Brooks Glycerin 16 Shoe Review

For the past few versions, the Brooks Glycerin has been one of my favorite shoes. It’s soft, neutral, and like a sponge underneath your feet. If you’re looking for daily training with a lot of cushion, then the Glyercin is a great choice.

When the Brooks Glycerin 16 came out, I knew I wanted to try it sooner rather than later. After going through a few pairs of running shoes, I decided it was time to replace mine. Keep in mind, I’m not associated with Brooks in any way. I work in a running specialty store and like shoes. Also what works for me, might not work for you so take every shoe review (including mine) with a grain of salt.

So What Updates are there?

Fit:

As with most running shoes, especially Brooks, most of the upper is now seamless. It accommodates wider feet, bunions, and just more feet in general. Seamless toe boxes allow companies to fix as many feet as possible. I wear a 10-11, and the 10.5 regular widths have been excellent for me.

The upper is a double mesh that is both breathable and stretches to adapt to movement. Your feet don’t feel constricted (not that they ever should in a running shoe). If your feet tend to overheat quickly, this breathability will allow for more airflow.

The Ride:

More Cushion

Or as I say to customers that come into the running store, more cushion for the pushing. The biggest update for the new Glycerin is the addition of the DNA Loft Cushion. What does that mean? Why does it matter?

DNA Loft Cushion is a combination of the Brooks signature material. It’s a mix of their signature cushion: DNA foam, as well as air and rubber. This provides a soft feeling while still responsive and “poppy”. Slightly Different from the Hoka Clifton, that is just soft all the way around. The ride itself feels smoother. You won’t feel like you’re clunking around in a high cushioned shoe.

It’s been a few years since I’ve been to Charlottesville, but the hills, company, and peace always make for a wonderful run.

A post shared by Hollie (@fueledbylolz) on Jul 18, 2018 at 8:35am PDT

Conclusion:

I liked the Brooks Glycerin 15, and I like the Brooks Glycerin 16 just as much. I don’t feel “too different” in the shoe, and for the past few years, it’s been a reliable shoe in my rotation. I typically wear it in daily runs and occasionally for warming up or cooling down at a race too.

Current Shoe Rotation:

Daily Runs: Brooks Glycerin 16, Diadora Fly, New Balance 1080, Hoka Clifton 5

Workouts: New Balance 1400, Nike LT Racer

Races: Nike LT Racer, Nike Fly

(as you can see, I have a few reviews to work on, but I always wait until I have at least 100 miles on shoes)

Questions for you:

What is your current favorite shoe?

What is a shoe you’ve had in your rotation?

Saucony Triumph ISO 4 Shoe Review

February 21, 2018 By Hollie in Gear Review, Reads, Running Tags: fitness, run, running, shoes, workouts 3 Comments

Recently, I integrated the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 into my rotation. It’s one of the few shoes I seem to try each updated model. In summary, I personally liked the original Triumph ISO the best. As the shoe is updated more, I’ve found other Saucony shoes that I like better included the Freedom and even the cheaper Saucony Ride 10.

Fit:

The fit is different than the Triumph 3 and actually reminds me a lot more of both the original Triumph ISO and the Triumph ISO 2. The shoe is actually a little longer than the 3, but still narrow. Throughout the years, I’ve worn anywhere from a 9.5-10.5 wide in the Triumph. This year, I find the 10 wide to be the best fit for me.

I found an interesting issue, I haven’t had before with the Triumph that the midfoot is much more snug. Typically, I have liked the Triumph ISO, because it is a wider shoe model. While there is sufficient room, I did find the updated model to be much narrower (even the wide) in the midfoot region.

Finally, if you have never run in Saucony shoes, the heel counter is much lower than other models. I’ve never had an issue “running or slipping out of the shoe,” and don’t know anyone who has, but it is something to be aware of! We have many people that come into work that don’t like the shoe because of the low heel. It’s also a hard shoe to put orthotics and inserts into.

Ride:

The Saucony ISO 4 has gone through a few significant changes. One is that the entire bottom is lined with the Everun foam. Previous models included about half EVA and half Everrun.

Now, it’s full Evverun.

Why does this matter? It makes the Saucony ISO 4 much firmer than previous models. It’s has become much more responsive, but still cushioned shoe. In fact, it’s much more similar to the Saucony Freedom.

Changing to an entire bottom of Everun means the shoe’s dynamic drastically changes. If you have run in the Saucony Freedom, it will feel much more similar. The Triumph ISO 4 feels much less soft and much firmer than the previous Triumph models.

Summary:

I do personally like the Saucony Triumph ISO 4. I’ve put just over 100 miles and not had an issue. While the midfoot is tighter than previous models, it’s not uncomfortable.
The shoe itself does feel drastically different, both in fit as well as ride. It’s definitely not a model of shoe I would buy blindly online.
Sadly, with the integration of the full bottom of Everrun, the retail price of the ISO 4 has gone up to $160.
Personally, I’ll continue running in it, and I think it’s one of the better versions Saucony has made in the last two years. The original ISO was still my favorite.

