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Category Archives: Gear Review

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Shoe Review

August 21, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , , , 1 Comment
Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Shoe Review

The Nike Pegasus is many people first shoes. (In fact, the Nike Pegasus was my first shoe). With 36 versions, it’s been around for several years. For the last two years, Nike has added a few versions of their Pegasus while still keeping the original Pegasus.

For the 36th version, there is the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 (also known as the Nike Turbo 2) as well as the Nike Pegasus Trail.

Keep in mind, all of these Nike Pegasus are in the zoom series or zoom family and use zoom air as well. It’s just easier to remove the word Zoom, so the shoe name isn’t longer than the review. (How obnoxious would it be to write The Nike Zoom Pegasus 36 Turbo?)

The updated Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 is the faster and more workout oriented version of the Nike Pegasus 36. It’s lighter and uses the same foam (The Nike ZoomX Foam and React Foam) as the Nike Next%.  All three versions of the Pegasus can be used for daily running and training. Of the three, the Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo is could also be used for race day or long distance too.

Nike Zoom Pegasus 2 Shoe review

Quick Stats:

Weight: 7.2 oz (size 9)

Drop: 10 mm

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Fit:

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 1 (Nike Pegasus turbo 35), fit almost big. It remains one of the only shoes a women’s size 10 fit well. With the Nike Turbo 2, the fit is similar, and I find myself liking a women’s size ten as well. My usual size in any running shoe is between women’s size 10-11 wide.

For the Nike Turbo 2, the flywire is removed. It makes the shoe a bit wider and less snug through the midfoot. Nike also removed the racing stripe to increase breathability.

The upper has been redesigned to a thin and breathable engineered mesh. Between the brand new engineered mesh upper and removal of the flywire, the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 weighs almost .3 of an ounce lighter. It also fits and breathes better.

Finally, the heel collar is higher, which Nike claims will irritate the Achilles less. I haven’t had an issue with it. Many of the “Nike Fast Shoes” have almost a fin-like heel. Nike claims the angled heel optimizes initial touchdown and helps to provide a smooth transition from heel to toe.

Nike Zoom Pegasus 2 Shoe review

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Ride:

The  Nike Turbo 2 midsole is similar to the Nike Zoomx Vaporfly (now Next%) without the carbon plate. The Nike Turbo 2 combines both the Zoom X foam followed by the React Foam. With both foams going the full length of the shoe, the energy return is higher, and the Nike Pegasus 2 absorbs impact better than previous versions.

The Nike Turbo 2 is designed to run fast. While the Nike Pegasus 36 might be the everyday trainer, the Nike Turbo 2 is designed for workouts, long runs, and fast runs. Instead of wearing out your Nike Next%, use the Nike Turbo 2 for those hard workouts.

I appreciate that there is plenty of traction on the Turbo 2. It’s much better this year in elements like rain and ice. It’s not perfect, but better. The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 is also much more durable than last year. Last year, the Pegasus Turbo probably got between 150-250 miles, but this year the zoom cushioning is lasting to about 300 miles.

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Review

I’ve run a few workouts and long runs in the shoe. For me, it does fit best as a “fast shoe” and a shoe I know I want to run well. I wouldn’t use it as an easy run or recovery shoe. Last year, it was hard to justify the Nike Pegasus Turbo 1 over the Nike Zoom Fly, but this year the Turbo 2 is a faster, more quality shoe.

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Review

Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 Conclusion:

The Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 has been updated well. It’s much more durable than previous versions as well as being more breathable. Of the three Nike “fast shoes” (the Next%, Zoom Fly, and Turbo), I think the Turbo 2 is the best update from Nike Running. Last year I couldn’t justify the $180 price cost, but this year I believe the shoe is worth it.

Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo 2 Review

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon, Nike Pegasus Turbo 2

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races:  Reebok Run fast Pro

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. 

Questions for you:

Have you tried a new shoe lately?

What is your favorite running shoe?

 

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Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review

August 14, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment
Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review

The Hoka One One Rincon is a brand new shoe from Hoka this year. I’ve been curious about this shoe since it came out in June but needed to prioritize buying trainers (like the Hoka Bondi 6) I knew I could run miles in with no issues.

I knew I would probably like the Hoka Rincon, but also knew I needed to have at least one shoe in my rotation that was tried and true. Anyway, the long story short is it took me a little while to buy a pair.

