Mizuno Wave Ekiden Series Review

   I love the Mizuno Wave Universe series.  I have raced in the 3, 4, and 5, but the 4 is my all time favorite.  It was the perfect 5k racing shoe (in my humble opinion) at 3.9 ounces, a nice comfortable fit that could be dialed down and a really responsive feel.  The shoe disappeared off the feet and I used it as my racing shoe for over a year.  Mizuno decided to upgrade it to the Mizuno Wave Universe 5 (REVIEW) which was great, but not as good as the 4.  It didn't feel the same, wore out quickly... and I moved on.  I had always kept an eye on the Ekiden, but had never taken a chance on them.  Finally I made the move and was glad I did.  The Wave Ekiden is the Wave Universe 4 with just a hair more there.  And it a really cool Japanese racing flat.  I am also racing in the Adidas Takumi Sen 2 right now and I have to say, both of these shoes give the feel of high quality the second you put them on your feet.  Asia knows how to make really high quality and cool shoes, especially racing flats.  The Mizuno Wave Ekiden is no exception.

Sole:  I would describe the Wave Ekiden as the Mizuno Wave Universe 4 with just a little bit more underfoot.  I can feel that small increase in material and it definitely keeps your feet comfortable during races.  This is a shoe that easily handle 5k-10k and maybe even the half and full marathon.  It's not a super cushioned shoe, but there is just enough there that combined with the 4.7 ounce weight you will totally forget about your feet.  The grip is also much better on both road and XC/trail.  I have used this shoe on wet roads and an XC course with dirt, grass and trail.  The Wave Ekiden has performed very well on all of them.

Upper/Fit:  The upper is drool worthy.  It is extremely comfortable and high quality.  The upper completely disappears off your feet when running.  There is plenty of room for the toes and it is not a super tight fitting flat.  The shoe does really stay on to your feet, especially if you lace lock them (I do that with all my shoes).  The upper is not super thin, but there is just enough there that I don't think I'll ever worry about durability issues.  There is a small heel cup in the back, but it isn't noticeable and keeps your feet locked in.  The achilles tab is perfect.  It is very comfortable and I love the split for the achilles tendon.  More racing shoes need this!

I don't' know what else to say other than the fact that Mizuno nailed the fit of the shoe.

Responsiveness:  This is a fast racing flat.  It has a nice balance of pop and protection.  The Wave Universe 4 definitely has more pop, but lacks that extra bit of protection that allows this shoe to be used from the 5k to the half marathon and beyond.

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  This is supposed to be a 6mm drop shoe and it feels somewhere in that 4-6mm range.  Just a hair more drop that seems to save your legs for longer races.  I can understand why elite Mizuno athletes can race in this shoe up to the marathon.

Durability:  The durability is decent.  It is a racing flat, but I think I can get over 150 miles in these.  Currently I'm at 82 miles and they look fine.  The upper looks exactly the same when I bought it and there is some, but not too much wear on the sole.  Way better than the Wave Universe 4 and 5.

Weight:  At 4.7 ounces, this shoe will disappear off your feet.  While the Universe 5 is almost 2 ounces lighter, I need to remind you of the amazing range of this shoe.  This is the only shoe I can think of that you could use up to a marathon that is under 5 ounces (again, your leg strength and endurance may vary).

Thoughts as a PT (Student):  I can see nothing wrong with this shoe as a racing flat.  Obviously I would not suggest training in it if you have biomechanical issues, but if I had known about this shoe during my super minimalist phase, this would have been on my feet all the time.  I really like the full ground contact which gives it a more stable ride (not supportive.  There is no medial posting in this shoe).  The upper is fantastic as I mentioned early and does not constrict the toes at all.  The toe spring isn't too bad either.  The heel counter isn't hard or soft, but provides just enough to keep your rearfoot relatively locked in.  I have no problems with this shoe.

Final Thoughts:  I love this shoe.  It is the Wave Universe 4 with just a bit more.  I have enjoyed racing in these and have won 2/3 races I've used them for.  I will continue to use them and hope to get my feet and legs strong enough to use them in my second half marathon (whenever that ends up being).  I have never had a more comfortable short distance racing flat in my life and will continue to use these.  Additionally, although I don't usually comment on this, they look awesome.  Again... the developers in Asia know how to make racing flats.  They just make you feel fast.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and I put at least 100 miles on every pair of trainers and 50 miles on every pair of racing flats before I review them.  Currently I have 82 miles on my pair.

As always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Mizuno Running USA website.  Head down to your local run specialty store to check them out!

Adidas Adios Boost 2 Review

  I've wanted to try the Adidas Adios Boost for some time.  I didn't have the guts to drop $140 on a shoe until I went home to Portland, OR for my 2 week break from DPT school between the summer and fall semesters.  Thanks to Foot Traffic (the store I work part time in when I'm home) I was able to pick up a pair of the Adios Boost 1.  It was quickly exchanged as I did not like the upper at all.  It felt like a hard plastic that seemed to squeeze my foot in a bad way.  Instead I picked up the Adios Boost 2 as I was still set on getting this shoe in some variation.  The upper was much better (more on that later) and I was very intrigued by the boost sole.  Years ago when I worked for Fit Right Northwest I made fun of our Adidas rep when he showed off this new midsole material.  I told him that putting styrofoam in the shoes was probably not a good idea.  I still remember the look he gave me because I was clearly being an dick.  He was completely justified too.  However, like Peter Quill I am not 100% a dick.  Boost is the real deal and Adidas is way ahead of the entire market.  Especially with the Adidas Adios Boost 2.

Sole:  This is where the magic happens.  The Boost midsole perfectly combines the feeling of responsive and cushioned.  In the Adios it is more on the side of responsive, but both are present.  I thought Brooks did a good job with this combination in some shoes with Biomogo DNA, however after experiencing what Adidas has done I realized the DNA is really just soft and cushy compared to Boost.  The Adios Boost 2 also has a combination of a flexible and snappy ride.  The harder you push this shoe, the more it will slingshot you forward thanks to the extended torsion system in the forefoot.  I had the same experience in the non-boost Adios 2, but that shoe was extremely firm.  The Adios Boost 2 has the benefit of having the Boost midsole, which will give you enough protection to be used as a lightweight trainer.  I have used this shoe for everything from lydiard hill circuits to flying 150s to 6 mile tempo runs.  It really does everything.  I know I've said that before about other shoes, but I didn't realize how those other shoes paled in comparison to the Adios Boost 2.  I have also used this shoe for long runs and recovery runs, but really it should be used to run fast.  Slow recovery runs can be difficult in this shoe, but it works for me since I like training in shoes that boarder on the responsive and somewhat firm side (and I usually hate soft cushy shoes).
    There is really nothing else out there like the Boost midsole.  If you have not tried it I highly suggest you do as it can be difficult to describe how awesome it is in words.  Combined with the fast adios ride there is no other shoe out there like it.