Keep in mind, these are all personal preferences. Saucony is not paying me to review their shoes. What works for me, might not work for you. All of our feet are different.

Current Rotation:

Daily Runs: Saucony Triumph ISO 4, Brooks Glycerin 15 and Hoka Clifton 4
Workouts: Altra Escalante, Nike Zoom Fly
Races: Saucony Type A and Saucony Endorphin

Questions for you:
What is your favorite running shoe?
Is there a model, you’ve run through several models?

Why There is No Best Running Shoe

January 25, 2018 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running, Running Reads Tags: fitness, gear, health, run, shoes, sports 5 Comments

The best shoe doesn’t exist.

It’s not the Nike 4% and it’s not the Brooks Leviviate.

Also, pumpkin spice lattes and unicorn frappucinos are not the best coffee…

But each of those has great marketing.

It’s no secret that every human is different, and thus, we have different feet. Even your own two feet might be drastically different and that is okay. Thinking out loud, that is why there are so many different shoes.

What works for me, might not work for you, and it certainly won’t work for everyone. ‘

Some people thrive on minimal shoes, and other’s (like myself) thrive on maximum cushioned shoes.

Some need a lot of stability, and some need none. Stability and pronation is just one factor. A person’s foot shape has a lot to do with shoe selection too.

Each brand and style is cut a little different, and while most brands have both a narrow and wide option (some even double-wide), it’s important to realize you might wear a different size than you think. I wear anywhere between a 9.5 wide to a size 11 depending on the cut of the actual shoe.

So then: “Why is There No Best Shoe”?

The best shoe for you, depends on a few factors:

Foot shape
Personal gait cycle
What someone is doing in the shoes and their goals

Every running shoe is the best for someone. Similarly, every running shoe is the worst for someone.

A good pair of running shoes will cost you between $100-$120. The cost isn’t because you are being ripped off, but because companies develop technology that cost that much to create, plus labor costs, etc. There are plenty of shoes that cost more and even a few shoes that are a little less (for instance the Nike Pegasus). Costing more does not make them a better shoe.

There are also plenty of ways to find sales on shoes such as older models or discontinued styles. You might have to sacrifice the shape of the shoe matching your foot or older shoes tend to last less time.

As someone who works in a running store, I also tell people the best way to get a good shoe (for you) is to go get fitted for an appropriate pair. Most local running stores employ people who run and know running. The employees also tend to know the local area and can be a great resource.

For instance, on paper, I love a neutral high cushioned shoe. If I were to shop online, I would think a shoe like the adidas ultra boost or Asics Nimbus would be a great option. However, with the width of my foot, they never feel that great. Getting fit for a pair of shoes, the first time I realized just how wide my feet are!

Running shoes are expensive, but it’s the most expensive part of the sport. Once you find your shoe, you can find out when sales and deals are. I always recommend signing up for your local running stores emails because they often have the best deals of any place!

Questions for you:

What is your favorite running shoe?

What are shoes you’ve tried and have not worked?

New Balance 880 Shoe Review

January 24, 2018 By Hollie in Gear Review, Reads, Running, Running Reads Tags: fitness, health, new balance, run, running, shoes, sports 3 Comments

I haven’t run in many New Balance Shoes since college. Since working at a running store the last few years, I’ve tried New Balance shoes on, but I’ve never run a significant amount of mileage in them. The only New Balance shoe I’ve tried in the past few years is the New Balance Fresh Foam Zante.

After a couple hundred miles, I realized it wasn’t enough cushion for me and looked cute so I made it a kick around shoe. The 880v7 sells well at our store and it’s a comfortable shoe. Since I’ve been enjoying various models and brands lately, I thought it would be the perfect time to come back to the brand. The 880 is a neutral shoe and lift weight shoe. It’s the 7th version, but I haven’t run in any of the previous versions.

I’m not sponsored by New Balance, nor are they paying me to write this. My opinions are my own.

Fit:

I haven’t run in previous models but based on trying previous versions I can tell the 880v7 is wider. The shoe itself comes in both wide and double wide.

Like many current styles of running shoes, the 880v7 has a seamless upper which accommodates bunions and wider feet. New Balance is usually known to fit more full feet and to be honest, I find this to be one of the widest neutral shoes out there. I usually wear 10-10.5 wide in shoes, and in the 880v7 I wear a 10 in the 880.

Ride:

The New Balance 880v7 has standard cushioning. It’s not a minimal shoe or a high cushion shoe but somewhere in the middle. It’s great for training for the mile or marathon, in fact recently Emma Coburn said it was one of her favorite shoes! It must be good right?

