We thank the nice people at Mizuno for sending us a pair of Nirvana 8 to test. This did not influence the review, written after logging more than 50 miles in the shoes!

K-Swiss has enjoyed a resurgence with their line of award-winning triathlon shoes and gear, bringing the company back into contention among a wide pool of running shoe manufacturers. Keeping on top of industry trends, K-Swiss has introduced a range of responsive and durable running shoes. The Blade Foot Run is the company’s minimalist offering, providing a comfortable lightweight experience that comes packed with nifty features.

K-Swiss Blade Foot Run First Impressions

When I first heard that K-Swiss would be introducing a running shoe, I began to learn more about the company’s foray into triathlon apparel. After the company found success with triathletes, I became eager to see how they could segue into the running market. With the Blade Foot Run, the company created a bold and forward-thinking shoe for their first effort in the market. The shoe on a whole is reminiscent of blockbuster successes in minimalist footwear, incorporating design features throughout their design. A sturdy, flexible outsole is paired with a thin, durable midsole and a comfortable, lightweight upper. At a svelte eight ounces, the Blade Foot Run provides a familiar experience for runners who are accustomed to minimalist shoes. For a newcomer to the minimalist experience, the shoe also provides a dependable experience with moderate support in all of the right places.

Overall, the Blade Foot Run is an excellent foray into the minimalist market for K-Swiss. The shoe is simple by design: cushioning can be found where it’s needed, and comfort factors are noticeable without being restrictive. While many running shoe companies are looking to incorporate radical design changes with their freshman crop of minimalist models, K-Swiss’ conservative approach has created a dependable, reliable, and familiar experience within their minimalist model. The shoes provide the right amount of cushioning, comfort, and style.

K-Swiss Blade Foot Run Sole Unit

Within the minimalist shoe market, sole units range from being super-flexible to the stone-rigid—each looking to provide an experience which either mimics the foot’s natural motion, or attempts to stay out of the way of the running process. The Blade Foot Run has a semi-rigid outsole with a grooved pattern that holds up well on uneven and slick surfaces. In this respect, K-Swiss has split the difference between going hyper-flexible or stiff. Overall, this approach proves effective as my feet were able to move when needed, but were still secure throughout landing and push-off. The “Blade” design is the namesake of the shoe, and rightfully so: the blade treads of the outsole provide a surface which hugs concrete, asphalt, gravel, and trails alike. With moderate flexibility, I found that the shoes held up on a variety of surfaces, proving its worth as an all-around trainer.

The Blade Foot Run’s midsole provides a moderate amount of cushioning, creating a true minimal shoe experience that supports the foot without inhibiting motion. Using K-Swiss’ Superfoam and K-EVA cushioning, the GuideGlide midsole construction creates an excellent support system for the foot which stands out, paradoxically, for its lack of noticeability. By providing a proper amount of cushioning within a minimalist shoe, the Blade Foot Run never altered my gait or cushioned a portion of my foot which didn’t need it. This element came at a great relief, as it is difficult to strike a balance within midsole construction in minimal shoes.

K-Swiss Blade Foot Run Upper Unit

The Blade Foot Run truly shines in its upper unit construction. The shoe provides a comfortable and lightweight design throughout the upper. At no point did my feet hurt or blister while wearing the shoe. Constructed primarily of a breathable mesh fabric (with harder synthetic materials in the mid-foot region), the shoes felt breathable and comfortable throughout my run. A truly unique design feature can be found in the toe box. The Flow Cool system improves air circulation by including small holes at the front of the toes, a feature which encouraged ventilation while still repelling water and debris. This feature is among the shoe’s most innovative. Other remarkable inclusions can be found in the beaded shoelaces, which never lost their grip or came untied during testing, and the inclusion of pulltabs on both the ankle collar and tongue which made slipping the shoes on an absolute breeze.

When wearing the shoes, the sockliner maintains its comfort without being restrictive, bulky, or overly-cushioned. Feet stay dry, comfortable, and happy throughout long and short workouts alike. The unibody design encourages comfort and movement while forgoing seams and other blister-inducing elements. Of particular comfort was the ankle collar, which was both firm and low enough to allow the ankle to move freely. In total, the upper unit of the Blade Foot Run is truly where the shoe excels—I found the shoes to be comfortable enough to wear outside of my runs as well, doubling as a great shoe for walking and daily use.

K-Swiss Blade Foot Run Opinion

Breaking into the running shoe market can be a daunting experience rife with pitfalls. In the Blade Foot Run, K-Swiss was able to excel where other newcomers have faltered. The shoe provides a conservative minimalist experience which will be familiar to a wide range of runners. By refraining from including some of the bells and whistles found in other minimalist shoes, K-Swiss is able to stake its claim in the market by creating an accessible minimalist model. It included some of the great features I’ve found in other models, while at the same time taking on a feel of its own. One particular detail I noticed was the amount of toe room in the Blade Foot Run; something which is usually scarce in other leading minimalist shoes. In total, I found the shoes to provide a great running experience at a great price. If the same philosophy that went into creating the Blade Foot Run is used for future incarnations, K-Swiss will be on a positive trajectory as they establish themselves as a running brand.

The Brooks Pure Project line, which hit stores this fall, was Brooks’ response to runners’ requests for more minimal shoes. The Pure Project line consists of four minimal shoes—the Pure Cadence, the Pure Connect, Pure Flow, and Pure Grit—each aimed at a different type of runner. The Pure Cadence is the stability shoe of the group, designed to allow overpronators to experience a minimal shoe. Key features include a supportive upper, a thick pod on the outer edge of the sole unit, as well as internal support in the sole unit to add additional stability.

Brooks Pure Cadence Impressions

Having heard quite a bit about the Pure Project line in the weeks leading up to their release, I was excited to try the Pure Cadence. From the first run, a short three-mile tempo through my neighborhood, I loved their snug fit and the smooth ride. Between the flexible sole and the lighter weight, they made for a great option for speed or track days, though I wouldn’t recommend them for trails. Having tried other minimal shoes, I was expecting a bit of soreness in my legs the next day, but didn’t have any issues the next day. Despite a lack of soreness, I would recommend easing into these shoes, as the overall experience is different from most other running shoes.

