Very pleased with my running shoe!

Saucony Kinvara Running Black Slime

After years of trying different types of running shoes to get back to regular exercise, and finding all manner of bio-mechanical issues along the way, I have finally found a shoe that allows running without pain in my shins and plantar fascia. I have recently tried shoes like the Kinvara 2 and two variations of Nike Free, all of which have a 4-5 mm drop from toe to heel. This allows an easing into the barefoot running style. The Kinvara 3 are my favorite!
PRO:
-extremely lightweight
-comfortable from the start
-roomier toe-box than the Kinvara 2
CON:
-I personally like the colors and design, but you may not. To each his own!
-for functionality, it is hard to find a CON

I now run pain-free 15-20 miles a week. I followed others' advice about easing into this style of running shoe: you will be more on your toes, or do more of a flat strike than the rocking heel to toe motion of traditional shoes with their higher heel to toe drop. I initially felt more of a workout for my calf and quadricep muscles but after a month, am now acclimated to the running style. The best part: no shin splints and no debilitating pain from my arches!
I am not racing and certainly would get passed by others who are more fleet-footed, but I am running in these Kinvara 3's to lose weight (20+ lbs in 5 months) and get healthier. I started in Nike Free shoes and now alternate between them and these Kinvara 3's. I find myself picking up the Kinvaras more often.
Whatever your reasons for trying these shoes, I send my best wishes for pain-free running and better health!

Get your Saucony Kinvara Running Black Slime Now!

4 1/2 stars for a great workout sneaker

ASICS Womens GEL Blur Cross Training US

I have FINALLY found the perfect light-weight cross-trainer with great stability. I work out at home and do a lot of "boot camp" programs involving jumping, lateral moves, and such. I tried and sent back four other pairs of cross-trainers before finding and ordering these. Love how lightweight and breathable they are so my feet stay cool, and I don't feel like I have bricks on my feet weighing me down when jumping. Yet they have fantastic stability in the sides to support and prevent rolling during my moves. Stability is critical for me in a shoe as I experienced a severe ankle sprain last year that took 6 months to recover from, and I need the support to prevent future injury. Note the TR in the name as this indicates it has more stability for cross-training. There are other Gel-Blur33 shoes that don't have this designation and don't have the same level of support and stability in the shoe as they are running shoes versus cross-trainers. I found these to be very true to size. I wear a size 8 in regular sandals and heels and ordered the same size in these trainers. I highly recommend this shoe.

Get your ASICS Womens GEL Blur Cross Training US Now!

Husbands workhorse

Ensign Peak Gym Bag Black

I you have really wide feet, this is for you!

I have only found two shoes in five years that will fit, and feel good at the same time.

Originally, the NB 1123 12 6E fit me perfectly. Most know that shoe is no longer made.

The 1123 was literally falling apart when I found a superb replacement, the NB 928, 12 6E.

That has been fantastic, but only in the gray. I've used it exclusively, all winter and rugged enough for daily walks in the woods with the dogs. They are holding up very well.

I tried every other option / color and in different sizes, the only ones that fit without pain were the gray.

I order many many shoes since, looking for just one pair that will fit.

Finally, these arrived and fit great, right out of the box.

The 13 4E, fits about as nicely as the 12 6e's do.

I am THRILLED!

Get your Ensign Peak Gym Bag Black Now!

Made a huge difference!

Saucony Womens Cohesion Running Silver

I you have really wide feet, this is for you!

I have only found two shoes in five years that will fit, and feel good at the same time.

Originally, the NB 1123 12 6E fit me perfectly. Most know that shoe is no longer made.

The 1123 was literally falling apart when I found a superb replacement, the NB 928, 12 6E.

That has been fantastic, but only in the gray. I've used it exclusively, all winter and rugged enough for daily walks in the woods with the dogs. They are holding up very well.

I tried every other option / color and in different sizes, the only ones that fit without pain were the gray.

I order many many shoes since, looking for just one pair that will fit.

Finally, these arrived and fit great, right out of the box.

The 13 4E, fits about as nicely as the 12 6e's do.

I am THRILLED!

Get your Saucony Womens Cohesion Running Silver Now!

Great trail shoe!

New Balance Mens MT1210 Trail

I you have really wide feet, this is for you!

I have only found two shoes in five years that will fit, and feel good at the same time.

