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.

RunnerDude Shoe Review: Hoka Bondi 5

If you've been following me on social media the past year, you may recall, that I've had quite the time finding a long run shoe that worked for me. My long run shoe of choice had been the Hoka Huaka. Then last year Hoka discontinued the shoe and I was lost. A runner without a shoe. Because I put so many miles on my feet and metatarsal issues in both feet, I can't just wear any shoe. Yes, I have very persnickety feet. So when Omega Sports (our local sports store) asked if I'd give the Hoka Bondi 5 a try, I said,YES!
Actually several years back just before starting to wear the Hoka Huaka, I had tried the Bondi. I'm not sure what number it would have been. At the time, however, that version of the Bondi didn't feel as good to me as the Huaka, so I went with the Huaka. The Bondi 5, however it nothing like the version I had tired on all those years back. If you are a runner who wore the Huaka and are familiar with the shoe, the Bondi 5 in my opinion, is a close match. The Bondi is a little wider than the Huaka and thus feel a little more stable upon foot landing. 
After logging several short runs and several moderate distance runs in the Bondi 5, I'm pleasantly pleased with my experience in the shoe. 
To back up a bit, if you're not familiar with Hoka running shoes, they are known in the industry as a provider of maximalist shoes. Around 2009-2010, with the publishing of the book, Born to Run, the barefoot and minimalist shoe running craze began. Like myself, many runners really wanted to experience the more natural running form of barefoot running or minimalist shoes, but just were not able to run with the lack of cushioning that goes with barefoot and minimalist running. I mentioned earlier that I have metatarsal issues and I also have a neuroma in both feet. As a result, I have to wear custom orthodics and a metatarsal pad in my shoes in order to run without pain. I can run a marathon in my running shoes no problem, but trying to walk across the floor barefoot can be very painful. 
The great thing about the whole barefoot running craze is the information that it revealed about natural running form. But get this.... natural running form can be achieved wearing running shoes. The problem is that traditional running shoes with a heel-to-toe drop of 12-13mm tends to promote more of a heel-strike foot landing, while natural running advocates for more of a midfoot (flat foot) or forefoot foot landing underneath your center of mass. As a result, many running shoe companies have begun lowering their heel-to-toe drop to 8mm and below in many of their standard running shoes. Problem in lowering the heel is that sometimes cushioning can be lost. 
So, enters Hoka. Hoka has engineered several different lines of what are now known as maximalist shoes which have a low heel-to-toe drop (shoes in their various lines range from 2mm to 6mm verses 12mm in a standard running shoe). Other running shoe companies also provide shoes in the same heel-drop range, but what sets Hoka apart is the stack of the shoe. Stack refers to the thickness of the shoe's sole. Stack height isn't heel height. Stack height refers to the amount of material between your foot and the ground for the entire length of the shoe. Maximalist shoes typically have around a stack height of 30mm or more. Remember that Hoka shoes heel-to-to drop ranges from 2-6mm. So the incline from from the 30mm  is at most only 6mm. Very little increased heel height. Basically, Hoka's are a low profile shoe similar to a minimalist shoe, but instead of very little between you and the road, there is a lot between you and the road. What does this mean? Well, it means you can more easily achieve a midfoot (flatfoot) or forefoot landing) without losing the cushioning. Maximalist shoes have saved my feet tremendously on long runs. 
The most important thing that a runner has to keep in mind when switching to a maximalist shoe (and it's actually the same thing if they were considering a minimalist shoe), is that whenever you change to a shoe that is very different from the shoe you are currently wearing, you need to ease into using the shoe. DO NOT go out and run 10 miles your first run in a maximalist shoe with a lower heel-to-toe drop. You will use muscles differently in a maximalist shoe and you need to allow time for your body to acclimate. To start,  run just a mile or two your first couple of runs, then increase the distance to 3-4 miles for a week, then go to 5-6 miles. Easing into your new maximalist shoes will help avoid injury related to doing to much too soon. 
So back to my Bondi 5 review. These shoes are great! They are the most cushioned shoe line in the Hoka family. I need that cushion. But, even with all that cushion the shoe has structure. On my test runs, I definitely felt the cushion, but I never felt unsupported. I think that can be contributed to the wide platform on which the shoe is built. Hoka has provided a lot of surface area upon which to land, giving a very stable foot landing. That was one thing I didn't like too much about the Huaka. It had a  narrow platform and sometimes, if my foot hit just right, my ankle would role outward. Never experienced that in the Bondi 5. Very stable. There's also lots of room in the toe box. My toes had plenty of room to move around, but not so much that that shoe felt too loose.
I am also impressed with the construction of the shoe's tread. In my past experience with maximalist shoes, because the stack is so thick, the material used in the stack had to be very lightweight in order not to make the shoe too heavy. That light-weight material often wore down very quickly making me have to replace the shoes frequently. The Bondi 5, however has a very durable tread that covers most of the bottom of the shoe . While being very durable, it's not very heavy. Often a more durable outsole sounds clunky when your feet hit the ground, but that's not the case with the Bondi 5. The shoes feel light and sound light when running.
I'm very impressed with the Bondi 5 and look forward to many more miles in them. If you're in the Greensboro NC area, you can check out the Hoka Bondi 5 at Omega Sports on Battleground Ave. Tell them RunnerDude sent you. If you don't have an Omega Sports in your area, check them out at the official Hoka website.

