Very cold.

I’m torn between the desire to be warm and comfy and the desire to be a committed runner… usually. But the windchill didn’t go above -4 today, and I just would not have that. So no run for me today, and yesterday was only a short (though quick and pretty) 6 miles on some home trails… and my 18-er on Sunday was straight-up cancelled. Too cold for me, thank you. I’d prefer not to get frostbite.

And how did this happen? Last Saturday was practically balmy; I did about 14 with my roommate, and we easily could have been in shorts and t-shirts rather than capris and LS. And we almost got hit by a train, which was terrifying. But anyway. My training is definitely suffering because of the cold and I downright hate it. Hate. It.

On the bright side, I recently got new shoes (my first zero drop shoes, surprisingly enough): Merrell Bare Access Arc 2.

8mm stack, zero drop, 5.5 oz.

My first run in these was a nice 11-miler. Although I didn’t notice it too much, the forefoot strike zero drop tends towards caught up with my calves later on in the day. My usual strike is much more of a midfoot (especially in the PureFlow), which I’ve been wanting to change (largely) for a little while now. The only exception to that will probably be for races longer than a 50k; other than that, I’ll be using that strike for straining and strengthening.

The shoe itself: I like it. The toebox is SUPER roomy, which took a little bit of getting used to, but that’s really nice for a forefoot strike since your foot tends to slip forward a bit. There’s also enough cushion/material between your foot and the ground that they’re protected enough for longer road runs. I’ve been using the Brooks PureFlow for my road stuff, but lately I’ve switched back to the Minimus – there’s just too much of the Pureflow underfoot for me. Also, the tread on the Bare Access is nice: it’s good for roads (that’s definitely its primary purpose), but if I want to throw in a couple miles of nontechnical trail into my run, I won’t be stopped by these like I would the PureFlow, which performs absolutely horrendously on trails. The Bare Access is also fairly adjustable: I have wide feet and it’s comfy for me, but my very narrow-footed friend has some as well and likes them. Good color options, too, although the laces were too short for me to lace the final eyelet for the “runner” finish. That’s an easy fix, though.
All in all, these seem like they’ll be pretty comfy and suitable for my distance road runs (few though those may be), as well as just wearing around. Sorry for the lack of organization in this, it wasn’t going to be a shoe review, then… it was.

peace love and… stay warm!
bec

Very glad to have waterproof boots. Not glad at all that they rub like they’re trying to set my heels on fire. Gonna have to rig up some sort of fix, but my advice is: don’t buy Sorel.

Why these shoes? Working in the footwear industry, I have the opportunity to try most of the new running shoes. I find each shoe mentioned below are the best in their class. Think of them as “Choy’s Picks”.

————

The Brooks Ghost 5 is the most comfortable of all the shoes mentioned. The shoe rides higher than most because of the plush cushioning. It’s like wrapping your foot with pillows! The Ghosts are great for long runs on hard surfaces.

The Mizuno Wave Rider 16 is built a bit closer to the ground while maintaining the same firm bounce as its predecessor. Even the upper rides lower. The whole shoe feels and looks more sleek. Great transition to toe off! Great for faster running and long races.

The Saucony Kinvara 3 is tops in the lightweight shoe category. Great transitional shoe for those looking to get into minimalist running. My biggest gripe about past versions of this shoe was it wore down too quickly. By strictly using a blown rubber compound low weight weight was achieved, but durability was an issue. They addressed this problem by adding a harder rubber compound to the outsole. For those of us that have a slight heel strike, this shoe helps with a better cushioned heel that transitions smoothly to toe-off. The only thing is the upper feels a bit firmer, but it does hug the foot securely. Great shoe for 10ks and other short races. This shoe is also ideal for track workouts.

The MT1010 is New Balance’s answer for people looking to transition to a minimalist trail shoe. They achieve this by adding a little cushioning in the midsole. When I say “little”, I mean little! Most of the cushioning is derived from the raised lugs, but NB added a padded insole instead of going directly to the midsole. It’ll still feel like your classic zero drop minimal shoe for people new to minimalist running, but for seasoned barefoot/minimalist runners, the added thin cushion is very noticeable. The thin upper wraps around the foot securely and fits light on the foot. The single directional lugs on the forefoot is the only problem I have with this shoe. For people who prefer to run on the forefoot/mid-foot on descents, this may cause some slipping. The rock plate holds up well to small rocks and other debris and the forefoot retains flexibility even with the presence of a rigid plate. The shoe feels and runs fast.

The solution was to find her an appropriate shoe to dance in — finding dance shoes which can accommodate a wide foot with a bunion can be challenging, but Capezio’s Canvas Dance Sneaker does just that.

The upper is canvas, which — in addition to being lightweight and breathable — expands in the area of the bunion allowing for better fit. Lacing to the forefoot also allows for adjustments, an important feature for the wide forefoot.