One of the advantages of minimal shoes that many runners focus on is the encouragement of a midfoot strike. As an injury-prone runner, I’ve been working toward improving my gait and footstrike, and I did feel a difference when running in the Pure Cadence. Post-marathon, I had noticed that my gait had slipped a bit, and I was going back to my old heel-striking ways. With regular runs in the Pure Cadence, I have found that even in my everyday trainers, my gait has improved considerably. Overall, I’ve enjoyed running in the Pure Cadence, and they’ll stay in my rotation for speed work and the occasional race.

Brooks Pure Cadence Sole Unit

The sole unit features two special elements to provide adequate stability for overpronators. The first and most immediately noticeable element is a small pod, located on the outside of the middle part of the sole, and is meant to prevent the foot from rolling inward and stressing the ankle. While I was concerned that it would feel awkward when I first looked at the shoes, I didn’t feel it on the run. The other main support feature in the sole unit is an internal bar running through the shoe diagonally. Like the pod, I didn’t find this element to be obtrusive while running.

All Pure Project shoes have two other distinctive features: a split in the toe box, called the Toe Flex, and a smooth inverted heel, which Brooks has named the Ideal Heel. The Toe Flex, located near the big toe, is meant to allow the big toe to work independently to encourage runners to use their own balance, rather than letting the shoe do the work for them. The second feature, which is one of my favorite parts about the Pure Cadence, is the Ideal Heel. The Ideal Heel is a smooth inverted heel, which is meant to encourage a midfoot strike.

Brooks Pure Cadence Upper Unit

The main feature of the upper unit on the Pure Cadence is the NavBand, a thick elastic band running across the midfoot. Meant to secure the foot in place and help the shoe conform to the runner’s foot, the NavBand is a nice addition, and adds to the overall snug and secure fit of the shoe. Overall, the upper’s construction is relatively simple and smooth, constructed mostly of lightweight mesh and nylon. One final touch to the shoe was the bubbled laces, which helps keep laces tied. While the upper doesn’t hold up well in rainy conditions—my feet were wet pretty quickly—it would be great for running in the heat. Another advantage to the upper is the smooth interior, great for blister-prone runners.

Brooks Pure Cadence Opinion

The Pure Cadence would be a great option for light overpronating runners looking to try more minimal shoes, though they probably wouldn’t be a great for serious overpronators that normally require heavy support. The with a light, fast, and smooth feel, the Pure Cadence makes for a great experience, and would be a great option for speed work or race day.

Saucony Powergrid Triumph 9 First Impressions

When I first tried the Triumph 9 on I noticed the roomy toe box, snug mid foot and great overall fit.  The cushioning felt plush and I appreciated the feel of the lower heel drop.  The only fit issue I noticed was a slight rubbing on my heel where extra cushioning was sewed into the heel collar around the Achilles notch, creating seams and a little abrasion.  Turned out that I didn’t even notice them during my runs in the shoes.

Powergrid Triumph 9 Upper 

Breathable dual density mesh is utilized throughout the shoe and supported by the liberal use of stitched on, synthetic overlays to increase support.  The Triumph 9 features the Sauc-Fit overlay in the mid foot area which provides great lockdown and a snug fit.  Overlays also cover the toe area and reinforce the heel of the shoe.  I felt my heel slip intially when walking around in the Triumph but did not experience any issues with slippage while running.  The upper seemed to move well with the foot and I didn’t have any issues with rubbing nor did I need a break-in period.  The Triumph 9 upper seemed to do well to keep my feet dry running through slush and snow as well and will make an excellent winter training shoe.

For those familiar with the Saucony line, the Triumph 9 upper is more similar to the Progrid series shoes such as the Ride and Guide rather than the lighter, more flexible material seen on the Kinvara or Cortana.

My favorite part of the upper, believe it or not, is the shoe laces.  Saucony utilized flat laces with a bit of stretch to them which helped them stay tied during the run.  The flat laces really cut down on pressure on the tops of my feet as did the well cushioned tongue.  Reinforced eyelets add to durability to the lacing system and aided with a secure fit.

Powergrid Triumph 9 Midsole

There is a great deal of responsive cushioning in the Triumph 9 midsole made possible by the Powergrid system which uses Saucony Powerfoam to dissipate footstrike shock throughout the midsole.  Powerfoam is very lightweight and responsive and Saucony’s SSL EVA is featured throughout the midsole.  The heel cushioning is substantial in the Triumph with a nice transition to ample forefoot cushioning which I appreciated a great deal.

There is a Midsole Support Bridge, a thermoplastic unit, which runs from the heel to the mid foot and decreases torsion through the foot strike.  Saucony made the wise decision to not extend this plastic bar too far into the mid foot section of the shoe as to inhibit forefoot flexibility.

Powergrid Triumph 9 Outsole

As with the rest of Saucony’s Powergrid shoes, the outsole of the Triumph 9 features minimal cutouts which increases surface area contact with the ground.  In fact, the Triumph even handled moderately technical trails fairly well and the durable carbon rubber outsole will likely wear well past 500 miles. Saucony also placed IBR+  in the segmented forefoot to increase flexibility and ride overall.

Powergrid Triumph 9 Overall Impressions

I think that Saucony is moving in the right direction by decreasing the drop of the Triumph from 12mm to 8mm but maintaining the overall stack height of the shoe (the amount of midsole/ outsole material facilitating cushioning and support).  The ride of the Triumph 9 is incredibly smooth and I was able to take this shoe for 12 miles on roads and trails right out of the box without any discomfort.  Runners looking for maximum cushioning with a bit of medial support will love this shoe and the fit is fantastic, especially the wide toe box.  The durable upper takes a good beating and shouldn’t wear out before the midsole.