No More Shoe Woes-The Mizuno Wave Rider 20

If you've been following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter then you're probably aware that I've been struggling with finding a long run shoe. My favorite Hoka Huaka was discontinued and the suggested replacement just did not work for me.

So, I decided to go back to another maximalist shoe that I had previously worn the Altra Paradigm. I had worn several pair of the 1.0 and 1.5 version, but the new 2.0 version was revamped and in doing so, the shoe was created smaller. The 9.5 that I had always worn was now too small. My toes were actually hitting the end of the shoe. I returned them for a 1/2 size larger thinking maybe the 10 would fit like the old 9.5, but alas, the 10 was larger than the old 9.5 and my foot slid around. ARRGH!

Desperate, I tried several other shoes, the Sketchers Go Run, the Hoka Vanquish and Clayton, and Asics 33-M, and one of the Adidas Boosts. None worked for my feet. Now don't get me wrong, all of these shoes work for other runners, I just have particular feet. With all the miles I put in with my job, I have issues with Morton's neuroma, dropped metatarsals, Achilles issues, etc. So finding a shoe that works with my feet and will accommodate my custom orthodic is problematic.

When a shoe company decides to do a major overhaul on a shoe or discontinue it all together, it's quite traumatic for me. Oh by the way, the company that makes my favorite short run shoe (the Pearl Izumi Road N3) is stopping making running shoes all together! What's up with that?!

The other day the owner of a local running store here in  Greensboro, NC dropped by with a pair of the new Mizuno Wave Rider 20 shoe for me to test out. I was excited. Could this be the shoe? I was a little skeptical because I haven't worn anything but a maximalist shoe for long runs for quite a while, but with none of the previously mentioned shoes working for me, I was more than willing to give them a test run.

Last year I ran 4 marathons and the beginning of this year I started with my first 50K with very minor foot issue...because my Hoka Huakas were working fine, but then when I wore out my last pair, my shoe woes began. I'm currently training for the Richmond Marathon. We have about 15+ runners going to Richmond to run the full and the half. So, I was really excited to be able to run with my runners. But, due to my shoe and foot woes, I've gotten way behind in my marathon training. Last Sunday, however was a glimmer of hope.

