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Tag Archives: gear review

Brooks Ghost 10 Shoe Review

July 19, 2017 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 7 Comments

Brooks Ghost 10 Shoe Review

In the Spring, I ran in the Brooks Ghost 9, and it was one of my favorite shoes of 2017.  I ended up running the entire 300-400 miles, and it was replaced in my rotation with other models including the Glycerin 14 and Launch 4.

To be honest, the Brooks Ghost 10 was one of my most anticipated updated shoes!  Brooks is not paying to me review their shoes.

Working in the running store, I can tell you the Brooks Ghost is one of the most consistent shoes on the market. If you like the 1…you’ll probably like the 2 and the 5 and the Brooks Ghost 10. I like the Brooks Ghost 9, and I also like the Brooks Ghost 10. The Brooks Ghost is often given the Runners World Shoe of the year.

Most of the update from the 9 to the Brooks Ghost 10 is in the midsole.  The Brooks Ghost 10 introduces a new two-piece midsole design.  It makes it more fluid for running and able to accommodate many different foot strikes evenly (IE: whether you run heel to toe, on your toes on somewhere in the middle).

The updated Brooks Ghost 10 also has less seems with minimal stitching and overlays. The 3d fit print overlays make for less rubbing for those with wider feet.  If you have bunions or a wider forefront, you’ll probably appreciate this update on the Brooks Ghost 10 as well.

Brooks Ghost 10 Fit:

The Brooks Ghost 10 has a narrow heel and wide toe box, which is the ideal shape for many people’s feet.  It hugs the arches appropriately and for the most part, fits true to size.  It’s been hard finding shoes that do fit true to size recently, plus everyone’s foot shape is slightly different (including your left and right foot).

Finding a shoe that accommodates both feet can be a challenge.  The Ghost has plenty of space.  I wore a regular size 10 in the Brooks Ghost 9 and wear a regular size 10 in the Brooks Ghost 10.

Brooks Ghost 10 Ride:

With the included new two-piece and fluid midsole of the Brooks Ghost 10, the shoe is much more responsive to where you need the cushion.  For many people, they benefit from a much softer heel.  For myself, I benefit from a much softer and well-cushioned forefront.

How can the shoe be so adaptive to so many foot types? Brooks uses a unique Cushion Material called “BioMoGo DNA foam.”  It’s essential, like memory foam.  It molds to your feet and cushions you where you need it. Out of any brand, the cushioning is the most adaptable to your stride.   It’s soft, lightweight and well-cushioned. The plush transition zone and segmented crash pad make for a great roll through the gait.

I’ve run speed workouts but also long runs in the Brooks Ghost 10.  Ideally, I like to do my easy runs and long runs in the Brooks ghost 10though.  Since I’m not running a lot, I do the majority of it in the Brooks Ghost 10 right now.

Brooks Ghost 10 Conclusion:

In summary, I like the Brooks Ghost 10 and think it’s a great shoe.  The updates from the Ghost 9 to the Brooks Ghost 10 have only enhanced the fit.

Current Rotation:
Brooks Ghost 10 (any run)
Brooks Glycerin 15 
Hoka Bondi 5

Other Shoe Related Posts:
Should You Wear Running Shoes Outside of Running?
How Alternating Shoes Can Benefit Your Running:
Five Secrets about Buying Running Shoes
How to Find the Perfect Pair of Running Shoes
How to Get the Most Shopping at a Running Specialty Store

Question for you:

What is your favorite running shoe?  Has it changed through the years? 

Have you tried the Brooks ghost 10? 

 

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Asics Nimbus 19 Shoe Review

April 26, 2017 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , , 1 Comment
Asics Nimbus 19 Shoe Review

Recently I decided to try the Asics Nimbus 19.  I’m no stranger to the Nimbus and have run in the Asics Nimbus 17 as well as the lower cushion Asics Cumulus 18 too.  I’ve even run in the Asics FuzeX as well as the max-cushioned Asics Quantum.  Come to think of it, I’ve run in most Asics neutral shoes.

Recently, the Nimbus has been extremely inconsistent. Both the sizing and feel of the shoe is completely different from one model to the next.  Neither “feel” is bad, but it’s hard because if you like a soft feel and the next version is firm, it’s not a shoe you will love.