The cushioning technology is called TRUFUSE which is softer than many other brands. It has a 10 mm drop and weighs 9.2 ounces for women. It feels a lot more cushioned than it is, and not as flat as many New Balance shoes.

I’ve run anywhere from 2-10 miles in the shoe and it feels good at both the beginning at the end of the run. Compared to other brands, it does feel a little heavier on my foot. That’s not a bad thing.

Runs I’ve enjoyed the most for soft services such as trails and compacted snow.

Summary:

Right now, the 880v7 is in my rotation as a shoe for an everyday run. I usually keep it to my days around an hour, but there isn’t a reason for that.

So far I’ve put just over 100 miles on the shoe, and it’s been good to me. New Balance, themselves, have done a lot of fantastic updates with their shoes recently and definitely different from that stereotypical, “all white leather shoe” which they still make too.

Current Rotation:

Daily Runs: Brooks Glycerin 15, Hoka Clifton 4, Saucony Ride 10, and New Balance 880V7

Speed Work: Nike Zoom Fly, Altra Escalante

Racing: Saucony Type A or Endorphin

Questions for you:

What brand of shoe are you running the most in?

What is your favorite shoe?

The Importance of Adding Protein after a Workout

January 16, 2018 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running, Running Reads, Sponsored Tags: fitness, food, health, run, sponsored, workout 13 Comments

In 2018, one of my goals is to get more protein in my diet after running. I’m not doing a crazy diet, but integrating more protein after workouts and running. Earlier in the month, I was given the opportunity to try and work with Oikos Protein Crunch Yogurt. It timed out well, as it has 17 grams of protein which makes it a good and easy to eat choice.

Brief information about the Oikos Protein Crunch Yogurt:

It has 17g of protein, 6g of fiber and no artificial sweeteners. Most have 18-25 grams of carbohydrates too! Each yogurt contains a lid with toppings to mix in.

So What are Benefits of Having More Protein Post Workout?

Protein repairs muscle damage. Any run or workout will cause muscle damage. It’s important to recover that muscle damage so you can succeed in your next workout or race.

Often times, I have a bad habit of just going on to the next thing after running. Whether that “next thing” is life or work, I skip this step. I know not having something to recover is a bad habit, yet time seems to get away from me. This year, I’m focusing on having protein after a workout or run to help repair muscle damage.

Athletes who don’t get enough protein are also at a higher risk of injury.

Having More Protein also Helps with Cortisol.

Cortisol is the “stress” hormone that breaks down muscle. Last year, when I had my blood taken, my cortisol was an extremely high. Excluding liver cells, cortisol speeds the breakdown of proteins into amino acids.

In short, cortisol provides the body with the energy it requires to combat stress from trauma, illness, and injury. It’s key for recovery and preventing burn out (something I have rambled on about for months).

How much Protein is Important?

Most runners should strive for 10-20 grams. Having more protein or saturating your body with protein won’t do your body much good. One reason I like Oikos Protein Crunch Yogurt is a great option because it contains 17 grams of protein, which fits right in that window. It has 6 grams of fiber, and no artificial sweeteners. Plus it tastes good. It always helps to remember to eat something that tastes good.

Timing is everything and it’s important to eat within 30 minutes of finishing your workout, which is definitely something I have struggled with. Not because I have a reason, but truthfully I’ve been lazy. That is an easy problem to fix, you just have to commit!

You can find Oikos Protein Crunch Yogurt at Walmart locations. Plus right now, there is even an awesome Ibotta Offer!

Thank you, Oikos Protein Crunch Yogurt for sponsoring this post.

Questions for you:
Do you normally eat after a workout?
How do you get protein in?

Saucony Ride 10 Shoe Review

January 10, 2018 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running, Uncategorized Tags: fitness, gear, review, run, running, shoe, sports, workout 5 Comments

I’ve been running in the Saucony Ride 10 for a little while now. It replaced the Saucony Freedom in my rotation. A few years ago, I loved the orginal Saucony Triumph ISO. Personally, it was one of my favorite shoes to come out. Since then, I haven’t found a Saucony shoe I like as much. More recent models of the Triumph have been okay but not my favorite. I am curious to see how the latest model, the Saucony Triumph ISO 4 stacks up though. I’ve run in several models of Saucony: The Triumph, the Zealot, and the Ride.

Anyway, the Saucony Ride 10 has been a more favorite shoe of mine recently.

Saucony Ride 10 Fit:

The Saucony Ride 10 fits more true to size than previous years. Typically I wear a size 10-10.5 wide, and I found a 10.5 to be ideal. The upper is seamless and accommodates those with wider feet or bunions.

One thing I’ve noticed about Saucony, which people either love or hate, is that it has a very low back. It doesn’t fit orthotics/inserts as well as many other neutral shoes. That has been a deal breaker for many, because they feel like they are slipping. It’s never bothered me, and I’ve never felt as though I was slipping out, but it does bother a lot of people.