Saucony has added another star to its lineup with the Powergrid Triumph 9, which is definitely the best Triumph yet.  With so many well cushioned neutral shoes to choose from in their line the only decision is which shoe to go with.

Adidas Adizero Boston 3 First Impressions

After I got over the very loud color scheme of the new Adizero Boston I slipped them on and felt like I had just put on a marathon racing flat.  The feeling of the Boston 3 is low to the ground due to reduced stack height from the Boston 2, and the cushioning initially felt very firm and minimal.  The fit felt fantastic and I could tell that Adidas reduced weight in the upper making it more minimal.  But, I was concerned that maybe they’d stripped the shoe down too much.  Due to the fact that I try on LOTS of shoes each year and I get to review quite a number of them, I rarely change my mind from my first impression.  However, my initial feelings about these shoes were absolutely wrong.

Adidas Adizero Boston 3 Upper

Stripped down, flexible, and breathable are a few words I would use to describe this well fitting upper.  Adidas changed the overlays a little for this third incarnation but kept a mostly mesh upper with synthetic reinforcements in the toe and heel cup.  The mesh of the Boston 3 seems to be a bit thinner and more breathable but maintains durability.  Adidas uses their usual fit and last for the Boston 3 with a narrow heel, snug mid foot, and wide toe box.  The loose and comfortable mesh does allow some give and really seemed to form to my foot the more I ran in the shoes.

The heel collar and tongue of the Boston 3 is thin, pliable, and very comfortable.  Adidas keeps the tongue thin and lightweight and uses flat laces which do not cause any discomfort on the tops of my feet.

Adidas Adizero Boston 3 Midsole

Adidas used its Adiprene EVA foam cushioning, which is firm yet responsive, throughout the entire length of the Boston 3.  I especially appreciated the increased cushioning throughout the forefoot and the full length Adiprene really gives the Boston 3 a nice ride.  Midfoot and forefoot strikers will especially love the firm ride which gives a sense of proprioception and feel for the road.  Heel strikers will like the decoupled and well cushioned heel which also aids in a smooth transition through the foot plant.

Adidas uses its Torsion Bar in the mid foot which helps stabilize the shoe.  Mild overpronators, like myself, can get away with wearing the Boston 3, while those needing more stability will likely find it a great marathon racing shoe but too minimal for daily training.

Adidas Adizero Boston 3 Outsole

The Boston 3 has very durable carbon rubber on the heel and Continental Tire rubber on areas of high wear from mid foot through toe off.  The Continental rubber is advertised to improve grip and I can’t attest that it performs better than typical outsole rubber.  The outsole doesn’t have any major cutouts or grooves which could pick up large rocks or mud and after approximately 150 miles on the shoe the outsole does not show any wear and does grip quite well.  I often ran on packed snow and I wasn’t slipping around as much as with other trainers.  The low stack height also increases agility on snow or icy roads.

Adidas Adizero Boston 3 Overall Impressions

As I stated before, I rarely feel differently about a shoe after running 100 miles in it then I do when trying it on.  But, every once in awhile a shoe surprises me.  The Boston 3 impressed me most with its firm and resilient cushioning, fit, and very lightweight feel.  In fact, the more I wore them I found myself subconsciously reaching for them each morning and neglecting my other trainers.  I’ve worn the Boston 3 on several longer runs (12-16 miles), short tempo runs, and fartlek on trails.  In each situation they responded very well and the very smooth transition of this shoe lends itself to fast running.  I was never surprised that my pace crept faster and faster into unintentional progression runs when wearing the Boston 3.

This is a perfect shoe for high mileage efficient runners with neutral or slight pronating gaits.  For those who need a little bit more support I would highly recommend this shoe for racing, especially the marathon distance, as the Boston 3 can take a beating.  Right at 10 oz for my size 9.5 the Boston 3 feels lighter than it is due to its minimal upper and low profile and after 150 miles I’m continually impressed with its performance.

We thank the nice people at Adidas for sending us a pair of the Boston 3 to test. This did not influence our review, written after running more than 150 miles in them

Adidas Supernovea Glide 4 First Impressions

Past runners of the Glide will take comfort that at first glance the shoes look fairly similar to its predecessors. It still holds that same durable simple design that requires no extra flash or added accents. However, after closer examination users will find that the shoes upper profile has been reduced slightly giving it a slimmer profile. The Midsole is also less substantial than the Glide 3, giving the shoe a slightly more streamlined look.

The Glide 4 feels true to size with a comfortable interior and EVA sockliner (which when removed revealed the compartment for the mi coach system accessory), roomy toebox, and snug comfortable fit lacking maybe some arch support. Adidas remained with the comfortable, snug, and well-padded GEOFIT heel. Tubular oval laces secured the shoe nicely that remained tied on all my runs causing no discomfort.

Adidas Supernova Glide 4 Upper

The upper is composed of a stitched-on microsuede similar to the Glide 3. The pattern to the 4 is different being a tighter closed honeycomb mesh than before. This new pattern may allow for greater flexibility, breathability, and weight reduction. This mesh covers the majority of the midfoot area in the same fashion as the 3. The overlays continue to remain very simple and basic providing strength, reinforcement, and support to those areas that need it. Reflective highlights have also been added to the heel and toe that appear to not have been present on the 3.

“GEOFIT” construction still remains a solid performer in the Glide 4. For those unfamiliar with GEOFIT it is a technology developed by Adidas where padding lining is placed in exact areas where it is needed. GEOFIT offers greater stability and distribution of pressure offering better heel fit. The heel was built up enough to provide great support without heel slip, and did not create any unnecessary pressure around my Achilles. I found my heel to feel very centered and locked in over most terrains that I covered. I did find it to be a little stiff in my initial outings with the shoe, but as time went on this became less noticeable.