Originally, the NB 1123 12 6E fit me perfectly. Most know that shoe is no longer made.

The 1123 was literally falling apart when I found a superb replacement, the NB 928, 12 6E.

That has been fantastic, but only in the gray. I've used it exclusively, all winter and rugged enough for daily walks in the woods with the dogs. They are holding up very well.

I tried every other option / color and in different sizes, the only ones that fit without pain were the gray.

I order many many shoes since, looking for just one pair that will fit.

Finally, these arrived and fit great, right out of the box.

The 13 4E, fits about as nicely as the 12 6e's do.

I am THRILLED!

Get your New Balance Mens MT1210 Trail Now!

Terrific

Saucony Guide Running Vizipro Citron

It's so hard for me to find a wide athletic shoe. Add pink to the mix, and it's near impossible! But I have found a gem in these shoes and I want to stockpile my closet with them before they disappear. I work out for 2 hours a day, 6 days a week in the gym. That's 12+ hours that I need a shoe to help me perform my best. I do the Stair Climber, Elliptical, Spin class, Insanity and thanks to these shoes, now RUNNING! I am beyond thrilled to have found a shoe that works for my wide feet. I have no pain running in these and I ran a 10K just a week after purchasing these. There was no need for breaking these in. You really shouldn't have to "break in" a shoe if it fits properly, but that is something that has escaped me until now. If you have a wide foot, you know what I mean about limited options on colors and styles so consider giving this shoe a try.

Get your Saucony Guide Running Vizipro Citron Now!

Excellent Shoe - 3 Day 60 Mile Journey & Still Going Strong

New Balance W750 Athletic Running

It's so hard for me to find a wide athletic shoe. Add pink to the mix, and it's near impossible! But I have found a gem in these shoes and I want to stockpile my closet with them before they disappear. I work out for 2 hours a day, 6 days a week in the gym. That's 12+ hours that I need a shoe to help me perform my best. I do the Stair Climber, Elliptical, Spin class, Insanity and thanks to these shoes, now RUNNING! I am beyond thrilled to have found a shoe that works for my wide feet. I have no pain running in these and I ran a 10K just a week after purchasing these. There was no need for breaking these in. You really shouldn't have to "break in" a shoe if it fits properly, but that is something that has escaped me until now. If you have a wide foot, you know what I mean about limited options on colors and styles so consider giving this shoe a try.

Get your New Balance W750 Athletic Running Now!

Amazing Shoes!

The North Face Double Track GTX

My old Asics 2150 served me well but after a couple of marathons I needed a new pair. I was worried about having too much padding with the new model as I am interested in the "run barefoot" movement but a knee injury prevented me to pursue on this path at least for now. I got the new 2170 and went for a 5miler test run. It was an amazing pain free run, which had not happened in quite a while. These shoes are light, very comfortable (no blisters, miracle!!) the padding may prevent me to feel the pain on my knee and I run 5min faster that usual. I was bouncing off the ground with delight and landed really smoothly!! Plus then changed the shoe lace, compared to the old model and this lace are much better, I never had to tight them again, a thing that was happening quite often with the old kind! I have to say that the color is also a killer!! Ok! It is just a minor detail but definitely the icing on the cake!!

In summary: this shoes are better than the old model and they made me change my mind about the padding that I was trying to get away from!! My IT band and my knee are thanking me for buying these shoes!!!

Get your The North Face Double Track GTX Now!

nice

K Swiss Clear Tubes Running Brilliant

My old Asics 2150 served me well but after a couple of marathons I needed a new pair. I was worried about having too much padding with the new model as I am interested in the "run barefoot" movement but a knee injury prevented me to pursue on this path at least for now. I got the new 2170 and went for a 5miler test run. It was an amazing pain free run, which had not happened in quite a while. These shoes are light, very comfortable (no blisters, miracle!!) the padding may prevent me to feel the pain on my knee and I run 5min faster that usual. I was bouncing off the ground with delight and landed really smoothly!! Plus then changed the shoe lace, compared to the old model and this lace are much better, I never had to tight them again, a thing that was happening quite often with the old kind! I have to say that the color is also a killer!! Ok! It is just a minor detail but definitely the icing on the cake!!

