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Tag Archives: shoes

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

October 18, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

So far, New Balance has created a few shoes in their “Fuelcell line.” The New Balance Fuelcell Rebel (I most likely will run New York City Marathon in), the New Balance 5280 (the carbon plated 1m-5k shoe), The Balance Fuelcell Propel (which I have yet to try) and the New Balance Fuelcell Echo.

I initially thought the New Balance Fuelcell Echo would be my marathon shoe, but I think (for me), the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel will be a bit better.In general, the New Balance Fuelcell collection and technology is designed to be fast.

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Quick Facts:

Weight: 8.3 oz

Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Fit:

The New Balance Fuelcell Echo fits almost exactly like a sock. I haven’t had a shoe fit so well and be comfortable from putting it on in a while.

The New Balance Fuelcell Echo uses an engineered knit upper, which provides structure but breathes well. I’ve run a couple of times in hot and humid conditions and the New Balance Fuelcell Echo breathed throughout the run.

The heel of the New Balance Fuelcell Echo has a TPU heel counter, which makes or a secure fit. Many brands, including the Brooks Levitate 2, have tried (and failed) to use a higher heel counter. The New Balance Fuelcell Echo doesn’t irritate the heel of the shoe and fits well.

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

I typically wear between a women’s size 10-11 wide and the 10.5 fits well. 

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Ride:

All of the New Balance Fuelcell shoes are designed with speed and performance in mind. They are all designed to be faster shoes. Where does the New Balance Fuelcell Echo fit? The New Balance Fuelcell Echo is a good road and an everyday trainer. While you can race or run faster, it’s more designed for the bulk of your mileage.

New Balance’s vision with the New Balance Fuelcell Echo is the shoe you can run in as well as casually wear around. I tend to agree that it’s one of the few trainers I like for both running and casually living life.

Like the New Balance Fuelcell Rebel, the Fuelcell Echo has a full-length fuel cell midsole. That means it has a high energy return.

Finally, one thing I appreciate in the New Balance Fuelcell Echo is the traction and grip. The entire outside is crafted with “Ndurance,” which is a rubber that is both light but also durable. The New Balance Fuelcell Echo isn’t a shoe I would take on trails, but it is great for inclement weather.

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell Echo Conclusion:

The New Balance Fuelcell Echo surprised me. I appreciate the cushion of the Fuelcell Echo but also that it can be worn more as a lifestyle shoe.

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: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  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:

What is a shoe you wear casually? 

What is your favorite racing shoe? 

 

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New Balance 1500v5 Shoe Review

October 11, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , 2 Comments

New Balance 1500v5 Shoe Review

New Balance 1500v5 Quick Facts:
Heel to Toe Drop: 6 mm

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

While I have not run in previous versions of the New Balance 1500, I can tell you the upper has been redesigned while the sole remains the same. Unlike many neutral flats, the New Balance 1500v5 is a rare shoe with support but also lightweight. It could be used for a 5k as well as the marathon. In fact, I originally decided to try the New Balance 1500v5 in hopes I might like it for the New York City Marathon. I do like it, but I haven’t determined if it will be my marathon shoe.  I think I need more shoe.

New Balance 1500v5 Fit:

The New Balance 1500v5 fit is simple and sleek. Unlike the New Balance Fuelcell 5280, the New Balance 1500v5 uses a thin synthetic mesh upper called “Fantom Fit.”Since the New Balance 1500v5  is meant to be a “fast” racing shoe, it does fit more snug. I would find somewhere to try them on before blinding getting a pair. With the minimal seams, I haven’t had any issues with blisters or rubbing.

It fits well to my foot. In running shoes, I wear anywhere between a women’s size 10-11 wide. I find a women’s size 10.5 to fit well in the New Balance 1500v5.

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

New Balance 1500v5 Ride:

The New Balance 1500v5  uses a midsole with REVlite foam.

Anyway, what is “REVlite foam”?

REVlite foam is a different foam than New Balance fresh foam and Fuelcell. Since New Balance is such a large brand, they can get away with having multiple different foams.  The Revlite midsole makes the New Balance 1500v5 light but firm. It’s a fast ride and reliable support throughout the entire run.

The New Balance 1500 series is known for the support too. Unlike the New Balance 1400, the New Balance 1500v5 has denser foam towards the medial side to give support. If you pronate but are still looking for a lighter and more supportive marathon shoe, it’s going to be a good choice.

The traction on the New Balance 1500v5 is one of the better flats I’ve seen. If it’s rainy or inclement weather, your feet are going to grab the ground and not feel like you’re sliding around, which is essential because the Boston Marathon isn’t always wonderful weather.