Upper/Fit:  As I mentioned early, the Adios Boost 1 upper was stiff and uncomfortable.  As soon as I picked up and started running in the Adios Boost 2, the upper disappeared.  I immediately noticed that a 10.5 Adios Boost 2 fits just like a size 10 Adios Boost 1 or almost any other shoe, so make sure you go up a 1/2 size.  When I first tried it on I thought it was unremarkable, but on the run I can say this is the first shoe I've had that has felt comfortably snug.  The upper forms to your foot, keeps it from moving, but does not squeeze your toes.  I have not had any hot spots, slippage or points of pressure on my foot running in the Adios Boost 2.  Granted it is not the most breathable upper out there, but I have not had any issues with my feet sweating.
    There is a heel counter, but it is moderately flexible and has not bothered my heels at all.  Normally I am very sensitive to them, but I have not had a single issue.  The Adios Boost 2 just continues to impress me.

Responsiveness:  Heck yes this shoe is responsive.  Push the pace and you'll go flying.  That being said the ride is not rock hard firm.  It has that taste of cushioning that I would associated with a marathon racing shoe.
 At the same time I understand how elite athletes have used it for everything from the 5k (the 2014 Carlsbad 5000 was won in a pair of Adios Boosts) to the Marathon (I don't need to tell you how many elites have won major marathons in this shoe).  I know it is more about the athlete than the shoe, but the Adios Boost 2 has some amazing versatility.

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  The Adios Boost 2 is listed as having a 9-10mm drop.  That is only half the story.  The boost midsole compresses to point where it never seems to interfere with your stride.  This shoe has an incredibly smooth ride to the point you will stop caring about heel-toe drops.  Additionally, the drop does not feel as it is listed.  If you are really hard nosed about knowing the drop, it feels more like a 7-8mm drop shoe. What I've also noticed is that when switching to low-drop racing shoes, I have not experience any residual DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness).  Normally switching between traditional and low drop shoes usually causes significant calf soreness, but this time I came away with only general body fatigue.  Again I am impressed with Boost.

Durability:  Adidas is known for using Continental Rubber (yes, the same used for tires) as outsole material.  At 220 miles I am seeing significant wear on the outsole but the sole feels almost exactly the same.  The same responsive/snappy/just enough protected ride.  I fully expect to get at least 100 more miles out of this shoe if not more.
     The upper has remained completely the same other than continuing to break in nicely.  It feels like a really comfortable pair of jeans that just get better with time.  I have not noticed any seems, tears or other issues with upper.  As I mentioned before with regards to the fit, I am really impressed!

Weight:  The Adidas Adios Boost 2 is listed at 8.0 ounces, which in my mind is a little heavy for a racing flat.  As a lightweight trainer/workout/marathon shoe, I think it is perfect.  As I mentioned in the heel drop section, the shoe never feels like it is in the way.  The ride is very smooth and it has just the right amount of cushioning and responsiveness for my tastes.  If you want something a bit more cushioned, check out the Adidas Boston Boost (I'm working on getting my hands on a pair soon.  Review to come).

Thoughts as a PT (Student):  I really love this shoe, but it does have some toe spring (see above).  I've touched on my views of this in my previous posts.  I do understand that it allows the shoe to ride smoother and may be one of reasons I can train full time in it.  However I am worried due to the fact that excess toe spring does keep your toes in an extended position.  This can lead to various toe deformities but only after wearing shoes with high toe spring for many years (think decades).  The toe spring is not that bad in the Adios Adios Boost 2 but it is noticeable.  I would prefer it if they returned to the reduced toe-spring of the Adidas Adios Boost 1 as that contributed to a very snappy ride when I briefly tried them on.  Would I be still be able to use them as a lightweight trainer as opposed to a workout and race only shoe?  Would they lose the smooth ride I love?  That remains to be seen.  Most brands have this incorporated into all their shoes now, so it is really not significant. This aspect has not deterred me from wearing them at all.  In fact I already purchased a second pair and admit that the Adidas Adios Boost 2 has overtaken the Saucony Kinvara 1 as my favorite shoe of all time.

Final Thoughts:  Yep.  I just said that.  The Adidas Adios Boost 2 is my favorite shoe of all time.  I have purchased a second pair and I'm sure I'll purchase a third.  Will I still keep testing shoes?  Of course!  I still would like to see what happens if that toe spring got reduced.  And if it doesn't I'll just stockpike this version.     The Adidas Adios Boost 2 really showcases the new Boost midsole in a way that has pulled me in.  I realize the Boost material has been around for a year or two, but sometimes I like to hold back and see if things are really worth the hype.  This has been a bit of an Adidas gateway shoe for me.  I am also currently training in the Adidas Sequence 7 Boost (review on the way) and am eyeing the just released Boston Boost 5.  And although it is not a Boost shoe yet (you'll have to wait until early 2015), I am getting closer to pulling the trigger on getting a pair of Takumi Sen 2s.  I've always wanted a pair of those and they are getting harder to resist.  I may have to hold out for the Takumi Sen 3 Boost but it is going to be difficult.
    If you have not tried on a pair of Boost shoes yet, I highly suggest you do so.   Even the experience will be interesting.  I honestly didn't like Adidas Energy boost because the toe spring was so excessive and the upper was too tight, but the Supernova Glide Boost (only if you have a very neutral gait), the Sequence Boost (if your foot is narrow.  More on that in the review), the Adistar Boost (only tried briefly) or the Boston Boost (out 9/1... or today as I write this review).  At least try them on.  I think Saucony, Brooks, Altra, Asics, Mizuno, Nike and everyone else needs to start thinking about moving away from EVA midsoles.  Never have I tried a shoe that had the same ride constantly for so long and such a good ride at that!  Adidas has definitely raised the bar with this midsole and this shoe.  I am excited to see where they take it and how the rest of the industry will catch up!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and I put at least 100 miles on every pair of shoes before I review them (except racing flats which I put on at least 75 miles).  Currently I have 220 miles on my first pair and a second pair in waiting!

As always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Adidas website.  Go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!

Saucony Kinvara 5 Review

Rarely do I buy more than two pairs of a certain shoe in a row.  This comes from being fairly picky and being curious about new stuff on the market.  The first shoe that I went past 2 pairs in a row of was the Saucony Kinvara 1.  Right as the minimalist wave was hitting the market, I was looking for a low drop that still could handle the 80 mile weeks of intense training I was doing at the time as a sophomore on a competitive college team.  I distinctly remember trying on the original Kinvara and thinking it felt like I was running in shoe boxes.  I still gave them a shot because I was desperate to find a 4mm drop cushioned shoe that fit my foot well.  A few runs later I was hooked.  I went through almost a year of only training in this shoe.  For only getting 200-250 miles a pair, I went through a great deal of Kinvaras before transitioning to the Altra Instinct after that track season.  To this day I have not worn the same model for anywhere near that long.  Needless to say when I begin to have trouble running hard +100 mile weeks in the Altra Instinct/Provision/ Torin/Instinct 1.5, I came back to the Kinvara 4.  It was disappointing because either the toe-box wasn't shaped the same or my feet had been spoiled by Altras.  I still had some awesome and blazing fast runs that reminded me of the shoe bliss of the Kinvara 1, but I ended up blowing through the upper of the 4th version at 170 miles.  The shoe also felt dead at 120 miles, so I sadly retired them and got myself to move on....