On Saturday, I tested the Wave Rider 20 on a short run without my orthodics. They felt really good during that run. But it's the long run that's the real test. I have several shoes for which I can get in a good 8-10 miles before my feet start giving me problems, but after that, my feet begin to break down. My fore foot has so little natural padding, that I need a shoe that had good fore foot cushioning. My sports med doc told me he's never seeen a foot with so little natural padding. And for some other foot issues, I need to wear my custom orthotics on the longer runs. So, the trick is finding a shoe with good forefoot cushioning that then will also accommodate my orthodic and not be too tight.

On Sunday, I tested the Mizuno Wave Rider 20s on a long run. I ran 17 miles with the orthodics in place and the shoes felt really good. Another good sign was that after the run, I wasn't doing the old-man shuffle like after many of my recent runs. Just the opposite happened. My feet felt pretty good. And other than just a little stiffness from the miles, I felt great.

The version 20 is actually revised version of the 19 and in this case (finally) the revision is good. Mizuno has included an entirely new Wave plate technology for a softer, smoother ride with an even more responsive feel. And I have to say that my run lived up to the hype. This is a more traditional shoe with a 12mm heel-to-toe drop. I usually wear a lower drop to account for the extra thickness my orthodic adds, but with this shoe, it seemed to work well. I've decided, that for me, the lower drop was contributing to my Achilles issues. Keep in mind that this is my experience. Lower drop shoes work great for many runners. I just have picky feet. The Wave Rider 20 isn't your lightest trainer, but at 9.6oz, for the responsiveness they were providing, they felt pretty light. I was really pleased because many of the maximalist shoes I've been wearing felt heavy and clunky. Never thought I'd go back to a more traditional shoe for my long run, but hey, never say never.

RunnerDude's Gear Review: Under Armour Spine RPM Running Shoe

Recently, I was contacted by Under Armour to see if I would be interested in reviewing some of their new products. I've always been a fan of the Under Armour clothing, so I said, "Sure!" 

They sent me a list of products to choose from and one product immediately caught my eye--the Under Armour Spine RPM. 

The Under Armour Spine RPM is their new line of running shoes. I knew Under Armour had developed some training shoes (the type you'd wear in the gym), I even have a pair, but, I was not aware that they had ventured into the world of running.

I read a description about the shoes and they sounded interesting. Here's the info I read:

We asked Tom Brady and Lindsey Vonn what the most elite athletes in the world need from their running shoes. They wanted a shoe that could handle their toughest training days—a perfect combination of lightweight performance and support. Our response is a revolution in footwear inspired by some of the most dynamic motion systems in nature. UA Spine is the only running shoe that gives you lightweight, responsive cushioning without sacrificing stability. It delivers the speed you want and the cushioning you need, no matter how far your run takes you.

This was both intriguing and a bit concerning. The spine technology sounded really cool, but the fact they consulted a professional football player and an alpine ski racer about running shoes seemed a bit odd. Why not a marathoner?

The technology of the shoe that makes it different from the competition is the sole's spine design which is supposed to mimic the flexibility of the human spine. They're also constructed of very lightweight material producing a shoe that's only 9.7oz.

Sounds great! I'm all about a light weight shoe that's flexible but also provides some support.

I've completed several runs in the shoes now and I'm disappointed to say that I'd have to give the Under Armour Spin RPM an A+ in concept, but a C in execution.

Although lightweight, the shoes felt very hard and inflexible. They had very little bend. With the spine technology, I envisioned them having a little more lateral twist to them like some of the other competitors' lightweight flexible shoes.

I immediately noticed that the shoes had a hard clomping sound to them when walking and this only got louder when running. Kind of surprising, since I rarely ever hear my foot landing. Actually I was running with one of my training groups while wearing the shoes and one of my clients asked me, "Does that hurt?" I was caught off guard and asked her what she was talking about. She replied, "Those shoes. They sound so loud and hard that is seems like it would hurt your feet."

She was right, they were loud, they were hard, and my feet really didn't feel so good after my test runs.

