Friday, June 24, 2016

First Run Impressions Brooks PureGrit 5- The Low Slung, Smooth Flexing Dark Knight

Article by Sam Winebaum, Editor Road Trail Run


The Brooks Running PureGrit 5 is a 9.9 oz/281 g men's 9 trail runner with a 21 mm heel/ 17 forefoot, 5mm drop.  It sees significant upper changes from its prior editions, the most significant of which is that the Nav Band is gone. It is low slung yet highly protective with a well reinforced upper,  forefoot Ballistic Rock Shield and dense 3D hex lug coverage.

I took them for a first 5 mile trail run on a combination of smooth and fairly rooty and rocky single track, even a mile or so of road.  My last Pure Grit was the original.
I was particularly struck by the flexibility and smoothness of the forefoot mid and out sole ride. The combination of rock shield, Omega flex grooves in the midsole and firm continuous rubber and lugs under a relatively soft midsole makes for a very smooth, agile yet surprisingly cushioned front ride, especially given the relatively low17mm forefoot stack.


Those familiar with prior Pure Grit will see that the "infamous" Nav Band strap is gone. It is replaced by a flat webbing tied into the laces.The webbing is embedded in a thick overlay running to the midsole.

Just behind the stabilizing band, the tongue is drawn close to foot by its own webbing loops. The effect is of the stabilizing band being wrapped over the tongue and the tongue below wrapped over the foot.  The foot hold is outstanding yet non constricting.

The rest of the upper is different from the last PureGrit as well with a rand of shiny blue rubber seamless overlay extending from the midsole up the upper about an inch all the way around. This helps protect the shoe, keeps water out, and stabilizes the foot to the platform. During my first run I found the new rubber layer effective with no issues beyond a sensation of the rubber's firmness over the front of the toes, but only when standing. On the run that sensation disappeared.
I fit true to size. Pure Grit is a snug trail shoe fit but a comfortable one with no tight areas or discontinuities in fit when laced snuggly.  The mesh is soft and pliable. The foot has plenty of room to flex during stride.

Back of the lace up is where I notice some things not as much to my liking. The heel collar is low and quite lightly supported between the laces and the firm heel counter. 

PureGrit 5 has a firm and stable landing, a bit to firm for me, followed by a bit of instability at times from the heel collar just behind the laces.  This is compounded, at least for me as a heel striker, by the curved Ideal Heel geometry.  I like my heel landing areas to be flatter to the ground or extend a bit behind the heel counter.



The Pure line  with its the Ideal Heel a common feature of the PureFlow, PureGrit and Pure Cadence is  designed to encourage mid and fore foot striking.  When I am on the mid foot it feels great but when back on the heels and add in that low soft heel collar I wasn't as secure in my footing as I like. Nothing major but to note. 
Update: Took the PureGrit 5 for a 14 mile fairly rugged trail run above Park City, 2400 vertical feet at altitude. 
Trails were smooth single track with embedded smaller rocks. As above front of the shoe protection and climbing agility was outstanding. Rear of the shoe could use more support, stability and heel width for heel strikers.

Many more miles to come before a full review. I will certainly be making the PureGrit one of my shoes for medium length and difficulty trail runs this summer due to its very nice combination of protection, cushioning, and agility all in a less than 10 oz package. It is a great choice for all types of trails and  especially for runners with a mid foot landing.

$120. Available now.

Brooks Running sent us the PureGrit at no charge. The opinions herein are entirely our own.

Sam Winebaum's Run Bio
Sam is the Founder and Editor of Road Trail Run. He got the run and gear bug early, testing some of the earliest Nike shoes in the 70's, in high school, when Nike had their original R&D in his hometown. Early 100 mile weeks and lots of trail running led him to a HS 2:37 marathon, (2:28 PR), 2 junior division victories and 2 top ten all time junior times at Mt Washington, and the 1976 Division 1 NCAA XC championships with his Dartmouth team mates. Fluency in French took him for work to Switzerland where he ran many classic mountain races (30 in one year including ski marathons) and met his wife Dominique, also a marathoner. Raising a family and with entrepreneurial and consulting ventures in materials science, in-store media, early internet social media, and electronic medical records his competitive running took a long hiatus. He got back at it 10 years ago when work took him to the mountains of Park City, UT.  His annual goal is to break 1:40 in the half, and if he can...,qualify for Boston. Always a tech, shoe, and gear geek he is also the wearable tech columnist for Competitor Magazine.