     Then everything changed when I heard Saucony was making some big changes to the Kinvara 5.  A bigger toebox, full length powergrid and a special heel cup.....  I was excited but didn't want to get my hopes up.  Then when they finally dropped.... I felt like it was a combination of Hanukkah and Christmas (I come from a multireligion household).  The Kinvara 5 is everything I hoped it would be.  Read on to find out my thoughts.

Sole:  The first thing I have to say about the new sole is that it feels nice and simple.  No crazy bells and whistles.  The new sole has just enough cushioning for long runs but enough pop for all out sprint strides.  The powergrid cushioning along with Saucony's EVA+ is very noticeable to me as I vividly remember the Kinvara 4.  The Kinvara 5 has a softer feel in such a way that reminds me that this shoe wants to protect my  feet but also has the responsiveness I would associate with a lightweight trainer/marathon racer.  I would call it the Brooks Launch of 4mm drop shoes (or is the Brooks Launch the Kinvara of lightweight trainers?).  I could definitely see someone using this as a lightweight trainer or a half/full marathon racer.  It can really do everything and I have used it as such.  Hills, tempo runs, 300 repeats, sprints.  The lugs on the bottom work well on trails as well.  Obviously the Kinvara 5 isn't the Peregrine, but it definitely is much more road friendly and can handle any terrain you throw at it. I would really call the Kinvara 5 the Jack of All Trades shoe.

Upper/Fit:  Oh yes.  It's so good.  The second I put this shoe, the upper fit perfectly to my foot.  I'm usually a size 10 and the Kinvara 5 fit me perfectly in that size.  The toebox is much improved and roomier than the Kinvara 4.  No longer does the front dive in and smash my 1st and 5th digits.  The Kinvara 5 has the perfect width for me in that I have plenty of room in the front but do not slide around at all.  This shoe has the Goldilocks of uppers.  I really like the ProLock technology in the midfoot as it hugged my foot nicely without being compressive and secured my foot extremely well.  And that heel cup?  It feels SOOOOO good on bare skin.  Every mile after the first 60 miles I ran in the Kinvara 5 was sockless.  Completely sockless.  I never had a single chaffing issue and I took this shoe up to 17 miles on trails.  Rumor had it that the Saucony Team was trying to design this shoe to be worn sockless.  I would say they achieved this goal.  However, on my second pair (yep, already working through the second one), I had some chaffing issues the first 50 miles and then after was fine.  So the upper needs some time to break in.  As always, everyone is different, so proceed with caution on the whole sockless running thing.  I do love my Injinji socks a great deal.

Oh baby.  It's so good.  That upper.

Responsiveness: As I mentioned this shoe has just enough cushioning and responsiveness to handle any type of workout you undertake.  The 7.7 ounces really helps make it light enough to never be in the way of high leg turnover and the sole responds well to high speeds.  Even on trails the shoe feels fast enough to race in but protective enough to do a long slow recovery.  I began training in this shoe during a recovery period of my training.  By that I mean I wasn't doing very many workouts because I felt like the end of the summer semester of the 1st year of DPT school was eating me alive (everything turned out great though).  The workouts I did do were surprisingly fast.  3 mile tempos at 5:10 pace, uphill trail tempo runs, 200m hill repeats.  All of these went very well despite the high level of stress I was under.  I'd like to partially credit the Kinvara 5 for having enough of a lightweight and responsive feel to remind me that it was time for a workout.
    And just the way it is responsive enough workouts, the shoe has just enough cushioning to handle longer runs without destroying my feet.  I would again liken it to the Brooks Launch but just a hair firmer.  Again... a Goldilocks shoe.

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  As always the Kinvara is listed as a 4mm drop shoe, but it feels a bit more than that.  Obviously the heel-toe drop will feel different depending on the shoe.  To me the Kinvara 5 felt more like 5-6mm drop but in a good way.  My calves weren't completely wrecked when I got up in the morning but my stride never felt inhibited.  There was just enough there to be a middle child between the current 8-10mm drop shoes and the 0-4mm drop shoes.

Durability:  The most surprising part?  I took my first pair of Kinvara 5s to 350 miles.  The most I ever got out of the Kinvara 1 was 230 miles.  I probably could have kept going on my first pair of 5s but didn't want to chance an injury.  Really the only thing that wore out was the sole.  Long gone are the days when you would blow a hole in the upper at 150 miles.  This upper is extremely durable.  I never saw any signs of wear (other than dirt and scuff marks) or seams busting.  I am extremely impressed by what Saucony has done with the upper of this shoe.  Everyone knew the stereotype about how terrible the upper durability was on the previous 4 versions.  The 5th version is a completely different shoe in that regard.

Weight:  Saucony lists this shoe at 7.7 ounces and I would agree with that.  Other sources will tell you there is some 0.1 ounce variation between models, but who really cares about 0.1 ounce in a lightweight training shoe.  This falls in the perfect weight category that I like in a training shoe.  High 7 ounces to mid 9 ounce shoes.  Being on the lighter side of that spectrum, you could definitely get away with doing some serious racing in the Kinvara 5.  It has a fantastic balance between weight, cushioning and responsiveness that can handle any distance (obviously depending on the person).

Thoughts as a Physical Therapy Student:  I just like how simple this shoe.  Any support comes from the higher arch that Saucony is known for and the ProLock technology.  But the arch is EVA so it does not intrude into your foot.  Instead your foot will be cupped nicely and held to the platform (the Kinvara 5 is listed as a neutral shoe).  There are no crazy bells or whistles in the sole of this shoe so just protects your foot and lets it do its thing to a degree.  Combined with the wonderful toebox and the (what feels like) 5-6mm drop it is a fantastic shoe.  I have no complaints with this shoe from a medical or biomechanical standpoint.  Obviously if you have a severe restriction in calf length, foot/lower extremity foot strength or have some kind of foot deformity that requires you to have an orthosis, this shoe may not work for you.  Otherwise, I highly recommend this shoe.  Even just to try it, have a lightweight shoe in your rotation or to use as a racing shoe.