Adidas Supernova Glide 4 Midsole

Adidas has changed up things in the midsole department a bit in the Glide 4 from the 3. Fans of the 3 will remember a 30mm heel and an 18mm forefoot with a 12mm drop altogether. The Glide 4 still has kept the same 12mm drop, but has reduced the overall height of the heel and forefoot by 0.5mm down to 23.3 and 11.5. This has allowed for reduced weight, but also drops the profile of the shoe lower to the ground. This lower profile allows for a more natural foot position leading to a more natural midfoot to forefoot foot strike, and thus greater running efficiency.

The midsole contains very minimal arch support that may pose problems to those needing additional support. This lack of arch support may be helpful to the true neutral runner as it provides that additional flexibility that we are looking for.

The Heel is decoupled (separated from the rest of the midsole) to allow it to be built using Adidas FORMOTION technology, which is a unique sliding plate technology that absorbs shock in three dimensions. This decoupled design did make for a nice heel to toe transition.

The remaining sole is still comprised of Adidas own adiPRENE + EVA foam material. I found this to be not too soft and not too firm, so if you are a runner seeking a more cushioned ride this is definitely not your shoe. This is also the same foam used in the Glide 3 and the rest of the Supernova line.

A plastic “TORSION SYSTEM” bridges the midfoot to provide torsional stability. This torsional system may interest those that enjoy the added stability, but I found it to be a bit much and I missed some lateral movement from time to time.

The outsole is comprised of blown rubber with a non-marking carbon rubber finishing off the heel. The outsole provided durable good traction on pavement and crushed gravel surfaces both of which were the primary surfaces that the shoes were wear tested on.

Adidas Supernova Glide 4 Opinion

In this runner’s opinion, Adidas has once again created a nice high mileage shoe for the neutral runner. I put this shoe though several miles of testing at varying distances and speeds over varying terrain. The shoe was very stable and kept my foot in a very nice neutral position.

The ride was smooth with outbeing overly cushioned, but leaning more to stiffer and firm. I found the Glide to not be overly bulky and was suprisingly lighter than I would have given it credit for.

In conclusion, the Glide 4 is a good durable daily high mileage shoe fans of Glide can still count on the same durable high mileage shoe that they have always found comfort in, and will probably love it even more with the reduced weight and midsole.

We thank the nice people at Adidas for sending us a pair of Glide 4 to test. This did not influence our review, written after running more than 50 miles in the shoe

When I first took the Adrenalines out of the box, I immediately noticed the upper design of the new model. The silver mesh overlay with white and colored details were classic to the model, but freshly updated. The synthetic leather overlays are designed with reflective accents that run from the heel to the toe. Brooks’ DNA formula provides adaptive cushioning giving a smooth and even run. Immediately after putting on the shoe I noticed the “wrap around” cushioning. The medial post, colored in grey along the arch area allows maximum stability and gait balance.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Sole Unit

The sole unit of the GTS 12 is very similar to the one in the GTS 11. The stability and cushioning elements remained the same, with the biggest change to be found in the heel pad.

For the stability elements, the sole unit of the GTS 12 relies on two main components. The big, grey coloured insert of a harder foam compound on the medial (internal) side of the shoe is called Progressive Diagonal Roll Bar (PDRB) and it’s a traditional medial post, but with varying in hardness from soft to hard going from the heel towards the arch. The result? Different stability for different runners. Brooks calls this “pivot posting”.

Second element of stability is the plastic shank right below the arch (DRB Accel in Brooks’ terms).

Cushioning is provided by two units (one in the heel and one in the forefoot) of DNA. DNA is high-viscosity, non-newtonian fluid that is soft when the speed is low, but gets firmer when the pace gets faster. When you go slow you are longer in contact with the ground and want/need a softer landing, but when you go fast you want the sole to be harder in order to propel you forward. When walking or running at a slow speed, I noticed the DNA pods conform to the ground and remain soft. As my pace quickened, the DNA became firm, as intended, to guarantee faster energy return and providing a smooth run.

The main change versus the previous model is a better “landing crash pad”: the heel area is split in many different pods that compress differently according to the runner’s individual gait.

Although the sole unit is cushioned, it is very supportive. After running a few miles to break in the shoe, I was surprised to feel that lack of needing to “break in” the shoe.

The additional heel cushioning added maximum comfort and a firm back. It’s easily detectable as it matches the Brooks side logo on each shoe.

Its stacked foam Bio MoGo provides additional stability and reduces foot fatigue; perfect for low to mid arch runners and added custom fit. Additionally, Brooks boasts the foam core is biodegradable; an additional bonus to help Mother Nature.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Upper

The upper unit is very flexible and breathable due to the top mesh overlay. The mesh and interior polyester and nylon lining provide strong moisture management. With four newly added adjustable straps, the elasticity ensures a snug and secure fit.

The synthetic leather overlay adds additional structure along the top and sides of the shoe. Additionally, Brooks has designed a new lace tab, Tongue Tied, which keeps the tongue up while running. Although initially weary of the new Tongue Tied technology, I was surprised that the tongue not only stayed up during my run, but provided a more snug fit.

Overall the upper keeps the traditional look and feel of the Adrenaline, but improves in the sense that is lighter and more comfortable: the lacing system is more adaptive of the shape of the foot and locks the foot closer to the midsole, adding stability. The shoe fit is very similar to the Adrenaline 10 and 11.

Brooks Adrenaline GTS 12 Opinion

I have been running in the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 10 model for the past year. I expected the shoe to be comfortable and durable, but to feel very similar to the GTS 10. It was surprising to immediately feel the differences between the two models. Not being the lightest of the shoes, the weight reduction comes as a very welcome news.

The added heel cradle gives extra cushion in the back, which keeps the shoe firm but at maximum comfort. There is a reason I am loyal to this model, and Brooks keeps showing me why through its continued ensured quality.

After running a half marathon in the shoes, as well as having logged over 60 miles in training, my feet still had breathability and were comfortable.