When running, the New Balance 1500v5 feels firm. Since the New Balance 1500, has a 6 mm drop, you’ll feel the ground. Personally, I like the ability to feel the ground, but know I still have cushion. I’ve run several workouts as well as a few races and like the ability to feel the ground when running.

New Balance 1500v5 shoe review

New Balance 1500 v5 Conclusion:

The New Balance 1500v5 is a great racing flat and shoe. New Balance does claim the 1500 can be used up to the marathon. If I were in my running prime, I might try them out, but right now, I’m undecided. I have done track work, long runs, and races but I’m not 100% sure if my body would “love” running a marathon in them. For me, I think they are best suited as a workout and up to a half marathon distance.

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: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  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 the New Balance 1500v5?

What is your favorite racing shoe? 

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

September 27, 2019 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,
New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review:

Quick Facts:
Weight: 5.2 oz

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

Many brands are coming out with the full carbon length shoe. The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is the short distance answer from New Balance. It’s not meant for 10ks, half-marathons, and marathons. It’s intended for a short race. At the 5th Avenue Mile, was when people took note of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280. Most, if not all, New Balance sponsored athletes were wearing the New Balance Fuelcell 5820. Jenny Simpson won wearing the shoe.

So why 5280? There are 5280 feet in a road mile.

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

The New Balance Fuellcell 5280 Upper:

Many New Balance models are now using a brand new mesh upper, similar to the Nike Flyknit material. It’s a close knit, breathable material. It fits tight and the laces are short.

One thing I don’t love about the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is how difficult it is to put the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 on. Any racing flat is challenging to put on, but with one seem, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is challenging. While trying it on for the first time, I was worried I would rip the shoe. That being said, once they are on, they fit well. I typically wear between a size 10-11 wide. The men’s size 9 (women’s 10.5) of the New Balance 5280 fits well.

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Ride:

The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is best for short races. I haven’t run any road miles, but I have raced a few 5ks and felt fast every time. With the carbon fiber plate, the 5280 propels forward. It feels like a true racing flat or even track spike with a carbon plate. Now if only it was durable enough for longer than a 5k.

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Shoe Review

There are a few things with the New Balance Fuelcell 5280:

With the design of the underfoot, you land more on your toes. It feels more like a spike, designed to put you on your toes. If this isn’t how you run, you will be sore.  You will heavily stress your metatarsals so it’s important to work into the shoe. The traction and bottom of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is distinct. It has rubber, raised triangles like a spike.

With the carbon plate, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 also uses the fuelcell technology (like the Fuel Cell rebel).

Now on to the actual ride of the New Balance Fuelcell 5280. What makes it great? The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is pure minimalist. The Fuelcell propels With the Hoka Carbon Rocket is designed for ultras, the Nike Vaporfly designed for marathons, the New Balance Fuelcell 5280 is a fast, minimalist shoe.

Run for the toilets onancock breaking tape

New Balance Fuelcell 5280 Conclusion:

The New Balance Fuelcell 5280 has become my favorite short-distance running shoes. I’m hoping more brands will make a fast carbon fiber plate shoe designed for shorter races like the 5k or even half marathon.

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: New Balance Fuelcell 5280, Nike Next%,  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:

What is your favorite racing shoe?

What is your current favorite shoe? 

Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next%

September 20, 2019 By in Uncategorized Tags: , , , , 3 Comments

Truthfully, I think it’s dumb to post a review about the Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% (or just Nike Vaporfly Next%). Before reading anything, you’ve already made up your mind if you are going to buy the Nike Vaporfly Next%. Most brands are coming up with some form of carbon fiber plate shoe, Nike just did so first. There is plenty of research to shoe the Nike Vaporfly Next% does make you run faster, but you also have to put in the work.

It’s no secret there have been plenty of world records run and races like the London Marathon won and Eliud Kipchoge has run the fastest marathon time. The Next Vaporfly Next% is a race day shoe. I would do some training in the running shoes, but save most of the shoe for racing. That way you get the most out of your money because the Nike Vaporfly Next% is not durable.

Anyway, since Nike ZoomX Vaporfly Next% is a lot to type out, I’ll just say the Nike Next%. You get it.  I do believe the second version of the Nike Vaporfly has gotten a good update, and I wouldn’t be as worried about sliding down the streets on a poor weather day.

Nike Vaporfly Next% Fit:

Like the Nike Zoom Fly 3, the Nike Next% now uses Vaporweave. According to Nike, the Vaporweave absorbs 93% less water. This isn’t limited to rain but also includes sweat. A common complaint was the flyknit upper absorbed the moisture and made your feet feel sloppy (which is true).

The Vaporweave upper material is transparent and also lighter than the Flyknit and mixes two plastics: TPU and TPE.  So be sure to wear cool socks, because you’ll see them.