Final Thoughts:  I definitely think of the Kinvara 5 as the Goldilocks shoe.  I also realize I've already said that multiple times.  It really is the perfect balance of a shoe, although I wouldn't mind Saucony adding a bit more to the sole and bumping it up to 8 ounces.  I realize that sounds sacrilegious to the Church of Kinvara, but for all that it can do, the Kinvara is a lightweight trainer/marathon racer.  I tend to think of it more as a lightweight trainer and wouldn't mind just a hair more there.  That's personal preference.  Or Saucony could just keep it like it is because they really did an unbelievable job on this shoe.  The upper is fantastic, the sole is nice and simple, the shoe can handle any workout or race and it is surprisingly durable (at least compared to the previous versions).  I have really enjoyed my time training in the Kinvara 5 and plan to continue doing so.  I want to thank the Saucony team for rekindling my love with the Kinvara series.  I highly suggest giving them a try!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and I put at least 100 miles on every pair of shoes before I review them (except racing flats which I put in at least 75 miles).  Currently I have 350 miles on my first pair and 125 miles on my second pair.

As always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Saucony website.  Go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!

Asics Gel-Hyperspeed 6 Review

Long ago when I began my jump into minimal shoes, one of the those was the Asics Gel-Hyperspeed 5.  It was a pretty awesome shoe with a 6mm drop, responsive cushioning and weighing around 7 ounces.  It was great but the drainage holes in the forefoot drove me crazy as they would pick up almost every small rock I came upon.  I put them through their paces and then moved on to the original Kinvara which I stayed in for a long time.  I didn't give much thought to the hyperspeed other than hearing that it was being discountinued a few years ago.  I was more a fan of the Asics Piranha, so it didn't bother me too much.
    Not long ago photos began emerging of Ryan Hall in a new shoe.  Talk of the Asics Gel-Hyperspeed 6 began to show up and then boom.  There it was.  The successor to the very popular Asics Gel-Hyperspeed 5.  And that is the shoe that's on deck today for a review.

    Without further ado, let's talk about Asics's premier racing flat: the Gel-Hyperspeed 6.

Sole:  The biggest thing you will notice with the sole is how soft it feels.  The Hyperspeed 6 definitely does NOT have a firm ride.  It's fairly soft and cushioned for a racing flat while being a little closer to the ground than a lightweight trainer.  Maybe you'll thing it's firm if you're coming from the Asics Nimbus or a Hoka shoe, but I am not.
    The other major change I noticed is that the sole is much narrower than the Hyperspeed 5.  While the 5 felt like a stable (not supportive.  No medial posting at all) and well balanced shoe, the Hyperspeed 6 feels narrow underfoot and unstable.  Granted I am a bit of a pronator, but I spend a great deal of time in shoes like the Altra Instinct, Mizuno Wave Universe 4, Kinvara 5 (as of yesterday) and more and those shoes feel much more stable underfoot due to slightly wider bases.  It's also probably due to the huge cut out in the medial arch, which just like my experience with the Nike Zoom Streak XC/LT series makes the shoe even more unstable combined with a narrow last.  The upper isn't too narrow (more on that in a bit), but the sole certainly feels like that.
    Asics has also taken away those extremely irritating holes in the Hyperspeed 5 for a full ground contact outsole in the Hyperspeed 6.  There is one drain hole in the midfoot, but I haven't had any rocks get stuck in it like the last version.  I guess that holes in the Hyperspeed 5 wouldn't have been so bad if they hadn't gotten so many rocks stuck in them.  That's what made it frusterating and was the only thing I didn't like about it.  The Hyperspeed 6 takes care of that issue with a full ground contact forefoot along with deeper flex grooves that also make the shoe very flexible.
    Typical of Asics's shoes, the midfoot is slightly cut out, separating the forefoot and heel.  Luckily because this was done so minimally the Hyerspeed 6 practically has a full ground contact outsole and I do not feel that separation that I normally hate in shoes.  Mostly because it's really not there.  The only bit that is there is from the separation between the forefoot and heel high abrasion rubber areas.  Which are fairly durable (see durability).

Upper/Fit:  I have to put this out there.  I hate the insoles.  They just plain suck.  Sorry Asics, but I had to say it.  After putting about 10 miles in the shoe during my first test run (2 mile warm up, 6 mile tempo, 2 mile cooldown), the insole started slipping around when I put the shoe on, took the shoe off and when I didn't have the shoe absolutely locked on to my foot.  I dealt with this issue and it hasn't bothered me too much during the run (it has a bit and contributes a bit to the unstable feel), but I am now going to try running without the insoles.  They are pissing me off that much.  The plus is that the inside of the shoe only has a few major stitch points that with a pair of socks shouldn't be too much of an issue, but I'll have to try this out and report back.  I've put about 75 miles in this pair and I think the shoe is broken in enough for me to try insole free running.  Although this will require socks.
    The upper has decent room for a racing flat but initially is a bit narrow in the forefoot.  The upper is fairly stiff and initially does not flex well with the foot.  My pinky toe felt especially pinched by that last and furtherest forward stripe of the Asics logo.  Eventually it broke in after about 20 miles, but keep in mind at first it may feel narrow.  And not just racing flat narrow.  Racing flats should have a narrow form fitting grip on your foot that keeps you locked down but not pinched.  I would never call myself locked in with this shoe because of a little more spacious heel and no extra last eyelet (for laces) to use a runner's loop lacing technique to lock in my heel.  I had to really tie the laces tight to keep my heel from slipping out of the shoe.  That combined with a bit of a stiff upper intially made me want to hate this shoe.  I gave it a try over using by skipping the first few eyeltes which gave me a bit more wiggle room and then I tried running without socks.  That also helped.... kinda.
   You can run sockless in this shoe if you get used to it.  I had some chaffing on the top of my foot and the sides felt a bit rough because I don't think the upper was designed with sockless running in mind.  However with few seams it turned out ok and my feet eventually got used to them.  Now that I'm throwing the insole out I'll go back to socks.  After testing them out walking around my apartment without the insoles and with socks (while writing this review) they seem to be ok.  Again, I'll report back later.

Responsiveness:  This is not the most responsive racing flat out there.  I'd actually call it one of the least responsive of all the ones I've worn.  What this shoe does have is a lot of cushioning for being so light as I mentioned earlier.  For that reason I would use this shoe for the half to full marathon distance or tempo runs/long runs.  It does not have the get up and go required for 5k/10k racing like the Mizuno Wave Universe 4 or 5, the Asics Blazingfast, the Asics Piranha, the Saucony Type A5 (have not tried the A6 yet), the Brooks T7 racer (very versatile) or the Asics Hagio (just listing the ones I've run in or tried).  However, what this shoe has over all of those shoes listed (except the T7 racer) is that the cushioining is more than sufficient for long runs or the marathon.  There is quite a bit there.  There's almost no pop that I usually get from racing flats, but they will protect your feet.
   However, I do love this shoe for longer tempo runs.  It's one of my favorites because of the cushioning.  Since I live in an area where I can't take two pairs of shoes with me and leave one behind while I do a workout without fear of having them stolen (I currently live in Pomona, CA), this shoe provides some cush for the warm up and cooldown.

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  The heel drop is listed at 6mm but feels more like 4-5mm (not that 1-2mm makes a difference).  There's a little protection there but not too much.