The Rincon is designed to be a fast shoe from Hoka One One. It’s lighter than most (I believe just the Hoka Cavu 2 is lighter).

Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review

Quick Stats:
Weight: 6.3 oz
Drop 5 mm

Fit:

Like most of their shoes now, Hoka uses a single layer of engineered mesh for the upper.  It’s thin and lightweight, plus it breathes well. If you’ve run in the Hoka One One Carbon X, it fits very similar.  The single layer of mesh allows wider feet or someone with bunions to feel more comfortable. I’m usually a women’s size 10-11 wide, and I find the 10.5 to fit well (they aren’t made in wide…yet).

Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review

One thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t much structure in the upper of the shoe.  The feet can splay out. Like the newer models of Hoka, there is a pull tab at the heel counter to get it up. There is a lack of plastic in the heel which keeps it from pinching the Achilles. The pull tab allows it to slide up without damaging it.

Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review

Ride:

The Hoka One One Rincon has a unique ride to it (even from Hoka). It has as much cushion as the Hoka Clifton, however, weighs about an ounce less. It’s much more responsive than the Clifton and feels like a shoe I want to run fast in (like the Mach and Cavu). The Hoka Rincon uses the early stage Meta-Rocker to allow for quicker turnover. It’s designed for true speed or as a race shoe. (You can read more about Hoka’s technology and “Meta-Rockers” here).

If you’ve never run in Hoka before, this is a great model to start. It’s responsive enough that you won’t feel too disconnected from the ground.  For me, it fits best as a fast-paced, long run shoe, or even a race day shoe. I like more amount of cushion for a daily trainer.

One last thing to add is there is a lack of traction on the bottom of the shoe. I do wish added rubber on the bottom. There is rubber on the outsole in strategic spots but it’s not a shoe that would perform well in rainy/icy conditions.

Hoka One One Rincon Shoe Review

Hoka Rincon Conclusion:

Sometimes brand new running shoe models miss their mark, but the Hoka Rincon has quickly become one of my favorite Hoka One One models (my favorite for heavy training is the Hoka Bondi and for speed, work is the Hoka Cavu).

If you’re looking to try out the brand Hoka, the Hoka Rincon is a great place to start. If you are familiar with Hoka and looking for a lightweight racer or trainer, the Hoka Rincon would be a great shoe for your rotation.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Hoka Rincon

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races:  Reebok Run fast Pro

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week is all about carbon plate shoes,

Questions for you:

Have you tried a new shoe lately?

What is your favorite running shoe?

Brooks Ghost 12 Shoe Review

August 7, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment
Brooks Ghost 12 Shoe Review

The Brooks Ghost 12 is one of Brooks staple shoes. It’s probably the most sold shoe in the running industry. The release date of the Ghost 12 was July 1st but due to the Brooks distribution center moving and their ongoing shipping issues, it was delayed. It seems to be stocked, for now.  I’ve reviewed the Ghost 9, 1o, 11, and here we are at 12.

This year the Brooks Ghost 12 has gone up $10 and now retails at $130. It’s not my favorite thing to tell people but not the most expensive running shoe out there. Both the men’s and women’s Ghost 12 come in a multitude of colors.

Brooks Ghost 12 shoe review

Fit:

The Brooks Ghost 12 comes in a variety of colors. I like white shoes so when the melts collection came out, I knew that was the shoe I wanted. The Ghost has one of the best fits in the industry. The other plus about the Ghost 12 is it comes in wides, double wide, and narrow. (Also known as 2E).

The Ghost 12 has a narrow heel but wider toe box to allow feet to splay. I’ve consistently been in a women’s 10.5, and that seems to still work in the 12.

The Brooks Ghost shoe design is meant to “disappear on your foot”, like a Ghost. The 11 was slightly more narrow and the 12, while wider than the 11, still fits similar to the 11.

The upper of Ghost 12 is seamless with minimal stitching. Brooks uses 3D Printed overlays on the mesh to help bring down the weight and maintain the shape and structure of the shoe.

If you have a wider forefront or bunions, you won’t have much irritation. The most significant update in the Ghost is in the upper. It’s all aesthetic, so it will just look slightly different.

Brooks Ghost 12 Shoe Review

Ride:

The Brooks Ghost performs similar to previous models.  The Ghost 12 is one of the most standard running trainers out there. It’s known to roll forward to you feel as though you’re being propelled through your run. The heel is soft with a more responsive forefront.  It’s not super soft like the Hoka Clifton but also not as responsive as Saucony or New Balance.