The Nimbus 19 is a shoe you need to try on before purchasing. A few years ago the Nimbus ran big with plenty of room. However, this year it’s tight.

Sizing is not a concern, and it’s just a matter of finding what works for you.  You also have to keep in mind there have been 19 models of the Nimbus, so Asics must be doing something right.

Fit:

Oh, where to start with the fit.  To start off, it fits tight and narrow. I normally wear a women’s size 10 in running shoes, and in the Asics Nimbus 19, I wear a size 11 wide.  Sizing is not a big deal, but it’s a shoe you need to try on.  Don’t expect to be in the same size “you’ve always worn”.

Compared to the previous versions, the upper of the shoe is screen printed and the weave is tighter.  It doesn’t use the “traditional” mesh of other Asics shoes and is seamless. Once I found the appropriate size, it’s a comfortable shoe.  The seamless upper allows no rubbing at the top, and for me personally nothing rubs.

Asics Nimbus 19 Shoe Review

Feel:

The new Nimbus 19 now combines both gel and the latest Asics cushioning system: Flytefoam (similar to the FuzeX).

Why does this matter?  Flytefoam makes the shoe significantly lighter and makes the Nimbus a lot firmer.  It no longer feels like a giant soft sponge under your foot.  With the addition of the Flytefoam, it is a drastic difference.  The cushion is still there but it’s a different type and feels softer and lighter.

In summary, I like the shoe.  I’ll run through this version and use them on easy days or recovery days.  I will also say they are a great workout shoe and I tend to do most of my cross training in them too.  This is a shoe that will probably migrate towards my easy running days and cross training shoe because of all of the cushion.

Pros:

  • Lots of cushion
  • Lighter than previous years
  • More durable than many running shoes

Cons:

  • Expensive ($160)
  • Inconsistent sizing and feel of shoe

My Current Running Shoe Rotation:
Brooks Glycerin 14 (easy runs, long runs)
Hoka Bondi 5 (easy runs, long runs)
Saucony Freedom (daily runs)
Saucony Type A (workouts)

Questions for you:

Which shoes are you currently running in?

Do you prefer light weight or heavy shoes?

Saucony Ride 9 Review

May 18, 2016 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , 10 Comments

As I mentioned in a training log a few weeks ago, I have been running in the new Saucony Ride 9.  The Saucony Ride 9 was originally supposed to come out on June 1st, but as you can see, Christmas came early.

I had run a little bit in the Saucony Ride 8 but never enough that made me comfortable to write a review.  My favorite Saucony shoes are the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 and the Saucony Zealot; I’ve now put just over 100 miles in the Saucony Ride 9.

Saucony Ride 9 Review

The Fit: 
Right off the bat, this is the only thing I’m not sold on. It fits more narrow than any other Saucony shoe.  I’m normally a size ten but with some experimenting, I’ve found a size 10.5 wide to be the most comfortable.  Once I found a better sizing, it was a lot easier to run.  Unlike both the Triumph and Zealot, the upper fits and breathes like a traditional shoe.

The Saucony Ride 9 removed most of the overlays and seams on the shoe.  Since many people (like me) need a wide toe bed, the seams don’t irritate the toes as much.  However, in the process of removing the seams, the shoe is more narrow.  Sizing is easy to accommodate and I just tried on different sizes to find the “perfect” fit.

The Ride: 
Let’s talk about the Ride’s Ride…

The Saucony Ride 9 went through a substantial update.  The Powergrid was removed and replaced with the new EVERUN cushioning system.  What does that mean? The shoe is more cushioned, responsive and soft.  While it does feel different, it’s going to last the same.

As someone who likes the feel of the EVERUN in the Saucony Triumph, Zealot and Kinvara 7, I prefer the update of the shoe.  It feels like a better-cushioned shoe.

Pros: 

  • More responsive and cushioned
  • Less seams on the upper
  • Price remained the same despite significant updates

Cons: 

  • The fit but that can be adjusted accordingly

Recommended for: 
Anyone running in a neutral shoe (Such as the Saucony Triumph, Saucony Zealot, Saucony Kinvara, Brooks Ghost, adidas Boost, or Asics Cumulus.)

