These fit and look just like my original gazelles I wore in highschool over 15 years ago. Only the top center piece and the areas around the lace holes are the original suede material, and the rest of the upper is canvas. This actually makes for easier cleaning and maintenance. I think I will be ordering them in grey, too!
Showing posts with label best asics running shoes for men. Show all posts
Showing posts with label best asics running shoes for men. Show all posts
Review of Women's Newton MV2 Speed Racer, Color: White/Neon Orange, Width:
I have been working my way toward minimal shoes over the last year or so. I started running (3 years ago) with relatively light, low shoes within the spectrum of most running shoes, Mizuno Wave Riders. More recently my shoe of choice has been the Saucony Kinvaras. They steered me in the direction of minimal, being extremely light with a mere 4 mm heel drop. While I plan to continue doing a lot more happy running in them, I have a new love to rotate with them, the Newton MV2's.
I couldn't resist the opportunity to take advantage of Newton's current 60 day trial promotion. I tried and bought them at our favorite local running store, where I was encouraged to take them outside for a spin on the sidewalk. These are strictly running shoes; unlike the gamut of most running shoes from minimal to technical, you won't want to use them as walking or casual shoes.
I'd never tried on Newtons so the forefoot lugs were a new experience. I find they give a little pop of energy in the very place of my natural foot strike and I took to them immediately. They conceit of the Newton design is to either do that, or correct a misplaced foot strike. In doing so, they also give a little cushion only to the part of the foot that takes the impact. Yet, they are otherwise entirely minimalist; feather light and flat. After some running I put in the 3 mm heel insert to give my calves a chance to adjust, even though I'd been running in fairly flat shoes already.
After having only run in them once---some intervals on our street---I did a 5k race last weekend. At the start I felt like a jackrabbit, not expecting how fast they encouraged me to run. I got less tired than I usually do toward the end, and had no pain afterward or the following day. I also ran a faster race than my last few.I believe if a shoe makes you feel fast, you either will be, or at the very least will feel you are having to make less effort.
I wear thin socks with them so can't attest to how they feel sockless.
Some reviewers complain about the tapered toe box. I do not find then cramped at all, and I like the way the shoe cradles my foot. I am not a true barefoot runner and these aren't orthodox barefoot shoes. I guess there is a distinction between seriously barefoot-oriented and minimal.
I also like the extreme breathability of the mesh, the way the laces stay tied securely, and the way they seem to repel dirt. It's a good thing since they are mostly white! I just attended a track workout where we ran part of the time on the grass, which was wet and somewhat muddy. The shoes still look new, and the dirt dried right off of them.
If you've ever been curious about Newtons, now is the time to try them, and particularly this shoe if you're drawn to lightweight racing flats. I've heard, on the other handy that Newton customer service is so outstanding, they would give money back on a used shoe anyway if, for whatever reason, they didn't work out.
I couldn't resist the opportunity to take advantage of Newton's current 60 day trial promotion. I tried and bought them at our favorite local running store, where I was encouraged to take them outside for a spin on the sidewalk. These are strictly running shoes; unlike the gamut of most running shoes from minimal to technical, you won't want to use them as walking or casual shoes.
I'd never tried on Newtons so the forefoot lugs were a new experience. I find they give a little pop of energy in the very place of my natural foot strike and I took to them immediately. They conceit of the Newton design is to either do that, or correct a misplaced foot strike. In doing so, they also give a little cushion only to the part of the foot that takes the impact. Yet, they are otherwise entirely minimalist; feather light and flat. After some running I put in the 3 mm heel insert to give my calves a chance to adjust, even though I'd been running in fairly flat shoes already.
After having only run in them once---some intervals on our street---I did a 5k race last weekend. At the start I felt like a jackrabbit, not expecting how fast they encouraged me to run. I got less tired than I usually do toward the end, and had no pain afterward or the following day. I also ran a faster race than my last few.I believe if a shoe makes you feel fast, you either will be, or at the very least will feel you are having to make less effort.
I wear thin socks with them so can't attest to how they feel sockless.
Some reviewers complain about the tapered toe box. I do not find then cramped at all, and I like the way the shoe cradles my foot. I am not a true barefoot runner and these aren't orthodox barefoot shoes. I guess there is a distinction between seriously barefoot-oriented and minimal.
I also like the extreme breathability of the mesh, the way the laces stay tied securely, and the way they seem to repel dirt. It's a good thing since they are mostly white! I just attended a track workout where we ran part of the time on the grass, which was wet and somewhat muddy. The shoes still look new, and the dirt dried right off of them.
If you've ever been curious about Newtons, now is the time to try them, and particularly this shoe if you're drawn to lightweight racing flats. I've heard, on the other handy that Newton customer service is so outstanding, they would give money back on a used shoe anyway if, for whatever reason, they didn't work out.
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Excellent Shoe. I just received it today. I have been rehabbing an achilles sprain for 2 weeks now with shooting pain beginning about 2 minutes into my run. I put these on tonight and was able to run for 14 minutes straight without any pain. I am on my way to recovery and training again for my 5K at the end of the month. Excellent forefoot pad helps keep your form perfect and keeps you from incorrectly straining the wrong muscles and damaging joints. Well worth the money. I can't wait for more colors so I can buy another pair. Will be recommending them to my patients as well. :)
Best Vibram FiveFingers Womens Entrada Purple-Violet Athletic Shoes Deals
I got my first pair as a surprise gift from my husband and I loved them so much I bought another pair in a different color. These shoes are made well and having something between your toes is fine because they have no seams. I have walked on super hot asphalt, rocky ground and for hours shopping and they are still comfortable. The sole is thin but Vibram knows it's stuff because
you don't feel like you are almost walking without anything between your foot and the ground. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM.
you don't feel like you are almost walking without anything between your foot and the ground. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE THEM.