The Brooks Ghost uses DNA Loft foam which runs from the heel through the midfoot. What does this mean? The DNA Loft cushioning is soft and adds the extra cushion on the heal as well as the transition (midfoot).

On the bottom of the shoe, Brooks uses “a Segmented Crash Pad” and “Flex Grooves” in the forefoot.

Segmented Crash Pads are small shock absorbers in the outsole. Each one works independently to cater to your form and where your foot lands. Together they make a smooth and seamless transition from heel to toe and a smoother step from previous versions.

Essentially, if you’ve run in previous models of the Ghost, the Ghost 12 will feel similar.

I’ve done long runs and easy runs in the shoe. For me, it feels the best as an easy run shoe. I prefer something slightly more responsive for workouts and faster long runs. The traction remains great, so if you’re running in the rain or ice, you shouldn’t have an issue.

Brooks Ghost 12 Shoe Review

Compared to a few other Brooks shoes:

Compared to the Brooks Glycerin 17, there is less cushion in the Ghost.

Compared to the Brooks Launch, there is more cushion in the Ghost 12.

Compared to the Brooks Richochet, the Ghost is a softer shoe

Compared to the Brooks Levitate 2, there is less cushion and it’s a softer ride with the Ghost.

Brooks 12 Conclusion:

The Brooks Ghost is one of the most traditional shoes out there and also one of the most sold running shoes out there. It’s an excellent staple for daily runs and easy runs. If you are looking for a neutral trainer that can do most everything, the Ghost is a good place to start.

The Brooks Ghost 12 didn’t change much since the Ghost 11.  Both versions of the Ghost use DNA Loft and BioMoGo DNA foam in the midsole. The smooth ride will feel very similar, and if anything have smoother transitions.

Brooks Ghost 12 Shoe Review

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Brooks Ghost 12

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Streak Lt,

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races:  Reebok Run fast Pro

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week is all about recovery. 

Questions for you:

What is your staple training shoe?

What shoe have you been running the longest in?

Hoka One One Carbon Rocket Shoe Review

July 24, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments
Hoka One One Carbon Rocket Shoe Review

I’ve wanted to try the Hoka One One Carbon Rocket for quite some time, but it seems always to be sold out on Hoka’s website.  I guess that’s because Hoka doesn’t make many true racing flats and it’s popular.  Hoka is known as a maximalist shoe brand, so racing flats go against the grain.

Before this year, if you were looking for a racing flat, the Tracer was the best option. I also argue the lightweight Hoka One One Cavu is another excellent racing option for Hoka (it’s my all-time favorite shoe for fast runs). Now Hoka also has the Carbon X, which I recently reviewed as well.

Weight: 7.3 ounces
Heel-to-toe drop: 1mm

Hoka one one carbon rocket

So where does the Carbon Rocket Fall into place? Why is it always sold out?

The Carbon Rocket is a lighter, more responsive version of the Tracer. For many, (including myself), the Tracer is still too much shoe for a short race like the 5-10k.

Hoka one one carbon rocket

Fit:

The mesh upper of the Hoka Carbon Rocket is lightweight and breathable. It’s a relatively simple design which I appreciate. There are minimal seams so it won’t rub on bunions. Theoretically, you could probably wear them without socks, but I choose to wear socks.

The shoe is unisex, and a size 9 (which is about women’s 10.5) fits well.  I am a size 9 in almost any racing flat I use. It’s true to size, something Hoka shoes have done well with.

Hoka one one carbon rocket

Ride:

To make the Carbon Rocket as light and responsive as possible, it uses Hoka’s “ProFly” technology. ProFly is softer in the heel but much firmer in the forefront. The heel is soft for cushion while the forefront is firm for propulsion. There is also a carbon fiber plate sandwiched between to minimize energy loss.

Another thing I appreciate is the rubberized foam outsole on the bottom of the shoe. Many flats this year have gone away from the rubber, but there is plenty of traction.

I’ve done a few different types of runs in the shoes, including runs at slower paces, as well as faster runs and workouts.

For me, I think it fits best as a long/fast run or on workout days. I am still in the process of figuring out my marathon shoe, and right now, this is a contender. With the carbon fiber plate, I do feel fast. If you are using any model of Hoka and want a fast 5k-10k shoe, this is a good option.

One final thing to add is that it does have a 1mm drop. I don’t know of another shoe that does, plenty of 0mm and 2mm drops.