In summary: this shoes are better than the old model and they made me change my mind about the padding that I was trying to get away from!! My IT band and my knee are thanking me for buying these shoes!!!

Get your K Swiss Clear Tubes Running Brilliant Now!

Great crosstrainer

New Balance WX1157 Groove Cross Training

My old Asics 2150 served me well but after a couple of marathons I needed a new pair. I was worried about having too much padding with the new model as I am interested in the "run barefoot" movement but a knee injury prevented me to pursue on this path at least for now. I got the new 2170 and went for a 5miler test run. It was an amazing pain free run, which had not happened in quite a while. These shoes are light, very comfortable (no blisters, miracle!!) the padding may prevent me to feel the pain on my knee and I run 5min faster that usual. I was bouncing off the ground with delight and landed really smoothly!! Plus then changed the shoe lace, compared to the old model and this lace are much better, I never had to tight them again, a thing that was happening quite often with the old kind! I have to say that the color is also a killer!! Ok! It is just a minor detail but definitely the icing on the cake!!

In summary: this shoes are better than the old model and they made me change my mind about the padding that I was trying to get away from!! My IT band and my knee are thanking me for buying these shoes!!!

Get your New Balance WX1157 Groove Cross Training Now!

Most needed new shoes!!

ASICS GT Running Electric Lightning

My old Asics 2150 served me well but after a couple of marathons I needed a new pair. I was worried about having too much padding with the new model as I am interested in the "run barefoot" movement but a knee injury prevented me to pursue on this path at least for now. I got the new 2170 and went for a 5miler test run. It was an amazing pain free run, which had not happened in quite a while. These shoes are light, very comfortable (no blisters, miracle!!) the padding may prevent me to feel the pain on my knee and I run 5min faster that usual. I was bouncing off the ground with delight and landed really smoothly!! Plus then changed the shoe lace, compared to the old model and this lace are much better, I never had to tight them again, a thing that was happening quite often with the old kind! I have to say that the color is also a killer!! Ok! It is just a minor detail but definitely the icing on the cake!!

In summary: this shoes are better than the old model and they made me change my mind about the padding that I was trying to get away from!! My IT band and my knee are thanking me for buying these shoes!!!

Get your ASICS GT Running Electric Lightning Now!

Very comfortable and great traction

adidas Mens Kanadia TR Running

I've owned a lot of athletic shoes over the years. I've been working out and running for about 20 years. I've had the best from Asics and New Balance... even Brooks. Asics 2100 series have always been my fallback(I've owned two pairs of Kayanos too be they just never felt better to me even though it was more expensive). I was happy with the high end New Balance runners I've owned as well. I always have different pairs of sneakers for running and other workouts(everyone should, as running shoes are designed for forward motion only and are not laterally stable). I put these on and went to the gym. I was working upper body(so lateral stability wasn't an issue) then jumped on the treadmill for a bit. These were super comfortable and very stable right away. I think they impressed me more on first wearing than any other sneaker I've owned. Enough so that when my training shoes wear out I'll look into Sauconys again.

Get your adidas Mens Kanadia TR Running Now!

Terrific running shoes

Saucony Progrid Guide Running Yellow

I've owned a lot of athletic shoes over the years. I've been working out and running for about 20 years. I've had the best from Asics and New Balance... even Brooks. Asics 2100 series have always been my fallback(I've owned two pairs of Kayanos too be they just never felt better to me even though it was more expensive). I was happy with the high end New Balance runners I've owned as well. I always have different pairs of sneakers for running and other workouts(everyone should, as running shoes are designed for forward motion only and are not laterally stable). I put these on and went to the gym. I was working upper body(so lateral stability wasn't an issue) then jumped on the treadmill for a bit. These were super comfortable and very stable right away. I think they impressed me more on first wearing than any other sneaker I've owned. Enough so that when my training shoes wear out I'll look into Sauconys again.

Get your Saucony Progrid Guide Running Yellow Now!

Happy Walker

ASICS Womens Gel Kayano Running Black

I have been wearing Salomon's for the past few years and after having owned several pairs, this by far is the most comfortable. With lots of cushioning, a roomy toe box and excellent tread pattern, trail running is a real breeze. I liked that it was not a mimimalist shoe but still had that low to the ground feeling without sacrificing cushioning. This helps on very uneven surfaces and downhill trails where you "feel" the ground under your feet. Generally, Salomon's runs a 1/2 size big and this shoes is consistent with that. I mostly run in the tropics where it is wet, hot and humid and it breathes and drains very good. With it's colourful palate, this shoe is an eyestopper and a conversatioanl piece so be prepared for the attention you will get. Also, thanks to Salomon for making a women's shoes that is NOT pink. Overall I'm very pleased with this shoe and highly recommend it.