The UA Spine RPM also has a higher heel-to-toe drop than I thought it would have. Most of the more flexible "natural-ride" shoes are lowering the drop to 8mm, 5mm or lower. The Spine is still at the traditional 12mm heel-to-toe drop. The higher heel drop tends to foster heel-striking. An appealing feature of a lower profile is that it helps a runner achieve more easily a mid-foot strike which helps the runner work with the oncoming road instead of against it.

With a change to a more cushioned insert, I've found that the shoes are pretty good for wearing in the gym, but not for running.

I really like the Under Armour company and since they contacted me about the review, I thought I'd let them know my findings prior to posting this review and actually offered to decline the review. I was so impressed with their response. Under Armour said for me to post my review. They wanted to keep it as authentic and genuine as possible and appreciated my feedback. To me this really speaks highly of this global company. To welcome constructive feedback even when it's not so flattering, is the mark of a great company.

I do recommend that they revisit the shoe's design and tweak the sole so that it provides a more cushioned and flexible ride. Consulting some endurance runners who are more in tune with the the needs of a runner during sustained running will greatly benefit the outcome.

Given all of this feedback, running shoe preference really is subjective. What works for one runner may not for another. So, if you're curious about the new spine technology, check out the UA Spine RPM. But.....check them out in a running store where you can try them on and test them out before buying.

I look forward to being able to test drive the next generation of the Spine and hopefully all the kinks will be worked out.

RunnerDude's Gear Review: Brooks PureFlow

I'm a big proponent of runners finding what works best for them. Running is not "one-size-fits-all" or in this case "one-shoe-is for-all." Some do great with the purest approach by going completely bare (feet that is)....well there was that Pride in Your Hide 5K I did a few years back...but I digress. Anywho... others need a little more coverage for their feet and wear things that look like water-shoes or better yet take the gloved-feet approach. Some like the support of a laced shoe that has a little more sole. Still others want more support but a lower heel-to-toe ratio to promote a more natural gait. All are good. What works for you is what's best for you.

Brooks has joined the movement of providing runners with a more natural ride. Their new Pure Project contains four models: PureConnect, PureFlow, PureCadence, and Pure Grit. Each shoe is designed to be extremely lightweight and contain flexible materials the provide a natural, ergonomic, responsive ride.

Brooks recently sent me a pair of the PureFlow to test ride. I've tried minimalist shoes by other makers and while they were good shoes, for me, I netted out with them being good for shorter runs but not as good on longer jaunts. Not the case with Brooks' PureFlow.

I put in a lot of miles each week running with all my clients and various running groups. The PureFlow has taking me on short slow miles with my beginning running groups, fast intense speed work with my intermediate running groups, and long endurance runs with my race training groups. In each case, I've been impressed with the support and cushion this lightweight shoe provides.

The PureFlow provides a little more shoe and a lot more cushion but without added weight. The shoes only weight about 8.7 oz. The wide toe box and cool Toe Flex technology allow the big toe to power-off more naturally.

The best thing I like about the PureFlow is the 4mm heel-toe offset. I was delighted when another company recently redesigned some of their shoes with a lower 8mm heel-toe offset. The PureFlow has taken it even lower with a 4mm heel-toe offset. The traditional running shoe has a 12mm heel-toe offset. The higher heel often promotes heel-striking and in my case put a lot of pressure on the balls of my feet. The PureFlow's 4mm heel-toe offset allows for a more natural ride allowing runners to attain a midfoot stride more easily. This has helped my feet tremendously.

Another feature I really like is the durability of the tread. Many of the minimalist shoes I've tried had fairly short life spans showing major wear and tear on the tread/lugs after logging relatively few miles. The PureFlow has a more durable tread. After several runs, I'm seeing very little tread wear.

RunnerDude's not the only one who approves of the PureFlow. Runner's World gave the PureFlow it's coveted 2012 Best Buy award.

So, if you're thinking about a lightweight shoe that's responsive and doesn't lack in fit and cushion, then give Brook's PureFlow a test drive.

Note: While Brooks did provide the PureFlow shoes for testing, I was not compensated in any way for this review. Furthermore, Brooks did not request a positive review. The review simply is a reflection of my experience using the product.