Click Here for RTR's Latest Running Shoe and Gear Reviews. 
Over 30 in depth Road and Trail Shoes reviews in 2016!


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Men's here
Women's here

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

First Run Impressions of the "Bumble Bee"-Brooks Running Asteria

I took the Brooks Running Asteria a/k/a Bumble Bee out on its first run, a moderate start 5 mile progression tempo run. Astoria has a very smooth directed ride reminding me somewhat of the Saucony Zealot ISO 2 RTR (just reviewed here), a firm stable heel landing followed by a softer forefoot. In the case of the Asteria it is lighter and the contrast between firm heel with its posting and softer forefoot is far more subtle and the ride livelier and quicker at toe off.



Asteria has a super stable heel due to Guide Rails posting insert around the heel.  I was well directed forward with the heel reminding me somewhat of the Saucony Kinvara 7 but a touch firmer and more stable.


The Guide Rails are not a mid foot posting insert and it is not a motion control shoe in the traditional sense. It is more than decently cushioned, but not soft, with a long easy flexing forefoot. Not a snappy toe spring shoe.

Great upper. Soft with overlays in the right places. A gentle yet secure foot wrap with a well padded tongue. It is quite roomy and soft in the toe box if a bit short.
It is a tempo race shoe with very decent responsive cushioning. 
Update: Raced them this past Saturday in a somewhat hilly 10K. Improved my 10K time from an earlier June 10K on a warmer day and hillier course. They were stable and comfortable. This is a racer with room to stretch due the soft front material in forefoot yet with a well held foot, a hard feet to pull off.

8.3 oz 10mm drop. $110. Available 8/1/16

Click Here for RTR's Latest Running Shoe and Gear Reviews. 
Over 35 in depth Road and Trail Shoes reviews in 2016!


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Men's here  Women's here


Tuesday, June 21, 2016

Review Saucony Zealot ISO 2: The Zealot Abides. With Comparisons to Kinvara 7, Ride 9, and Triumph ISO 2

Article by Sam Winebaum, Editor Road Trail Run with Peter Stuart

Editor's Note: Peter Stuart and Sam both had the opportunity to test the Zealot ISO 2. Peter in Los Angeles and Sam on the opposite coast in New Hampshire.

The Saucony Zealot ISO 2 is a 9.4 oz/ 266 g men's 9, neutral performance trainer. It features an effective update to Saucony's ISO-Fit bootie and straps mid foot upper along with the new chevron Tri-Flex outsole we have seen on all of Saucony's 2016 performance shoes.
Sam: While gaining an ounce over the Zealot ISO 1( RTR review here), this update has been for me a significant improvement in ride and fit over the Zealot 1. Gone is the very firm harsh heel and overall ride. Mind you this is a firmer heeled shoe, but no longer the rough ride as version 1 was. The forefoot is soft, very flexible, and well cushioned.

The result is a trainer and marathon racer best suited to faster paces with a lively firm heel with considerable pop off the road followed by a contrasting smooth and soft toe off from the flexible new chevron based Tri-Flex outsole. The ISO Fit upper, an inner bootie with soft outer straps to the lace loops really shines in this shoe as the mid foot is well held but never constricted. The front of the shoe is relatively unstructured in terms of any overlays with decent but not great toe room and volume yet is immaculately held, by the ISO Fit. This said Saucony sized us up half a size and many may want to do the same.  I found the color way sharp with its silver contrasting with the blue and green, says race car.

Peter: I stayed true to size and had no problems. it’s definitely a little shorter than the Ride or Kinvara, but that didn’t bother me. I agree with you Sam—the ISO Fit is a really well designed system to lock in the foot. I found the Pro-Lock to be over-engineered and felt it got in the way of the Kinvara’s flexibility.  The softness of the forefoot is a pro and a con, but I’ll delve into that a little more in the Ride section. Overall the Zealot is my favorite in the new line (which surprises me). 