Durability:  What's amazing to me is that this shoe actually has decent durability for a racing flat.  After over 60 miles in the Hyperspeed 6, there is almost no wear on the heel.  In fact, most wear is in the forefoot but is actually not that bad.  It's a bit chewed up but I can see myself easily getting at least 150 miles out of this racing flat if not more.  Generally for a 5 ounce shoe I expect more like 100, but it seems to be holding up well.  There are absolutely no fraying, ripping or major wear of the upper.  Other than being a little dirty the Asics Hyperspeed 6 is holding up very well for a racing flat.  I'm really impressed with this aspect of the shoe.  That combined with the fact this shoe is only $85 dollars really makes the Hyperspeed 6 a really good deal.

Weight:  At 5.6 ounces, this shoe is pretty dang light for how much cushioning it has.  I'd expect it to be at least in the 6-7 ounce range, but Asics really stepped up their game.  This weight reduction also might be due to how much Asics narrowed the sole, which does again make the shoe feel a bit unstable.  It does not feel clunky in any way shape or form.

Thoughts as a SPT (Student Physical Therapist):  Other than the non-anatomical toe-box, I would say the narrow sole could be a problem (and this is just me being nitpicking), but it really depends on the person.  Again the narrow sole lends itself to an unstable ride, however someone with a rigid high arch is not going to have any issues with a shoe like this.  Others like myself may.  I tend to prefer shoes with a wider base, but that's more personal preference based on my own mechanics.  Everyone will respond differently.

Final Thoughts:  So overall the Hyperspeed 6 will do very well for you if you want a well priced, very lightweight shoe that has enough cushioining to handle the half or full marathon distance and will last you a long time.  For those people who like training in mininalist shoes this might be a good option if you want more cushioining but don't want to sacrifice weight.  It was an interesting experience to try this shoe out and I will continue to use it for tempo runs and shorter recovery runs where I want a lightweight shoe.  The Hyperspeed 6 would not be my first choice for a 5k or 10k, but definitely for a half marathon.  The upper has ended up fitting ok, but I would still like to see an additional eyelet in the shoe to lock in my foot a bit better in the next generation.
   I have very much enjoyed breaking in this shoe and using it on longer tempo runs.  It has certainly saved me legs while remaining lightweight and at the same time was well worth the money for how durable it is.  I'm very curious to see where Asics goes with the Hyperspeed 7, because with a few tweaks this could be an absolutely amazing shoe.

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and I put at least 100 miles on every pair of shoes before I review them (except racing flats which I put in at least 75 miles).

As always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Asics America website.  Go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!

Saucony Fastwitch 6 Review

   Shoe review time!!  Time for a brand I have not reviewed and a shoe I've wanted to try for a while.

We have the Saucony Fastwitch 6 on deck today.

    This shoe is 7.5 ounce supportive racing flat with a 4mm heel-toe drop (approximately.  More on that in a bit).  I've always wanted to try this shoe after hearing raves about how well the toe-box fits combined with the 4mm drop and mild support.  Here are my thoughts:

Fit:  As others have reported, the fit is pretty great.  The forefoot is not constricting and the midfoot and heel are appropriately snug.   It's like a combination of a racing flat fit with a comfortable training shoe fit.  I would call the forefoot "just wide enough" or "almost roomy."  It's definitely not Altra wide, but it gets the job done as I don't feel any constricting feeling in the toes that will normally kill the feel of a shoe for me.  The shoe also consistently runs a 1/2 size short, so make sure you order up.  Even if you want a racing fit.  I'm normally a 10 in most shoes and I found the 10 way too short and snug.  The 10.5 fit perfectly with or without socks both width and length wise.  Sometimes I'll go down a half size if I plan on wearing a shoe sockless full time.  This shoe still required me to size up half a size with either condition.  Even with the sizing issues, the fit is fairly secure, comfortable and has worked well at fast and slow speeds. 

Sole:  This is not a shoe for slow recovery miles as the sole feels extremely stiff when you try to push them through that.  Not a responsive stiff either.  Just an extremely firm, "am I even wearing a shoe or am I running barefoot on the pavement" type of stiff.  I'm exaggerating a bit as I have done recovery runs in this shoe, but it is very firm.  However, when you pick up the pace, the shoe begins to show it's true colors.  It's still extremely firm, but feels more responsive at faster paces.  Let's just say to find the true purpose of the Fastwitch 6, you have to push it a bit.  Anything fast this shoe does well.  From short sprints to long tempo runs, it gets the job done. 

   Being a supportive racing shoe, there is some mild posting in the form some dual density EVA and  what Saucony calls a "Midfoot Support Bridge."  In the picture above it is the grey and white stripped part of the midsole.  It does provide support, but it's also very stiff (hmm... there seems to be a pattern here...).  I guess I've been spoiled with technology from Brooks, Nike and others who offer either progressive or dynamic support rather than the old-school stiff "hold your foot and don't let it move" type of support.  The stiffness of the support bridge also limits the flexibility of the shoe and does not provide the responsive ride that I would expect and hope for from a racing shoe with this much under foot.  There is a good amount of sole under your foot, so you'd at least think you get some protection for longer miles.  Honestly though it feels like 5 ish ounce shoes like the Asics Gel Hyperspeed 6, Brooks Puredrift, the Saucony Type A6 and others have softer cushioning and more responsiveness than the Fastwitch.  Even with the lower weights. 

Upper:  Here's the part I really like.  The upper is a mesh material with flex film overlays that conform fairly well to the foot.  The forefoot has a light and breathable mesh that for the most part will keep the front of your foot cool.  I've worn this shoe both with socks and without and have never had any chaffing issues.  To be honest though I have not worn this shoe sockless over 10 miles but up to that the shoe is comfortable.   My only issue is in times of heat, the shoe is not very breathable in the heel and midfoot, which can lead to sweating.  I can feel a bit of friction on the medial midfoot when this happens, but haven't had any issues.  Overall I really like this upper. 

   Here's what I don't like but doesn't seem to bother me: the heel counter.  My heel is a bit sensitive to stiff heel counters and the Fastwitch 6 definitely has one.  There is not a ton of padding back there, which I was very worried about at first.  However, I have not had any issues with it.  It seems to actually be somewhat flexible and doesn't come up super high.  For those of you that are extremely sensitive to these things, be aware that the Fastwitch 6 does have one. 

Heel-Toe Drop/Ramp:  Even though this shoe is listed as a 4mm drop shoe, it feels a bit more than that.  It's not a bad thing, but die hard 4mm drop people should be aware it feels more like a 6-7mm drop shoe.  Although RW reports have shown most Saucony 4mm drop shoes are in the 7mm drop range anyway.  It's 2-3mm.  Not a big deal.  For long mileage it's actually really awesome for when your calves start getting really tired.  It's not too much but also not too little.  Just right. 

Durability:  After 100 miles of use I am indeed seeing some wear in the sole that is to be expected.  I wouldn't expect to get more than 300-400 miles out of them, but overall though I am not seeing as much wear as I would expect on a racing shoe.  This definitely fits more into the lightweight trainer relm of wear and tear.  I am impressed that they are holding up as well as they have been due to the intensity of workouts I have put them through.  I'm not seeing any major issues with the upper so far but have heard reports of the lateral midfoot busting open on people.  