Shoe Review: Saucony PowerGrid Triumph 9

RunnerDude has found a new favorite running shoe. Oh wait, no it's an old shoe. No, it's new. Confused? Don't be. Saucony recently revamped some of their popular shoes (the PowerGrid Triumph, PowerGrid Hurricane, and the ProGrid 5).

How did they revamp them? They decreased the heel-to-toe offset. Before the revamping, the heel was 23mm high and lowered to an 11mm lift under the forefoot which resulted in a 12mm heel-to-toe offset. The revised versions starts with a 20mm heel and a 12mm lift under the forefoot for only a 8mm heel-to-toe offset. The result? A more level ride.

Doesn't sound like much, but by decreasing that higher heel by 4mm you get a much more natural gait that allows you to have a better mid-foot landing. The higher heel-to-toe offset tends to promote heel-striking. The lower heel in the Triumph maximizes muscle power by allowing for a more efficient stride. Heel-striking causes a runner to pull forward before pushing off. Running should be more of a push. In order to pull forward, you actually recruit more muscle. This expends more energy which means more fuel is burned. This can result in quicker onset of fatigue. Lowering the heel promotes more of a mid-foot or flat foot landing more under the center of the body which allows you to work with the pavement pushing off, instead of working against it as a heel-striker does with a push-then-pull. It also lets the body work more like a shock absorber creating less breaking effect and jarring of the knee and hip. Less jarring = less injury.

Don't expect a teeny thin sole like a minimalist shoe. You won't be running on a strip of leather or a carved out recycled tire. The point of the shoe is to provide a "flatter" run not decreasing cushion. While the heel-to-toe offset has been decreased, Saucony has kept the integrity of a traditional running shoe with plenty of cushion in the heel and forefoot. Saucony has constructed a durable IBR+ outsole that provides 15% greater cushion than standard blown rubber and a PowerGrid foam midsole that's more resilient than traditional EVA. If you're an overpronator and need stability and/or motion control don't worry. The ProGrid Guide 5 and PowerGrid Hurricane 14 still provide the support you need while at the same time providing that 8mm heel-to-toe offset.

I've been wearing the Triumph 9 now for a couple of months now and I'm lovin' them. I've been a big fan of the Triumph since they first debuted several years back. They've been my personal running shoe of choice for years. So, I was a little apprehensive at them being tinkered with. However, at the same time, I've been wondering why all the hoopla over the minimalist movement. I keep thinking why doesn't a running shoe company just lower the heels of their running shoes while  keeping the integrity of a traditional running shoe. So, while apprehensive over an old favorite being tinkered with, I was eager to test them out.

As you probably have figured, being a running coach, I put a lot of miles on my feet. Last summer, I was having a heck of a time with the balls of my feet. I discovered I had two dropped metatarsals. Ouch! I've been working on more of a mid-foot landing to help decrease the stress on my lower body when running, so I was doubly eager to see how this decreased heel-to-toe offset was going to possibly help my sore footsies.

My findings? Well, true to form, the Triumph still provides a great cushioned ride. The wide/roomy toe box was still there and best of all the 8mm heel-to-toe offset is amazing! My feet feel much better. It's kind of funny that I'm celebrating the obvious, but it's true. I've been telling women runners having calf, Achilles, and plantar fasciitis issues to toss the high heels and wear lower shoes; all the while (while not stilettos) I've been running around with "heels" that were putting me more on the balls of my feet and promoting more of a heel-strike making it hard to achieve that mid-foot landing.

The PowerGrid Triumphs have always been my personal running shoe of choice and now it's been made even better. So, if you're wanting more of a natural ride but not ready to wear gloves on you feet or run "exposed" then give Saucony's new 8mm line a try. You won't be disappointed.

Your support and readership of the blog means so much. If so inclined, a vote of support for RunnerDude's Blog at The Top 100 Running Sites would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your readership!