Hoka one one carbon rocket

Conclusion:

The Hoka Carbon Rocket is the best true racing flat out there for shorter distances. If you are running a marathon or above, I think the Hoka One One Carbon X is better. For below a marathon, I would prefer the Carbon Rocket. I believe either is probably suitable for the marathon, along with the Cavu but I’m still in the process of figuring that out. (You’ll be much more injury-prone in the Cavu). I do appreciate this is a much more cushioned shoe and racing flat.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Hoka Mach 2,

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Run fast Pro, Nike Streak Lt,

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races:  Reebok Run fast Pro

You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. This week is all about race day nerves! 

Questions for you:

Which shoe do you use for the 5-10k?

What is your favorite racing shoe? 

New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

July 10, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , 1 Comment
New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

The New Balance FuelCell Rebel is a brand new shoe from New Balance. In fact, the Fuelcell Rebel was release date was July 1st.

There will be several different Fuelcell Shoes released with the FuelCell line, including a carbon plated shoe.  The shoe isn’t called the “FuelCell,” or “Fuel Cell”, it’s called the “FuelCell Rebel.” The Fuel Cell is just one word: “Fuelcell”.

Like any brand, there will be many shoes called the “FuelCell [name]. (Like the Asics Gel Cumulus or Nike Air Pegasus).

When I first saw the shoe, I thought, “what a beautiful white shoe.” I’m in a white-shoe phase right now and can’t seem to have enough.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

Right out of the box, the Rebel looked sleek and fast. The FuelCell Rebel is designed for running fast, workouts, or races. There is minimal protection if you strike at the heal and more for the forefront of the shoe. If you are a forefront striker and maybe even underpronate, this shoe is built for you (which is extremely rare in the running world.). The Fuelcell foam is designed for energy return during your run.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

The FuelCell line was designed in collaboration with American distance-runner Jenny Simpson.

Quick Stats:
Weight: 6.1 Ounces
Drop: 6mm 

Fit:

The FuelCell has Trace Fiber Stitching and reinforced the engineered mesh.  This means there is minimal stitching with less weight. If you have a wide foot or have bunions, there isn’t additional stitching to rub.

There have been several brands try and create a high cut socklike upper, and they miss their (like the Brooks Levitate 2).  This is the first sock-like upper I’ve attempted to, that doesn’t irritate. It has a bootie construction but doesn’t irritate the ankles.

The shoe fits true to size. I typically wear a women’s size 10-11 wide and the 10.5 is fine.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

Ride:

The outsole of the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel is something I’ve never seen in a running shoe before (which says a lot because I’ve reviewed dozens of shoes). It has support on the outer corners of the shoe and with a wider platform (for say, someone who supinates). It doesn’t correct anything, but there is a wider platform if you strike on the outer edges of your foot. It is still considered a neutral shoe. It feels smooth from heel to toe.

The New Balance Fuelcell running experience is meant to be fast. It’s designed for race day, tempo workouts, or just a speed shoe.  I have run several distances, including easy runs, long runs, and workouts. For me, it fits best for a long run or workout shoe. I like the responsive ride and I’ve been doing most of my long runs in the shoe. As New Balance states: “The FuelCell technology delivers a propulsive feel to help drive you forward”.

I will note, to remove weight there isn’t a lot of traction. There is blown rubber to keep you from sliding but I wouldn’t use the shoe in a torrential downpour or ice.

New Balance FuelCell Rebel Shoe Review

Conclusion:

I like this shoe a lot. I’ve already run about a hundred miles in them. They are a great fast run shoe, and I feel supported from mile 1 to 17. Tied with the Hoka Cavu 2, this is my favorite shoe of 2019. If this is the debut of their FuelCell line, I think we will see a lot of good things to come. I’m looking forward to taking these out on race day on my quest for a marathon shoe.

Current Rotation:

Easy/Daily Runs: Hoka Bondi 6,  Hoka Mach 2,

Speed Work: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Reebok Float Ride Runfast Pro, Nike Streak Lt,

Long Runs: New Balance FuelCell Rebel, Mizuno R2, Hoka Cavu 2

Races:  Reebok Run fast Pro

You can see all current shoe reviews here.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. This week I talked all about hydration.

In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport. There are often giveaways as well as discount codes.

Questions for you:

What is your favorite shoe? 

What is your “go-to” fast shoe?

 

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