Asics has been making some big moves in 2020. Once known as the consistent company that did similar things for decades, Asics has exploded with massive updates and brand new shoes. Our review of the Metaracer was exciting (REVIEW) but honestly I (Matt) was most excited for the Kayano Lite. Influenced by and yet a massive departure from the ongoing Kayano series, the Kayano Lite was to be a lighter and completely different Kayano. It has lived up to all the expectations and this is a perfect example of modernized, lightweight stability that will work for a large variety of people.
Specifications (per Running Warehouse)
Weight: 9.9 oz (men's size 9), 8.9 oz (women's size 8)
Stack Height: 31 mm / 21 mm
Drop: 10 mm
Classification: Lightweight Moderate Stability Shoe
Since the debut of the midsole compound FuelCell, New Balance has been gaining a lot of traction in the footwear industry with innovation. Some popular shoes to note were the FuelCell Rebel, TC, and the newly released RC Elite. The foam keeps shoes lower profile while still giving a soft, bouncy, and responsive ride. The New Balance FuelCell Prism provides this, but now with a stability specific model!
After watching Aliphine Tuliamuk win the 2020 US Olympic Trials Marathon on a brutal course in the Hoka Rocket X, interest has continued to rise on Hoka's true debut in the carbon fiber plated super shoe race. It is now officially coming to market with a larger release and is a true evolution and massive improvement on the prior Hoka Carbon Rocket. Featuring a carbon plate, a soft bouncy sole, a meta-rocker and a secure and snug upper, this is one distance racer you are going to want to check out if you like Hoka.
For a long time now, New Balance has been "doing its thing" via Fresh Foam and the variants of that foam. But then in the last 1-2 years we have the debut of their FuelCell technology, which has brought some really fun trainers, speed day shoes, and their elite racing flat. The Prism is the stability model that falls into the FuelCell line and gives an exciting light weight stability option that's already showing its versatility. Here are our initial impressions.
The Fresh Foam line contains some of the most reliable and staple shoes that New Balance has to offer. The 860 v11 is one of the first to contain Fresh Foam X, a softer and more responsive blend of the beloved Fresh Foam. The 860 is the stability shoe in this line that sports a nicely designed medial post and is built for durability and putting on lots of miles. Here are our initial impressions.
Roundtable Interview: Chad Holt from Saucony & the Endorphin Series
Today we are excited to share our deep discussion with Chad Holt from Saucony. Chad is a fantastic product line manager who oversees many of the new incredible shoes that Saucony has put out. In this episode, we discuss the new Endorphin series, Chad's history and experience, footwear development, our favorite Saucony shoes from this year, footwear trends, and some insights into Saucony's future footwear development directions.
Check the episode below here, on youtube or on our podcast (see links at bottom of page).
Editor's Note: As always, the views presented on this website belong to myself or the selected few who contribute to these posts. This website should not and does not serve as a replacement for seeking medical care. If you are currently injured or concerned about an injury, please see your local running physical therapist. If you are in the Los Angeles area, I am currently taking clients for running evaluations.
Matthew Klein, PT DPT OCS FAAOMPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist
Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapists
Nathan Brown PT DPT MS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Masters in Anatomy and Clinical Health Science
Movement Performance Institute Certified in Advanced Functional Biomechanics
David Salas PT DPT CSCS
Doctor of Physical Therapy
Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist
***Disclaimer Our views are based on our extensive history in the footwear industry and years testing and developing footwear. If you are a footwear rep looking for footwear reviews or consultations on development, we are currently looking to partner with companies to assist, discuss and promote footwear models. Partnership will not affect the honesty of our reviews.
The Skechers GOrun Razor series has been a unique set of shoes. Light and fast enough for racing but with enough cushioning for training (for many), rumors started to emerge that a plated Razor was in the works. Your patience has been reward as yes, the Skechers GOrun Razor Elite is finally here. This shoe is a racing specific Razor that shaves off a full ounce of weight off while including an updated upper as well a carbon infused forefoot plate. The Razor Elite is light, fast, and very quick at toe off when pushed to racing paces.
Designed to be a durable trail running shoe that can tackle nearly any weather or condition the Newton BOCO AT 5 delivers. Newton continues to create a unique running experience as the BOCO AT 5 features many components familiar to the Newton brand as well as some unique features specifically for the trail. The BOCO AT 5 has a water resistant upper, multidirectional lugs throughout for traction on the trails, and a metatarsal stretch panel.
The ASICS Gel Cumulus line has been around for quite a while and is one of the staple shoes put out by ASICS. The Cumulus 22 is a wonderful update to the reliable everyday running shoe and consists of soft cushioning underneath, a soft and stretchy upper, and of course some GEL cushioning in the posterolateral heel. This update shaves off about an ounce of weight compared to the 21 and was designed with a "comfort-first" goal.
The "Zee-Bruh" design is finally here! This color scheme was used on many Skechers Performance prototype shoes and instead of being subtle, was instantly recognized due to the extremely cool design. As a prototype colorway, it was never intended for production, but after a great deal of demand from the public (and some influence from Jamison Michael), it is here. The Skechers Razor 3 Cloak Hyper is an adaptation of the original Razor 3 with an updated Cloak upper and colorway along with a updated GOODYEAR full contact outsole.
Roundtable Interview: Sam Winebaum of RoadTrailRun
It is our immense pleasure to have one of the OGs of running shoe and gear reviews on our Roundtable: Sam Winebaum of RoadTrailRun. A consistent source of knowledge and inspiration, we explore his humble beginnings, the growth of RoadTrailRun, current thoughts on footwear, watches, and far more. Plus some technical difficulties as it now appears to be a tradition for us to have our guest lose their reception at least once during these awesome discussions. Check the episode below here, on Youtube or on our podcast (see links at bottom of page).
Roundtable Interview: Jamison Michael of Jami's Reviews
We are incredibly excited to share our interview with Jamison Michael of Jami's Reviews on the Doctors of Running Roundtable! An incredible human being, we talk Elite Jogging, creating a more welcoming running community, making Asics great again, the Kayano Lite and much more! Check the episode below here, on Youtube or on our podcast (see links at bottom of page).
David: Earlier this year 361 Degrees introduced their new foam QU!K Spring+, an EVA blend designed for more rebound and resilience to temperature changes. The shoe did well for me (David) in the Pacer ST and is now introduced to the Strata 4. This stability model is a daily training workhorse that has a softened ride from other 361 models, though still firm and protective for long mileage.
