Article by John Tribbia , Peter Stuart, and Reed Breuer
STR/KE MVMNT Sigma ($215)
Introduction
John: STR/KE MVMNT is a brand that has been primarily associated with minimalist training footwear, built around their "Intelligent Minimalism™" philosophy. So, when news of testing The Sigma landed – a shoe promising to blend those minimalist principles with maximalist cushioning for distance runners – my curiosity was piqued.
Entering a crowded market featuring established tempo and race day titans, The Sigma arrives with unique design concepts, a premium $215 price tag, and a bold claim: bridging the gap between proprioception and plushness. Does this newcomer successfully translate STR/KE's philosophy into a high-performance distance shoe, or does it get lost in translation?
Pros:
Responsive at top speed - John
Comfortable toe box - John/Peter/Reed
Lace stowage on tongue and flat laces - John
Comfortable lockdown - Reed
Cons:
Responsiveness is muted and somewhat dull at slower speeds - John/Peter/Reed
Durability is still uncertain - John
Tight fit around midfoot–Peter
Lackluster ride—Peter
Insole squeaks - Reed
Stats
Spec Weight: men's 8.82 oz / 250g US M9
Sample Weights: men’s 8.91oz / 252.6g US9, 10.3oz / 288g US11
Stack Height: men’s 34mm heel / 28mm forefoot (6mm drop)
Platform Width: (M11) 87mm heel / 67mm midfoot / 115mm forefoot
Expected release date June 1, 2025
First Impressions, Fit and Upper
John: Unboxing the "Moonlit Black" colorway reveals a sleek, modern aesthetic.
The deep black knit upper is accented by midnight blue, silver reflective hits, and a striking two-tone outsole. It looks fast and premium, fitting its price point.
On foot, the initial impression is one of refined comfort and structure. The knit upper, while described as "ultra-breathable," feels substantial and robust. It’s not the airiest mesh I’ve encountered, but breathability proved adequate even on warmer runs.
More importantly, the knit works in concert with targeted exterior and interior laminations to provide excellent foot containment. There's a reassuring structure here, particularly through the midfoot, that cradles the foot securely over the platform.
STR/KE utilizes their new run-specific S2R Last, featuring an "anatomical toe-box." I found the toe box shape accommodating but not overly broad; it allows for natural toe splay without feeling sloppy. It’s perhaps less dramatically anatomical, striking a good balance between performance lockdown and comfort.
Overall the fit is true to size for me (US men's 9), offering a secure heel and midfoot wrap that transitions into that accommodating forefoot.
The heel counter is semi-rigid, providing good structure without being intrusive. Inside, the plush brushed UltraSuede lining is a luxurious touch, contributing to a very comfortable and slip-free heel hold. The tongue is moderately padded and integrates well, though careful lacing is needed to avoid pressure from the lightweight flat laces, especially if you cinch them down tightly for faster efforts. The Sigma feels impressively light on foot for the amount of tech and cushioning packed in.
Peter: The upper material is soft and relatively plush. Tongue is gusseted and well padded with an added “lace garage” to stow away laces. The heel collar is adequately padded and holds the foot in. The anatomical toebox allows for plenty of room up front. Unfortunately for me, the midfoot wrap is quite restricting and between the reinforcing overlays at the midfoot and the shape of the last, the Strike feels quite uncomfortable around the midfoot.
While it doesn’t look particularly narrow, the Strike FEELS very narrow to me. On step-in I was concerned that the shoe didn’t fit my foot very well–and unfortunately this was confirmed on each run. So, it was not a great start on the fit for me.
Reed: Adding to John’s textured comments, the out of the box fit for me was pleasant but not inspiring. Of immediate note is the roomy toebox, a less-demanded but occasionally much-appreciated feature.
STR/KE clearly wasn’t aiming to call too much attention to itself with the black and white colorway, or maybe I’m just used to loud seasonal color blasts from racing shoes of this era. Regardless, these are nice looking shoes that even feature a bit of microsuede in the heel counter.
