I recently reviewed the Altra Torin 4.0 Plush but actually didn’t realize the update was coming out so soon. That’s my fault, I guess, for not putting more research into it!
Tag: shoe reviews
Hoka One One Cavu 2 Shoe Review
The original Hoka One One Cavu was one of my favorite shoes of 2018. It was simple, light, and relatively inexpensive. If you’re subscribed to the newsletter, then you know I firmly believe the Hoka One One Cavu 2 is even better and one of the most underrated shoes out there. It’s part of the Hoka Fly Collection with more responsive shies,
The Hoka Cavu 2 simple and a solid trainer. As you can see from photos, I’ve gotten plenty of mileage out of the shoe. I’m well over 100 miles and the shoe feels great.
Similar to the Mach, the Hoka Cavu 2 uses the “Profly” sole. The significant difference between the Mach and the Cavu is the Cavu is lighter. It’s a little better for racing, workouts, and faster runs. The Mach is better for easy runs. The Mach is less pounding on your body, but you trade a slightly more substantial shoe.
Hoka One One Cavu 2 Fit:
The fit and upper of the Cavu 2 has been redesigned. It’s a simple open engineered mesh which works for it. It’s seamless with a wide toe box which gives the toes plenty of room.
Like the Mach 2, the Cavu 2 runs larger but not large enough I would go down a half size. It offers a comfortable fit and optimal breathability. Typically I wear a women’s 10-11 wide and a 10.5 is perfect. The Hoka One One Cavu 2 isn’t made in wide, but even if it was, I think I would stick with a regular width. The embroidered Hoka One One logo keeps the design simple.
Hoke One One Cavu 2 Ride:
In my opinion, the Hoka Cavu 2 is the least “Hoka shoe” out there. When you think of Hoka, you think of maximum cushion and a soft pillowy mattress under your foot. For some people, all of that cushion is intimidating! The Hoka Cavu is much lighter and lower to the ground.
If you’re new to wearing Hokas, the Cavu is a good start because of how many characteristics it shares with a traditional brand. If you ever wore the Clayton, Tracer, or the original Clifton, you’ll appreciate the ride of the Cavu 2 as well. It’s a versatile running shoe that you can use for long runs, workouts, or easy runs. Due to how flat they are, they are even good gym training shoes.
The shoe performs well in weather too. If it’s rainy or icy, I would use the Hoka One One Cavu 2 over many other lighter shoes. I don’t feel as though Hoka sacrificed tread and grip to reduce the weight. The rubberized foam outsole allows you traction when running in the rain. It’s a shoe I would be me more likely to choose for a rainy half or full marathon versus other flats of about the same weight.
It reminds me of shoes such as the Saucony Kinvara, New Balance 1400, or even Brooks Launch. It has the ability to run fast and be responsive. It’s a shoe, Hoka was missing from their line until recently.
The Cavu 2 is nearly an ounce lighter than the original Cavu. There is no telling; you’ll feel fast in this shoe. I’ve run longer tempo runs as well as easy days. For me, I find it’s the best place to be with longer and faster runs. It’s my go-to long run shoe.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BttUcfcl2nY/
Hoke One One Cavu 2 Summary:
I think the Hoka Cavu 2 is one of the most underrated shoe out there. If you’re already running in Hoka and want a lighter shoe, it’s a great option. If you’ve never tried Hoka but are thinking of trying, it’s also a great option.
Current Shoe Rotation:
Easy Runs: Brooks Glycerin, Hoka Mach 2, New Balance 1080,
Long Runs/Tempos: Hoka Cavu 2
Speed Work/Racing: Nike Fly, Nike LT Streak
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Questions for you:
What is your favorite long run shoe? What is your current favorite shoe?
Saucony Triumph ISO 5 Shoe Review
Saucony Triumph ISO 5
The Saucony Triumph ISO 5 is a high cushioned neutral trainer from Saucony. More cushion than the Saucony Ride ISO. I’ve run in several models of the Saucony Triumph ISO, with my favorite being the first. The Saucony Triumph 5 is a highly cushioned, but lightweight trainer.
I’ve typically had a version of the Triumph in my rotation but recently moved towards the Saucony Ride. For the last year, the Ride has felt better to me personally. When it was released, I was eager to see how the Triumph felt.
Quick Facts:
Heel to toe drop: 8 mm
Weight: 10 ounces
Saucony Triumph ISO 5 Fit:
The Saucony Triumph ISO has run short for several versions, but this year it runs true to size. I typically wear a women’s 10-11 wide, and 10.5 has been great. The toe box is roomier then it’s been the last few versions.
Like many Saucony shoes, the Saucony Triumph ISO 5 uses Saucony’s ISOFit upper.
What ISO Fit? It helps to lock in your foot while moving and adapting throughout the run. It can also fit more feet; whether you have bunions, narrow feet, or full but don’t worry, the shoe also comes in wide.
The second update to the Triumph upper includes a “Jacquard” engineered breathable mesh. According to Saucony, this helps to accommodate more foot types (with the updated ISO fit, it does). The jacquard mesh is basically fancy mesh.
