Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 Review (Part 2)
By Contributors Megan Flynn and Andrea Myers
The Saucony Endorphin Pro 2 is a lightweight, carbon-fiber plated shoe
designed for speed. An update from the original Endorphin Pros, there
are some subtle changes to improve efficiency and comfort. Weighing
6.3oz (women’s), they are slightly lighter than the originals. An additional lace loop was added for comfort and improved lock
of the midfoot.
This is Part 2 of our Endorphin Pro 2 reviews. See our OG contributors Pro 2 review here.
Adidas Supernova+ Review
By Senior Contributor David Salas
A few years ago the adidas Supernova was one of the primary high mileage trainers offered from the company. After some innovations and movement in production lines the Supernova shifted to the shadows for a little bit. Alas, the Supernova + is back and does have a place in the Adidas training lineup. Utilizing recycled materials, this daily training shoe is a neutral daily training shoe with a lot of stability throughout and a firmer feel to it. The midsoles utilized is the famous Boost midsole coupled with their firm EVA Bounce. Boost is in the heel primarily with a small amount sprinkled in the forefoot as a topsole. The + in the name refers to the little bit of boost that is sprinkled into the forefoot, compared to the normal Supernova utilizing only Boost in that region. The result is a protective shoe with plenty of durability, but a firmer ride underfoot because of the larger amount of Bounce. The Supernova + is marketed towards beginning runners but could definitely be an option for those sensitive to rocker designs and like firmer rides.
ASICS Metaspeed Edge Review: A Racer for the Middle Distance
By Chief Editor/Founder Matt Klein & Senior Contributor David Salas
Editors Note: Our review of the new update, the Metaspeed Edge+ is out now. Read here.
ASICS has been aggressively innovating pushing their product forward the last few years. Our team found the ASICS Metaspeed Sky (Review) to be a top contender among carbon plated racing shoes in 2021. I (Matt) have used them for almost all races this year, including several off road events (which I would not normally suggest). The ride took some getting used to, but is extremely fast over a variety of distances once the shoe breaks in. Combined with incredible durability (mine are still going strong at 130 miles), I was excited to get my hands on the Metaspeed Edge. However, while the ride is interesting and fills the spaces not touched by the Metaspeed Sky, some sizing issues keep the Edge from being as good as it could be.
In today's episode, Matt sits down with Dustin Joubert to talk about the
physiology behind Super Shoes. Dustin has a PhD in Exercise Physiology
and is a professor at Stephen F Austin State University. He has been
conducting running economy research regarding how people respond to a
various number of the current super shoes, including the Alphafly,
Vaporfly, Metspeed Sky, Rocket X, and Endorphin Pro (among others). They
talk about the results of his current research (linked below), plans
for future study, and recommendations for how different runners should
(or shouldn't) use this date to inform their purchases for running
shoes. They also go into his own personal experience in the shoes and
how he has processed which shoes he likes most, which he calls his
"LabRat" testing.
New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 Review
By Chief Editor/Founder Matt Klein
The original New Balance version of the Prism - the Vazee - was a lightweight, light stability shoe that was incredibly firm, if not harsh. A mild medial post provided guidance, although the incredibly firm sole and aggressive toe spring provided more. The Prism was a drastic change with the introduction of FuelCell foam. The ride softened an incredible amount to the point that it was a very neutral shoe until the pace picked up. The New Balance FuelCell Prism v2 returns with a subtle balance between the two. A more clear entry into the mild stability category, the FuelCell Prism v2 may be finally hitting its stride.
Topo ST4 Review
By Senior Contributor David Salas and Contributor Megan Flynn
Topo is normally thought of as a low drop shoe with a wide toe box designed for the trails. The ST-4 delivers a shoe that fits most of those boxes but instead of trails focuses on being a crossover shoe. The shoe delivers an incredibly lightweight and minimalistic package that can be used for a large multitude of things. The shoe can be used as a traditional road racing flat, a daily trainer for those who like minimalist shoes, or a weight training cross over shoe thanks to the level and grounded platform.
XTEP Ultra Fast 2.0 Review
By Senior Contributor David Salas
Here in the United States there seem to be some dominant "running" companies that have their share of the market. In fact there are many companies that people who run daily have still never heard of. XTEP may be one of those companies. Overseas XTEP has had some good success in the running market and have their fair share of running shoes ranging from daily trainers to racing models. The XTEP Ultra Fast 2.0 is a neutral daily training option that would fall into the budget category in the states. Bang for buck I think the shoe is actually really worth looking at.
