RunnerDude Shoe Review: New Balance 880v7

If you've read any of my shoe reviews or posts about my own running shoes, then you know I have

pretty persnickety feet. With my job as a running coach and fitness trainer, I put in a lot of miles each week and I'm on my feet most of the day. It takes its toll. So, when I find a shoe that works for me, I love to share.

Omega Sports our local running store here in Greensboro, asked me to review the New Balance 880v7, I was excited, but a bit skeptical too. Not really in the shoe itself, but whether it would work for my finicky feet.

The first thing I noticed when I tried on 880v7s was the cushion. My feet need a lot of cushion in the forefoot and heel. That's often a hard combination to find. The 880v7 has achieved it.

The things most notable for me about the  880v7 include:

• Roomy toe box
• Lightweight feel for a cushioned shoe
• Stable platform with an ample amount of surface area to make contact with the ground
• Breathable mesh upper which appears to be seamless adding to comfort
• Great for both short and long runs

I don't have a wide foot, but many runners will like that the 880v7 comes in wide and extra wide sizes. While not a lightweight shoe (coming in around 11oz), it doesn't feel like an 11oz shoe. I was really surprised when I saw the listed weight of the shoe. Not sure how they made 11oz feel lighter, but they did.

This neutral daily trainer worked well for me on both uneven hard city sidewalks and smooth blacktop greenway. These shoes will handle most any distance. The New Balance 880v7 does have a higher heel-to-toe drop of 10mm, so if you're looking for a lower drop shoe, this may not be for you. It's slightly lower than the traditional 12mm drop, but frankly the shoe didn't have the feel of a higher traditional running shoe.

All-in-all this is a great daily trainer for short and longer distances. Highly recommend you give it a try if you're looking for a neutral, cushioned trainer with a roomy toe box. In Greensboro? Give it a test drive at Omega Sports.

Sure Footing Is Key to a Good Relationship

You looked so good when we first met. All sleek and alluring. Mysterious. I'd heard things about you, but I was blinded by energetic appeal. It was great at first. You had such bounce in your step. You were fun and flashy.  But in the end you did everything to rub me wrong. I trusted you. I depended on you for support. I thought you were there for the long haul. I needed you and you weren't there. Then came the straw that broke the camel's back. That awful day when you completely let go. I fell to the ground sobbing. No response from you. Nothing. Where was the flash and shine? Where was the promise of support? Nothing. Crickets chirping. 

Ever felt like you and your running shoes need marriage counseling? If you're not wearing the right shoe for you, then you know the pain and discomfort it can cause. The problem is, that just like there is no formula for finding the perfect life partner, there is no sure fire formula for determining the perfect shoe for you. Trial and error is inevitable for a runner looking for the "perfect shoe."

Then just like sometimes in life you and your partner grow apart, so do you and your running shoes. Sometimes your feet change. Women often go up an 1/2 or whole shoe size after each pregnancy. The more you run, the more your feet will change too. And just like in life when you are suddenly dumped by a partner for no reason, a shoe company will "dump" you or discontinue a shoe (or tweak it too much) leaving you lost and befuddled.

So what's a runner to do? Here are a few tips to help you find the best shoe for you.

1. Find Out Your Foot Type: Have your gait evaluated by a running coach or at a running store with knowledgeable staff in gait evaluation. I always like it when doing this, that the evaluator has your actually run. As a running coach, I've seen over an over a gait evaluation based on watching a person just by walking. Many times a person's running gait is very different from their walking gait. Most walkers don't forefoot strike, but many runners do. Watching a person walk won't show their true running footstrike.

2. Try On Lots of Shoes: Once you know your foot type (over pronator, under pronator, or neutral), find a store that will allow you to try on several different makes and models of shoes that fit your foot type. All stability shoes are not alike. A neutral shoes are not alike. A great running store will be patient with you, allowing  you to try on as many shoes as needed. They'll also not push you into a specific shoe, they'll guide you, answer your questions, but allow you to make the final decision.

I'm often asked what's the best running shoe. I never recommend one particular brand of shoe, because what works for one runner may very well not work for another. There are some brands, I've never been able to wear. Nothing wrong with those brands, they just don't work with my feet. So, let your foot be the guide in picking the best shoe for you. The latest and greatest may or may not be what you need.

3. Check Out the Return Policy: Buy your shoes from a place with a good return policy. Most have a 30-day no-questions-asked return policy and some even have a 60-day return policy. Most don't do a cash refund, but instead give store credit which is still great. Often you really can't get a feel for a pair of shoes until you wear them on a few runs. In the store they may feel awesome. Out on the run, they may feel horrible.