The on-foot feel is quite comfortable with no obvious “weirdness” but lacks any of the touchpoints I’m used to with performance shoes. There’s no wobble underfoot because the foam is not very soft. There’s no pronounced rocker. I wouldn’t even say they feel particularly light at 10.3oz in my US M11.
The upper is simple yet well-executed - closer in feel to a trainer than a racer. The gusseted tongue has ample padding that feels comfortable even when I tie the laces snugger for my narrow feet. I don’t feel that the laces would dig in whatsoever for me. The lace garage is a good idea for a performance shoe if you don’t want to risk your laces coming undone, though it’s fair to argue if it’s worth the added weight or not.
Midsole & Platform
John: This is where the Sigma gets really interesting and deviates from the norm. The "Linear Platform" employs a dual-density midsole setup. The top layer, closer to the foot, is STR/KE's Spectra Foam, an EVA/EPE blend described as denser. Below that sits a super critical EVA foam. Nestled between these layers is the S30 plate – a full-length Pebax plate.
The concept here is that the denser Spectra Foam provides stability and drives the plate, while the EVA underneath delivers the plushness and impact absorption. In practice, this translates to a ride that is cushioned but decidedly not mushy. You feel protected from the ground, but there's a distinct firmness, particularly from that top Spectra layer. It creates a stable platform, enhanced by subtle "perimeter rails" on the forefoot of the upper midsole that seemingly guide the foot.
The S30 plate is noticeable. It's not the aggressive, stiff carbon-fiber feel of some super shoes, but rather a more forgiving, snappy sensation. The glass-fiber infusion likely contributes to this slightly more flexible, less harsh feel compared to pure carbon plates. It provides clear forward propulsion, especially when picking up the pace.
STR/KE lists a unique "canted 4mm + 2mm drop". While the exact geometry is complex, the feel is akin to a standard 6mm drop shoe. The "Fulcrum cantilevered toe spring" is designed to be stable at lower speeds and fast when pushed. I found this largely true; the shoe rolls smoothly during easier paces, but when leaning into tempo efforts, the forefoot feels poised and ready to toe-off quickly, synergizing well with the plate.
Cutaways in the bottom midsole likely contribute to flexibility, preventing the shoe from feeling like a rigid plank despite the plate and stack. The EVA provides cushioning, but the overall sensation is more controlled and responsive than deeply plush.
The stack height of 34mm heel / 28mm forefoot and full outsole coverage leads to a commendable light spec. weight of 8.82 oz / 250g US M9.
Peter: John, thanks for taking care of the technical information. On a less technical note, the midsole material feels…”meh”. It’s neither minimal nor plush. I don’t feel a lot of push forward from the plate and the midsole foams feel firm but not very responsive.
Ultimately the midsole falls into a sort of neither here nor there. It’s not a super fast and efficient feeling foam. It’s not bouncy and fun and it’s not particularly plush and protective. All of the elements of a great midsole might be there, but the recipe doesn’t work for me.
Reed: I stand with Peter on this one - there’s really nothing special about the ride of the Sigma. It feels about as responsive as other EVA shoes we’ve all worn, with or without a plate. It’s not as if Str/ke was aiming to achieve that bouncy feel either - their aim was to “strike” a balance of ground feel and cushion, possibly for people coming from the minimal side of the spectrum, in which case I’d argue they succeeded. There are certainly other competing shoes in that category if you’re looking for that balance.
Outsole
John: STR/KE opted for a full-coverage rubber outsole with radiused edges. This design choice aims for predictable, all-weather grip. During my testing on dry and wet pavement, asphalt, and even some light, non-technical gravel paths, the grip was consistently reliable.
The full coverage adds a touch of inherent stability and contributes to a smooth ride feel on roads, avoiding the sometimes slappy feel of shoes with more exposed midsole foam. The rubber compound seems reasonably durable thus far, showing minimal wear after initial testing. While not designed for trails, the predictable traction is confidence-inspiring for road running in varied conditions.