Weight:  The shoe is reported by Saucony to be 6.9 ounces, but I definitely agree with with other reports that the shoe is at least 7.5 ounces if not more.  It's decent for a long distance racing flat, but it could be lighter.  I can feel the weight of the shoe and think that when you compare the Fastwitch 6 to the Saucony Kinvara, the Kinvara feels lighter, more responsive and has a bit more functional support with the high arch (but lack of the midfoot support bridge.  Which again I don't like and think really weighs down the shoe both physically and performance wise).

Thoughts as a SPT (Student Physical Therapist):  Really what is bothering me is the use of a stiff and non-movable support system in this shoe.  When you remove the motion from one joint, it will be taken up in another joint.  This is one reason why people with stiff orthotics may experience knee pain after a time.  The loss of ankle joint mobility for shock absorption means that the knee will have to take those forces, resulting in higher joint forces through the knee which may bring out any weaknesses and exaggerate certain motions that can cause pain with time.  Some people may never have any issues while others might.  I'm not saying that stiff orthotics are always bad.  Sometimes a motion needs to be restricted for whatever medical reason.  For the general public though, I don't see any reason why Saucony can't get rid of the midfoot support bridge and stick with the duel density EVA.  I think that would lighten the shoe up from a relatively heavy 7.5 ounces (for a racing flat) and drastically increase the flexibility and responsiveness of this shoe.  This is supposed to be a racing shoe with mild support, not a motion control shoe.  Get rid of that midfoot support bridge and stick with the dual density EVA.

Final Thoughts:  This is a great shoe if you like a really firm ride or like stiff support in a racing shoe-like package with decent room in the toe-box.  I definitely think there are significant improvements that can be made in the sole to lighten the shoe up and turn it into the racing monster it deserves to be.  Right now though I believe the midfoot support bridge is hindering the shoe both in flexibility and responsiveness.  For someone coming from a motion control shoe this might be a great racing shoe.  For others it might make a great lightweight trainer.  Despite my heavy apparent criticism of the shoe, I do like the Saucony Fastwitch 6 and will continue to use it until it wears out.  It has been a great shoe for both long workouts and short repeats.  If I ever make it onto the Saucony Hurricane team, this will definitely be a shoe in my arsenal.   

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and as always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Saucony Running website.  Again, go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!

Mizuno Wave Sayonara Review

Once upon a time I was a die-hard minimalist runner and refused to train in anything with a heel-toe drop of more than about 5mm.  The Mizuno Wave Sayonara was the shoe that pushed me to being open to different shoes regardless of heel-toe drop.  I liked it so much I picked up a pair after trying them on and did a very hard Fartlek workout in them on my first run.  So much for breaking the shoes in.

As you can probably tell, we have the Mizuno Wave Sayonara on deck for a review!

    The Mizuno Wave Sayonara is a lightweight trainer that took the place of the Precision and the Elixir.  It is listed at 8.1 ounces and supposedly has a 10mm drop.  It was one of Mizuno's first shoes to debut their new U4ic midsole that is now in all or almost all of their shoes.

   Before I started training in this shoe I was wearing the Mizuno Wave Cursoris.  You know.  One of Mizuno's full on dives into the zero-drop market.  Which is now being taken off the US market.  However the Cursoris 2 and Levitas 2 are available now in Europe and Asia.  So if you're over there, check them out and tell me how they are.  Anyway, I was training in the Cursoris and was getting really tired of how the soles got torn off after about ~120 miles of use (that durability in the forefoot was horrible.  As I've said before, I am hard on shoes).  Right then Mizuno came out with the Sayonara and people were raving about it.  I tried a pair on during a quite moment while working at Foot Traffic and I was very surprised.  Surprised enough that I immediately bought them.  

     First what blew me away was how well they fit.  I'm very picky on the forefoot and toe box fit of shoes.  Having them too narrow is a major turn-off for me.  And that was one of many reasons I had been steering clear of traditional shoes, even with a nagging on and off peroneal injury that I kept running through (pressure was taken off that with higher drop shoes for me).  These had a very good fit in the forefoot.  I know the term "fits like a glove" is overused, but that's how they fit.  The upper is a little stiff, but has the combination of holding your foot down well and having a spacious fit.  The stiffness of the upper does break in a bit and form to your foot as you put more miles on the Sayonaras.  Even after breaking in, the upper remains very durable and I have not seen any tearing or wear in the +200 miles I'm put on them.  The midfoot and heel is on the narrow side in a way that will REALLY grip your foot.  Not uncomfortably so for me, instead in a good kind of "Lockdown" way.  I never had to worry about heel slippage in the Sayonaras, although I still did a lace lock because it's just a habit.  For those of you with narrow feet, you'll like these shoes through the heel and midfoot, then if you like a wide forefoot, you'll like them even more.  For those with wide feet, the midfoot and heel may be a bit snug.  The forefoot will feel fine though.  Again, that forefoot width is awesome.  Speaking of fit, these shoes fit about a half size big, so take that into consideration and go try them on at your local running specialty store.  

     That heel-toe drop obsession that I mentioned early?  The amount in the Wave Sayonara feels like 8mm to me despite the measurements of it being about a 9-10mm drop.  I felt it, but it didn't bother me.  Why?  Because these shoes are VERY responsive.  These are not cushioned trainers at all.  Do they protect your feet from the road?  Yes.  Would they work as a half/marathon racer?  Definitely yes.  I personally would opt for something lighter, but this would make an awesome long distance racing shoe.   This shoe has a ton of pop and I have very much enjoyed using it for tempos and fartlek workouts.  Should I have run my first half marathon in this shoe?  Maybe.  But I was Brooks crazed and only want to train in their gear because I was hoping to be sponsored by them.  Personally I think this shoe is much better than the Brooks Racer ST5.  The drop is lower, the shoe is lighter and there is more pop thanks to that amazing U4ic midsole.  And despite being lighter, the shoe does feel as if it has more protection, which may just be due to the lower heel drop and more material under the forefoot.  Every time I ran in the Mizuno Wave Sayonara I wanted to run really fast.  These shoes don't do recovery runs.  I mean.... they do, but they'll kick and scream a bit before giving in.  Not literally.  That would be freaky.  I don't think I would run in a shoe that actually kicked and screamed at me.  I have run very slow, tired and sore runs in them and they have done fine (I've only done a few of those though).  Really the Sayonaras are meant to go fast.  The sole is fairly firm and remains that way.  Not racing flat bone crushing firm, but responsive/protective firm.  