One thing to add is the shoe is shallower, and Saucony as a brand doesn’t fit insoles or doctors orthotics as well as many other brands.
Saucony Triumph ISO 5 Ride:
New for this version, Saucony added 2mm of EVERUN Topsole cushioning. There is supposedly more energy return than ever before. The topsole is on top of the Everrun, so the shoe feels more cushioned and more energetic.
Something to note is the grip is much better than previous versions too. I’ve run in the downpouring rain, and the traction has been fine. The crystal rubber outsole allows you to grip the ground better than many current running shoes.
The Saucony Triumph ISO 5 feels closer the original ISO 1 than ever before. Maybe I’m just reminiscing on the shoe, but it finally feels like Saucony put more into the again. For the past few generations, it’s taken a backseat to the Freedom or even the Ride.
If you have never run in the Saucony Triumph ISO, it is known for the responsive cushioning. It’s a good shoe for long distance, and you feel cushioning throughout running. It’s a bit bulkier and more cushioned than the Saucony Ride.
I’ve run about 100 miles in the shoe (long runs, easy runs, workouts) and for me, it’s the best fit as a daily trainer or long run.
Saucony Triumph ISO 5 Conclusion:
I like the Saucony Triumph, and I think the Saucony Triumph ISO 5 is the best it’s been since the first version. I’ll continue running it.
Current Rotation:
Easy Runs: Brooks Glycerin 16, Brooks Ghost 11, Hoka One One Cavu
Workouts: Nike LT Streak, Nike Zoom Fly
Races: Nike LT Streak
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
Questions for you:
What is your current favorite pair of running shoes?
Have you run in Saucony before?
Brooks Launch 3 Review
Brooks Launch 3 Shoe Review
The Brooks Launch 3 is a lightweight trainer. The Brooks Launch 3 is an excellent option for anyone who is looking for a fast and responsive trainer that can be used for anything from racing a 5k to a marathon. I know a lot of runners who prefer the Brooks Launch 3 as their daily trainer as well. It’s a shoe that can pretty much do anything.
Initially I bought the Brooks Launch 3 based on the Olympic color pattern. Even though I was injured at the time, I loved the limited edition color and didn’t want to miss out. I wasn’t alone, and the Brooks Launch 3 sold-out in-store pretty quickly. I didn’t know if I would end up running in them, but I knew they could be an option too.
Brooks Launch Fit:
I like the fit of the Brooks Launch 3. Like the Brooks Ghost 10, the Brooks Launch 3 has a wide toe box and a narrow heel. In general, I find the shape of most Brooks Shoes to be true to size. The midfoot is shaped to match to hug most arches. Plus, like most Brooks shoes, the top is now a completely seamless and mesh upper. I wear a size 10, and a size 10 Launch 3 fits like a glove.
To add: I didn’t run in the Brooks Launch or the Brooks Launch 2, but I tried them on at work a few times. The Brooks Launch 3 was redesigned to be seamless, which is great for anyone with a super-wide food (like me).
Brooks Ride:
At first glance, the Brooks Launch 3 wouldn’t be a shoe I would pick out for myself to run in. It’s lightweight, and I typically like more cushion.
That being said, the Brooks Launch 3 has an excellent lightweight, but firm feel to it. I like to think it has an extra springy push wand amazing energy return with the rubber in the forefront.
The front, as well as the midfoot, have been designed with more cushion. I run rather far on my toes, so the front-loaded cushion in the Brooks Launch 3 is much appreciated! Plus, many shoes lack rubber in the forefront, and the Brooks Launch 3 forefront gives you extra rubber. The fast heel to toe transition and energy return in the midfoot and the rubber in the forefoot, make the Brooks Launch 3 great for speed work. The Brooks Launch 3 uses a DNA midsole cushioning, which dynamically adapts to your foot and gait. The Brooks Launch 3 is shaped for a fast heel to toe transitions and added speed for amazing energy.
After a few runs, I ultimately decided I liked the Brooks Launch 3 and will keep them in my rotation. I’m debating buying a second pair to keep the “Olympic pair” for special occasions…(Like what if an Olympian wants to go to a diner or something?)
For my personal use, I plan to run in the Brooks Launch 3 as a workout shoe or a “faster feeling shoe.” I don’t plan to do long runs or high mileage in them.
Similar models: Saucony Kinvara, Saucony Ride, Nike Pegasus, Brooks Ghost
My Current Rotation:
Asics Cumulus 18
Hoka Clifton 3
Saucony Triumph
Brooks Launch
Brooks Launch 3 Pros:
- The Brooks Launch 3 is lightweight but cushioned
- Price point of $100 ($110 for the limited edition color I chose)
- Great shoe to use for racing or training
Brooks Launch 3 Cons:
- Less cushion than a traditional trainer
- Less durable than a traditional trainer. If you’re using these for a marathon shoe, you might want to invest in a couple of pairs.
You Can See All Current Shoe Reviews Here.
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Questions for you:
Do you wear Brooks? Have you tried the Launch 3?
What is your favorite running shoe?