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I liked these a lot, but they were a size too small, which was my own fault because I usually wear a 39 in an EU size. I ignored the measuring. I should have had a size 40. I did try them on and really liked the way they looked and felt. My purpose was to have a house slipper because I usually walk around on hardwood floors barefoot and have calluses to prove it. I wanted a shoe I could feel barefoot in and that I wouldn't have to put off and on like a house slipper. And I wanted to be able to move around the way I can when barefoot. Unfortunately, I had to send these back and have not found my size in them at a low enough price. But i highly recommend the shoe and am still looking for my size.
Mizuno Wave Universe 3 Running Shoe Reviews
I was very pleased to receive my Mizuno Wave 3 Universe 3 running shoe from Roadrunner Sports within a week after I ordered the shoes from Amazon. It was great service, better than I expected. Better still, the shoes are great. They weigh only 3.8 oz and are highly recommended by Pose Running Dr,. Romanov. It is an ideal shoe for anyone who runs on the forefoot, or mid-foot. It's roomy in the toe box, yet snug at the heel.
A few things should be pointed out, however. One, though I may run sock-less in all my shoes, the WU3 still seems a bit large, such that my size 11s would probably feel more snug in a 10.5. That said, I do also prefer my shoes to be more of a glove like fit. While on the topic of size, it is probably also important to point out that the shoe, though roomy in the toebox which is great for that barefoot like feeling sometimes feels a little to wide, such that my forefoot didn't feel secure and locked down. Again, this may be size related, or a personal preference issue, but in terms of snugness, I like my shoes to basically be form fitting, and this is just a little too spacious for my mid to forefoot striking needs. Nonetheless, the shoe does a great job of holding the heel in place, so there's no worries to be had about the shoe falling off and chafing one's heel.
Colors are not really all that offensive, and the pinkish nature and gold glittery tongue are both hardly noticeable especially after use in a muddy cross country meet (due to the high amount of asphalt that was also present), the colors become somewhat of a moot point anyway.
In terms of durability, they seem to hold up nicely. The cushioning seems, after 55 miles, nearly as good as when they first arrived at my door. Soles, upper, laces, and interior all seem to hold up to sock-less abuse nicely, too. In short, if there are any durability issues, it's that the exposed foam on the midsole may smooth out rather quickly, but otherwise, the rubber remains firmly attached and whatnot, providing a fair amount of traction.
If it's worth anything, the shoes are certainly worth the price they are light enough to serve as a great race day shoe, but hold up well enough such that one can do fast speedwork in them or daily runs, if you find yourself a member of the minimalist ranks. I'm very glad I have them, and look to hold on to them for quite some time especially after recently coming across a website where a minimalist runner had over 1,000 miles on these, and was still going strong!
The white over red mesh makes the shoes look pink. As a man who has run all my life -including plenty of races like the Boston Marathon -pink isn't exactly my favorite color for a running shoe. But hey -I'm a tough guy and my ego can handle it -especially while I'm passing guys years younger than me wearing heavily cushioned shoes. This morning, in fact, I had to throw my pink pair away because I've worn a hole the size of a penny right through the sole. I estimate that I got about 750 miles out of the shoes.
If you've read Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen (Vintage) and are convinced that barefoot running or minimalist shoes are for you, the Mizuno Wave Universe 3 is an excellent shoe. Flat, no arch support, and mild cushioning from heel to toe make this an excellent choice for those with a forefoot strike. But be careful, these are pretty thin soles and you certainly feel it when running over uneven ground or crushed rock. Anything the size of an acorn can really cause pain if you're running fast, so you need to watch where you're stepping.
Another negative I give these shoes is their porous soles. Simply put, they absorb water like a sponge. You step into a puddle, run through wet grass, heck, just jog over damp pavement, and the moisture comes right through the soles. So if you're often running in wet weather, these shoes may not be the best choice for you.
But for the vast majority of people looking for a minimalist running shoe that won't draw stares from people on the street, this shoe is just what you're looking for. I'll be checking out sales and will be buying another pair.
UPDATE: I remembered that I had some Shoe Goo around and so I decided to do a little sole repair. I took out a pair of liners I had from other running shoes, inserted them into my Mizuno's and then applied shoe goo to the hole. After leaving it overnight, I ran with them the next day and they worked fine. I applied another coating (leveled off with a popsicle stick) after the run and now they're good to go. I hope to get another couple of hundred miles out of them.
One thing i felt they ran a 1/2 size short. i ordered 11 and returned them for 12s.
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This shoe is certainly one of the better ones I've worn lately. Well cushioned and very minimalist, it provides the perfect amount of cushion along the entire length of the shoe, from forefoot to heel, to accommodate any strike pattern (i.e. midfoot, heel, etc.) Also, they prove to be exceptionally light certainly a benefit when racing longer events such as the 8k XC.A few things should be pointed out, however. One, though I may run sock-less in all my shoes, the WU3 still seems a bit large, such that my size 11s would probably feel more snug in a 10.5. That said, I do also prefer my shoes to be more of a glove like fit. While on the topic of size, it is probably also important to point out that the shoe, though roomy in the toebox which is great for that barefoot like feeling sometimes feels a little to wide, such that my forefoot didn't feel secure and locked down. Again, this may be size related, or a personal preference issue, but in terms of snugness, I like my shoes to basically be form fitting, and this is just a little too spacious for my mid to forefoot striking needs. Nonetheless, the shoe does a great job of holding the heel in place, so there's no worries to be had about the shoe falling off and chafing one's heel.