4. Allow time for shoes to break in: It may take a week or two for a shoe to break-in and feel good. Keeping this in mind when race training, be sure to start wearing new shoes at least two weeks prior to race day in order to break them in properly.  If you're ever in true pain on a run due to your shoes, take them back immediately.

New Balance Adds New Neutral Trainer to Their Line!

Back in April, New Balance announced that it would be adding a new neutral trainer to it's NBx line—the 759. They described the shoe as a neutral trainer built to provide runners with a lightweight, cushioned ride. I'm a neutral runner who needs a little cushion, so I was all ears. It's hard to find a good lightweight shoe that's also cushioned. The announcement said the shoes would be available in stores in July 2010. I figured I'd just wait and check them out in July.

So, when New Balance asked me if I wanted to review a pair, I was quite beside myself, and of course said, "Yes! Send em on!"

The New Balance press release for the 759 says that they're designed for the dedicated and fitness runner and features N-ergy technology to provide impact absorption and maximum cushioning for a responsive ride, ensuring runner’s feet feel as fresh at the end of the run as they did at the beginning. It goes on to say that the minimalist upper design offers a breathable mesh for optimal airflow and flexibility while a Stability Web ensures lightweight midfoot support. The 759’s modern construction and design make it the go-to trainer for new and experienced runners alike seeking cushioning and durability for the ultimate running experience.

Sounds all really good, but what I really want to know with a shoe, is how does it feel to me, how does it hold up, is the shoe worth the expense, and would I opt to buy a second pair. I think that's what most runners what to know. Many non-runners will tell me, "well at least you picked a cheap sport." I guess compared to $100+ greens fees and $3000 bikes, running is relatively cheap, but when you buy a pair of shoes about every 6 months or less, and they each cost around $100 bucks, it can start to make a dent in the ole wallet. So, as a dedicated runner, I want quality, comfort, and durability—QCD.

The 759s have passed the QCD test. I've been running in the 759s for about 3 weeks now and I've put in at least 12 runs in them varying in distance from 3 to 9 miles. Let me break down my QDC experience.

Quality: The upper is very breathable and durable. I took a tumble on one of my runs when my toe snagged an uneven portion of the road where some resurfacing was being done. My knee, palm, and pinkie finger looked like I'd been attacked by a mad bull, but my shoes looked great. Not even a scratch on them!

Comfort: The shoes really deliver in this department. I usually need a little extra cushioning in the fore foot, but shoes that usually provide this tend to be heavy. Not the 759s. They're not the lightest shoes I've run in, but they did provide that needed cushion and still were on the lighter side (11 oz.). Actually I was surprised they were 11oz. They felt lighter. I also had plenty of room in the toebox and I love the longer shoe laces. I hate it when there's not enough string to tie a lock lace and double knot.

Durability: Lightweight shoes tend to use a lighter less durable tread for the sole that doesn't last very long. The tread on the 759s, however seems to be very durable. After 12 runs (mainly on blacktop and cement), mine show hardly any wear at all. But, this durable sole doesn't seem to be adding much extra weight to the shoe. A definite plus in my book.

Style: I know, I know, "style" isn't a part of the QCD, but it's often a consideration for many runners. Personally, no matter what the color, once I find a shoe that works for me, I'll buy it in neon pink if that's the only color it comes in, but I do like it when there are some options to choose from. The 759 comes in three color choices for men and two color choices for women. Also, in October 2010, there will be an additional color option—gray/bronze. This darker version is actually the shoe that I tested. At first, I thought maybe the shoes I received were a trail version of the 759. I contacted New Balance and was told that in fact what I received is definitely the road shoe, but just a new color option that will be available in October. I really like road shoes in darker colors, but usually the darker colors are only available in trail versions. The darker version of the 759 road shoe is a pretty cool idea.

My experience with New Balance's new 759 has been awesome. If you're a neutral runner and you like a lightweight shoe with some cushion, I'd definitely recommend giving the NB 759s a try. I had such a good experience with this shoe that it definitely deserves 5 dudes out of 5 dudes on the RunnerDude Rating Scale.

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It's almost July, so you may already be able to find the 759 in your local running store, but if not, you can order them on the New Balance Website. I just received news that if you live in Greensboro, NC, you can get the men's 759 at Off'n Running Sports and the women's should be there soon!