     I'm pretty happy with what Mizuno has done with the sole of the Wave Sayonara.  It almost has full ground contact, which Mizuno is generally not good about.  Like Asics, they like separating out the forefoot and heel, which I have problems with since I suspect that leads to a bend in the midfoot which could lead to some plantar fascia issues.  I have no study to back that statement up, only personal observations of hundreds of customers and runners working in running retail and biomechanics knowledge as a DPT student.  It's just a hypothesis at this point.  Mizuno has done better with that (that little lateral midfoot section could use some work) in the Sayonara.  The G3 sole pattern on the Sayonara is both very durable and grips the road very well. I have never had any slipping issues in this shoe (like other shoes.. cough pureproject shoes cough) and the sole provides an awesome base from which to push off from when running fast.  The black rubber on the shoe in the heel and the lateral forefoot is super durable.  Over the +200 miles I have on my pair, there is next to zero wear there.  So expect (from an outsole durability standpoint) these shoes to last a long time.   

     As the Sayonara is a replacement for the Precision and Elixir, Mizuno put some mild support elements in the medial heel to provide just a but more of a stable platform.  It is still listed as a neutral shoe, but know that those who need some support will get it from this shoe.  This comes both from the wave plate in the heel  as well as a fairly firm and narrow heel fit.  So again you can see why this would be a great choice for a long distance marathon/half marathon racing shoe for those who need just a bit more shoe.  Although granted the Adidas Adios/Adios Boost only weighs a few tenths of an ounce lighter.  So it's not that much more of a shoe.

    One of my few problems with the Sayonara is how stiff the actual heel is underfoot.  The forefoot is responsive and has some flexibility, but the heel has next to none.  So if you are a heel striker or someone who hammers down on their heel when they are tired (me), this shoe may not be the best option for you.  The lack of flexibility back there gives it a bit of a jarring sensation if you land really hard.  If you are a mild heel striker, midfoot or forefoot striker, these will be fine for training.  Heel strikers may want to save these for workouts or races.  

    Other than the heel inflexibility issue (which prior to Mizuno's current line, ie the Inspire 10, Rider 16, Paradox, etc was pretty common for their trainers.  Things have changed) I really like this shoe.  If you like a lightweight trainer with a wide forefoot, narrow midfoot/heel, that is very responsive, the Mizuno Wave Sayonara is your shoe.  It's great for workouts, uptempo runs and even racing.  That and it's a fairly durable shoe.  If nothing else try them on and tell me what you think!

Thanks for reading and don't forget to Tack On!

These shoes were a personal purchase and as always, my views are my own.  

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Images obtained from the Mizuno Running website.  Again, go down to your local running specialty retailer to check them out!

Mizuno Wave Universe 5 Review

Finally time for a non-Brooks shoe review.  I love the Wave Universe series so much.  I really do.  And I will start it off by saying that the Universe 5 is my favorite racing shoe of all time (thus far).

    On deck we have the Mizuno Wave Universe 5.  This is Mizuno's 5k/10k racing flat that comes in at an amazing 2.8 ounces.  This shoe has a 2mm drop according to Running Warehouse (feels flat to me) and a none-removable insole.

    As of now the Wave Universe series has retaken the "lightest racing flat" award back from the New Balance RC5000.  The series is named as such because they are supposed to be the "Lightest Racing Shoes in the Universe" (obviously ignoring any alien races who also happen to run that have created an even lighter shoe that we are not aware of).

    I have a great deal of history with this series.  I have worn the Wave Universe 3, 4 and 5 and have loved each one.  The Wave Universe 3 and Saucony Type A4 were my introductions to minimalist running as I trained in both of them for some time (and loved both of them).  I have raced in all three Universes extensively and have done many workouts in the 3s and 4s.  The 5s I have saved for racing due to a couple reasons I will get into.

   So yeah.  A 2.8 racing flat.  It feels like there is nothing on your feet.  Almost.  The sole is surprisingly cushioned ("cushioned" being an extremely relative term) for how little there is there.  And they are responsive.  REALLY responsive.  The first time I raced in these I set my 5k road PR in 14:45.  That was of course a week before I my peak race at the BAC 5k last summer, which I kinda bombed because I went out too hard with the Kenyans and Ethiopians.  That and I hadn't fully recovered from my PR race (also I'm an idiot, got excited and did too many hard workouts during my peak week).

See how flat that heel drop is??

    These shoes feel really good.  They disappear off your feet and you totally forget about everything down there except how much pop you're getting flying down the road (or track if that's what you're into).  And they feel at or close to zero drop in terms of the heel-toe drop.  So be prepared that if you are not used to running in very low drop shoes, these will wreck your calves.  The Wave Universe 3 and 4 had some drop (4-6mm) to give you some (not much) achilles protection.  These have next to none.  It's like running in a track spike.  The U4ic midsole is very responsive and this is the closest thing I've felt to a track spike for the road.

   And the upper?  A minimalist's dream.  The toebox is non-constricting, fairly wide for a racing shoe (like all the Wave Universes) and the upper is barely there.  In racing conditions I was very nervous about this, but found that when I tied the laces down tight, I had very little to worry about.  Would I like a little more structured upper?  Yes.  I like the midfoot to have some lock down.  But I cannot complain as there is no heel counter and thus nothing to irritate my calcaneus.  Also it's 2.8 ounces.  I don't think they have much more to take out before the shoe falls apart after one race.  So yeah.  I'll shut up about that.

   On a side note, I have not raced sockless in these yet, but wearing them around the house without socks has caused no ill effects.  I'll go hammer out another race soon in the Universe 5 as my achilles is getting used to being in low drop shoes again.  I'll see where I'm at next Saturday and report back with the sockless details. 

    Mizuno did put some strategically placed material (called G3 Sole) to give some traction and bite the road (see the picture above).  Which it totally does.  I have never had to worry about traction in these as they grip the road very well.  The Wave Universe 3 and 4 had decent traction, but this new sole is awesome for the most part.  I do have one problem.

   And that problem?  Outsole durability.  Yeah..... It's not good.  I have 5 races in them with about 20 miles total and the wear is significant.  Yes I get it.  The shoe weighs 2.8 ounces and there is barely anything there.   But for $125 I would hope for some kind of durability.  Which I guess is in the upper.  I'm surprised that with how little upper there is that it has absolutely no rips, tears or any signs of wear compared to the sole.  They seem to be going strong so far despite the outsole wear.  I guess you're paying for the light weight and super responsiveness.  So that's why I keep them for race day only.  But that's really the only problem I have with them and I'm pretty hard on shoes.

  So that is the Mizuno Wave Universe 5.  This is my all time favorite racing shoe.  Not the best durability, but it is a FAST shoe.  I still cannot believe how much relative protection it has for how little shoe is there.

   If nothing else, go try them on.  This shoe is for anyone who wants to run insanely fast over the 5k (maybe 10k).  I would not try them over 10k unless you are a seasoned minimalist runner.  If you are a minimalist runner, you will especially like this shoe.  I started racing in them when I was training in the 6oz Brooks Puredrift.  At 2.8 ounces, there are only a handful of shoes that you could train in where you wouldn't notice the weight step down on race day.

   Give them a shot and go fly down the road.