Colors are not really all that offensive, and the pinkish nature and gold glittery tongue are both hardly noticeable especially after use in a muddy cross country meet (due to the high amount of asphalt that was also present), the colors become somewhat of a moot point anyway.
In terms of durability, they seem to hold up nicely. The cushioning seems, after 55 miles, nearly as good as when they first arrived at my door. Soles, upper, laces, and interior all seem to hold up to sock-less abuse nicely, too. In short, if there are any durability issues, it's that the exposed foam on the midsole may smooth out rather quickly, but otherwise, the rubber remains firmly attached and whatnot, providing a fair amount of traction.
If it's worth anything, the shoes are certainly worth the price they are light enough to serve as a great race day shoe, but hold up well enough such that one can do fast speedwork in them or daily runs, if you find yourself a member of the minimalist ranks. I'm very glad I have them, and look to hold on to them for quite some time especially after recently coming across a website where a minimalist runner had over 1,000 miles on these, and was still going strong!
Best Deals on Mizuno Wave Universe 3 Running Shoe
I have two pairs of these shoes and have been running in them for over a year. They are the lightest shoes I've ever owed -just over 3 ounces. And unlike the Vibram Five Fingers, they do offer a little more protection for your feet. I have wide feet and these shoes fit great.The white over red mesh makes the shoes look pink. As a man who has run all my life -including plenty of races like the Boston Marathon -pink isn't exactly my favorite color for a running shoe. But hey -I'm a tough guy and my ego can handle it -especially while I'm passing guys years younger than me wearing heavily cushioned shoes. This morning, in fact, I had to throw my pink pair away because I've worn a hole the size of a penny right through the sole. I estimate that I got about 750 miles out of the shoes.
If you've read Born to Run: A Hidden Tribe, Superathletes, and the Greatest Race the World Has Never Seen (Vintage) and are convinced that barefoot running or minimalist shoes are for you, the Mizuno Wave Universe 3 is an excellent shoe. Flat, no arch support, and mild cushioning from heel to toe make this an excellent choice for those with a forefoot strike. But be careful, these are pretty thin soles and you certainly feel it when running over uneven ground or crushed rock. Anything the size of an acorn can really cause pain if you're running fast, so you need to watch where you're stepping.
Another negative I give these shoes is their porous soles. Simply put, they absorb water like a sponge. You step into a puddle, run through wet grass, heck, just jog over damp pavement, and the moisture comes right through the soles. So if you're often running in wet weather, these shoes may not be the best choice for you.
But for the vast majority of people looking for a minimalist running shoe that won't draw stares from people on the street, this shoe is just what you're looking for. I'll be checking out sales and will be buying another pair.
UPDATE: I remembered that I had some Shoe Goo around and so I decided to do a little sole repair. I took out a pair of liners I had from other running shoes, inserted them into my Mizuno's and then applied shoe goo to the hole. After leaving it overnight, I ran with them the next day and they worked fine. I applied another coating (leveled off with a popsicle stick) after the run and now they're good to go. I hope to get another couple of hundred miles out of them.
Honest reviews on Mizuno Wave Universe 3 Running Shoe
did 2 and half hours cardio in these and felt great afterward. No knee pain. they are amazingly light. like you got to tie them down with string so they dont float away. its like alien technology from the future.One thing i felt they ran a 1/2 size short. i ordered 11 and returned them for 12s.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Mizuno Wave Universe 3 Running Shoe
These shoes were great to use. I specifically used them for Crossfit. The feel was great and running in them felt extremely light. My only complaint was the quality of the shoe. After about 7 months the shoes started falling apart. I did use then heavily but expected a longer lasting shoe.
Stride Rite Spike Water Shoe (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid) Review
the size fit great. my kid seemed to like the way they fit. very good quality shoe. i will definitely like the Stride Rite brand.
Only downside is they are starting to smell a bit but I suspect that's normal in most summer sandals!
Great buy! Fit true to size but are a regular/narrow fit.
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I buy stride rite shoes every summer for both of my boys and even though they run about a size big they are a fantastic shoe! I normally order children about a size smaller then their normal tennis shoe size and they have worked out year after year!Best Deals on Stride Rite Spike Water Shoe (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)
I bought these sandals for 3.5y/o son to wear on our holiday. They are very soft and spongy, excellent grip and perfect for wearing around the pool and to the beach. They are also fine as a general sandal (walking, playing etc).Only downside is they are starting to smell a bit but I suspect that's normal in most summer sandals!
Great buy! Fit true to size but are a regular/narrow fit.
Honest reviews on Stride Rite Spike Water Shoe (Toddler/Little Kid/Big Kid)
My son loves this pair of shoes. Its sturdy and easy to slip on and off straps do not give way. It can be used as a water shoe on trips to the pool or beach as well as summer sandals on a trip to the park. its a good buy.
Cheap Nike Air Max+ 2012 Mens Running Shoes 487982-060
fit the foot, walking not feel the weight in the heel of the foot, so it is less tiring softer, feels that fleet in the air, is very good shoe
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Best shoes ever wore in my life this is the third pair I've bought in 5 years they last are incredibly comfortable. I wear nothing else but these now. Expensive but worth every last penny. Great buy!