Note: While Saucony requested the product review and provided the shoes for testing, I received no payment for completing the review, nor was I encouraged to write a positive review. The review results are strictly based on my experience running in the shoes.

Saucony 8mm: They Read My MInd!

For the past year or so, I've been reading so much about the barefoot and minimalist movement. One consistent thing that crops up in both camps as well as even the traditional running shoe camp is that the traditional 12mm to 13mm drop from heel to toe may be contributing to (if not promoting) heel striking which over time can spur on several running related injuries. But, if you're like me and have some foot issues, barefoot is not an option. Even the minimalist shoes (for me) tend to only work for moderate length runs.

Recently I've been dealing with two dropped metatarsals in each foot which has caused the second toe on each foot (the one beside the big toe) to hurt. I feared one may even have a stress fracture. Luckily that wasn't the case. Here comes the quandary. My minimalist shoes helped relieve the pressure on the ball of my foot, but prompted other issues on long runs. My more traditional shoes provides the needed support on the long runs, but put me up on my heels causing more stress on the balls of my feet.

So, what's a biomechanically challenged runner supposed to do? I had been thinking for several months, "Why can't you just lower the heel keeping the integrity and original support provided in a traditional running shoe? Why do only minimalist shoes get the lower heel?" Well, I think Saucony had a spy planted in my head, because I'm happy to announce that they're launching a new line of shoes with my thinking as the basis for the shoe. Okay, well, it was their thinking. :-)

Their new 8mm line is actually taking existing shoes (the Progrid Guide 5, the Powergrid Hurricane 14, the Powergrid Triumph 9) and reducing the height of the heel-to-toe offset from the average 12mm to 8mm. This is awesome news! Now it will be easier for you to land further midfoot, striking with less impact, giving you greater stability and control.

This lower heel will provide for great alignment. At 8mm your ankles, calves, knees, quads, and hamstrings are in better alignment and are better able to absorb the impact of the road. Also, just the fact that you'll be able to  have more of a midfoot landing will allow you to work with the road, not against it, creating less impact.

The lower heel will also provide great suspension. The new alignment puts you in a more spring-like position, and works with you body's natural ability to coil and rebound.

Better control, alignment and suspension spells greater propulsion allowing you to run stronger and longer.

Saucony is sending me a pair of the 8mm Powergrid Triumph 9. My running shoe of choice is the traditional version of the Triumph so, I'm very excited to see how a shoe I already love will work with a lower heel-to-toe offset.

So, stay tuned! As soon as I've received the shoes and put in several good runs of different distances and intensities, I'll be posting my review. I'll also be giving away a pair of shoes from the new Saucony 8mm line.

It's so cool when your wishes come true!

Winner of the Saucony Cortanas is...

Congratulations to Wayne Ball, the winner of the Saucony Cortanas! A Big thanks to all the participants in the contest and an even bigger thanks to Saucony for providing such an awesome giveaway!

Next Product Review/Giveaway

What would you like RunnerDude to review next? Do you have a particular running-related product that you'd like RunnerDude to "test drive"? Send me your ideas to runnerdudeblog@yahoo.com and I'll see what I can do. Be sure to put "Product Review" in the subject line of the email. Thanks again for all your support. If you're so inclined, cast your vote for RunnerDudes blog at The Top 100 Running Sites. Thanks!

Shoe Review: Saucony's New Cortana

If you're wanting a more flexible responsive shoe, but tend to be a mild to moderate overpronator and still need a little support and guidance, the you may want to check out Saucony's new Cortana. It's gotten rave reviews and won several awards including "Best Debut" from Runner's World Magazine, September 2011 and "Best New Shoe" in Running Network's 2011 Fall Shoe Review.

I've always been a big "the proof is in the pudding" kind of guy, so while reviews go a long way with me, I still like first hand experience to make my final decision. Saucony sent me a pair of the Cortana about  two months go and I've been testing them ever since. In this case the "pudding" is pretty dang good.