Readers are likely curious as to the differences between models in Saucony neutral performance line. We have tested and reviewed all the models in 2016, except the Breakthru.


All the models above share the following:
  • a chevron Tri-Flex outsole replacing pods.
  • a heel impact zone the SRC, which is either all EVA or with an Everun TPU heel insert. Both methods are very effective but we prefer the SRC for its more consistent feel if a bit less rebound.
  • some inclusion of Everun TPU material which is longer lasting than the typical EVA and has high rebound characteristics.
  • very similar midsole geometries with a vertical inner (medial) side wall to provide some light stability, although all of these shoes are clearly neutral
So how do they compare?

Kinvara 7 (RTR review here)
Sam: K7 a light, snug, fairly stiff lightweight racer trainer. It is very stable and directed and is the stiffest shoe in the line. It's Pro-Lock system at mid foot  while effective in keeping the mid foot secure and stable on the light platform is a bit awkward feeling when laced tight. If light weight with cushion and some stability are you thing Kinvara is the speedster of the line.
Peter: I dislike the pro-lock and found the Kinvara to be more shoe than I wanted it to be. I found it to be a little too much work to push through he gait cycle. The Zealot just rolls down the road a little more easily—and I can really feel that Everun under the forefoot—would have been good to put it in the Kinvara.

Ride 9  (RTR review here) 
Sam: R9 is a versatile trainer, even racer if you like cush, with the smoothest heel to toe transition and overall ride of the line for me, likely helped along by its 8 mm drop. It's upper is not ISO Fit and as such has a snugger hold if a bit wider with more of sense of constriction up front at the last lace loops than Zealot or Triumph, or maybe this is because unlike Zealot my pair is true to size.
Peter: I like the slightly firmer forefoot of the Ride 9, but felt that it’s not as smooth a ride as the Zealot. I think it’s to do with the fact that Ride 9 forefoot is noticeably wider and a little longer, so there’s just a little more shoe to push. I also had some blistering issues with the Ride 9, finding that it compressed my toes a bit.

Zealot ISO 2
Sam: Zealot is more performance oriented than Ride and half the drop at 4mm with a fairly sharp rebound and contrast from a firm heel of thick outsole rubber to a soft flexible front of the shoe ride. It prefers to be run fast but is in no way unpleasant at slower speeds as its predecessor was. It is more flexible than Kinvara and heavier.

Triumph ISO 2 (RTR review here)
Sam: The T2 rides and feels somewhat similar to Zealot up front but is a bit more forgiving due to its Everun heel insert and additional heel stack It is a more comfortable long run shoe for slower paces than Zealot was for me.

Zealot ISO 2 The Details

Upper
The upper features Saucony's ISO Fit system. ISO Fit has a soft stretchy bootie inner layer with straps running from the midsole to the lace holes with no sewn connection from straps to the bootie in between laces and midsole expect at the very front strap.
The idea is to create a more flexible mid foot hold for various foot types and a more dynamic one where the motion of the foot is freer to flex while still being well held and not overly constrained. The general sensation is one of a tube of consistent support reminding a bit of the Salming Distance 3 (review here). I like the approach a lot in its second generation.

The Zealot ISO 2 is not a wide fit but a comfortable one. The front of the shoe is a relatively light dense mesh with only a soft thin overlay running from its start as a toe bumper volume enhancer, along the midsole, then up to the first lace loop. Nothing to get in the way of foot flex yet ,as the ISO Fit locks the foot down mostly at the second and third silver bands no sliding forward, something we notice a bit in the Ride 9. 
The Zealot is somewhat narrower than the Ride 9, largely due to its narrower on the ground midsole platform from mid foot forward. The difference is slight and difficult to quantify as the ISO Fit upper especially at the last lace hole is more relaxed and conforming to my foot than the Ride in that area.
LEFT Zealot ISO 2  RIGHT Ride 9
Midsole
The midsole features the characteristic geometry seen throughout the line. There are vertical side walls on the medial side for a touch of stability. On the lateral side we see the green impact zone area, Saucony's SRC and deeper flex grooves into the midsole at the heel than for the medial side. Below the sockliner is a thin layer of Everun TPU contributing to the snappy rebound of the shoe.