Reviews of Nike Women's NIKE AIR EQUALON+ WOMEN'S RUNNING SHOES
I really enjoy these nike shoes. I have no complaints and would recommend these shoes to anyone who is a serious runner to just staring out. Like the fact that they have the nike+i-pod feature. Good investment to anyone pounding the pavement....ENJOY.
Review of PUMA Women's Asha Cutout Running Shoe
I wore my pumas in the California heat in August and they kept my feet cool walking all day long. They were also cushiony enough that I did not have any blisters.
I would not treat these as running shoes. They do not provide enough support as runners.
I have narrow feet and pumas generally fit me well.
I am satisfied with them and they do meet my expectations for price and wear to date.
I have owned them for approximately 2 months.
Looking for more colors. Go PUMA!
I would not treat these as running shoes. They do not provide enough support as runners.
I have narrow feet and pumas generally fit me well.
I am satisfied with them and they do meet my expectations for price and wear to date.
I have owned them for approximately 2 months.
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I purchased these after I ruined my last pair in a mud run. I am not a big runner so I can't speak from that perspective. However, these are great for everyday wear. I find myself keeping them on even after I get home and I usually cannot stand wearing shoes in the house. Very lightweight and comfortable. I am going to try them for some light running in the near future, but will probably get a better pair eventually.Best Deals on PUMA Women's Asha Cutout Running Shoe
Just as advertised. Sizing is on point. Stylish with comfortable fit, but not made for running.Looking for more colors. Go PUMA!
Honest reviews on PUMA Women's Asha Cutout Running Shoe
I love my puma they are great light, great for running, I recived the product very fast. look just like pic. . I would buy again from this sellerFind helpful customer reviews and review ratings for PUMA Women's Asha Cutout Running Shoe
Love these Puma women's Asha cut out running shoe. They fit well, just right. Light, comfortable with plenty of support!
Buy Asolo TPS 535 Boot - Men's
This is actually the second pair of these boots I have owned I wear them for everything not just hiking. They are great on rough terrain in the snow and through water. I wear them to work and they are comfortable and hold up on pavement. My first pair are 6 years old now and they still fit but are well worn, a few holes in the soles but other than that they will be great for a back-up. The order showed up on time and the new boots showed up in great condition and on time,the only complaint was that they never updated the shipping info. However when I e-mailed them to ask about the status they got right back to me. Other than that a good experience with shoebuy.
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Buy big, there is a beginning of scratches on the upper and breathable shoes that did not deal with the day to wear down will be very smellyBest Deals on Asolo TPS 535 Boot - Men's
I bought these on line. I will say I have owned these exact same shoes before and knew how they would fit. They fit great. I would advise you that if you are out to buy a set of heavy weight hiking shoes and havent tried them on go to a outdoor stoor such as REI. These shoes are a investment that you will have for years. I litteraly wear mine out because I wear them all the time and do a lot of urban walking. But these are some of the best quality hiking boots you can get. They are rugged, and have great arch support. The leather is very stiff and the boots give good support to your ankles on uneven ground. I highly recomend them for your hiking or for wear in general.Honest reviews on Asolo TPS 535 Boot - Men's
My first pair of these boots is now 5 years old and still going strong. Showing some obvious wear after continuous use every day for 5 years ( 1st pair of laces gave out last year, the sole is separating a bit here and there ), but still the best boot I have ever purchased. I'm thinking about buying another pair just in case Asolo discontinues this boot.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Asolo TPS 535 Boot - Men's
The greatest hiking boots ever. Construction and quality are top-notch, fit as marked with medium to thick hiking socks. Serious boots, great support and lateral stability on rough terrain
Review of Skechers Men's Go 2 Stance Walking Shoe
My girlfriend has the slip-on equivalent to these and raves about them so much I decided I had to give them a try. I normally wear a size 10 in the widest shoe I can find, but ordered a 10.5 hoping it would fit since these aren't offered in wide sizes. .With that in mind, it fits about as I expected; the width is just OK, and the length is just a tad too long. The comfort makes up for that. The shoe is very light, and the sole is great for walking. Not sure I'd want to run in these though, but they are meant as a walking shoe and do great as such. My only complaint, is I decided to wear these without socks, as the bright colors of the orange just clashed bad with my white ankle socks. After about a 2 mile walk, I found a large seam on the inside of the left foot had rubbed a gash in my pinkie toe so bad it started bleeding. I might try to get in there with scissors and see if I can trim a little of the seam off, because I don't want to be limited to wearing these with socks.
GO Sketchers! "GO WALK" America!
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Awesome walking shoe, so lite and has great support, highly recommend. Good value for the money, would put it up against any other walking shoeBest Deals on Skechers Men's Go 2 Stance Walking Shoe
These shoes are very comfortable and so light weight you don't even know you have them on. I would highly recommend.Honest reviews on Skechers Men's Go 2 Stance Walking Shoe
Love this shoes, very light on weight and very comfortable. With the Skechers Go 2 make waking a dream come trueFind helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Skechers Men's Go 2 Stance Walking Shoe
Sketchers Men's "Go 2 Stance Walking Shoe" rec'd A+ from my hubby! Fit true to size. True to Color as seen on website. Super comfortable, good support. Really nice and LIGHT weight. Makes a big difference in comfort walking in them. Amazon delivered on time, packaging was great. Bought from Amazon because of the free return availability if they hadn't worked out as well.GO Sketchers! "GO WALK" America!