The fulcrum cantilevered toe-spring can be seen (photo above) at the top of the forefoot, designed to enhance stability at slow speeds and reactivity at high speeds.
Peter: No issues with traction/grip. Outsole seems good. Some risk of pebble gathering due to the sizes of the cutouts.
Reed: No issues with the grip from me. Probably more rubber than necessary if the goal is to keep the weight down but there may have been other design considerations. There seems to be some negative impacts on the ride of the shoe due to this full-coverage outsole. The brand’s background is in gym shoes where this wouldn’t come into play, but I think the outsole detracts from the performance of the shoe in this case.
Ride, Conclusions and Recommendations
Peter: The Strike is more like a wild pitch for me. The fit doesn’t particularly work for my foot, so it’s a little painful to run in and the shoe hasn’t broken in over several runs. What’s really missing for me is an enjoyable ride. The ride is firm without feeling fast. I like my shoes a bit softer and with more spring these days and the Strike just doesn’t deliver any of that. There are some shoes that I run in to test that are fine, but uninspiring. The Strike is, unfortunately, a step beyond that. It’s a shoe that I really didn’t enjoy running in. At $215 bucks it's a pretty expensive shoe that doesn’t tick any specialty boxes.
There are so many great and interesting shoes out there. This isn’t one of them.
Peter's Score: 3/10
😊😊
John: The Sigma delivers a unique ride characterized by stability, controlled cushioning, and responsive pop. It’s not a super-soft cruiser, nor is it a harshly rigid racer. Instead, it fills a compelling middle ground.
The dual-density midsole and glass-fiber plate work together to provide a protective, guided, yet energeic feel. Transitions are smooth, thanks to the geometry and forefoot flexibility. It feels efficient and capable across a range of paces, truly shining during uptempo work, tempo runs, and potentially even for racing distances from 10k to the marathon for runners who prefer a slightly firmer, more stable platform than some of the plusher super shoes.
STR/KE seems to have successfully blended a minimalist approach with maximalist cushioning. While the cushioning stack is substantial, the shoe retains a good sense of ground connection, flexibility isn't sacrificed thanks to the cutaways, and the S2R last promotes good mobility.
The Sigma is a strong first entry into the performance distance running category for STR/KE. It’s a well-designed shoe offering an alternative to mainstream options. Its strengths are in its blend of stability, responsive cushioning, and a snappy-yet-forgiving plate implementation. I think it is an excellent choice for runners seeking a versatile trainer/racer that can handle daily miles but truly comes alive when the pace quickens.
The $215 price point is steep and places it in the premium category. However, the quality of materials, unique technology, and versatile performance partially justify the cost. It’s a shoe that feels thoughtfully engineered and capably delivers on its promise of being adaptable from every-day to race day.
John's Score: 9.05/10 😊😊😊😊
Ride: 9.2/10 (Energetic, stable, smooth transitions, great for tempo)
Fit: 9.0/10 (Secure, comfortable materials, good toe box shape)
Value: 8.5/10 (High performance, but premium price impacts value score)
Style: 9.5/10 (Sleek, modern aesthetics)
Reed: This hasn’t been the easiest review to write as there probably is an audience for a shoe like the Str/ke Sigma. I fear it’s a pretty niche audience as this is advertised and priced like a supershoe, but it doesn’t back it up. I didn’t think it was uncomfortable for my feet, but if I were looking to keep the ground-feel of a more minimal shoe, I don’t think adding a plate is a good move, especially when it doesn’t feel like the plate is really doing much.This Str/ke struck out.