The overall platform is slightly narrower on the ground than the Ride 9 in the forefoot area. When compared to the Zealot 1 which didn't have it, the SRC Impact Zone is a welcome addition which reduces impact from the still firm outsole and leads to a nice firm pop off the road from the heel at speed.
Outsole
A lot of what one feels in the Zealot and the differences to the Ride comes from the outsole. While difficult to photograph the heel outsole rubber of the Zealot is clearly thicker and less podular than the Ride.
LEFT Zealot ISO 2  RIGHT Ride 9
LEFT Ride 9  RIGHT Zealot ISO 2

The Zealot ISO 2 has thick firm rubber at the rear of the shoe and one can expect many many miles of durability there.  

The front rubber being considerably softer will wear faster but likely evenly across the thick chevron bars. Our sense is that the front rubber is softer than on the Zealot 1 and even that on the Triumph ISO 2.

The firm heel rubber clearly contributes to the firm responsive heel with good rebound when combined with the SRC Impact Zone. When compared to the Zealot 1, Saucony has tuned the geometry and reduced the thickness of heel rubber and changed the forefoot rubber to a considerably softer Tri-Flex front outsole to  eliminate the harsh ride of the Zealot 1and improve flexibility.

LEFT Saucony Zealot ISO 2                                          RIGHT Zealot ISO
Ride
Sam: The Zealot ISO 2 ride is firm, stable and snappy at the rear of the shoe, forgiving and flexible up front. It is a study in contrasts best experienced at faster tempo paces. The real fun begins in these shoes when the pace picks up.
The ride at slower paces is fine with plenty of cushion and unlike many soft heeled low drop shoes, such as the Hoka Clifton, no sensation that one is missing the heel. I have had no problems running them slow and certainly there is none of the jarring feel of the Zealot 1.
The Hoka Clayton (RTR review here) with its softer foam heel and firmer forefoot, the opposite of Zealot construction, is also targeted at up tempo running.  Which do I prefer? Really a toss up with Zealot actually a bit more to my liking at slower speeds due to my heel striking and the lighter firmer upfront Clayton at speed. Compared to the Ride 9, the Zealot has a slightly more consistent and stable landing with less of the continuous smooth roll forward of the Ride 9. 
Peter: The ride of the Zealot is really smooth. I agree that you get more pop the faster you go. I’m surprised by how lively the shoe feels coming off the ground. I found a little more forefoot fatigue on long runs due to, I think, the softer forefoot. I’m also noticing some pretty quick wear on the bottom of the forefoot—there’s a lot of rubber there, so not a big issue—but it’s something to watch. The flexibility of the Zealot also adds to the fun. It’s nice and forgiving on an easy run, but gives you some oomph when you lay into it on the faster runs.
Photo Credit: Peter Stuart
Recommendations
Sam: The Zealot ISO 2 is a great up tempo shoe with plenty of cushioning and stability and no mush. It has a firm heel feel but not an unpleasant or harsh one. It would be a great choice as a marathon shoe. Not as versatile as the silky smooth and equivalent weight higher drop Ride 9, it has been a faster shoe for me and one that conveys a distinct sensation of firm pop off the road and then smooth toe off. It is also a great choice for those moving to a lower drop shoe but worried about heel stability and "bottoming" out the cushioning to something even lower.  I do wish it weighed less by including a somewhat less substantial heel counter and removing a bit more of the heel outsole rubber to soften the ride a touch. A small Everun heel insert in addition to the Everun topsole might also improve this fine shoe.
Peter: The Zealot ISO 2 is my favorite in the current Saucony line. It’s one of those shoes that I would never think would work for me given the specs, but it runs really, really nicely. It’s cushy when the running is easy and spritely when you speed up. The ISO fit system really locks the foot in and they are nice and flexible. I agree it could lose a little weight. To me the upper seems pretty thick. It’s not the best ventilated shoe, but it’s not a hotbox like the Neuro. I think it’s just as versatile as the Ride 9 and I think it runs a hair smoother and has a little more pop. It’s nice to have that extra cushion under the forefoot.