Discount Inov-8 F-Lite 195 Lightweight Racing Shoe
Shoes really matter, but not for the reasons most weekend warriors think. For example, if you spend a lot of time looking for high cushioning and support, or if you buy shoes because a sales guy at the running store put you on a treadmill and video your feet to show you how a certain shoe "corrects" your stride, you might be caught off-guard by the Inov-8 approach.
Here's why:
During recent decades, running shoes have been designed to help initially prevent injuries in poorly conditioned legs and feet by building shoes that replace natural body functions with artificial stabilization and extra cushioning. The resulting problem is that the person using those shoes initially becomes more aerobically fit and starts running faster and longer... without their feet and legs being structurally strengthened to handle the increased demand. Before long, the shoes can't continue to compensate for the fact that the person's feet and legs' inner structures simply aren't trained to handle the running. It's too-much too-soon meets too-little too-late. Consequently, painful "overuse" injuries (shinsplints, knee pain, back pain, stress fractures, tendonitis, fasciitis, etc.) are practically an inevitability for many well-intentioned and dedicated aspiring runners who take up jogging or join a cross country or track team.
A very large number of "overuse" injuries in otherwise healthy people result from a combination of two factors. 1) Weak/underused feet and leg structures, as described above; & 2) Bad running form it doesn't immediately hurt to run improperly on 2" of cushioning, but bad form will catch up to you as you increase mileage. Really, the problem isn't "overuse" so much as "use" when, thanks to laziness and bad shoes, critical parts of our bodies are only conditioned to "under-use".
The solution is to make the following transition: Stop running in shoes that put us on a cushy path to a painful destination and carefully learn to run in shoes that enable our bodies to run the way we were actually built to run. Most people are completely capable of much more running than you might think, but it takes a little work to correct years of under-use. This transition will require a little patience as you build the strength in your legs and feet to avoid injuries. It will also require learning to run with healthier running form, which is a lot easier on your body as well as more efficient for long distance.
Inov-8 shoes are designed to enable your foot, not to support it to the extent of replacing natural foot functions. In other words, if you are out of shape and decide to start running 20+ miles per week exclusively in this shoe, you are taking a risk. The shoes are designed for the runner who is making or has already made the transition as described above. Inov-8's entire product line is built on a minimalist philosophy. More and more runners and fitness buffs are realizing that the Inov-8 approach is, indeed, a better approach. (Not to mention a darned good shoe in terms of materials and quality as well as design.)
If you have not carefully transitioned to a minimalist running style and built up strong feet and legs for this type of shoe, a sudden switch could injure you. Take the transition slowly because your feet and legs need to get strong enough to actually do what they are built to do.
Inov-8 shoes are generally comfortable, very well built, and perfectly able to carry a fit runner through many hundreds, and even a thousand, happy miles. However, they do not replace under-used arches or compensate for pounding, heel-striking strides. (Contrary to popular myth, flat-footed runners can run just fine in these shoes if they get their feet and legs in shape. Flat feet are not the running liability many have been lead to believe. See the "comments" for more on flat feet.)
How can I say all this? I have flat feet, terrible pronation, and am 6'3" tall. I ran four years of cross country in high school and was on the varsity squad for a state-championship team. The whole time, I fought miserable shinsplints, knee pain, and back pain. I popped Advil like tic-tacs. I loved the sport and ran relatively good 5K times but my chronic pain was bad enough to sideline me for all of track season senior year. Any time I increased my intensity or mileage, the problems got worse. Doctors were talking about "scar tissue" and "surgery". Well-meaning doctors told me to stop running. They said my body just wasn't made for it. Shoe-store employees continued to put me into higher support, more motion control, more cushioning to try and "correct" my feet and legs.
It wasn't until college that a former teammate (who is now a professional runner partially sponsored by Inov-8) explained the concept of minimalist running to me. Although I was in good aerobic condition, I spent a month resting and then the better part of three months carefully re-training from scratch, patiently overhauling my form to be more efficient, working my way into exclusively running in racing flats (Inov-8 wasn't available yet), and allowing my feet and legs to get much stronger and more flexible.
Since then, I run further and faster than ever before, with no more "overuse injury" bullcrap. My training mileage has at one point been greater than 90 miles per week. I have competed in a major marathon and placed in the top 4 in my age group. I have won a handful of smaller races. Better yet, I have not been injured or hurt ONCE since I made that transition to minimalist shoes and better running form. I haven't even owned a pair of traditional "trainer" shoes in over 8 years. (Much of my training is in an old pair of trashed racing flats with at least 1,500 miles on them. I prefer to use Inov-8 for more rugged terrain and tougher trails, where they excel, but they have models that make good trainers on almost any terrain. When my beloved racing flats finally die, I'll replace them with an Inov-8 racing model.)
I consider myself a "weekend warrior" and I am a far cry from an "elite" runner. Had I listened to the well-meaning doctors who told me I just wasn't built to run and should give it up, I would have stopped years ago. Inov-8 understands that we humans are literally built to be running machines. Tap into it, and enjoy.
These shoes will teach you very quickly how to run. What I mean is that if you are a "heel-first striker," you'll notice instantly that you can no longer do this for a long run. These shoes will force you to land on the midsole and/or on the toes. (Which is a good thing. If you're not used to running like this, get ready for sore calves for a few weeks.)