While not really a minimalist shoe, this shoe is like a souped-up racing flat. It's very flexible, but also provides a touch of guidance. It contains Saucony's PowerGrid technology the entire length of the shoe which is what provides great cushioning. The other feature that I really like is the 4mm heel-to-toe offset. This "close-to-the-road ride" really helps promote more of a midfoot or forefoot strike. The shoes are very light weight at only 10.7 oz.

I've run exclusively in the Cortana since I received them in August. I've done short tempo runs, speed work and longer runs up to 14 miles. In each case, the shoes were very supportive while at the same very flexible and cushy. The only thing that was a drawback was the the upper began to fray pretty quickly near the ankle area. For a shoe in this price range ($145), I expected the upper to last a little longer. Now this may be due to my particular stride, but I've not had other Saucony shoes' uppers wear so quickly. I think it's just the particular fabric used. The fraying doesn't affect the shoe's performance at all however and wouldn't keep me from purchasing a second pair.

So, if you're looking for a low profile, flexible, responsive and cushy shoe, I highly recommend the Cortana! And.....you're in luck! Saucony is giving one free pair of the Cortana away to one lucky RunnerDude's Blog reader!

WIN A FREE PAIR! To enter, simply send an email to runnerdudeblog@yahoo.com. Put "Cortana" in the subject line and your full name in the body of the email. You have until Saturday, October 15th to enter! Each email will be assigned a number in the order that it was received. Then the TrueRandomNumberGenerator will be used to select the winning email number. The winner will be announced on the blog on Sunday, October 16th. Good Luck!

RunnerDude Reviews Newton's Neutral Performance Trainer—the Gravity

Back in July, Newton Running sent me a pair of their Neutral Performance Trainers—the Gravity—to test out and review. I've tried to provide information on a wide variety of running styles (i.e., Chi Running, barefoot running, Vibram Five Fingers) on the blog, so I was eager to get the Newtons and give them a test drive. I've read a lot about Newton, but had not yet had the opportunity to run in them . I was psyched!

The Newton website, promises a lot for what the neutral performance trainer will do for a runner. I'm always a little wary when so much is promised. "Newton Running's top-of-the-line neutral performance trainer is the ultimate shoe for Natural Running. Get a fast, flexible ride with greater energy return and less impact. The 2010 model has enhanced durability in the heel, a new high-rebound midsole material and improved upper fit. This shoe allows you to run naturally — faster with greater efficiency and less overuse injuries (like achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis)." But in this case what was promised was delivered.

The neutral performance trainer is recommended for any distance. I wanted to test something that I could use on a regular basis for training runs, so this shoe seemed to be the best fit for me. The first thing that strikes you when you see a pair of Newtons for the first time are the huge lugs running across the bottom of the midfoot where the ball of the foot would be located. This is a part of the Newton technology or what they call the Action/Reaction Technology™.
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The technology is based on Sir Isaac Newton's Third Law of Motion: "For every Action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." You see the large lugs act as levers and shock absorbers that return energy back to you as you run. The key to the Newton is that you land with a midfoot or forefoot strike instead of landing on the heel first. Newton calls this a Land-Lever-Lift motion. This causes continuous muscle activation instead of a start/stop action that's caused by the breaking effect when you heel strike.
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I've tend to have more of a midfoot strike, so adjusting to the Newton's did not take very long. But Newton does a great job of letting new Newton runners know that they should ease into running in their Newtons, especially if they've been a heel striker. You'll be activating some muscles that you may not have used much when heel striking or you may just be using them in a slightly different way. Anytime you recruit new muscle activation, there's a period of acclimation. Newton recommends not running more than about 1.5 miles in your new shoes the first time. Then you should gradually add a little more mileage with each run. Also, be aware that Newtons tend to run about a 1/2-size smaller than your regular running shoe. So, for example, if you normally wear a 9.5, it's probably a good idea to order a 10 in a Newton.
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My experience running in Newtons has been great. The shoes are amazingly light (only about 9.5oz). The energy return was very noticeable. I felt very refreshed after my runs. I have something called Morton's Neuroma in my right foot, which is basically a problem with a nerve hitting a bone when I'm on the ball of my foot. With a metatarsal pad placed just behind the ball of my foot, I can run with no problem. Because of this issue, however, I've never been able to run barefoot. With the Newtons, I was able to use my metatarsal pad and still reap many of the benefits of barefoot running. For performance and delivering on it's promise, the Newton Gravity gets 5 Dudes out of 5 Dudes on the RunnerDude rating scale.

