New Balance Fuel Cell Impulse Review

New Balance Fuel Cell Impulse Review

While other guest contributors here have had some recent success with New Balance, my history is mixed.  My introduction was the New Balance 904, a lightweight stability shoe that was right up my ally back in 2010.  From then on however, I had issues with fit, durability and responsiveness.  Things have definitely changed with 890v6 (REVIEW) and New Balance has shown a clear shift toward the performance end of the spectrum in terms of fit, feel and responsiveness.  The Fuel Cell is nitrogen infused foam that New Balance has used in a limited number of shoes, but none of them lightweight until now.  The Impulse fills the gap as a faster workout/race shoe utilizing this compound and it certainly lives up to those expectations.

Adidas Adizero Boston 7 Review

Adidas Adizero Boston 7 Review

I have mentioned many times here that I have a special thing for lightweight trainers.  I like their versatility to be able to handle high mileage and be able to drop the pace at a moments notice.  The Adidas Adizero Boston 7 is a great example of that and takes it a step further.  If you watch high level road races, you will notice the Adidas athletes wear a smattering of shoes.  Currently you will see plenty of Adios, Takumi Sen, Sub2s.... and Bostons.  Why?  Because this shoe is fast.  Fast, cushioned and perfect for the marathon or long distance race.  Many elites get away with lighter shoes, but more still opt for that additional protection.  I was very confused when I saw a few of the top runners at the LA marathon racing in these, until I talked to them afterward.  Kenyans I have learned are notorious for only training on dirt (when possible).  The athletes I have treated have repeatedly told me that they do not want to deal with the pounding unless they have to in a race.  So it makes sense that many would opt to use a shoe that has a bit more protection, but still feels very fast.  I would describe the current Boston as a slightly better fitting Adios with more protection.  Lets dive into the details a bit more before you take my word for it.

361 Spire 3 Review

361 Spire 3 Review

361 has been unique when it comes to marketing.  Their recent campaign for the Spire 3 has been "Runners care about miles, not likes."  Which personally is true.  Perhaps it is my hipster-ish tendencies (I am originally from Portland, OR), but I tend to gravitate toward shoes that may not have a ton of hype around them (yet).  Why?   Because I like exploring different things.  Hence why you may see so many Japanese only racing shoes reviewed here.  The Spire 3 is different in that it is a neutral trainer with a carbon fiber plate in the midsole.  I enjoyed the previous version but felt like it was a little outdated due to the use of a very thick midfoot shank.  Seeing the full ground contact outsole got me very excited for the Spire 3.  And while it did deliver, there were some other interesting things that came up...

Adidas Solar Boost Review

Adidas Solar Boost Review

I hated the original Energy Boost. The introduction of Boost was fantastic and I loved it in the Adios and Glide series.  The Energy Boost just did not work for me.  The Tech Fit upper was great but the excessive toe spring, the chunky heel and slightly unstable ride pushed me away.  Years later... I had the opportunity to try the Solar Boost due to the interest in the Solar Propulsion Rails and extended torsion system into the forefoot (which I loved in some of the original Adios series).  And I was blown away.  A completely different shoe that provides a great fit, very stable (without posting) and energetic ride.

Altra Golden Spike Review

Altra Golden Spike Review

Today's review comes from David Salas, a student physical therapist from my alma mater Western University of Health Sciences. David was (and is working his way back to being) a very fast collegiate runner and has a great interest and knowledge of running. He was kind enough to lend his thoughts on a pair of the Altra Golden Spikes. Read on for more!

-Dr. Matthew Klein, PT, DPT

A true XC spike, the Altra Golden Spike is a shoe that has grown on me quite a bit after a few runs. Running through all terrains, it runs smooth as butter through grass or all-weather tracks, a firm road flat through dirt, and a super firm ride on concrete. The shoe almost seems to be best described as a natural feeling track spike that carries over grass and dirt incredibly well.

Mizuno Waveknit R1 Review

Mizuno Waveknit R1 Review

I have had mixed experiences with knit uppers.  My first one was with the Nike Flyknit Trainer, which took a significant amount of skin off my achilles area.  I had some success with Skechers knit uppers (great with the Ride 7, not so good with the GOrun 6).  Mizuno tends to either be the OG or waits to get things done right.  They had one of the original minimalist shoes in my opinion, the Mizuno Wave Universe, but never called it that.  Slowly they have begun to lower the heel drop of some of their shoes like the Wave Shadow (8mm).  Now they have decided to go after the knit uppers.  These can be seen in the Waveknit R1, which is essentially a knit upper on the Wave Rider sole and the S1, a knit upper on the Wave Sky sole.  Given my preference for lighter shoes, Mizuno was nice enough to send me the Waveknit R1.  I am impressed that Mizuno has done their homework and this is by far my favorite knit shoe to date and the only one I have been able to wear sockless without issue.  So let's talk.

Mizuno Wave Emperor 3 Review

Mizuno Wave Emperor 3 Review

For those of you who may know, I have a thing for Japanese racing flats.  From the Takumi Sen/Ren, the Nike Zoom Speed Racer, the New Balance 1100 (ran in those before this website) and more.  They were cool, unique and different.  Racing flats generally do not sell well in the United States.  Most runners are either not interested in faster lighter shoes (and would rather choose super cushioned shoes) or are intimidated by them.  Rarely do I walk into a local running store and see an extensive array of racing flats (although I am impressed when I do).  For this reason, I frequently look to Japan and the Asian market for unique racing shoes because they seem to take the art of running fast more seriously.  Thus came my interest in the Mizuno Wave Emperor 3.  Many Mizuno racing shoes like the Ekiden, Cruise and Universe were either  discontinued or are no longer available in the US.  Being someone who loved both series, I figured I had to continue exploring and found my way to the Emperor.  Although European websites state this is a 5k-10k shoe, this is a do it all, 5k to marathon racer. Why? Let's talk.