Thanks for reading!

As always, my opinions are my own*.

Tack On!!

-Matt Klein, SPT

*Shoes were provided free of charge from the Foot Traffic Mizuno Rep Ben Evans.  Because I was bothering him for a free pair.  Thank you Ben!

*Images obtained from the Mizuno Running website.  Go down to your local retailer to check them out!

Brooks Racer ST5 Review

Shoe Review TIME!!!

Today I am reviewing the Brooks Racer ST5.  This is Brook's supportive racing shoe.  It comes in at 8.6 ounces and has a 12mm drop.  It is a personal favorite of mine.  Read on to find out why.

     Imagine the Brooks Launch, but more responsive, supportive,  and lighter.  And the Launch is an awesome shoe (review on the way).  The ST5 is just more of a racer.  Not to say you couldn't race in the Launch.  It's a similar weight (just a bit lighter), but it is quick.  REALLY quick.  It always throws me off a bit how fast I can run in an almost 9 ounce shoe.  And with that quickness comes a much firmer sole as well.  Whereas the Launch is much softer and not nearly as responsive.  However, the firmness of the Racer ST5 does not deter from the shoe being protective.  It's like a track spike with a 12mm drop and some support via a medial post, called a "Diagonal Roll Bar" or DRB (see the fourth picture).  That coupled with the DRB Accel (see the fifth picture.  It's that black crossing plastic thing in the midfoot) provides a ride that is stable and launches you forward.  Brooks should have called this shoe the "Brooks Launch Racer ST."  Or not because the name is too long.    

     The shoe fits very well.  Think of a the typical racing flat feel where your foot is held down well, but there is good room in the forefoot/toes (no compression).  They are very comfortable (yes I would sleep in them) and the Racer ST5s disappear off your feet.  I might say the heel is a tad wide, so make sure you do the special lace lock/bunny ears lacing technique (whatever you want to call it.  If you don't know what this is, I'll do a post about it.  Or head down to your local run specialty store and ask!).  

     Color wise I chose red... because I saw Ryan Vail wearing that color on a Flotrack video.  That's really why I chose it.  I fully admit that.  If you can wait until February 1st, 2014, Brooks has an awesome new colorway coming out in a crazy blue and nightlife (neon yellow) color.  

Crazy right?

    Unlike almost every racing flat out there, the Brooks Racer ST5 is EXTREMELY durable.  You will get as many miles out of these as typical trainers (if not more because right now I think my Brooks Ghost 6 is going to last 200 miles at max before the sole is totally destroyed).  I have +150 miles on this shoe and there is almost ZERO wear.  The shoe feels like it did when I first got my paws on it (except it's molded to my foot a bit).  I detect almost no midsole breakdown and I check all this every single time I wear them because it blows me away every single time.  You could definitely use these as lightweight trainers.  They have enough protection to do that.  The only reason I don't is that I like being able to step down from a heavier trainer so that my racing shoes feel lighter on race day.  

   The durability is incredible.  I really don't know what to say other than "wow."  That might be the trade off for having a little more weight in the shoe.  I don't know.  I seriously wish more shoes were like this and this is a RACING FLAT.  Flat being a generous term with the 8.6 ounces and +12mm heel drop.  But I have nothing to complain about because this shoe has taken me through my fastest tempo runs and an incredible 71 minute half marathon that I prepared very little for (it was also my first one.  And no I didn't taper.  Why?   I'm an idiot that's why).  

See that red part of the midsole?  That's the DRB.  Never feels intrusive.

    Some people may worry about the shoe's weight being heavy for a flat at 8.6 ounces, but the shoe is VERY fast and feels much lighter.  The weight never gets in the way and as mentioned I can run really fast in this shoe.  I have even run very quick 5ks in them but do prefer the T7s or Mach Spikeless for that distance (if you're into Brooks).  They have quite a bit of pop to them, but not in a jarring way.  I think that helps make them such a responsive and fast shoe.  I use them for all my workouts and longer races (including the 71 minute half marathon I mentioned earlier).    

    And yes, the shoe has a fairly high heel drop for a racing shoe at 12mm (although it actually feels a bit higher).  Once I get going though, it is not noticeable at all.  This shoe is so smooth and fast you will completely forget about what's going on at your feet.  I thought I was going to have a terrible workout the other day being a little sick and not getting enough sleep.  Yet I flew through a 4.2 mile tempo run in about 21:30 on a route that was NOT flat.  Yes.  That's 5:07 pace per mile while sick.  I know it's not just the shoes, but they help.  

Dang, I almost ran my sophomore year college 5k PR in these will doing a tempo run...  

     I think this shoe works best racing longer distances.  This is the shoe I used during my (first) half marathon and I do not regret that decision.  Yes my quads were busted up because I got tired and was heel striking pretty hard.  But my feet were completely fine.  I'm pretty sure I would have destroyed myself if I'd chosen the Brooks T7.  I even ended up running pretty quick, averaging ~5:25 pace for 13.1 miles!  I eventually would like to move to the T7 for half marathons, but right now my body is not ready for them racing that distance.  

   So yeah.  You could say I kinda love these shoes.  They have carried me through some awesome times.  Who knew a year ago that my racing and workout shoe would have support, a 12mm drop and weigh 8.6 ounces?  I was training in shoes that were much lighter and had much lower heel drops than that!

     Do I think they could be improved?  Yes.  I think Brooks could bring the weight down by reducing that heel drop a bit.  I think 8-10mm would be great.  That would probably bring the shoe down to around 8 ounces (I think).  Then it could compete better with the Adidas Adios Boost,  Saucony Fastwitch, Asics DS Racer and the Nike Lunarspeed Lite+.  All of which are lighter.  But lighter does not mean better.  Of those shoes, the Racer ST5 fits the best (with the exception of the Fastwitch 6, which is also very comfortable after a few runs), is the most protective and the most durable based on the wear I've seen from those who race/train in those shoes.

     I think people will shy away from this shoe because of the weight and support.  But please don't let that deter you!  The Racer ST5 may look like it has more "junk in the trunk", but it will not hold you back at all.  Trust me.  The phrase "more cushin' for the pushin'" applies here.  Except it's talking about running speed... not sex.  And the "cushin'" is firmer.  Like it being due to muscle rather than fat..... because strong glutes are important for running fast and injury free..... alright I'll stop now (this is not a good way to end a review but I'm going to anyway).

    I really cannot say enough good things about the Brooks Racer ST5.  As I said they are a personal favorite.  If nothing else take a look and try them on.  They are well worth your time.

Thanks for reading!

These shoes were a personal purchase and as always, my thoughts are my own!

Tack On!!

-Matt Klein, SPT

2/8/14 UPDATE:  I am now using these and the Brooks Purecadence 1s as my training shoes and am doing all workouts in the Brooks T7.  Heading back down the minimal rabbit hole again...

*Pictures obtained from the Brooks Running website.  Go over there and check them out or head over to your local running specialty store!