We thank the nice people at Brooks for sending us a pair of Adrenaline GTS 12 to test. This did not influence our review of the shoes, written after running more than 60 miles (and a half marathon) in them.

I am a 6.2″ / 185 pounds runner with extremely flat feet. I have run in the Structure Triax as my main mileage shoe since since version 13. I was extremely pleased when I found out that the sole unit of the Triax 15 remained the same as in the previous two versions as it had worked fantastic for me in the past two years.

The version I bought (yes, no free pair for this one!) is the SHIELD. Shield is Nike’s name for their winter version of their shoes: compared to the standard ones you get water repellent materials, warmer linings and more highly reflective overlays on the uppers. Since it’s 0C degrees here at the moment on my morning runs, it rains almost constantly and it’s pitch black – and it’s not going to get any better until spring – I think the SHIELD upper was a worthy investment (10$ more than the normal version).

Nike Structure Triax+ 15 Sole Unit

The sole unit of the Triax 15 is the same as it was on the 14, which was the same as it was on the 13 (one of the pictures shows the comparison between the outsole of the 13 and 15).

The main stability features are the medial post, the engineered heel and the plastic shank.

Overpronation is avoided starting at the heel: the outside area of the heel is softer, encouraging the foot to push the weight on the outside first, delaying the overpronation (which is the excessive inward roll of the foot during the gait).

Nike Zoom Structure Triax 15 -Decoupled Heel Detail

Once the weight is placed under the arch, the medial post – the grey insert of a harder foam compound stops the arch from collapsing too much.

Nike Zoom Structure Triax 15 - Medial Post Detail

The third element of stability is the plastic shank that is placed right under the arch and keeps the sole stiff in that area, preventing it from twisting unnaturally and avoiding sprinked ankles.

None of these solutions is revolutionary. The Structure Triax has used it for years and they are all pretty much industry standards, but they just plain work well together in the Triax 15.

The forefoot is quite flexible (and still cushioned) thanks to the deeply carved flex grooves. Nike’s BRS-1000 rubber provides good grip even over wet concrete and it’s extremely durable: I have logged way more than 500 km on my Triax 13s and the rubber is mostly all still there as you can see from one of the pictures!

Nike Structure Triax+ 15 Upper Unit

The upper of the Triax 15 is comfortable and stable. A Hard heel counter keeps the heel in position, the midfoot is securely locked and the toebox is roomy without being too large. Flywire (a lighter overlay material) lock the foot in position going from the last two eyelets all the way down to the sole unit and across the heel.

There is a FITSOLE sockliner inside that provides some extra cushioning and has a quite low-shaped arch, ideal for medium to flat arches.

I am running with the SHIELD upper. Shield is the version with water repellent materials, warm lining and highly reflective areas on the upper. This version costs 10$ more than the standard… but at 110$ total price it’s well worth the upgrade – especially if you plan to run during the winter months.

The upper is almost seamless, soft and sock-like. I love that my shoes can get wet while running under the rain but my feet still stay warm after more than one hour in the elements.

Nike Structure Triax+ 15 Opinion

It is difficult for me to write a review of the Triax 15 that doesn’t sound like a love letter. There are many shoes I like to wear (ie the Asics DS Trainer) but when I just want to go for a long run and feel confident my feet won’t kill me later, the Triax is my shoe of choice. Like the Pegasus, it is one of those shoes that is almost impossible to go wrong with.

The only thing that changed in this update is the upper – and the SHIELD version makes it so nice to run in the winter.

I highly reccomend this shoe for runners with flat feet, as its low arch will fit great. If you have medium to high arches, the other two shoes that I would consider would be the Asics GT-2170 (high-mileage, soft and protective) or the Mizuno Wave Inspire 8 (for faster but still well protected runs).

What’s old is new again with the Asics GT 2170. Being that the 2170 is a core shoe for Asics, I didn’t expect a drastic overhaul for the 2170 and I was pretty much right. The heel looks a little different on the 2170 and it is truly a pleasant shoe when you first try it on. The 2150 was the last GT series shoe that I ran in and it too was a fine shoe. The 2170 continues to offer high end cushioning and moderate stability combined with a fit and function that thousands of runners call home.

Asics GT 2170 Upper:

Asics continues to play it safe with the 2170 upper. And why not? It’s a well designed unit consisting of very breathable mesh and supportive, yet soft, overlays. I did notice that the eyelet row has been segmented a bit in order to help the upper conform to the foot in motion. Most notable to me is the Asics PHF (Personalized Heel Fit) design which provides a very plush and comfortable heel fit. The heel counter is quite rigid as it should be in a stability shoe. The collar height is very low and provides a good fit. At first, I felt like I was slipping a touch in the heel area but that sensation soon abated. Asics uses a very slick, finely woven material inside their shoes and when combined with technical socks the heel fit can slide a little for the first couple of runs.

Asics GT 2170 Sole Unit:

As in the upper, Asics has made few sweeping changes to the 2170. GT series fans will still find the same Duomax medial posting, SoLyte midsole foam and Impact Guidance System (IGS). Also included is a substantial Space Trusstic mid foot shank which helps control the torsional forces created by an over pronating foot. Asics relatively new Guidance Line design is also here. Guidance Line carves out a path in the midsole to help the foot travel as neutrally through foot strike as possible. Asics did decide to place more GEL cushioning in the heel area of the 2170. In fact, the GT series has never had this much GEL before.

Asics GT 2170 Opinion:

I truly enjoyed my time in the Asics GT 2170. I took them on both treadmill and asphalt runs and they performed quite reliably and as expected. The GT 2170 has several features that I demand in a stability shoe. First, I must have a shoe with substantial arch support and the 2170 did well in this regard. I’m a light runner but my feet are very flexible and my feet and posterior tibial tendons will quickly tell me if a shoe is weak in the arch. The GT 2170 was adequate in this regard but there were times that I felt a few twinges that tell me I probably would be better off in a shoe with a touch more arch.