Reed's Scorte: 5.6/10
Ride: 5.0/10 (Not fun for either easy or faster runs)
Fit: 7.8/10 (I like the fit but it doesn’t quote match the shoe’s performance aim)
Value: 2.5/10 ($215 could go SO much farther)
Style: 6.8/10 (Not a bad look but a fast shoe should also look fast)
7 Comparisons
Mount to Coast R1 (RTR Review)
John: The Mount to Coast R1 and the STR/KE Sigma cater to distance runners but with different primary focuses and timing.
The R1 is a dedicated road ultramarathon race shoe engineered for high-mileage comfort and support, featuring LightCELL foam, a ZeroSag insert and the TUNEDFIT Dual Lacing System to address foot swelling.
Conversely, the Sigma is positioned as a versatile trainer/racer for distance runners that provides a stable and responsive ride that truly comes alive at uptempo speeds.
While the R1 prioritizes long-distance plushness and adaptability, the Sigma offers controlled cushioning and energetic pop, better suited for quicker paces within longer efforts.
Both shoes incorporate innovative technologies, but the R1 specifically targets the unique demands of ultrarunning with features like its adjustable lacing, whereas the Sigma emphasizes a blend of stability and responsiveness for a broader range of faster distance running.
Peter: The Mount To Coast is more comfortable and has a smoother ride. They feel like they are going for a similar thing, but the MTC gets there better for me than the Strike.
Altra Vanish Carbon (v1) (RTR Review)
Reed: The Vanish was overpriced as well at $240 but it was an ounce lighter and was much more fun and responsive although still not magical. The newer Vanish has more cushion and rocker but I have not tested it.
Topo Specter v1/v2 (RTR Review)
Either Specter would be a good comparison for the Sigma. The Topos are lighter thanks to a plateless, PEBA midsole (EVA/PEBA for v1 and PEBA for v2). The Topo has a roomier fit, similar stack height, but is $50 cheaper for a more peasant ride.
Hoka Clifton 10: (RTR Review)
Peter: The Clifton is a plush and stable ride. Fit is excellent and the midfoot is really forgiving compared to the Strike. While there is a bit less groundfeel than in the Strike, ultimately it’s a more enjoyable ride for me.
Brooks Glycerin Max (RTR Review)
Peter: The Glycerin Max and the Strike both tout their rockers. In the Strike I don’t feel any particular rocker or plate effect, whereas in the Glycerin I can absolutely feel the rocker pushing me forward.
Mizuno Neo Vista (RTR Review)
Peter: The Neo Vista is a plated shoe with a rocker that manages to be super fun and plush. Again, way more fun than the Strike.
Mizuno Neo Zen (RTR Review)
Peter: A little lower, leaner and faster than the Neo Vista. A better fit and more fun ride than the Strike.
Index to all RTR reviews: HERE
Tester Profiles
John Tribbia (5' 6", 130lbs) is a former sponsored mountain/trail runner who has run with La Sportiva, Brooks/Fleet Feet, Pearl Izumi, and Salomon. Even though he competes less frequently these days, you can still find John enjoying the daily grind of running on any surface, though his favorite terrain is 30-40% grade climbs. He has won races such as America's Uphill, Imogene Pass Run, and the US Skyrunner Vertical Kilometer Series; and he's held several FKTs on several iconic mountains in Boulder, Colorado and Salt Lake City, Utah. If you follow him on Strava, you'll notice he runs at varying paces between 5 minutes/mile to 12 minutes/mile before the break of dawn almost every day.
Peter lives in California and has been a sub 3 hour marathoner as well as a 1:21 half marathoner in recent years.
Reed Breuer, 32 years old from Auburn, CA. Reed began running at age 18 and did the classic track/cross country route through college. After college he ran a couple road marathons and started racing on trails in 2017. He moved from Sacramento to Auburn in 2023 to live closer to the historic Western States 100 course and he primarily trains and races on trails from 50k to 100mi. He has run a 15:28 5k and 2:28 marathon and is locally competitive in races of any surface or distance. He manages a local running shoe store and is starting a coaching business on the side (capital-endurance.com). He is a closeted heel-striker and over-pronator with a very low-volume foot.
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