Outside of the Vaporweave material, the toe box is wider. The Nike Next% isn’t made in wides, but it does fit wider. The laces are now asymmetrical to remove the pressure that some had on the top of their foot.

Nike Next% fits true to size. I wear a women’s size 10-11 wide and I found the unisex 9 to be sufficient.

Nike Vaporfly Next% Ride:

The Nike, Next% ride, is where all of the magic happens. That’s why people (myself included) are willing to spend the $250. Much of the shoe’s performance benefit comes from Nike’s ZoomX foam.

For Nike Next%, the Nike team added more ZoomX.  By adding an additional 4 mm of stack height, they added 1 mm of ZoomX foam. Why does this matter? The ride is significantly different than previous versions. The heel to toe drop of the Nike Next% is now 8 mm when previously it was 11 mm. (Your calves might be sorer).

Finally, the most important feature Nike added to the Next% was the rubberized bottom. Now if you run in a torrential downpour (like say Boston), you won’t slide around. Plus instead of the Nike Next% lasting 50 miles, it will last about 100.

Nike Vaporfly Next% Conclusion:

The Nike Next% is a faster shoe than the previous Nike Vaporfly. I’m surprised; it didn’t jump in cost because of more expensive materials to use in the product.  If you are willing to spend $250 to shave a minute or two off your race, then it’s worth it. Other brands are coming out with a similar carbon plated shoe soon too.

With the exception of NYCM last year, none of my PRs are from the Next % series. Last year at NYCM was the first marathon I ran in over 3 years so I don’t attribute PRing with the shoes. I personally have mixed feelings about the shoe. I think there are better shoes for shorter distances, but I do think they are a good marathon shoe (because I didn’t injure myself during last year’s marathon).

 

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: Nike Next%,  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 bought a pair of Nike Nike%?

Do you love them? 

Nike Zoom Fly 3 Shoe Review

September 13, 2019 By in Gear Review, Running Tags: , , , , , ,
Nike Zoom Fly 3 Shoe Review

The Nike Zoom Fly has been a staple since the Nike Fast Shoes like the Vaporfly and Nike Zoom Pegasus Turbo came out. Of the three Nike Shoes, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 is the “most affordable.” After enjoying the original Nike Zoom Fly, I wasn’t sure if I would ever get around to doing a Nike Zoom Fly 3 Review.

I choose to get the “Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise” which is a different color of the Nike Zoom Fly 3.

I skipped running in the second generation of the Nike Zoom Fly but was in the minority of people who liked and appreciated the original Zoom Fly.

Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise Shoe Review

The Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise Fit:

The most significant change to the Nike Zoom Fly comes in the upper. If you’ve run in previous versions of the Nike Zoom Fly, you’ll notice the new VaporWeave Upper (like the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2)

What is Vaporweave?

VaporWeave is the engineered mesh upper material which is made of plastics, specifically TPU and TPE. (TPE is also used in Yoga mats…neat!) Compared to the previous Flyknit upper material, Vaporweave is much more breathable, lightweight, and doesn’t absorb as much rain or moisture. If you run in a torrential downpour, your feet are less likely to be soggy. The lacing system makes you feel secure in place, and your feet aren’t sliding around.

Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise Shoe Review

The Nike Fly 3 Rise Ride:

The original Nike Zoom Fly was a staple workout shoe for me in 2017 and a good portion of 2018. I did a lot of workouts in the Zoom Fly.

The midsole of the Nike Zoom Fly 3 has gone through a few changes with the update. Nike has added more React foam with a higher stack height. What do more React Foam and higher stack height mean?  The Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is now slightly heavier but also has a low heel to toe drop (from 10 mm to 8 mm).

Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise Shoe Review

The difference between the Nike Pegasus Turbo 2 and the Zoom Fly 3 is the lack of carbon plate in the Pegasus Turbo. The full-length Carbon Fiber plate is still there in the Zoom Fly 3 Rise. Together with the Nike React foam, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise feels faster and more responsive. My favorite addition to the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is the rubber traction. You are far less likely to slide around than previous versions.

Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise Shoe Review

It’s a great workout shoe, racing shoe, or even a full marathon racing shoe. I could see myself doing any of the three. I’ve run a few hard runs in the Zoom Fly 3 Rise and enjoyed the ride.

Nike Fly 3 Rise Conclusions:

Of the Nike Vaporfly (Next%), Nike Pegasus Turbo 2, and the Nike Zoom Fly 3, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is the cheapest and most durable. It’s designed to either race or train hard. If you are looking for a faster workout shoe, the Nike Zoom Fly 3 Rise is a great option. From the durability to the fit, it is definitely an improvement over the previous versions.

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:

What is your go-to fast shoe?

What is your favorite running shoe? 

 

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