The GT 2170 excels at cushioning. The shoe does a superb job of insulating the runner from the road. However, this comes with a trade off in transition. Compared to some other shoes I’ve recently tested, the GT 2170 felt a bit slow and cumbersome when the pace quickened. It is also heavier than many competitors shoes in this category. I weigh every shoe that I test on my kitchen scale and I was surprised to see a 12 ounce weight for this shoe. Overall though, the shoe is well built and the design, even if a little dated, is undeniably successful.

I can’t see any reason why fans of this series will be disappointed in the new GT 2170.

We thank the nice people at Asics for sending us a pair of GT-2170 to test. This did not influence our review, written after running more than 50 miles in them

New from Brooks is the PureProject collection, and Brooks’ advertising campaign for the Pure Connect describe the experience of running in the Pure Connect as “Pure Joy”.  

After logging some training miles (100 miles for Jim, 48 miles of Tom) in the Pure Connect we have to say that this statement isn’t far off.  Brooks completely broke the mold of what was considered a successful running shoe in their line to make the Pure series, the closest relative of which is the Brooks Green Silence.  

This Radically new and impressive line of minimalist shoes has began to create a lot of buzz within the running community.  With its anatomical fit and use of lightweight flexible materials the collection has definitely impressed us along with many other runners, and raised the bar for what a minimalist shoe should be. The PureConnect is the lightest and most flexible shoe in the line, and at its core is designed to put as little as possible between you and the surface you’re running on.

Brooks Pure Connect First Impressions

Tom:  When I first took the Pure Connect out of the box it reminded me of old Nike Waffle racers or even a cross country racing flat. There isn’t a sharp edge on the sole;  all rounded corners that you would typically see on a cross country or trail shoe than one engineered for the road.  The shoe is featherweight at 7.2 ounces and when I slipped them on I noticed several things.  First, the Pure Connect is fairly narrow, especially in the mid foot, which may make it a problem for runners with wide feet.  Second, there is a noticeable arch cushioning feature which really hugs the arch.  This may upset some pure minimalist runners who prefer absolutely flat shoes.  Third, the Pure Connect runs 1/2 size small and I was lucky enough to have both my usual size 9.5 US and access to a size 10.  The 9.5 gave me blisters on both heels and felt constricting.  After sizing up to the 10 my feet felt like they had ample room and any friction issues disappeared.

Jim:The PureConnect uses very minimal Overlays, and is primarily composed of open mesh.  It was refreshing to see that the use of plastic on the upper was almost non-existent.  Slipping on the shoe for the first time was amazingly different than anything that I have worn up to this point.  The Shoe was glove like and hugged every contour of my foot almost as if it had been tailored just for me.  The sole was also much of the same lying firmly against my foot and traveling its contours nicely.  By this point I am guessing that many of you can tell that the shoe locks your foot down well, and for myself ran true to size.  However, many runners have complained that the shoe has run too small and did have to order a ½ size up.  Right away I could notice the midfoot support that was created by a large support pod placed midfoot on the sole.  The toe box was snug but very flexible giving it a roomy feel.

Brooks PureConnect Upper

The upper of the Pure Connect is very simple, breathable, and functional.  It is comprised of an open sandwich mesh on the inside, and then covered by a thin tight mono-mesh.  At first glance the shoe appears thin and weak, but surprisingly it has been able to take some abuse.  A micro suede underlay sandwiched between the two layers reinforces most of the open mesh.  This undlayment rays or fingers out from the laces and splays out into the midsole.  

Simple overlays with reflective accents band the heel and toe with the Brooks logo incorporating itself into the lacing system all providing additional strength and support.   Running bilaterally up the sides of the shoe and across the top of the tongue, and unique to the PureProject line, is the Nav Band.  This elastic band that wraps the instep is intended to provide a more glove like fit.  Runners complained of this feature being useless on the Brooks Pure Grit, the Pure Connect’s trail cousin, but the Nav band on the Pure Connect is taut and does hug the mid foot a bit better. After wearing the shoe on a couple of runs I really didn’t seem to notice that band made that much of a difference.  Don’t get me wrong there was definitely not a lack of support or a sloppy feeling.  I was just expecting to feel something a little more additional above what the rest of the shoe already provided.

The heel collar is comprised of a thin well-placed layer of foam that provided the right amount of protection and support without being overly bulky.  The actual heel of the shoe is also a new design unique to the PureProject collection that they have deemed the Ideal Heel.  The idea of the this new design is to shift contact points forward aligning your center of gravity, and encouraging a more natural midfoot to forefoot foot strike. The heel was very form fitting and did align my foot perfectly causing no discomfort or slip.

The toebox of the shoe fits well and as we mentioned earlier is snug.  However, with the uniqueness of its materials and flexibility the toebox is nice and airy and allows for ample movement.  A thin microsuede tongue fit and protected my foot without rolling off center and bunching up which I appreciated.  Tubular oval laces with a beaded pattern starting at the aglet, helping avoid lace slippage, secured the shoe and remained tied causing us no discomfort.

Brooks PureConnect Midsole

The first thing we noticed about the full length Bio MoGo midsole is that there isn’t a hard edge or corner on the shoe.  Every aspect of the midsole is rounded which seems to promote a more natural footfall and transition through the gait cycle.  The Bio MoGo midsole also contains Brooks DNA gel like cushioning material  and it is a soft, responsive cushioning which seems very resilient.  Despite continued pounding on the roads and trails the cushioning seems to stay fresh and not compacted.

Being that the Pure Connect is a neutral running shoe with minimalist features there are not any stability features or interruptions to the natural stride.  The 4mm heel to toe drop (the industry standard is 12mm for road shoes) helped keep us running on our mid feet with a high running cadence.  This felt to us like the right amount of cushioning which didn’t leave us feeling beat up after long runs.

As with all of Brooks shoes the PureConnect uses Brooks unique Bio MoGo midsole.  This for those of you new to the technology it encourages anaerobic microbes to eat away at the sole once it hits an active landfill.  This makes it the most biodegradable midsole on the market.  Along with the Bio MoGo midsole Brooks DNA, a non-Newtonian cushioning gel, has been blended in eliminating the use of drop-ins.

