Article by Michael Ellenberger
Veloci Ascent ($169)
Introduction
The Veloci Ascent marks the debut of a brand-new running shoe company, Veloci Running, with their first model set to launch in January 2025. For a first-ever shoe from a brand-new created by a current student-athlete (Tyler Strothman of Rice University), the Ascent feels impressively premium, showcasing thoughtful design and functionality.
While running startups often face challenges in delivering a polished product on their first try, the Ascent stands out as a testament to Veloci’s meticulous approach and, frankly, is a shoe that I think a lot of runners could find a use for, whether it’s as their only trainer, or part of a curated rotation.
Initial Thoughts, Upper, and Fit
The first thing you’ll notice about the Veloci Ascent is the clean, modern design - like I said above, you’d never peg this as a first-gen offering. The robin’s egg blue colorway is striking yet understated, giving the shoe a high-end aesthetic. I’ll keep these in the closet for kicking around long after I’ve finished putting miles on them.
Looks aside, the upper is streamlined, with no overlays and only a subtle logo, which contributes to its sublime look. It’s well-constructed, breathable (as evidenced during several warm treadmill runs - but hey, our boiler is fixed!), and features a gusseted tongue that adds a layer of comfort without causing pressure points. I would not call this a “super-breathable” shoe, but I wouldn’t raise any flags here.
One of the standout features of the upper (and Ascent platform at-large) is the wide forefoot. Veloci highlights this as a selling point, and it’s evident - your toes have noticeably more room than in many other shoes.
That said, the geometry around the arch on the lateral (outside) edge feels slightly unconventional to my foot; while it didn’t cause specific discomfort, runners with flat feet might find this area less accommodating. This is something that might be mitigated with adjustments like thinner socks, particularly in colder seasons - I noticed it primarily when running in wool socks outdoors.
Midsole
The midsole is an EVA/OBC mix so is similar to Nike React (firm flavor) or Salomon Energy Foam (softer flavor).
The midsole is firm, which defines the ride of the Ascent. With a 10mm drop, the shoe positions itself well for runners who prefer a more traditional offset (and I count myself amongst that crowd). However, the firmness might not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a plush or highly cushioned ride - if you’re used to running in something like a Nike Invincible or New Balance Fresh Foam More, you may feel a bit of a shock here. There’s cushion, to be sure - the rear stack is a generous 39mm - but it’s not a pillowy-soft ride.
To its credit, the rocker geometry through the midfoot and into the forefoot helps to compensate for the rigidity, allowing for smooth transitions to toe-off despite a stiff heel (I took slight issue with its heel counter, but didn’t encounter any major issues besides some initial Achilles soreness). While the Ascent is not designed for hard workouts, it holds up well at tempo pace if needed. Comparisons to the Saucony Endorphin Shift feel apt, though the Ascent’s rocker is subtler, and the overall feel is firmer.
Outsole
For a brand based in Texas, I have to say that Veloci did an exceptional job designing an outsole that performs well in wintry conditions. For the brief time we had wintery mix, the outsole proved reliable on snow and ice, which is an impressive accomplishment for a debut shoe. Durability and grip appear to be strong suits here, further enhancing the shoe’s versatility for different terrains and weather conditions. Combined with that high-stack EVA and OBC mix midsole, I expect overall durability here to be quite good.
Ride and Conclusions
The ride of the Veloci Ascent is defined by its firm midsole and subtle rocker geometry. It’s not a shoe for everyone—runners seeking a plush, soft, or low-drop experience may want to look elsewhere. However, those who appreciate a firmer ride with a supportive, wide forefoot will find a lot to like - and as I said, tacking on an absolutely premium upper goes a long way in making the Ascent feel worthwhile.
The Ascent’s debut highlights the potential of Veloci Running as a brand to watch. While there are certainly areas for refinement (like the lateral arch geometry), this is a solid start that already feels more premium than prototype. For runners who enjoy shoes like the Endorphin Shift but want a firmer twist, the Ascent is worth a try. Supporting a startup with bold ideas is always exciting, and Veloci’s first step into the market is a strong one.
The Veloci Ascent will be available January 12, 2025 at Veloci HERE
Tester Profile
Michael is a patent attorney and graduate of Northwestern University Law School. Prior to law school, he competed collegiately at Washington University in St. Louis (10,000m PR of 30:21). Michael’s PRs include a 67:43 half-marathon (Chicago Half-Marathon) and a 2:21:19 marathon PR at the 2023 Grandma’s Marathon. Michael continues to race on the roads, and is chasing a sub-2:20 marathon and potential OTQ in the future.
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