I've taken these shoes through many mud-runs, 5/10/15k's, and one half-marathon. They hold up very well for running. If you're looking for a run-specific minimalist shoe, this is a good entry level shoe.
In CrossFit, these shoes are OK. When doing squats, overhead presses, or any other olympic / dynamic movement, it's important to not have a cushion on your heel (that most jogging shoes have), because heavier weights will throw you off balance. The reason I gave these shoes 4 stars is because of the rope climb. I use the brake-squat method to climb ropes. Doing this almost destroyed my shoes in one climb. I tore a large chunk of the rubber soles off my right shoe, and my left shoe began to fray just above the toe box.
A word on size: The toe-box is very generous. At first, you'll feel like you bought the wrong size. However, this is to allow your toes to spread out during runs.
Ultimately, if you're new to CrossFit and you're looking for a good minimalist shoe that will aid you with better running form, you can't go wrong here. Just watch yourself when climbing ropes. If you know how to run, and you're looking for a more advanced shoe, this probably isn't it.
I am not a high mileage runner. I'm really not a runner at all, but I do some running to cross-train for cycling in the winter. I took a parkour class earlier this year to build strength and agility, and the Innov-8 brand was recommended by the coach. So when I recently discovered Amazon carries them on Prime, I decided to try them out. I've been using Vibrams but in the cold and snow of our Colorado winters, they just don't quite cut it, and I'd gone back to my old running shoes, which cause me some issues. I started using minimal shoes after years of struggling with 'stability' running shoes that fit poorly, and seemed to only contribute to the shin splint and knee pain I'd come to associate with running. I am primarily a road cyclist, and have short, blocky legs with the heavy cyclist-specialized musculature that seems to just contribute to a pounding gait.
I received these a week ago and have run twice in them, doing roughly 4 miles each time. The first run I experienced some calf tightness which led to minor plantar tenderness as well, so I stopped mid-run to stretch out and rub the tight spots and adjust the laces, and after that everything was fine. I actually expected worse on a first run in radically different shoes, so no complaints from me these shoes will force you to use your calf muscles, so be warned, your calves may fuss a bit as a result, unless you are really accustomed to minimal shoes. No problems at all on the 2nd run, and I even managed to run close to a 6.40 pace for several sections which is just unheard of for me. The lightness and thin sole encourages me to use a shorter, softer, more centered stride, and I can already feel my gait becoming smoother and more natural and less clunky.
I can also tell these shoes should be much safer for trail running than the heavy, blocky "stability" runners I've been using, which have such poor ground feel that it's fairly easy to turn an ankle in them you never get good "free-flow" on technical trails since you're constantly having to worry about foot placement and backing off. Since taking parkour, I've learned that the key to agility and running well on uneven ground is not stability, but speed, flow and proprioception; meaning, how well you can carry momentum and feel the ground. Many specialized "parkour" shoes worn by high level traceurs look similar to a climbing shoe they are ultra thin and grippy. These Innov-8 195s are light and grippy enough, and have such great ground feel, that I can't wait until the ice and snow subsides a little bit so that I can take them out on the trails and let them rip.
The bottom line is that these are great lightweight minimal runners. The fit on these shoes may not be for everyone you can expect a wide forefoot on them, especially if you're a woman. However, they are forgiving, stretchy, and extremely comfortable. The low profile heel will force you to work your calves if you're not used to "barefoot" style shoes, but the grip and ground feel is exceptional, and will be a benefit for a trail runner on rocky ground, as well as people looking to use them as a cross-trainer to use for things like parkour, plyometrics, or crossfit.
Here's why:
During recent decades, running shoes have been designed to help initially prevent injuries in poorly conditioned legs and feet by building shoes that replace natural body functions with artificial stabilization and extra cushioning. The resulting problem is that the person using those shoes initially becomes more aerobically fit and starts running faster and longer... without their feet and legs being structurally strengthened to handle the increased demand. Before long, the shoes can't continue to compensate for the fact that the person's feet and legs' inner structures simply aren't trained to handle the running. It's too-much too-soon meets too-little too-late. Consequently, painful "overuse" injuries (shinsplints, knee pain, back pain, stress fractures, tendonitis, fasciitis, etc.) are practically an inevitability for many well-intentioned and dedicated aspiring runners who take up jogging or join a cross country or track team.
A very large number of "overuse" injuries in otherwise healthy people result from a combination of two factors. 1) Weak/underused feet and leg structures, as described above; & 2) Bad running form it doesn't immediately hurt to run improperly on 2" of cushioning, but bad form will catch up to you as you increase mileage. Really, the problem isn't "overuse" so much as "use" when, thanks to laziness and bad shoes, critical parts of our bodies are only conditioned to "under-use".
The solution is to make the following transition: Stop running in shoes that put us on a cushy path to a painful destination and carefully learn to run in shoes that enable our bodies to run the way we were actually built to run. Most people are completely capable of much more running than you might think, but it takes a little work to correct years of under-use. This transition will require a little patience as you build the strength in your legs and feet to avoid injuries. It will also require learning to run with healthier running form, which is a lot easier on your body as well as more efficient for long distance.
Inov-8 shoes are designed to enable your foot, not to support it to the extent of replacing natural foot functions. In other words, if you are out of shape and decide to start running 20+ miles per week exclusively in this shoe, you are taking a risk. The shoes are designed for the runner who is making or has already made the transition as described above. Inov-8's entire product line is built on a minimalist philosophy. More and more runners and fitness buffs are realizing that the Inov-8 approach is, indeed, a better approach. (Not to mention a darned good shoe in terms of materials and quality as well as design.)