Brooks PureConnect Outsole

The Outsole of the Pure Connect is fairly simple.  Brooks placed durable carbon rubbers over the cushioning “pods” in high wear areas of the shoe.  Our favorite feature is the “Ideal Heel” which apply describes how Brooks created a rounded heel to aid in natural foot strike.  Having taken these shoes on trails which are cambered and uneven the PureConnect really adapts due the the rounded nature of the midsole and outsole.

We can tell by looking at the outsole that the (medial) inside of the heel is slightly higher than the outside (lateral).  This is common for many road shoes and it does offer some medial support for slight overpronators.

What we both really enjoyed about this sole what its Anatomical Last construction. The detailed anatomical form really seemed to fit the shape of our feet well, and moved and flexed throughout the run unlike anything we have ever experienced.  Brooks also uses an individualized sole pod design versus a traditional one piece sole.  This sole pod design really helps adjust to your individual impact points and really gives you that barefoot feel.

Toe Flex technology helps to finish off the rest of the sole.  A split placed in the front of the sole lateral of the big toe is designed to encourage your natural balance.  The thought is that by freeing the big toe and allowing it to splay and move independently the foot will allow the foot to move, as it should naturally as if barefoot.  We were initially skeptical during but found that the split allows the big toe to splay during toe-off.  We really noticed this during tempo runs and intervals, as it really seemed to give me a more powerful push-off.

Brooks PureConnect Opinion

Jim:  Brooks have definitely taken the minimalist shoe one step further with the PureConnect.  The simple, flexible, lightweight, and airy design really give this shoe a good balance between barefoot minimalism and the cushioning required for daily training.  I found the shoe to be super responsive and fun to run in.  I have put approximately 100 miles on the shoe over varying terrain and have not have had any durability issues or discomfort whatsoever.  The PureConnet has been a pleasure to wear and run in, and I would encourage those looking for a solid minimalist shoe to look no further that these.

Tom:  The PureConnect fills a gap in the current shoe market between what is truly minimalist and what can be utilized as a performance training shoe.  The PureConnect feels like a racing flat/ cross country flat with better cushioning and durability.  They are simply a joy to run in and I find myself neglecting other shoes for the feeling of freedom inspired by the PureConnect.  Speed work, tempo runs, long runs…whatever.  The PureConnect can do it all.

On a safety note, be careful when transitioning to a shoe with a 4mm drop.  If you have been running in a bulkier, traditional trainer with stability or motion control, this transition should be very gradual.

The Guide 5 is Saucony’s most popular shoe, and for good reason: the model provides a great fit and a comfortable ride at a good price. In its latest iteration, the Guide 5 has shed weight, increased cushioning, and most importantly, shed the heel drop to a slender 8mm.

The end result is a shoe which provides balanced and subtle guidance without hampering a runner’s stride. The shoes stay light and comfortable on long runs, creating a great experience in which the wearer can feel supported while still able to move naturally.

By reducing heel drop, Saucony made their most popular shoe even more fun to run in — adopting a more neutral platform while still supporting the foot. Their efforts created a lighter, more responsive stability shoe.

Saucony Guide 5 Impressions

At the risk sounding hyperbolic, I found the Guide 5 to be a truly fantastic shoe. As many shoe manufacturers are moving to revamp models based solely on trends, Saucony sought subtle improvements to the Guide series in its latest incarnation.

By making the newly-introduced eight-millimeter heel drop the focal point of the redesign, Saucony makes genuine improvements to the Guide that can also bolster better running form for its wearers. By shedding weight, lowering the heel drop, and improving the model’s flexibility, Saucony included major advancements that may not be flashy but make a difference where it counts. These subtle improvements create an experience which is greater than the sum of their parts—providing a fit and feel of a light trainer without losing the guidance and support of a stability shoe.

Overall, the Guide 5 provided excellent support for my long and short runs post-marathon. While it was initially difficult to get back into the running mindset, having the physical support provided by the shoes helped fatigued and sore muscles get limber and active once again.

The supportive ProGrid LITE midsole cushioning and impact zones provided welcome comfort without becoming obtrusive, allowing me to move and adjust my stride without hampering my style or overcorrecting my foot placement. Much of the shoe’s unobtrusive feel could be chalked up to the balanced ride from the reduced heel drop—having a more even surface made my feet feel free to land naturally without any overcorrecting from the shoe.

Another boon to the Guide 5 is the comfortable material found in the sockliner and upper — these elements felt smooth on the skin on top of both cotton and technical socks, and the upper never felt heavy despite being thick enough to stand up against rain debris.

As a small yet telling detail of Saucony’s attention to detail, the Guide 5 features flat shoelaces which I never saw previously, but began to love due to their easiness of use and lack of slippage. From top to bottom, the Guide 5 is a solid shoe that has only improved in its latest incarnation.

Saucony Guide 5 Sole Unit

In keeping with the general aesthetic of the shoe, the Guide 5 has an outsole that provides an excellent, no-frills experience which focuses on providing an excellent grip on the road, track, treadmill, or trail.

The outsole rubber is fairly flat, making it well-suited for multiple surfaces. Don’t be fooled by the flatness of this feature, however, as it provides excellent traction under wet or slippery surfaces. By not overloading the outsole with extra rubbers in unnecessarily-deep grooves, Saucony kept the Guide 5 light, practical, and performance-oriented.

From a cushioning and guidance standpoint, Saucony’s ProGrid LITE foam provides a reliable and familiar ride for Saucony wearers, and a pleasantly unobtrusive experience for newcomers. The dual-density SSL EVA foam provides a comfortable level of cushioning and rebound after impact—helping the shoe feel springy without providing too much bounce. Of particular interest is the shoe’s impact zones, which provide extra support for the most common landing and push-off areas of the foot. The impact zones, like the rest of the midsole, seek to improve foot comfort and rebound without forcing movement.