Current Shoe Rotation: 
Saucony Triumph ISO 2 (majority of running) 
Saucony Kinvara (speed work) 
Asics FuzeX AND Saucony Ride 9 (race warmups/cooldown, pretty much any run) 

Click to Tweet: Saucony Ride 9 Review

Questions for you:
What are you currently using? 
What is your all time favorite shoe?

Hashtag #AlltheShoes

April 21, 2016 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 32 Comments

A few weeks ago I took a lot at my training log, more specifically my shoe log.  I track all of my shoes in my personal training log.  I don’t know if Strava or Garmin Connect does either, but I have a feeling they do (I don’t use either).  I just add what shoe I’ve used on my excel  training log.

Looking at At all the shoes

I thought it would be fun to think out loud and look back at my shoes.  Last month I wrote a post about my brand loyalties throughout the years.

Here is the shoe breakdown:

Since 2011 and beginning to run I’ve gone through 62 pairs of shoes:
20 pairs of Newtons
14 Saucony (5 pairs of racing flats)
13 pairs of Nikes (of those 6 were flats, one spikes)
6 Asics
2 altra
2 Brooks
1 Hoka
1 Adidas
1 Innov8
1 New balance (but only 5 miles)
1 Mizuno (only on the alter-G)

Newtons: 2011-2013
I ran in Newtons almost exclusively for the first few years I ran.  While I wasn’t injured because of the shoe, they weren’t the perfect fit either.  When Newtons went exclusively from 4 lugs to 5, I decided the price point wasn’t worth it to me.  I didn’t love the shoe, and I knew I could find a better and cheaper fit.

Back in their hayday...

Saucony: 2014-current
I’ve run in the Saucony ISO Triumph one and two, the zealot, the Kinvara, type A6 and now just type A).  I’ve said many times recently, I liked how light weight but cushioned Saucony is.  I like feeling the ground but knowing I’m not sacrificing cushion.  Right now Saucony is my current brand of choice.

Saucony triumph ISO 2 review feat everrun

Nike: 2010-Current
Nike seems to be the brand I seem to have had one shoe in my rotation throughout running.  My very first running shoe was the Nike Pegasus.  I’ve run in 4 pairs of Nike Pegasus, a pair of Vomero, a pair of “fly knit racers” and several pairs of flats and spikes.

Nike vomero

I’ve run in a couple of Nike waffle racers.  In fact as embarrassing as this is for me to admit, the Nike waffle was the shoe I ran my first marathon in.  I didn’t know much better and would never do that again.  The Nike waffle racer is meant to run cross country races, not a marathon.

Running the NYCM 2013

Running the NYCM 2013 in a waffle (such a poor decision)

Asics: 2014-current
I’ve run in a few models of Asics.  The Asics Quantum, Nimbus and most recently the FuzeX. I like the gel of Asics and being able to feel the cushion underneath my feet.  With certain models of Asics, instep will not work well for my foot.  I have a high arch and instep and do better with the seamless designs.

asics nimbus 1

Altra: 2015
I was given Altra shoes for the Runners World Half in October.  I ran 100 miles in both models but ultimately found I didn’t like the zero drop as much.  I liked more cushion and a firmer shoe.  They are more towards the minimalist route.  They work for a lot of people but not for me.

I did get to learn first hand from the founders of Altra, which is awesome. They are great guys!

I did get to learn first hand from the founders of Altra, which is awesome. They are great guys!

Brooks: 2014
I ran in both the Ghost and Glycerin, but neither were my favorite.  I put about 100 miles on both but decided I preferred other brands.  I’ve tried them on again since, but they haven’t been for me.  At some point, I would like to try the Launch.

Innov8 2012
I tried a pair in college.  There wasn’t enough cushion for me.  It’s actually a miracle I didn’t hurt myself wearing them, and if I knew what I did now, I would have known they weren’t for me.  I ended up using them for a kick around shoe.

innov8lite

Hoka (2014)
After my stress fracture, cushionI needed a shoe with more cushion.  I tried the Hoka Clifton.  I like the max cushioning aspect. However, it’s more of “marshmallow” light and fluffy cushioning.  The shoe was too soft and wore out quickly.  After running through one model of Hoka Clifton, I tried a more dense shoe, the Asics Nimbus.

