Running Shoes | Evolving Consumer

Review: Adidas AdiPure Trainer Toe Shoes

I was recently given the opportunity to try out the new Adidas AdiPure Trainer Toe Shoes and give my opinion on what I thought of them. So, I figured why not give it a go.

At first glance you can already see that it will be a new and interesting experience. I have never tried the minimalist toe style shoes in the past and was intrigued on how it would be. I pulled the shoes out of the cloth bag that they came in and was caught off guard by their red color and unusual toe design. I immediately took off my socks and slid the shoes on to my bare feet. I found it a little difficult, at first, to get all of my toes in to the areas of the shoes in which they belonged. But, once I did I found that they were very comfortable on my feet. It was almost like wearing gloves. Continue reading Review: Adidas AdiPure Trainer Toe Shoes

Adidas Primed For Running

This week Adidas introduced its new adizero Primeknit running shoe, its first one-piece upper performance design that features seamless engineering technology. The shoe, which is the first of its kind for a running shoe, uses new technology to digitally knit the entire upper in a single continuous piece.

The knitting fused yarn provides flexibility and support where it is need, and no lining or reinforcement is necessary as the strength of the shoe comes from the yarn itself, which is knitted in distinct grid patterns to provide ventilation. This provides precision construction while eliminating additional materials and thus producing little waste. Continue reading Adidas Primed For Running

Mizuno Launches Mezamashii Run Project

Mizuno, the makers of running shoes and clothing, is starting the Mezamashii Run Project, a community for runners that will provide a crowd sourcing element to the Japanese company’s product development. Runners can join to give feedback on designs for running shoes and clothing. Continue reading Mizuno Launches Mezamashii Run Project

Adidas CLIMACOOL Might Seduce You

The shoes are reportedly beloved by Katy Perry, David Beckham, Lionel Messi and others. And from what we’re hearing what’s not to love. The Adidas CLIMACOOL Seduction Shoes offer 360-degrees of ventilation to help evaporate sweat and keep the feet cool. The Coolever mesh upper manages heat, while the lining and molded perforated midsole provide comfort and lightweight cushioning. The adiWEAR outsole further offers high-wear durability so these can go the distance. More images and video after the jump

Advance Look at Salomon S-Lab Sense Long-Distance Running Shoes

Few of us get to try out the latest running shoes until they hit store shelves, and by then the manufacturers are already prepping to release the next big thing. If you’re a professional athlete, however, the manufacturers may use you as a “test bed” and design a special pair just for you. And, sometimes, the press gets an early look at such shoes.

That’s the case with the folks at iRunFar.com, who received an advanced preview of Salomon’s S-Lab Sense running shoes, designed for Spanish runner Kilian Jornet. Jornet won the North Face 100 and subsequent victories last year wearing these shoes. The shoes are lightweight and made to race 100 miles or more with a 4mm heel-to-toe drop (9mm in the forefoot and 13mm in the heel), with unique protection built in. Hit the link to read more of iRunFar.com’s review.

iRunFar.com: Salomon S-Lab Sense Preview
[Via Ultra168: Should the Other Shoe Companies Give Up Now?]

Hands On: Flash Shopping Site The Clymb

While some of you don’t need an introduction to flash shopping sites, I think it’s required here. Over the past few years flash shopping sites have emerged to bring the “sample sale” experience to online shoppers. They generally focus on an area of luxury goods such as fashion, home goods and home décor. Shoppers generally have to subscribe to be granted entry to the site, and get email notifications listing the sales each day. These sales, like sample sales, are for a limited time of about two or three days, and the site might host three or 12 sales from different designers or manufacturers on any given day. Continue reading Hands On: Flash Shopping Site The Clymb

Newton (once again) Almost Defies Gravity

Back in January 2010 we posted, Newton Almost Defies Gravity, where we highlighted one unique shoe from the Boulder based company Newton Running; but it seems that they have one-upped themselves with a new shoe. The 5.8-ounce MV2 (pronounced ‘M V squared’) is Newton’s current answer to the other natural running shoes that are appearing on the market.

The new MV2, which will hit the ground running later this month, is super lightweight, zero-drop shoe that encourages a natural-running posture, provides protection and energy return. They are being advertised as “a unique solution for runners who want to run faster, perform better and avoid injury by adopting a natural running stride, but not sacrifice protection.” Typical ‘barefoot’ running shoes do offer some protection from road debris, but the MV2 is a little thicker giving even better protection while still not raising the heel. Continue reading Newton (once again) Almost Defies Gravity

Screw Your Shoes for Winter

It is hard to think about winter given that the recent heat waves, but next week is the beginning of August and that means that fall is just around the corner. While there is plenty of outdoor running left, it is never too early to think about how to keep up the miles once it gets cold outside and the snow starts to pile up. While this reporter will stick to the treadmill, our friends over at the Competitive Runner have another tip for those who need to put in some real miles in the great out doors.

The site offers tips on transforming an old pair of running shoes into some winter trainers. The solution they’ve come up with involves adding some sheet metal screws to the soles, which should certainly provide some extra traction and stability when you hit icy conditions. It is a good tip, and a great reason to save shoes that still have a few miles left in. Maybe it will get those of us who prefer to stay indoors in the winter to actually head outside for a run.

[Via Competitive Runner: Make Your Own Screw Shoes]

Tri-Shoes Show Spirit

K-Swiss K-Ona S Shows Your National Pride

For specialized competition there are specialized shoes, and K-Swiss has a line of running shoes meant for race day for your next triathlon. Check out the K-Ona S line. These ultra-light shoes are just 9oz, and feature a durable Aosta II rubber outsole, and anatomically correct flex-grooves, along with the Superoam technology, Si-18 crash pad and k-EVA midsole. This will help you do the miles as you hit the pavement, as a TPU midfoot shank lets you go the distance.

The mesh/synthetic shoes further feature the K-Swiss Flow Cool System for moisture management, so you’re feet will stay dry on the long road to the finish. And you’ll not only feel good but looking good too, as this line offers multiple national flag inspired design. While there are options for Germany, Japan, Brazil and Australia, we’re especially taken with the American flag design!

K-Swiss: K-Ona S

Newton Almost Defies Gravity

What goes up, must come down. And when it is your foot hitting the ground while running, it can come down extremely hard, especially on your heels. The makers of the Newton Running Gravity know they can’t change the physics of actual gravity, but they did change the way its neutral trainer running shoes hit the ground. These shoes feature carbon rubber heels with impact absorption to reduce the shock with each stride, as well as a biomechanical forefoot plate and flex grooves to provide smooth cushioning while you run. All this even helps improve your form by encouraging you to land on the ball of your foot, for a more efficient and healthy way to pound the pavement. And at just 9.4 ounces these add practically no weight, almost like they’ll defy Newton’s law of gravity.

Note: We also thought this would be a good day to post this, as January 4 was Sir Issac Newton’s birthday!