Sam's Score: 4.7 out of 5
-0.15 for weight
-0.15 for heel firmness at slower speeds, versatility
Peter's Score 4.7 out of 5
-0.15 for weight
-0.1for thick upper
-0.05 for sometimes too soft feeling forefoot.

The Zealot ISO 2 was provided at no charge to Road Trail Run by Saucony. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.

Click Here for RTR's Latest Running Shoe and Gear Reviews. 
Over 30 in depth Road and Trail Shoes reviews in 2016!
________________________________________________________________________________

Peter Stuart's Running Bio

My running career got off to a slow start…in high school I was told I ran like a race walker and was thus relegated to race walking on the track team. I got back into running about 15 years ago and then into triathlon. Triathlon really rekindled my love for running, so about two years ago I hired a coach and really focused on the half and full marathons.  I broke a bad habit of putting in tons of moderately hard miles (and no easy or hard ones) and after plateauing at 3:25 (with some disastrous marathons in there), this past year I brought my marathon under 3:00 and my half under 1:25. Along the way I’ve developed a bit of a shoe problem.




Sam Winebaum's Run Bio
Sam is the Founder and Editor of Road Trail Run. He got the run and gear bug early, testing some of the earliest Nike shoes in the 70's, in high school, when Nike had their original R&D in his hometown. Early 100 mile weeks and lots of trail running led him to a HS 2:37 marathon, (2:28 PR), 2 junior division victories and 2 top ten all time junior times at Mt Washington, and the 1976 Division 1 NCAA XC championships with his Dartmouth team mates. Fluency in French took him for work to Switzerland where he ran many classic mountain races (30 in one year including ski marathons) and met his wife Dominique, also a marathoner. Raising a family and with entrepreneurial and consulting ventures in materials science, in-store media, early internet social media, and electronic medical records his competitive running took a long hiatus. He got back at it 10 years ago when work took him to the mountains of Park City, UT.  His annual goal is to break 1:40 in the half, and if he can...,qualify for Boston. Always a tech, shoe, and gear geek he is also the wearable tech columnist for Competitor Magazine.


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Shop for the Zealot ISO 2 below. Purchases help support Road Trail Run

Running Warehouse has incredible deals on Zealot ISO 2 and other shoes in this review.

  • Take 10% off by using RoadTrailRun Coupon Code: RTR10
  • For a limited time also get a $25 Gift Card with purchases of the Zealot ISO2 Triumph ISO 2 (on sale at $139.95), and Ride 9. 

Shop Men's Saucony here
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Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Saucony Life on the Run Collection. Trendy Workout Gear to Streamline Your Active Lifestyle.

Article by Dominique Winebaum

With its catchy tagline, Saucony’s new line of apparel and shoes - The Life On The Run - blurs the lines between working out and hanging out. Even the plaid design on the Fast Track Capri & Bra has thin stripes of different colors that fade into each other, blurring the lines.  If we are to give the plaid design some significance in terms of defining the Collection: it is not preppy, or grungy, but at once modern and chic, combined with an aesthetically pleasing and flattering style that breaths comfort. The concept of streamlining your active lifestyle runs through the Collection, such as mixing and matching pieces to workout or to go about your day.
Outfitted head to toe in Saucony, I seamlessly transition from one activity to another feeling comfortable, confident, and cool.  Made with lightweight, breathable, and highly functional fabrics, the Collection has been designed with a sharp focus on style, comfort, performance, and versatility.

Below my impressions of the apparel and shoes from the Life On The Run Collection that came my way by way of Saucony’s launch campaign:

 The Fast Track Capri ($70)
The Fast Track Capri comes in 2 colors: black and print. To jazz up your workout, I recommend the print/plaid version.  Made of four-way stretch fabric pieced together to maximize comfort and flatter the silhouette, the fit is snug and perfect from all angles.  A wide waistband, with two inside pockets in the front and a zippered pocked in the back, firmly contours the waistline.
Perfect for running, walking, at the gym or the yoga studio, or just hanging out.