Hoka Clifton

Awkwardly trying on the Hoka Clifton at Fit blog a couple of years ago

New Balance: 2012
I was fit for a pair of New Balance 880s in college, and they ended up not being for me.  I didn’t like anything about the fit, feel or ride of the shoe.  It was before I knew much about shoes, but I did know I didn’t like them.  There hasn’t been a New Balance model I’ve cared for yet.

Mizuno: 2014
Mizuno running shoes seem to be all of the rage, but there is not enough cushion for me.  They also run narrow.  Since I have a wide foot and prefer cushion, there is no reason for me to run in them.  I received a pair at work and ran on our antigravity alterG in them.  I couldn’t feel my butt and at the time stress fracture, let alone my feet.

Adidas (2016)
Recently I tried the Adidas Energy Boost 3.  I was surprised by how much I liked them.  Ultimately, I do think they are too narrow for me and retired them after 200 miles.

Summary: 
As you can see, I’ve tried most major brands.  I haven’t gone into depth running in Brooks, Mizuno or Hoka.  I don’t experiment with a lot of lightweight and minimalist shoes because I know they aren’t for me.  I prefer a higher cushion shoe, and I stay much healthier running in one.

My plans, for now, are to stay with what is working.  That means for now I’ll stay with the majority of my shoes from Saucony.  I like the cushioning and I like how I run in them.

So what am I currently running in?
Saucony Triumph ISO 2
Kinvara 7 (Review to come)
Saucony Type A (for races)

Other shoe-related posts:
Why you should rotate your running shoes
There is no perfect running shoe

Question for you: What is your favorite shoe?

Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Review

November 6, 2015 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , 12 Comments

Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Review

Since I work at a local running store, I was given the opportunity to try the new Saucony Triumph ISO 2 before the shoe was officially released on November 1st.  Runer’s World awarded the Saucony Triumph ISO editor’s choice.

For those who don’t know, the original Saucony Triumph ISO was my favorite and primary shoe for most of last year. Over the last year, I’ve come to enjoy the lightweight but cushioned feel the Saucony Triumph ISO has. Like any runner, I was both nervous and excited to see how the new Saucony Triumph ISO 2 would compete.  I was not asked to review the shoe, but I wanted too.  Remember, what works for my feet might not work for yours since every foot is different.

Saucy ISO 2 Feat Everrun Review

Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Fit:

I find the update to fit of the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 slightly more true to size. I’m still wearing a size ten, but I’ve found the lacing to hug the top of the foot better. The improved ISOfit upper in the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 features added comfort to the top of the foot. The Saucony Triumph ISO 2 is true to size.

Saucony ISO 2 review feat overrun

Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Ride:

I’ve now run just over 100 miles in the Saucony Triumph ISO 2. Saucony added a new layer of everun continuous cushioning under the sock liner.  Everun foam cushioning makes the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 more bouncy, responsive, and a much smoother ride. With every stride and ground contact, I feel like I pop right up. The flex outsole and landing zone make the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 an energized running experience. I’ve noticed several of my runs have been faster without thinking about it. As with the original Saucony Triumph ISO, I enjoy how firm it is and low to the ground the shoe is.

According to Saucony, the Everun material gives 83% more energy return in the Saucony Triumph ISO 2.

One thing that was brought up with the original Triumph ISO was how long the shoe lasts!  The updated Triumph ISO 2 with Everrun supposedly has a much longer life expectancy. I have only run about 100 miles in them but haven’t felt as if they have lost any cushioning.

me running saucy

Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Pros:

Supposedly lasts longer
Wider toe box and more cushioned
The upper fits better

Saucony Triumph ISO 2 Cons: 
As with the previous models, very light and must trust the cushioning.
The price point is $150 but in my opinion worth it.

Similar models: Nike Vomero, Brooks Glycerin, Asics Nimbus

Verdict: So far, I like the Saucony Triumph ISO 2.  It’s a great shoe. I haven’t had any issues with it. I like the update.  I’m excited to keep running it and see how the last fares!

Recommend for: A neutral runner who likes cushion.  If you like lightweight shoes but don’t want to sacrifice the cushion.

Questions for you:
Have you run in the Saucony Triumph ISO 2 before?
What is your favorite running shoe?

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