The PureConnect was named “Best Debut” in Runner’s World’s Winter 2012 Shoe Guide. These shoes offer a balance of minimalism and cushioning that is required for those intense tempo runs. They are extremley light at 7.2 oz and expect these shoes to last approx 250-300 miles . Some feedback about these shoes are that they have a high arch and they do run more narrow. so for anyone that does not have high arches are wide feet these may not be the best fit for you. Give them a shot though and try them on to see for yourself.
Newtons have defienetly come onto the triathlon scene especially with athletes like Craig Alexander and Michellie Jones being sponsored by them. No wonder with every triathlon we go to more and more athletes are showing up with these great looking kicks. This particular model the Newtons Mens Gravity Neutral Trainer is a great everyday trainer that is light (9.1 ounces) and much sturdier and longer lasting than the Newton Distance. The heal has a more solid rubber to keep the shoe from wearing down quickly. The Action/Reation Technology is also in these shoes to promote a better midfoot to forefoot running. It is a great looking shoe and performs very well. Just a word of advice is make sure you ease into these shoes and build up the miles. I’ve heard of many runners taking these out the box and putting in 15 miles to come to find out there calf and achilles become sore.
The Zoot Ultra Kalani 2.0 is a light and comfortable shoe designed for everyday training. UltraFit upper hugs your feet for a glove-like fit while TekSheen mesh keeps the feeling soft. Cushioning and responsiveness is provided by the full length Z-bound midsole and CarbonSpan+ gives you support on high mileage days. There is also a carbon fiber plate for additional support and to put a little spring in each step. The ‘non-tongue’ tongue has a built in pull for easy entry along with a loop in the back. Weighs 10.7oz, 25mm midsole height.
Let’s welcome the updated Saucony Kinvara 3. Their latest redesign on the popular Kinvara is mostly superficial with minor tweaks. The fit, feel and ride are the same and it’s still lightweight. The upper now made of a strong, pliable, light and seamless material called FlexFilm™. The outsole got an upgrade with placements of carbon rubber for enhanced durability. Anatomically contoured memory foam heel pods inside the shoe ensure a perfect fit. ProGrid™ technology midsoles give you response and and cushion. Weighs 7.7 oz. You get quite a bit for so little shoe.
Newton’s latest, their MV2 Speed Racer, is engineered to be one of the lightest, most efficient natural running shoes ever produced and to have you moving faster. Your feet will feel more response from the ground with the low profile (0% heel to forefoot) and biomechanical sensor plate, promoting a higher paced cadence. Action/Reaction TechnologyTM in the shoe provides protection from our unnatural hard surfaces. Made of highly breathable, fast-drying mesh, it has heel-securing double eyelets, slip-proof flat laces, anti-friction/anti-bacterial sock liner and a water drainage system.
Altra introduces to us a marriage of the minimalism and cushioned support in a running shoe. Their Zero Drop™ platform, FootPod outside with innovative foot-shaped design all help you maintain proper and natural form, which means efficient running and reduced impact on joints. Quick dry air mesh upper with minimal seams keep you comfy and dry. It’s also designed to be worn without any insoles for the ultra minimal. Stack height with and without support footbed are 21mm and 16mm, respectively.
Karhu’s Flow Fulcrum Ride is engineered for the neutral runner looking for lightweight, durable, highly responsive performance shoes. Anatomically designed to provide supportive minimalist comfort with air and ballistic mesh material, it has elastic EVA forefoot insert aligned to metatarsal heads to cushion the met heads during propulsion phase and compression molded EVA midsole with tuned durometers to provide ultimate forward efficiency. The tongue is mapped around the instep and features a new soft touch. Suited for long or short distance running.
Avia’s Avi-Bolt III is the company’s lightest performance running shoe. Its quick speed lacing system and Avi-Grip on heel and tongue makes it ideal for quick transitions. The shoe also has a Dura-Stryk® compound on the outsole to provide traction and abrasion resistance, a memory foam feel counter, 3M reflective details and an antibacterial sock liner. Designed for neutral pronation runners.
The Pearl Izumi Kissaki shoes are meant to be weapons for your feet. The energy foam cushions the forefoot on impact while the rubber outsole with carbon rubber crash pad protects the heel. It has a seamless upper, interior seam taping and memory foam in collar for comfort and custom like fit. Reflective laces help you stay visible in dark situations and weighs about 9.4oz/266g for mens size 9. Ideal for short races and long distances.
On Running, a Swiss based company founded by triathlete Olivier Bernhard, introduces a new shoe named the Cloud Racer. The sole contains the patented CloudTec™ system, three dimensional elements in the outsole called clouds that absorb both vertical and horizontal shocks. This helps reduce lactate acid build up and the runner uses less energy to move faster. 18 CloudTec™ elements are in the active sole. The upper is made of light air-mesh with a perforated tongue for maximum breathability and cooling. 5mm toe drop, weighs 245g (USM 8.5) and designed for those with a neutral gait.
