Running Shoe Reviews
Over the past year or so I have been lucky enough to get my hands on a number of different running shoes either on a trial, sample or permanent basis from some of the top running shoe manufacturers. Other times I have heard good things about a trainer and have asked a friend or running club runner to write a bit of a review for me; and sometimes I have just simply seen a shoe and wanted to write about it because the feedback it has generated on forums and blogs has been of such high calibre. I have finally managed to organise some of these articles into a list of some of my favourites and will be keeping this running shoe review list up to date as I gradually test more and more.
Neutral Running Shoes
The Kinsei shoe line is where Asics first implement their latest shoe technology before placing it in other lines. As such the Kinsei is packed full of innovation and new concept ideas. The latest Kinsei 4 model has been designed to be lighter and more flexible then previous models and is one of the most advanced Asics shoes on the market as it has been designed with new materials and incorporates high end features such as Guidence Line and Impact Guidance System. A top choice for any runner.
One of the most popular running shoe lines out of any shoe company, the latest Nimbus 13 has the same features as the top selling Nimbus 12 model but Asics have utilised new materials to make this high mileage, durable shoe lighter than ever.
A shoe that offers reactive cushioning as well as a personalised fit, but without the high price tag of some of the Asics shoes. Unlike other shoes the midsole of the Ghost 10 running shoe is made from an eco friendly material that biodegrades 50x faster then standard midsole materials and makes the Ghost 4 a guilt free buy!
Design our own running shoe using Nikes powerful online store. Even with a high level of customisation options, the end result is a well cushioned shoe that offers style as well as protection but isn’s as durable as some of the Asics shoes.
Support Running Shoes
**Runners World Editors Choice Spring 2011** Probably the best value for money support shoe on the market. Packing the awesome DNA system for a personalised fit and reactive protection against impact related injuries, as well as some other high end technology, the Brooks Adrenaline GTS 11 is a high performing shoe without the high price Tag. It is no wonder that it was picked by the editor of Runners World as his shoe of choice for spring 2011.
The most advanced support running shoe from Brooks is a popular choice amongst runners looking for a truly bespoke fit, smooth ride and some very advanced and powerful pronation control. The Trance 10 reacts to your running and works as hard as you do to protect you against impact.
One of the top end support running shoes from Asics, offering a high amount of durable heel and forefoot cushioning for high mileage impact protection, as well as asymmetrical lacing and a memory foam heel plug for added flexibility, fit and comfort. This is a high end training support shoe that Asics have spared no expense in making.
A durable high mileage training shoe that offers the essential technologies and arch support without any of the frills of higher priced models. This should be the top choice for anyone looking for an Asics support shoe as it offers great support and great cushioning.
A very flexible support shoe that has been designed for speed not durability. Foam cushioning as well as a flexible sole makes this shoe very responsive but it is not as durable as the Asics Gel cushioned trainers.
Superseded by the Lunarglide+ 3, the Triax shoe it a little outdated now but is still a great training shoe with a cheaper price tag.
A durable running shoe that lacks flexibility and more advanced pronation control.
Lightweight Running Shoes
The Blur 33 is a lightweight running shoe that has been designed to be both a casual trainer and a low mileage running or training shoe. Style meets performance with this new concept 2011 shoe from Asics
Natural Running Shoes
NB: As each natural running shoe caters for a different kind of running it is unfair to rate them in line with other shoes and so a rating will not be applied.
The Newton Motus is a shoe designed to encourage forefoot running. The shoes gets you up on your toes and when combined with the “Land-Lever-Lift” style of running is proven to reduce the impact that causes impact related injuries. The Newton Motus is one of the fastest shoes on the market.
Offering a high amount of protection via the popular DNA technology, a decoupled big toe for balance, a unique arch support system as well as being flexible and responsive, arguably the Brooks PureFlows are the most lightweight and advanced natural running shoes available.
The Nike Free Run+ 2 is Nike’s first successful attempt at bridging the gap between conventional running and barefoot/natural running. An incredibly flexible sole combined with lightweight material and a one piece sock liner allows the trainer to follow the foot’s natural motion whilst encouraging a forefoot running style.
The Adidas Climacool are similar to the NIke Free Run+ 2′s in that they are a very flexible, lightweight and responsive shoe, but they have much more ventilation than their Nike counterparts.
Trail Running Shoes
A grippy shoe that offers lots of arch support and protection against rough terrain whilst at the same time maintaining enough flexibility to feel like a trainer and not a boot!
If you want a good lightweight running shoe try the Brooks Green Silence. Good cushioning and at only 194 grams is damn light. The Saucony Peregrine is an awesome lightweight trail runner. Is only 248 grams. Gives you a good feel of the trails. I’m about to trial the New Balance MT 10 minimalist Trail Runner. Another light option at only 201 grams. As Bill Bowerman always said, lighter the better. However, make sure you keep proper form, Pose method the way to go.
Great reviews about several brand of running shoes on your blog. Keep reviewing more running shoes in the future. Good post, brother.
Great blog! I just came across this while doing some research on shoes suitable for a heavy set runner (dare I say Clydesdale). Do you have any perspective on the Brooks Dyad 6 vs. the Pearl Izumi Synchro Guide III?
Hi have been following your blog for quite a while is there any chance of a review of the Zoot triathlon specific running shoes?
I’ve bought “UK Gear” trainers, the Black support & the grey nuetral support, the grey ones are realy comfortable and easy going, where as the black, left me with less energy
to complete my course, so, footware is personal. I’ll buy UK Gear again, I’m very pleased
with them.