This shoe also provides structure, which helps with alignment and promotes better function and less pain at the bunion site. Lastly, the thick, cushioned, forefoot and heel provide excellent shock absorption for not only the feet but the lower extremities in general.

One shoe was already de-commissioned even before i could make a review of it.

I’ve lined them up and get the reviews done real soon. Regrets too that i kept many readers waiting. So Sorry!:-(

New Balance 610 Trail Shoe

Adidas Supernova 5

FILA Everest Volco Trail Shoe

Adidas Adizero Ace 3

Vibram FF Speed

]]> http://foodrunfun.com/2012/11/08/falling-in-love-with-running-shoes/ Thu, 08 Nov 2012 15:34:28 +0000 Alex K http://foodrunfun.com/2012/11/08/falling-in-love-with-running-shoes/ So as you saw in yesterdays post, when I arrived home I received an unexpected package…

No the scentsy items were not the surprise, they were already coming. But the shoe box was!

Let me back up and tell you why. A long time ago I signed up to be part of the Mizuno Mezamashii project in which they send you a pair of shoes to try before anyone else and then you spread the word about running and the community at large while testing new products or getting sneak peaks.

Here is an explanation of the program …

Mezamashii” is a Japanese word that translates to “brilliant” or “eye-opening,” and is deeply rooted in the Japanese heritage of Mizuno, which was founded in Osaka, Japan in 1906.

The Mezamashii Run Project lives on MizunoUSA.com, and is meant to provide members a two-way dialogue with Mizuno, and opportunities to influence the future direction of both product and marketing.  By becoming a member, consumers will get designer Q & A sessions, sneak peeks of new Mizuno products, wear-test opportunities, and behind-the-scenes video content.  By joining the community, members enter for a chance to win a pair of Mizuno shoes, as well as an all-expenses paid trip to the 2012 Osaka Marathon in Japan, of which Mizuno is an official sponsor.

To join the community for yourself visit their website 

But that is not how I got the shoes. You see a couple weeks ago because I am part of the community I received an email from them asking to enter to win a spot at their VIP Brunch in NYC for the marathon. I was excited but thought I never win anything, but hey it is worth a shot!

Obviously I would not be running the marathon but it would be cool to go to the event, blog about it and meet some cool runners! Well I won! But I didn’t find out that I had won until after we were hit with Hurricane Sandy. The devastation, plus no power meant that I was not making the trip to NYC no matter what. But I did offer to still blog about the event because I really believe in the brand and them doing the Mezamashii Run Project. So they sent me links of videos they would be showing and said they were giving away Wave Rider 16′s their newest shoe, and she would send me some!!!

Well fast forward to the NYC Marathon being cancelled and them also canceling the brunch. However like the great Company they are they took all proceeds from the brunch and monies they were putting into it into a disaster relief fund! So I figured well I won’t get the shoes, but its okay because my neighbors in New York are getting help from a great company and HEY I ACTUALLY WON SOMETHING!!!

In my email with the company I did say I would review the shoes but am under no obligation do to so and all the opinions henceforth are my own.

THE REVIEW: 

When I opened the box and saw these colors you already know what my reaction was if you have ever read this blog before…

Those bright colors are great and pink, green, grey and white are such a good color combo. I might have let out a little girly squeal I was so excited!!! (Good thing Dan was not home.)

The next thing I noticed was their weight, again if you have ever read the blog you know I sing the praises of minimal running shoes, as shoes that are mid-weight or higher make my legs incredibly tired after a while and my feet fall asleep.

I was a bit worried when I lifted them out, because while the uppers are light weight the soles seemed pretty heavy…but looked really neat!

(Yes I was doing a photo shoot of them while changing for the treadmill).

So then I went down to our basement and got set up

Tissues, Dr. Who on the Ipad, a glass of water and I was good to go. Yes I was almost done here but Dan came to scare me right before this by making no noise and creeping up on me so I figured I should take a picture.

I went 3.0 miles in them at a pace of 11:22. Slow because of the cold and low miles because of the shoes. I was really impressed with them. The soles are a little heavy yes but it is not something you notice in weight more in foot strike. They seem to guide my foot into a better striking position because of the way the sole tapers across the bottom of your foot. I also liked that the tread was extremely grippy to the treadmill and I would imagine the road as well. My old favorite shoes (Saucony Kinvara 2 or 3) do not hold up well in the tread department and need to be replaced frequently so I was glad to see a shoe with a durable tread.

Keep in mind this is my first pair of Mizunos since I ran cross country and track in 7th and 8th grade. So a lot has changed for me and the company. I really did enjoy the shoes though they seemed stiff when I first put them on but I had no soreness or blisters after a three mile run in them! That was great to see.

