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My Next Running Shoe

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My next running shoe started with this IG post.

Finding this shoe wasn’t that straightforward since it’s not widely available. It was sold out on Brooks, and Dicks Sporting Goods would charge shipping to Hawaii. But a Google search found this available on Zappos, and Zappos offers an educational discount. Yes, kinda expensive, but I haven’t had recent luck with Nike running shoes.

The React Infinity Run 2 has been a disappointment in its second rendtion. The very first React Run was absolutely great but another colorway oddly wasn’t as good. I returned the Pegasus 38 since it was nothing special. Most recently, I got the Invincible Run, but that foam stack feels so unstable. It’s extremely cushioned but I get the sensation that I could topple over merely walking in them.

So I’m gonna give these Brooks Aurora-BL a chance based on this performance review and hope this Brooks combination of design, tech, and materials is right for me.

Rona Runs: Infinity React

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To past the time and maintain some fitness, I’ve been running with the kids. Shorter distances with some walking but several times a week. So far, wearing the Nike Infinity Reacts I cannot complain. No pain even though more (but shorter) outings.

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The Nike Joyride Gives Me No Joy

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Sadly, Nike’s newest runner featuring its bouncy beaded Joyride does not bring me joy. I ordered a pair of the Joyride Run Flyknit with my member access, and I even went a half size up based on early reviews by Foamer and Jami. They do look awesome.

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But when I tried on my Joyride, the expectant joy vanished. They were snug. Like very snug even at a half size bigger. I wasn’t a fan of the FlyKnit toe box in which I could see my toes moving around.

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Then that heel tab or the pull… I couldn’t exactly tell but it was eating into my heel after a few seconds of wear.

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Then I took a few steps, and I knew these rides weren’t for me. My flat footed arches totally collapsed the in-step.

The Comforming Cushioning System is just too mushy for me. You can use your fingers to really push in that light blue foam.

Because of these issues with the upper and mid-sole, I can’t even evaluate the Joyride beads. At $180, I can’t justify keeping them on the hopes that they’ll feel and perform better after a break-in period.

So I shipped my Joyrides back to Nike. Hopefully, they’ll bring joy to someone else.

 

A Morning of Stress

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Bottom line: I didn’t get a pair of the Travis Scott Air Jordan 1 that released on Nike SNKRS. I was there, and I was ready with three phones and three accounts. But I got hit with error after error just trying to navigate the purchasing process. Apple Pay didn’t register. I think I mistyped my credit card CVV which I think really messed me up. I was asked to re-enter passwords. I couldn’t pick sizes and this was the worst – getting denied access.

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I think this was triggered when I switched my phone from wifi to LTE. I think Nike really clamped down for this release and any change or any out of the ordinary activities triggered a ban. After I changed my phone back to wifi, I could access SNKRS but the damage was already done. SOLD OUT.

So after that, I put this on and went for a run.

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I will not be getting any Jordan 1 collaboration with Travis Scott.

 

Dead Plantronics Backbeat Fit

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Well, this ain’t good. I had been enjoying my Plantronics Backbeat Fit earphones during my runs, but now they don’t turn on. The battery will charge (the LED shows the charging progress), but pushing the power button does nothing. Sadly, this seems to be a recurring problems based on other complaints.

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I don’t remember exactly when I bought the Backbeat Fit – probably a year ago from Costco. They had been working great with good sound and a secure fit. Now I’m looking for something else. 🙁

My Second iPhone 7 Accessory Purchased

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So I didn’t think the missing headphone jack of the iPhone 7 was going to be a big thing. Apple does include a Lightning to minijack adapter with the iPhone 7. Even then, I’m looking at getting Griffin’s iTrip Clip.

At $20, this small device “bluetooth-ifies” regular headphones. Sure you gotta charge it, but this device seems convenient. I’m thinking for running where I hand hold my iPhone 6 and wrap excess headphone cable around my iPhone. Will the iTrip Clip make things easier or not… I still have to deal with extra cable from my traditional running headphones. I’m not yet willing to give up on these running earbuds since they fit well and stay secure while running. Or just use the Lightning adapter…

Run Run Hoka One One

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Took my new, discounted Hoka One One Mafate Speed for a test run where I learned a thing or two about this running shoe. Like I mentioned before, I only recently learned of the Hoka line and its super cushioned ride. I began to see this brand more in the mainstream, even sold at Nordstrom but finding some pairs at Ross was a surprise.

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Anyways, while the Hokas are tall, they look much taller than they feel. I’m thinking I’m six feet tall running in the Hokas but truthfully, when you’re running, you don’t really feel the Hoka height. You do feel the rocking motion of curved sole however. This is kinda irritating while standing around, so I guess the point is run, don’t stand while wearing these.

Hoka One One Mafate Speed

The Mafate Speed looks heavy but is comparable to other running shoes from Asics and Nike. The speed lacing system is cool. It’s so easy to pull the laces then lock them in. The soles of the Mafate Speed are designed for the outdoor terrain so running on sidewalks was noisy as the soles tried to dig in to the surface.

