Tag Archives: running shoe review

Nike 5.0 Free Review & a Workout They Rocked

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jd sports running shoes

JD Sports out of London (insert trumpet fanfare) sent me a pair of Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 4 Print to try out and review. I haven’t run in Nike in like FOREVER, so I was super excited to get my feet to the street in these stylish running shoes that I’ve been hearing so much about. JD Sports mentions how this product is part of the Crosstown Running rage.  What is that? I’m from Texas, y’all, but I think it has something to do with Londoners getting into the lifestyle and community of running – and showing off their street chic style while running or just hanging out in their stock of versatile fitness gear.

 

nike 5.0 tri 4 printSo, what do I think specifically of the Nike Free 5.0 TR Fit 4 Print? Well, there’s no arguing that the shoe is quite fashionable for pounding the pavement on a run, leaping parked cars in parkour class or just knocking back some beers after work with friends.  With quite a lot of print color combos, it’s easy to find just the right ones for your personality – or difficult, if you’re a complicated, multi-faceted . . . err, indecisive person like me.

wall sit stars

As for the technical aspects, the shoe is light and has a breathable, engineered mesh upper which I like, especially in this Texas heat. Nike flywire technology provides just enough support and lockdown on the forefoot and an inner sleeve hugs the heel for a snug (but not tight) fit. What I really like about the running and fitness shoe is the sole, which has a nice bit of traction yet is still really flexible meaning – this bodes well for transitioning from a run right into a workout with jumping, burpees and fluid multi-directional movements. I NEED shoes that are flexible in the midfoot and toes and the Nike Free 5.0s totally delivered. Now, if you’re a runner that needs a bunch of stability and support due to biomechanical issues, this may not be the dream shoe for you. But, for the runner who needs a neutral, lightweight, high-performing, flexible shoe – the Nike Free 5.0 will be your new besties!

You also may be wondering what it was like to order running shoes from an overseas store. I was skeptical of delivery time at first but, honestly, my shipment arrived in about the same amount of time as here in the good ole U.S. of A. Now, these shoes did hop the pond by way of London to Dubai to Austin, so they moved a great distance quickly – I hope that translates into my running performance!  One thing to know if you are buying running shoes or trainers from the UK, footwear is sized differently. For example, my women’s size 8.5 in America is a women’s size 6 in England – but don’t worry, they have size charts to help you out.  JD Sports doesn’t just sell Nike, they also carry Adidas, Asics, Fila and more  . . . you really should really check out all their running shoes and get yourself some of that British style!

workout with run, planks, wall sits and more

So, to celebrate all this shoe can DO, I created a workout filled with all the moves it will help you perform better – like running,  jumping and multi-directional movements!  While you COULD do the Crossfit inspired WOD alone, it’s much more fun to pair up with a friend to push you all the way through the final 2k run! Have fun!

Have you every worn this or any version of the Nike Free?  Whatdidjathink?

 

Running with Women’s Intuition – Altra Zero-Drop Shoe Review

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Altra Intuition zero-drop running shoe

I finally got to take my new Altra Intuition running shoes out for a sweet tempo run today. The only thing that would have made the experience better is if I didn’t wait until noon and 90+ degree temperatures.  First, thanks to Altra and Woman’s Running Magazine for hooking me up with these awesome “zero-drop” shoes, I’ve been eager to try them since I read that they were named “Best 2012 Debut” by Runner’s World and “Editor’s Pick – Most Innovative” by Competitor Magazine.  The big hype on this shoe is the “zero-drop” from heel to toe and female-centric construction — not just a “shrink it and pink it” strategy some shoe companies force on us ladies.

You’d have to be under a rock not to know about the barefoot / minimal running revolution that’s been discussed to death. You know, wearing absolutely no shoes or shoes with a “minimal” construction instead of thick heeled clunkers. The point is that a runner’s biomechanics  can be reverted to the preferred natural gait where the mid-foot strikes the ground first, etcetera, and so on.  Just check out Pose Running  for more on this technique.  I had the opportunity to be coached by Dr. Romanov himself a couple years ago.

Since then, I’ve worn quite a few brands of minimal shoes and had success with many (and fewer injuries) except for that one paper-thin pair (not going to mention the name here, but you can message me) that fell apart after 60 miles!  However, I have to admit, I miss some of the cushioning on long runs that most of these minimal shoes lack.  What I love about these Altra Inutitions is that they have a fully-cushioned mid-foot area yet are still surprisingly light (8.1 oz) with zero-drop from heel to toe. Based on my run today, I bet my feet wouldn’t feel beat up in the least after a marathon.   Plus, the roomy toe-box is perfect for gals with wider feet, bunions or both.

Altra warns that the Intuition model runs ½ size too small, but I found that not to be the case (at least with my feet) – so I had to deal with a dreaded return.  But, the customer-service department was very friendly and apparently has a “no questions asked” 30-day guarantee on “worn, unworn and defective” purchases – free shipping and returns too! BTW, the web site says the Intuitions are $99 retail, not bad. Really, my only negative on these shoes is that they aren’t the “coolest” looking shoes in town, but I’d much rather have happy feet, so who cares!