The Fast Track Bra ($46) & Speedy Chic Tank ($54)

To match your Fast Track Capri and complement your workout apparel; The Fast Track Bra has reversible fabric (solid to printed/plaid).  The bra is recommended for A to C cup sizes and is indicated for light to medium impact support.  As a size C/D cup, I find the bra provides enough support when running and is extremely comfortable.  I particularly like the compression fit.
The Speedy Chic Tank is a long and fluid tank top with wide arm openings made with lightweight and soft fabric to keep you cool and comfortable. Comes in two different colors: potent purple and fuchsia.  Wear as a set with the Fast Track Capri and Bra.  Very breezy!

Speedy Chic Long Sleeve  ($68)

An essential layer with versatile function, this comfortably fitting top is made of lightweight and super soft fabric. Ventilated seams on the sides, in the back and along the arms, enhance breathability and add texture and style.

 Speed Demon Jogger Pant  ($60 in gray, $80 in black) 
These jogger pants are designed for pre or post workout or to just hang out.  There is a reason they are called “jogger pants” and not “sweatpants,” as their function is to maximize both comfort and style.  An added panel at the level of the crotch extends and tapers along the upper inside of the legs creating a slimming look, with no sagging in the derrière.  Made of extra soft and stretchy fabric, two reflective trim zippered pockets in the front add function and enhance the look of these jogger pants.  The tightly ribbed fabric on the waistband and cuffs ensure a snug fit.

Speedy Chic Hoodie ($70)

The Speedy Chic Hoody is a versatile hooded vest that delivers style and comfort, and complements apparel from the Collection.  Comes in gray and black.  Wear it with the Fast Track Carpi and a short or long sleeve top from the Collection, and as featured on the Saucony website, to add contrast to your outfit.
 Life On The Run Kinvara 7  ($110)
The Life On The Run Collection would not be complete without the limited edition of the Kinvara 7 in colorway, cerise/purple.  A cheery color complements the plaid, purple and fuchsia as well as gray apparel featured in the Collection. A few words on the Kinvara 7. It is light weight (6.6 oz/187 g women's 8), with a snug and comfortable fit. It is responsive and smooth for runs short or long, fast or slow. It is a new favorite. I have been running in Hoka Clifton 1 and 2, and before that adidas Energy Boost. (RTR review of the Kinvara 7 here).

Life On The Run Kineta Relay ($70)
An exercise shoe for light workouts or to just walk around town, breathable and extremely comfortable that completes your Life On The Run look.  Color: a combination of plaid, black, and cerise.

Dominique's Run Bio
Dominique is a long time runner with a Swiss degree in nutrition and an MA in English literature.  She runs 20 miles per week, always outdoors even through the NH winter. She trail runs, nordic skate skis and alpine skis when she is in Park City, UT. She also does yoga, rides and plays tennis regularly. With a marathon PR of 3:16 in 1985, 11th fastest Swiss woman at the time, she is a competitor known as the "sand bagger" as she always races faster than others expect. A mother of two, both runners and out in the world, when she is not exercising she is civic minded,  gardens, bakes world renowned bread and pastries and knits  with a speciality of beautiful cardigans, stuffed owls and hedgehogs.

The Saucony Life on the Run Collection was provided to Road Trail Run at no charge. The opinions herein are entirely the author's.


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Running Warehouse 
Men's Life on the Run color Kinvara 7 and Triumph ISO 2  are available from here
Women's Life on the Run color Kinvara 7 and Triumph ISO 2  are available from here
  • Take 10% off by using RoadTrailRun Coupon Code: RTR10
  • For a limited time also get a $25 RW Gift Card with purchases of the Kinvara 7 and Triumph ISO 2 (on sale at $139.95), and Ride 9. 
___________________________________________________________________


Shop the Entire Life on The Run Collection at Saucony.com

There is a Men's Life on the Run Collection too! 


Click Here to See the Collections at Saucony.com
Saucony Releases New Women's Life on the Run Apparel. Shop Now for Free Express Shipping!
Saucony Releases New Men's Life on the Run Apparel. Shop Now for Free Express Shipping!

Click the Life on the Run shoes below to go straight to the model at Saucony.com


                          Life on the Run Kineta Relay


                       Life on the Run Kinvara 7


                     Life on the Run Kinvara 7 (men's)