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At first I was a little put off by the $175 price tag for the Gravity's that I tested, but then I discovered that the average runner can track close to 1000 miles on one pair of Newtons. So, you could buy two pairs of $100 or $125 traditional running shoes or just one pair of Newtons for $150 to $175 during that same time period. -

The video below shows Newton Running founder Danny Abshire as he demonstrates the finer points of forefoot running: proper athletic position; finding your sweet spot; the difference between walking stride, jogging stride, efficiency running and sprinting; and using the Land, Lever, Lift technique to perfect your form.



NEWTON NIGHT!
If you live in the Triad area (Greensboro, High Point, Winston-Salem, NC) then check out a pair of Newtons at our awesome local running store Off'n Running Sports located at 2201 Joan Ave in Greensboro (just off Lawndale). This Tuesday (October 5th) from 6-8PM will be Newton Night at Off'n Running. A Newton rep will be at the store to teach you about Newton shoes and how to run in them. Participants in Newton Night will receive a 15% discount on Newton shoes!! I told you Off'n Running Sports was great!

Note: Although Newton Running sent me a pair of the Gravity shoes 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.

Enter for a Chance to Win a Free Pair of New Balance 759s!

Yesterday I shared my review of New Balance's new neutral trainer—the 759. If you haven't had a chance to read the review, be sure to do so and then check out my video review below. If you're a neutral runner who needs a little cushion, then this shoe may be just what you're looking for. This post isn't to talk about the shoe's great performance though. Instead, it's to announce a new RunnerDude Contest in which New Balance will provide the winner with a free pair of New Balance 759s!!

All you have to do is email me at runnerdudeblog@yahoo.com by midnight on 7/3/2010. Put "NB759 Contest" in the Subject line of the email and then be sure to put your full name in the body of the email. Each entry will be assigned a number in the order that the emails are received. The True Random Number Generator at Random.org will be used to select the winning number and the winner will be announced on the blog on July 4th! So don't delay, email RunnerDude your entry and tell your running buddies!

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.

RunnerDude Reviews the Pearl Izumi SyncroFuel

Last week I reviewed Pearl Izumi's new trail shoe, the SyncroFuel XC. I had such a good experience that wanted to test drive the road version of the shoe, the SyncroFuel.

If you haven’t heard of Pearl Izumi, they're a relatively new running footwear brand. They introduced their first line of running shoes six years ago. Today, Pearl Izumi sports a line of 13 different models for men and women in their running shoe line.

Greensboro, NC, where I live, has a great network of trails and greenways that area runners, cyclists, mountain bikers, walkers, and hikers enjoy. For the trail shoes I hit a popular trail in the area and for the road version I hit one of the greenways, The Lake Brant Greenway.

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Just like the trail shoe, the road version of the SyncroFuel gave me a great run and definitely deserves 5 dudes out of 5 dudes on the RunnerDude Rating Scale.

For more details on my experience with the SyncroFuel road shoe, check out the video clip below.

Note: Pearl Izumi requested the product review and provided the shoes for testing. I received no payment for completing the review; nor was I encouraged to write a positive review. The review results are strictly based on my experience running in the shoes. On a side note, I'd like to state that I don't endorse Pearl Izumi's stance on "Jogging" in their recent ad campaign. My stance is that running is an inclusive sport open to all athletes of all ability levels.