The Verdict: I love the color they are great for standing out during a race! I also love the tread and weight of the shoe. There really was not anything I disliked about the shoe and with an assortment of color options I will probably buy another pair. They are completely worth the $115.00 retail price, because they are durable for a light weight shoe, and resilient. The shoes are available now! If you are looking for a lightweight shoe that will last these are a great option!!!

This is me wearing them, yes my socks never match its my thing. I was also surprised they were not too small. I requested a size 9 but when I took them from the box they looked very tiny. They fit great and even left me with enough room in the toe box so I wasnt slamming any toe nails!

Visit their website above to check them out and I will try and post the videos they sent me as well, I haven’t enabled the video feature on the blog yet as I think no one has the desire to ever hear my voice on camera .

Leave your thoughts in the comments below….

Have you ever had a pair of Mizunos what did you think?

What is your favorite running shoe brand?

Mine was Saucony but I think that may be changing. My running Buddy Krystle’s is Brooks. And my trainer Jeff’s is Mizuno guess I should have listened to him.

So I recently had to buy some new shoes for a party I was attending. I didn’t have any shoes with a strap across the ankle and this was integral for the look I was creating. So I jumped on ebay to see if I could find a cheap but nice pair of shoes and here is where I stumbled across: http://www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Karamelshoes

These babies cost me a mere £15.00 and arrived within about two days of me ordering so I didn’t have to get in a flap about not having shoes for my outfit. Party day arrived and I was trekking all over London in these; absolutely no blisters or rubs and kept them on all night as they were super comfy. I love the cute bow detail on the front of them; gives them just a bit of understated special.

I will most definitely be purchasing other pairs of shoes from Karamel Shoes because the prices are amazing and the quality is just above and beyond expectation.

Check out their store online and also have a look at their blog here on wordpress:

karamelshoes.wordpress.com

Peace Out and Pixie Dust XO

But with every great shoe, some changes have to be made. So Asics has reset the series, continuing with the technology that made these shoes great, and added the necessary features to make it even better. Below is our review of the GT-1000 and GT-2000.

GT-2000: A better fit and feel

This title basically sums up the improvements from the GT-2170 to the new GT-2000. Asics took what worked with the original 2000 series (great cushioning and stability) and improved areas where they saw the shoe lacking some (the fit).

Of the changes, the biggest change I have seen has been in the fit. It has a much better wrap around the midfoot without sacrificing toe-box room. A shoe should fit like a glove, or as we like to always say “a second sock”, especially around the arch – and the GT-2000 has this accomplished. When you slip your foot in, your arch feels secure and feel the room where you need it. Another aspect of the fit that has changed for the better has been the heel counter. It feels snugger, not allowing for much slip. This is especially important for someone who might be in between two sizes and might have a lot of room up front.

The other great update has been the weight. Everyone is going lighter and the GT-2000 is no different. It is slightly lighter than its predecessor and you can notice it. I felt like I was floating in the shoes. They made sure to take the unnecessary elements out of the shoe to make it lighter.

This is definitely a shoe for someone who tends to pronate and wants support. Lovers of the GT-2000 series, you will not be disappointed. New comers – you may have just found your new shoe.

GT-1000: Bring on the basics

We find that a lot of people just want something basic. They don’t want to invest a lot but still want something technical. The GT-1000 is your shoe. It has many of the same features of the GT-2000, with a slightly lighter feel. Again the fit has improved from the GT-1170 and it still packs a punch in the cushioning department.

As for the particulars, the GT-1000 has a similar fit to the GT-2000 but on a slightly more simple level. The arch is hugging, but has slightly more straight last, so it will fit most feet well. It also concentrates a lot of the cushioning in the heel, with a more minimal amount in the forefoot.

From bottom to top: Vibram KSO, New Balance Minimus, Merrell True Glove, and Saucony Kinvara 2.

Vibram Five Fingers KSO
These are the shoes that made me enjoy running again, and made me hate it all the same. I posted a rant about them some time ago (read it here) and after my little toe issue, I took a nice long break from them. After that break, I started to work them back into my running routine, and now I am back to liking them. These shoes really shine for trail running or hiking, but only when it is dry. Wear these shoes when it is muddy, and you will have a trail running session that is similar to ice skating. Since they are so light, they are also a great choice for having around the campsite after a day in hiking boots.

New Balance Minimus
These are my go to shoes now a days. Primarily a trail runner, I find that these shoes are an all around delight for my feet. They feel very similar to the Vibrams, but with a more aggressive tread pattern, that hooks into the ground very well. Wet trail downhill running? Yes please. These shoes connect with the dirt unlike any running shoes that I have worn. I also like running on the pavement with them, but this is not the popular view on this model.