If you have not carefully transitioned to a minimalist running style and built up strong feet and legs for this type of shoe, a sudden switch could injure you. Take the transition slowly because your feet and legs need to get strong enough to actually do what they are built to do.
Inov-8 shoes are generally comfortable, very well built, and perfectly able to carry a fit runner through many hundreds, and even a thousand, happy miles. However, they do not replace under-used arches or compensate for pounding, heel-striking strides. (Contrary to popular myth, flat-footed runners can run just fine in these shoes if they get their feet and legs in shape. Flat feet are not the running liability many have been lead to believe. See the "comments" for more on flat feet.)
How can I say all this? I have flat feet, terrible pronation, and am 6'3" tall. I ran four years of cross country in high school and was on the varsity squad for a state-championship team. The whole time, I fought miserable shinsplints, knee pain, and back pain. I popped Advil like tic-tacs. I loved the sport and ran relatively good 5K times but my chronic pain was bad enough to sideline me for all of track season senior year. Any time I increased my intensity or mileage, the problems got worse. Doctors were talking about "scar tissue" and "surgery". Well-meaning doctors told me to stop running. They said my body just wasn't made for it. Shoe-store employees continued to put me into higher support, more motion control, more cushioning to try and "correct" my feet and legs.
It wasn't until college that a former teammate (who is now a professional runner partially sponsored by Inov-8) explained the concept of minimalist running to me. Although I was in good aerobic condition, I spent a month resting and then the better part of three months carefully re-training from scratch, patiently overhauling my form to be more efficient, working my way into exclusively running in racing flats (Inov-8 wasn't available yet), and allowing my feet and legs to get much stronger and more flexible.
Since then, I run further and faster than ever before, with no more "overuse injury" bullcrap. My training mileage has at one point been greater than 90 miles per week. I have competed in a major marathon and placed in the top 4 in my age group. I have won a handful of smaller races. Better yet, I have not been injured or hurt ONCE since I made that transition to minimalist shoes and better running form. I haven't even owned a pair of traditional "trainer" shoes in over 8 years. (Much of my training is in an old pair of trashed racing flats with at least 1,500 miles on them. I prefer to use Inov-8 for more rugged terrain and tougher trails, where they excel, but they have models that make good trainers on almost any terrain. When my beloved racing flats finally die, I'll replace them with an Inov-8 racing model.)
I consider myself a "weekend warrior" and I am a far cry from an "elite" runner. Had I listened to the well-meaning doctors who told me I just wasn't built to run and should give it up, I would have stopped years ago. Inov-8 understands that we humans are literally built to be running machines. Tap into it, and enjoy.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
I am avid Crossfitter and have found these shoes to be the best while working out. They are minimalist, but still have enough of a sole for running and any other fast paced movement. Inov-8s have a perfect balance of lightweight, traction, and durability to them. These shoes breathe extremely well, very important while working out. Additionally, the liner fabric is comfortable enough with or without socks. I have put these shoes through paces and have still managed to remain in great condition. They feel light as a feather and they provide just enough protection from all the workouts I do. If you want to avoid cushioning, overblown support, and padding, these shoes are for you! Inov-8s are the next best thing to a "barefoot shoe". If you are looking for a shoe for lifting, running, rowing, and much more activity, then Inov-8s are for you.Best Deals on Inov-8 F-Lite 195 Lightweight Racing Shoe
I've owned these shoes for approximately 10 months now (Christmas 2011), and I have been CrossFitting for about 2 years. It was great to see a shoe company recognize the demand the running/lifting/athletic market was taking. I used to run barefoot for most of my CF runs. But I wanted to reduce my mile times, so I needed to get footwear. Enter the 195.These shoes will teach you very quickly how to run. What I mean is that if you are a "heel-first striker," you'll notice instantly that you can no longer do this for a long run. These shoes will force you to land on the midsole and/or on the toes. (Which is a good thing. If you're not used to running like this, get ready for sore calves for a few weeks.)
I've taken these shoes through many mud-runs, 5/10/15k's, and one half-marathon. They hold up very well for running. If you're looking for a run-specific minimalist shoe, this is a good entry level shoe.
In CrossFit, these shoes are OK. When doing squats, overhead presses, or any other olympic / dynamic movement, it's important to not have a cushion on your heel (that most jogging shoes have), because heavier weights will throw you off balance. The reason I gave these shoes 4 stars is because of the rope climb. I use the brake-squat method to climb ropes. Doing this almost destroyed my shoes in one climb. I tore a large chunk of the rubber soles off my right shoe, and my left shoe began to fray just above the toe box.
A word on size: The toe-box is very generous. At first, you'll feel like you bought the wrong size. However, this is to allow your toes to spread out during runs.
Ultimately, if you're new to CrossFit and you're looking for a good minimalist shoe that will aid you with better running form, you can't go wrong here. Just watch yourself when climbing ropes. If you know how to run, and you're looking for a more advanced shoe, this probably isn't it.