As the name implies, these elements seek to guide the foot, but do not force the runner to alter his or her stride greatly. These efforts are supported by the shoes’ new heel drop: though the lower drop may startle some, the end result is a pleasant ride that helps the foot move more naturally without a drastic change.

Saucony’s story of the summer was the introduction of their new, lower heel drop. Slimming down from twelve to eight millimeters created a shift which takes the physiological elements of minimal running and applies them to runners who prefer a guidance shoe. In doing so, the company helped ensure that runners of all strides are able to take advantage of advancements in shoe design. Having a balanced platform makes a difference in a guidance shoe — the Guide 5 allows runners to feel secure and supported within the shoe without being forced to move the foot in any specific direction. This is a tremendous step forward, and though it may take some getting used to for guidance-shoe purists, the experience should be generally positive.

Saucony Guide 5 Upper Unit

As far as the upper is concerned, the Guide 5 features a comfortable ankle collar, which is not only soft but also of an unobtrusive height. As a frequent sufferer of Achilles blisters from too-high collars, the Guide 5 provides a welcome respite from this problem. Even if a runner finds the collar to be higher on this shoe than other pairs, the HydraMAX collar lining would provide a tremendously soft experience which would help prevent blistering.

Throughout the entirety of the midsole is Saucony’s Comfortride sockliner. This was among the greatest features of the shoe, as it provides a truly comfortable experience during runs of varying length and intensity. Although my feet were sore post-marathon, I never felt uncomfortable or suffered blisters on my feet. Considering I was breaking in new shoes so soon after a long race, I was very impressed by how comfortable the experience was; even my go-to shoes (Kinvara 2) take more time to break in than the Guide 5.

As a final, yet appreciated detail, the flat shoelace design helped keep knots in place without loosening, becoming untied, or slipping while running. Previously to the Guide 5, I had not come across this design on a stability shoe; its inclusion was certainly appreciated.

Saucony Guide 5 Opinion

The Guide 5 provides an overall experience that I not only appreciated, but truly loved. In an industry where hype and gimmickry can overshadow true craftsmanship and attention to detail, the Guide 5 bucks the trend.

The shoe is devoid of gimmicky materials, overhyped promises, or overpriced materials. As a result of this, the wearer is left with a shoe that does its job incredibly well—all of the focus is on the run, and not the technology.

Saucony walked a fine line while updating the Guide model, shed weight, reducing heel drop, and improving on a fan favorite without changing things too drastically. While the shoe’s lower heel may come as a surprise to some, it did not provide for a radically different experience.

The Guide 5 provides a dependable, comfortable experience for runners who seek stability as well as responsiveness. Dropping the shoe’s weight and heel-to-toe drop facilitated this aim, and in turn, created a new incarnation of a shoe that provides a great running experience under any set of conditions.

We thank the nice people at Saucony for sending us a pair of Guide 5 to test. This did not influence our review, written after running more than 50 miles in them

It was a difficulty transition for me to adjust to the NB 1260, their high dollar motion control shoe with all of the bells and whistles thrown in. Given their recent advances in great cushioning technology and lightweight shoes I would expect New Balance to combine these aspects into a lightweight and more flexible stability shoe with more cushioning than the 1190.

New Balance 1260 First Impressions

What I first noticed when putting on the 1260s was the odd New Balance fit that I haven’t encountered in any of their recent models. I refer to it as the wide heel, narrow toe fit which tends to cause my heel to pop in and out of the shoe. In past models, especially the 763 and 910 trail shoe, I hoped that it would go away as I the shoe broke in a bit. Unfortunately this heel slipping is only exacerbated by how stiff the 1260 is due to overbearing motion control features throughout the midsole of the shoe.

New Balance 1260 Upper

The 1260s upper features a breathable mesh and very durable construction expected from New Balance. The lacing system is straightforward with standard oval laces and the tongue is well cushioning. The interior of the 1260 is plush, especially the heel collar, and the fit is snug throughout the mid-foot. Overlays are rampant throughout the shoe and some feel extraneous and simply for looks. The heel cup of the 1260 features molded plastic which further increases the overall rigidity of the shoe.

New Balance 1260 Midsole

During my first few runs in the 1260 my feet felt encumbered by the rigid Stabilicore post, “A stiff thermoplastic unit running from the mid-foot to the heel of the shoe to provide a smooth transition”. As a slight overpronator I didn’t feel corrected so much as I felt controlled. Added to this motion control feature is plastic stability web located in the mid-foot of the shoe which adds an even more rigid feel. My feet seemed to slap the ground at times due to the lack of flexibility in this shoe and the transition never felt smooth.

The heel drop of the 1260 is a standard 12mm and the myriad of cushioning features in the midsole, including gel in the heel and various kinds EVA foam throughout the length of the shoe, were overshadowed by the motion control overkill.

New Balance 1260 Outsole

A fairly standard blown rubber runs the length of the outsole with a cutout in the heel to save weight. However, at 12.6 ounces, this is by no means a light shoe.

New Balance 1260 Performance and Overall Impressions

I always try to make a concerted effort to find the positive aspects of running shoes and write to the crowd of runner for which the shoe was intended. But, with so many more appealing stability/ motion control shoes on the market I would not recommend the 1260 due to high weight, fit issues, and clunky features.

I managed just over 20 miles over the course of three runs in the 1260 before I felt my feet cramping up due to lack of flexibility in the mid foot and forefoot. I will also point out that I am in no way a minimalist runner and I run in a wide array of shoes on a weekly basis from stability trainers to neutral trainers to racing flats.

I would encourage any runner to try many of the new models in the New Balance line but this shoe missed the mark for me.

Please comment with your own suggestions regarding the NB 1260. We are always open to differing opinions!

We thank the nice people at New Balance for sending us this shoe for testing. This did not influence our review of the shoes, written after running 30 miles in it