Saucony Ride 10 Ride:

Time to review the ride of the Ride. It always sounds funny when I say that. The Saucony Ride 10 is an 8 mm drop and much firmer. If you are looking for a shoe with firmer forefront cushion, the Ride or most Saucony shoes are an option.

I’ve run anywhere between 5-10 miles in the shoe, and I feel as responsive in the beginning as the end of the shoe. The cushion is there. One thing I did notice was it slipped more on wet surfaces or in the rain. It’s a shoe I’m less likely to take out in icy conditions, although I’m more likely to run indoors when it’s icy.

In 2011, I ran my first ever 10 miler with my brother and dad on Christmas. While we aren't together every Christmas, every year we are we always go for a Christmas Run together.

A post shared by Hollie (@fueledbylolz) on Dec 25, 2017 at 8:59am PST

Saucony Ride 10 Conclusions:

The Saucony Ride 10 is one of the most popular shoes in the industry, and I can see why. It’s a true to size, well-cushioned shoe, that is great for any amount of mileage: from 5ks to marathons. It holds up well. Saucony is on model 10 of the shoe, so it’s lasted the test of time for a while now. Personally, I’ve been enjoying the lightweight but still well-cushioned shoe for easy days or regular daily runs.

Current Rotation:

Brooks Glycerin 15 (long runs, easy runs)
Brooks Ghost 10 (easy runs, daily runs)
Saucony Ride 10 (easy runs, daily runs)
Nike Zoom Fly (workouts)
Altra Escalante (workouts)
Saucony Type A/Endorphin (races)

Questions for you:
What is your current favorite shoe?
What is your all-time favorite shoe?

Tips for Morning Workouts

January 2, 2018 By Hollie in Gear Review, Running, Running Reads, Uncategorized Tags: fitness, health, motivation, resolution, sports, workout 16 Comments

Recently I received a question about running and working out in the morning. I haven’t always been a “morning runner,” but since graduating college, I’m a morning runner 99% of the time. If I don’t run before 9 am, chances are I don’t run. Of course, it doesn’t include races, although I did wish they all started before 9.

I will be the first to tell you it’s much easier to run in the morning during the summer. It gets lighter earlier, and it’s warmer. You don’t feel as though you’re ripping blankets off to go for a run in the dark and cold. With my constant change of schedule, it’s better for me to get the run done earlier.

I posted a long time ago that I don’t drink coffee before I run. I used to drink coffee right when I woke up almost every day. However, I had one bad race (the Distance series in 2013? 2014? And that ruined it for me.

Recently I was sent Alert Caffeine Gum to try. I’ve heard of caffeinated gum before, and it seems like a lot of people swear by it. Thinking out loud, I’m not a huge gum chewer, but I was excited to give it a shot. Like anything, you don’t know until you try!

Here are some other ways I prepare myself to workout in the morning:

Sleep: I am known to turn my technology off around 9-9:30 pm. I might go to bed a little later, but I stop fiddling with the computer, texting, etc. It allows me to wind down and actually get to bed. Tweeting at the pillowcase keeps me wide awake.

Set an Alarm (or 2 or 10): I’ve adjusted to waking up between 5-5:30 am most mornings. To be honest, at this point it doesn’t phase me. However, it didn’t use to be like that, and I needed an alarm to pull me out of bed.

Check the Weather: Mentally I like to have an idea if I’ll be running inside or outside. Or if it’s going to be snowing, pouring rain, or windy. Not all surprises are good ones.

Make Sure. You Have Appropriate Gear Clean: Many bloggers will tell you to lay your clothing out, and I think that is fantastic advice, however, for me if I have appropriate gear cleaned and findable, I consider it a good day.

Caffeine! As I mentioned, I no longer drink coffee before I run. I was lucky enough to be sent Alert Caffeine Gum Alert Caffeine Gum to try. I’ve consistently chewed a piece after breakfast, and I do feel a bit more jazzy during my run. I don’t feel like I’m slogging through the first mile.

I’ve also tried Alert Gum in the middle of the day, and it doesn’t keep me up at night. It has half the caffeine of a cup of coffee which is a great amount for me.

Alert Gum is available in Mint or Fruit flavors, and each pack has 8 pieces. It’s available on Amazon or Walmart for $2.99. Personally, I like the fruity flavor the best.

Finally, Stick to It: Sometimes we want to change but aren’t willing to give it time. Give your new routine at least 2 weeks. If after two weeks, it’s not for you, find something that is!

Thank you Alert Caffeine Gumfor sponsoring this post!

Questions for you:
What time do you like to workout?
Do you have any methods to wake up in the morning?

FueledByLOLZ

Running and Laughing through the Garden State

Category Archives: Gear Review

Brooks Glycerin 16 Shoe Review