Honest reviews on Inov-8 F-Lite 195 Lightweight Racing Shoe
Let me start by saying I have *really* hard to fit feet. I'm a US women's 8 in most brands, with a very wide forefoot, very narrow heel. I'm actually more like a women's 7.5 street size, but because women's shoes aren't wide enough in the forefoot, I size up and put up with heel slip by using crazy lace patterns and heel shims. Most "unisex" (men's) shoes lead to heel blisters even if they're small enough to hit my toes. These have no such issues they're light and stretchy and wrap around my weird triangular feet with a gentle glove-like fit that gives my toes room to spread and my heels a snug, slip-proof grip. Once the laces are tied, the entire shoe just disappears. For me they run "true to size" in that my size 8 women's foot fits perfectly in the 6.5 UK/unisex sizing, which is what I got. They have a little room in the toe, but not awkwardly so, and as I said, the length of my foot is more like a women's 7.5 US on a Brannock device, so they're very true to what I'd expect.I am not a high mileage runner. I'm really not a runner at all, but I do some running to cross-train for cycling in the winter. I took a parkour class earlier this year to build strength and agility, and the Innov-8 brand was recommended by the coach. So when I recently discovered Amazon carries them on Prime, I decided to try them out. I've been using Vibrams but in the cold and snow of our Colorado winters, they just don't quite cut it, and I'd gone back to my old running shoes, which cause me some issues. I started using minimal shoes after years of struggling with 'stability' running shoes that fit poorly, and seemed to only contribute to the shin splint and knee pain I'd come to associate with running. I am primarily a road cyclist, and have short, blocky legs with the heavy cyclist-specialized musculature that seems to just contribute to a pounding gait.
I received these a week ago and have run twice in them, doing roughly 4 miles each time. The first run I experienced some calf tightness which led to minor plantar tenderness as well, so I stopped mid-run to stretch out and rub the tight spots and adjust the laces, and after that everything was fine. I actually expected worse on a first run in radically different shoes, so no complaints from me these shoes will force you to use your calf muscles, so be warned, your calves may fuss a bit as a result, unless you are really accustomed to minimal shoes. No problems at all on the 2nd run, and I even managed to run close to a 6.40 pace for several sections which is just unheard of for me. The lightness and thin sole encourages me to use a shorter, softer, more centered stride, and I can already feel my gait becoming smoother and more natural and less clunky.
I can also tell these shoes should be much safer for trail running than the heavy, blocky "stability" runners I've been using, which have such poor ground feel that it's fairly easy to turn an ankle in them you never get good "free-flow" on technical trails since you're constantly having to worry about foot placement and backing off. Since taking parkour, I've learned that the key to agility and running well on uneven ground is not stability, but speed, flow and proprioception; meaning, how well you can carry momentum and feel the ground. Many specialized "parkour" shoes worn by high level traceurs look similar to a climbing shoe they are ultra thin and grippy. These Innov-8 195s are light and grippy enough, and have such great ground feel, that I can't wait until the ice and snow subsides a little bit so that I can take them out on the trails and let them rip.
The bottom line is that these are great lightweight minimal runners. The fit on these shoes may not be for everyone you can expect a wide forefoot on them, especially if you're a woman. However, they are forgiving, stretchy, and extremely comfortable. The low profile heel will force you to work your calves if you're not used to "barefoot" style shoes, but the grip and ground feel is exceptional, and will be a benefit for a trail runner on rocky ground, as well as people looking to use them as a cross-trainer to use for things like parkour, plyometrics, or crossfit.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Inov-8 F-Lite 195 Lightweight Racing Shoe
Using the 195s for CrossFit workouts. Feel the Inov-8 195s have an advantage over standard running or court shoes for many weight lifting exercises.
Cheap PUMA Women's Faas 250 Evaporate Running Shoe
I wear an 8.5 and ordered these in a 9 in case they run small. When these arrived I could get them on but they were clearly too small. They are marked UK 6.5 which equals a VERY small US 9 IMO these run at least a half size small.
I plan to re-order a size up because it's hard to find running shoes without laces. Apart from the size, these are light and comfortable.
I plan to re-order a size up because it's hard to find running shoes without laces. Apart from the size, these are light and comfortable.
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Love these sneakers. They ran true to size for me and they're the most comfortable sneakers I've had in a long time! You can't miss on this one!Best Deals on PUMA Women's Faas 250 Evaporate Running Shoe
I love my pumas!!! They are so unique, fit perfect, and the colors are great. I greatly recommended this product.Honest reviews on PUMA Women's Faas 250 Evaporate Running Shoe
The Puma running shoes are even better than what I expected. They are light, comfortable and fit perfectly. Have received a lot of compliments on them.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for PUMA Women's Faas 250 Evaporate Running Shoe
I love the colors of this shoe. I like that you don't have to tie the shoe. I don't like the tight and somewhat pointed toe these shoes have.
Buy New Balance Men's M1300 Running Shoe
Great fit with custom orthodic also made in U.S.A. not USA which is why the price was higher keeping jobs here. Would buy more as colors in my wordrobe warrant another pair.
A+
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That's my first time to buy shoes through internet because the price is more reasonable and more convenient. Overall, the service is good and the quality of the shoes is very good. I will buy New balance again through this channel again in the future.Best Deals on New Balance Men's M1300 Running Shoe
Very happy with the New Balance Men's M1300 Running Shoe. Very comfortable. Very well built. Outstanding quality. Nothing against their other shoe models (I've had many of them), but this is the best pair I've owned.A+
Honest reviews on New Balance Men's M1300 Running Shoe
Good running shoes. They look great! Only concern is it doesn't provide much support to the back ankle. American made!!Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for New Balance Men's M1300 Running Shoe
New balance 1300 that always is my fav shoes. comfortable and nice color so that you cannot buy it any more.