Merrell True Glove
I have been a fan of Merrell’s products for a while now, and when they embraced the minimalist running movement, I was intrigued with their models. I ended up with the True Glove, and after quite a few runs I decided that these were not for me. The feel of them seemed dulled down, as in the rubber seemed too hard, or not as flexible, and they just did not feel right to me. So, I have been wearing these shoes to work, and after two and a half months they look like this:

These shoes have not held up to a little bit of running, and a lot of time at work. The other shoe has completely separated at the toe from the sole. So add shoes that don’t last and bad ground feel, and that equals shoes that I will not buy again.

Saucony Kinvara 2
After my Vibram incident, I went out looking for a more comfy shoe, and I ended up going with the Kinvara 2s. Compared to all of the shoes on this list, they are like running on clouds. Not a true minimalist shoe, but more of a transition shoe. Any time that I feel like pushing the miles all on pavement, these are the shoes that I reach for.

So there you have it, the shoes in my current stable. I have been running quite a bit more here the past few weeks, mostly due to having a slight tailbone issue, and also due to Venturepax having a running challenge on their site. Head on over to accept the challenge to win some Altra running shoe swag!

Just keep running…

From bottom to top: Vibram KSO, New Balance Minimus, Merrell True Glove, and Saucony Kinvara 2.

Vibram Five Fingers KSO
These are the shoes that made me enjoy running again, and made me hate it all the same. I posted a rant about them some time ago (read it here) and after my little toe issue, I took a nice long break from them. After that break, I started to work them back into my running routine, and now I am back to liking them. These shoes really shine for trail running or hiking, but only when it is dry. Wear these shoes when it is muddy, and you will have a trail running session that is similar to ice skating. Since they are so light, they are also a great choice for having around the campsite after a day in hiking boots.

New Balance Minimus
These are my go to shoes now a days. Primarily a trail runner, I find that these shoes are an all around delight for my feet. They feel very similar to the Vibrams, but with a more aggressive tread pattern, that hooks into the ground very well. Wet trail downhill running? Yes please. These shoes connect with the dirt unlike any running shoes that I have worn. I also like running on the pavement with them, but this is not the popular view on this model.

Merrell True Glove
I have been a fan of Merrell’s products for a while now, and when they embraced the minimalist running movement, I was intrigued with their models. I ended up with the True Glove, and after quite a few runs I decided that these were not for me. The feel of them seemed dulled down, as in the rubber seemed too hard, or not as flexible, and they just did not feel right to me. So, I have been wearing these shoes to work, and after two and a half months they look like this:

These shoes have not held up to a little bit of running, and a lot of time at work. The other shoe has completely separated at the toe from the sole. So add shoes that don’t last and bad ground feel, and that equals shoes that I will not buy again.

Saucony Kinvara 2
After my Vibram incident, I went out looking for a more comfy shoe, and I ended up going with the Kinvara 2s. Compared to all of the shoes on this list, they are like running on clouds. Not a true minimalist shoe, but more of a transition shoe. Any time that I feel like pushing the miles all on pavement, these are the shoes that I reach for.

So there you have it, the shoes in my current stable. I have been running quite a bit more here the past few weeks, mostly due to having a slight tailbone issue, and also due to Venturepax having a running challenge on their site. Head on over to accept the challenge to win some Altra running shoe swag!

Just keep running…

Introducing the Scary Beautiful shoe.

Scary? Absolutely! Beautiful? Not sure.

I understand this shoe is a piece of art, and I admire the shoe’s message, which serves as a commentary on today’s impossible standards of beauty.

But sweet J*s*s!

I cringed in pain as I watched the model try to balance in these contraptions!

I think I’ll stick to my 4″ pumps…they look mighty comfy right now!

I previously posted a review on Altra Instinct and was contacted by AltraZeroDrop as follows:

“Interesting review. A couple of things as I consider what is being said here. First, The Instinct is a neutral shoe and is sold as such. The Brooks Adrenaline is a motion control shoe. To compare the two with a pronator is not a fair comparison. To look at an Altra shoe that offers some pronation support please check out The Provision. This runner obviously needs some medial support and thus The Instinct may not be the best option right off the bat. As they strengthen their feet over time maybe.”

My reviews are based on the shoes that runners wear in, and the Instinct is the only shoe I’ve seen from Altra. In this runner’s case, he purchased the Instinct based on it’s “wider,” more supportive appearance, only to develop forefoot pain.

Altra’s website promotes Altra zero-drop footwear as “reducing forefoot pain, excessive pronation, IT Band pain, runners knee and shin-splints.” These claims are made independent of Altra model or style, but are instead specific to the zero-drop platform. So, based on these general design claims, this particular shoe should have worked for this particular runner.

My primary goal for doing shoe reviews is to reduce injury by educating runners about their foot type and alignment, and teaching them how to apply this to their shoe purchases. I agree that runners need to match their foot type (pronated, wide, etc.) to their shoes and I’m pleased that Altra offers a stability model.

I have asked Altra to send me a pair for review. I’ll keep you posted.