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Note: Although New Balance sent me a pair of the 759s and asked me to test and review the shoes, I was in no way urged to write a positive reveiw, nor was I paid or compensated in any other way for writing the reveiw. My review is purely based on my own personal experience using the product.

A Picture (Video) is Worth 1000 Words

In a previous post Which Shoe's Right for You? I described three types of running gates - neutral, overpronator, and underpronator. Sometimes a visual, better yet, a video clip, can help clarify something that may be a little hard to picture in your mind's eye. I found that to be the case for myself when reading about the various types of running gates. That is, until I discovered three video clips produced by Runner's World. The close-up view of runners exemplifying the tree different types of gates plus the added use of slow motion special effects, clearly reveals the difference between a neutral, overpronator, and an underpronator gate. After looking at the video clips below, use the cool Runner's World Shoe Finder Widget located in the right nav of the blog to help you find the perfect running shoe.

Shoe Review: Karhu Fluid Fulcrum Ride

A few weeks ago, it was that time again—buying new running shoes. For years I wore Mizuno. That is until my shoe was discontinued and its replacement just didn't work for me. So I moved on to Saucony. Same story. My shoe was tweaked and just didn't work the same. So, this go-round, I decided to try something different.

I was reading my Runner's World April '09 issue and ran across an ad for the Strong Fulcrum Ride by Karhu. Karhu? Never heard of that shoe company. The ad was announcing the shoe had won "Best Debut" from Runner's World. So, I dug out my March issue of RW which had the new spring shoe review. The article featured a couple of Karhu shoes. I've been running for over 20 years, but somehow I've managed to miss this brand. Evidently it's been around since 1916 and is legendary in Finland.

Karhu's unique feature is its Fulcrum Technology. This design is supposed to reduce wasted vertical forces, minimizing the time the heel is on the ground; provide a natural ride and feel through the three phases of the gate cycle—feel, ride, stride; and promote the foot's natural abilities. I've been reading a lot about the benefits of avoiding heel striking and landing on your forefoot instead. Since the Fulcrum Technology helps decrease the time the heel is on the ground, I thought I'd give this brand a try. Plus, the shoes look really cool!

After reading the review of the Karhu Strong Fulcrum Ride and the Fluid Fulcrum Ride, I decided the Fluid best met my needs, and ordered a pair. In a few days I was tearing into the box and slipping on my new kicks. They felt really good from the get-go. They have a slightly lower profile than what I'm use to. Due to the Fulcrum Technology, there's not the need for a thick heel. I've run an 8-miler, 5-miler, and 6-miler in my new Karhu's and they feel awesome. Usually there's a "breaking-in" period for me with new shoes, even if it's a new pair of the same brand I've been using. But with my Karhu's, they felt good from the first run. The Fluid Fulcrum Ride is for a neutral runner. It has a cushioned but supportive feel. The toebox is roomy and the heel has a snug fit. It did take me a little while to get use to being lower to the ground, but that soon passed.

So, if you're looking to change up your running kicks, give Karhu a try! You'll be pleasantly surprised. Click here to find a dealer near you.

Shoe Woes?

On the previous blog poll regarding your favorite brand of running shoe, no one brand surfaced as the most popular. Nike, Adidas, Asics, Brooks, and Saucony were all equally represented. If you’re like me, you’ve probably tried an array of different running shoes and brands of running shoes. About 15 years ago I was a Brooks fan, then did a few years with Adidas, then Mizuno and Saucony. Each time I found a shoe that worked, the company would do an "upgrade" and make modifications to the shoe or just discontinue it alltogether. Very Frustrating because rarely ever does the newer version seem to work for me like the original. Then there was the whole thing with me wearing the wrong type of shoe. Many years ago, I had my feet evaluated at a running store in Durham and was told I needed stability shoes because I over pronated. Then about 2 years ago, during a visit with the sports doc about a running-related injury, I was told I had a neutral gate and didn’t need stability shoes. He told me that what I needed was a good cushioned shoe (my feet have very little natural padding). The doc also told me that I should always replace the flimsy insoles that come in the shoes with a ones that have more cushioning. I found that the Sof-Sole Adapt Custom Insole works really well. You actually stick them in the oven for about 2 minutes. Then, while still warm, you pop them in your shoes, slide your feet in, and the insoles mold to the contour or your feet. I’ve recently changed to Reebok’s Premiere Verona because I needed new shoes and it was given good reviews by Runner’s World for value and cushioning. Plus they were pretty cheap! $69.95 online at Holabird Sports. So far, so good. What shoes work for you?