All in all, the ride itself was well cushioned, sacrificing some “street feel,” but for me, reducing the wear and tear on my body is paramount. There was some discomfort to my toes due to the shoe’s slenderness especially in the toebox area. The shoe looks narrow, maybe a little more bulbous in the forefoot – something used for starfish splitting. But then again, I didn’t allow for any break-in time, instead opting for a short run. Well worth a $50 investment.

ASICS Gel Cumulus 15 Running Shoes on Sale

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Right now, you can find the ASICS Gel Cumulus 15 running shoes at Sports Authority at 30% off. Normally, these cost $115 but are available at $80. Even better, you can find a 15% off coupon online and apply that for extra savings. Although the Cumulus 16 is now available, the Cumulus 15 was named Runner’s World Editor’s Choice in June 2013. Here’s their review.

Only colors available are white/blue and green/white in normal or wide sizes.

Back to the Structures

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Not so long ago, I declared Nike’s LunarEclipse my running shoe of choice. That didn’t last long. After a painful stint with Nike LunarGlide 4 and seeing parallels with the latest LunarEclipse 4, I went with the Zoom Structure 17.

Here’s the longer story…

The Zoom Structures, LunarEclipses, and LunarGlides are part of Nike’s stability series of running shoes. I’ve had a few Structure models over the years, the 12, the 14, and the 15. On the 16th revision, I had heard Nike abandoned the stabilizing foot bridge and instead started using different densities of Lunarlon foam. Scanning reviews of the Structure 16, runners were upset at this change. About this time, I picked up a pair of discounted Nike LunarGlide 4 and hated them. Running in them started off okay, but then the soreness came and got worse fast. The pain in my upper foot and ankle made running almost unbearable. Often times, I stopped mid-run and also wore an ankle brace for protection. I finally abandoned the LunarGlide for the LunarEclipse 3, and the pain quickly subsided.

So why go back to the Zoom Structure line instead of sticking with the LunarEclipse? From the product pictures alone, the sole of the new LunarEclipe 4 reminds me of the sole of the painful LunarGlides.

Nike LunarEclipse4 sole
Nike LunarEclipse4 sole

Nike LunarGlide 4 sole.

Nike LunarEclipse 2 (bottom) and 3 (top) soles.

I didn’t want to risk the pain again, so instead I took a chance with the foot bridge-less Zoom Structure 17. Runner’s World reviews the Structure 17 favorably so I’m hopeful.

Oddly enough, I just realized that three of the four Structures I’ve owned are black. Here’s my latest Nike Zoom Structure 17.

Nike Zoom Wildhorse Reviewed

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I submitted my mini review to Zappos for my recent purchase of the Nike Zoom Wildhorse, and it goes like this:

Lightweight and great looking but very snug. After a few wears and runs, the shoe still feels tight. It’s okay for short runs, but I’m not sure if the snugness will affect longer runs. You’ll notice the 4mm differential, but it’s not extreme. You do feel closer to the ground compared to regular running shoes. Keep in mind, these are not Nike+ shoes and don’t have space for the running sensor.

Yeah, I don’t know why but these shoes are bordering on tight. If you’re running with thicker socks, then definitely go up a half size. These trail shoes talk about the height difference between the heel and forefoot being 4mm. You can tell these shoes feel flatter and lower than traditional running shoes, but they don’t feel that different.

The rounded anatomical heel seems gimmicky especially with the angular lugs, but it looks cool. The Wildhorse isn’t well cushioned to keep that lean 4mm differential, but the tradeoff of feeling what’s underfoot is worth it. The outer layer hides dirt well so these shoes won’t look trashed after a few runs.

My only misgiving with the Wildhorse? It’s not a Nike+ shoe. There’s no space for the Nike+ running sensor that works with diminutive iPods. So if you want to track your runs, you’d need to use an iPhone or something else.

Some pictures of the Nike Zoom Wildhorse in black spruce, total orange, and flash lime.

Learning About Heel-Toe Drop for Shoes

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With Nike’s recent Terra trail running line, the Swoosh is emphasizing the 4 mm differential between the toe and heel. I’ve never seen this type of detail before in typical Nike product information. So what’s with this?

Here is some useful information I found on this subject.

But like the last link mentions, it all depends on you and your feet. So best to try the shoes yourself. Zappos, calling Zappos…

Forget the Fear, It’s About the Trail

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As in sports, you need to have a short memory. Win or lose, forget about it and move on to the next challenge. So I lost out on getting an Air Jordan Fear pack shoe, but that’s so this morning. I’ve already forgotten about the fear and moved on to a next potential win with Nike’s just released Terra trail running line.

While I like the description of the Zoom Terra Kiger, I don’t think they’re right for me. The Zoom Terra Wildhorse seems like a safer (and cheaper) bet. Both are also available from Zappos so returning them is easy.

Oh but wait… what’s this Free Hyperfeel Trail? Those heel laces are simply sick.

Nike Free Hyperfeel Trail
Nike Free Hyperfeel Trail

The Hyperfeel Trails are NOT available at Zappos and seem to be a Nike store exclusive.

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