Get your ASICS Womens Gel Kayano Running Black Now!

comfort plus!

Salomon Womens XR Mission Running

I have been wearing Salomon's for the past few years and after having owned several pairs, this by far is the most comfortable. With lots of cushioning, a roomy toe box and excellent tread pattern, trail running is a real breeze. I liked that it was not a mimimalist shoe but still had that low to the ground feeling without sacrificing cushioning. This helps on very uneven surfaces and downhill trails where you "feel" the ground under your feet. Generally, Salomon's runs a 1/2 size big and this shoes is consistent with that. I mostly run in the tropics where it is wet, hot and humid and it breathes and drains very good. With it's colourful palate, this shoe is an eyestopper and a conversatioanl piece so be prepared for the attention you will get. Also, thanks to Salomon for making a women's shoes that is NOT pink. Overall I'm very pleased with this shoe and highly recommend it.

Get your Salomon Womens XR Mission Running Now!

Great running shoe

New Balance MT110 Trail Running

This was to be my second pair of the New Ballance MT110. I love my first pair and wanted another before I wore out my original pair and before they got discontinued. When Amazon put these on sale, I quickly ordered a new pair. Unfortunately the new pair, which was supposed to be the same size as my original pair, arrived noticeably smaller. Small enough that my big toe pokes the top of the shoe, so I have to send them back. If you want a minimalist trail shoe with good rock protection, these shoes are great, if you get the right size.

The uppers are perforated to make them light I guess and to let them breath. That's great except that the smallest amount of water will find its way into the shoe. It was a surprise the first time it happend but it didn't cause a problem.

So, great shoe, if it fits your foot. With free returns its easy to try.

Get your New Balance MT110 Trail Running Now!

Best

ASICS GEL Venture Running Charcoal Orange

Sometimes we get used to certain things and when it changes we rebel. However, in this case, the changes to the veritable Kayano are a good thing. I can really feel the differences and once I took the time to mentally adjust I realized that the model 18 is a big improvement on the model 17. They are lighter. There is more cushioning under the front of the foot, and the cushioning under the heel has been improved/adjusted and feels better to my foot at least. The tongue is a little shorter up top making it easier to tie your bow on the padded part. The 18's have better/improved lateral support and stability. The mid shoe width is a little wider, so it doesn't feel as confining there and adds to the lateral stability. I wore New Balance cross trainers for a long time for golf and the leather uppers had good lateral support, something I felt was a little weak in the Kayano 17's. Everybody is different in what they like, so my comments are somewhat subjective, though I have tried to described what I think are clear improvements. To me these are very nice shoes and a worthy successor to the 17, but test drive them...go to your local big box store, and take a pair home to walk around the house in(keep the receipt). I think you'll see what I'm saying. Then shop around the web to find the best deal, they are pricey at the moment cause they just came out...or wait until later in the year when the price drops. Happy trails...

Get your ASICS GEL Venture Running Charcoal Orange Now!

my favorite shoes

New Balance WO80 Minimus Multi Sport

Sometimes we get used to certain things and when it changes we rebel. However, in this case, the changes to the veritable Kayano are a good thing. I can really feel the differences and once I took the time to mentally adjust I realized that the model 18 is a big improvement on the model 17. They are lighter. There is more cushioning under the front of the foot, and the cushioning under the heel has been improved/adjusted and feels better to my foot at least. The tongue is a little shorter up top making it easier to tie your bow on the padded part. The 18's have better/improved lateral support and stability. The mid shoe width is a little wider, so it doesn't feel as confining there and adds to the lateral stability. I wore New Balance cross trainers for a long time for golf and the leather uppers had good lateral support, something I felt was a little weak in the Kayano 17's. Everybody is different in what they like, so my comments are somewhat subjective, though I have tried to described what I think are clear improvements. To me these are very nice shoes and a worthy successor to the 17, but test drive them...go to your local big box store, and take a pair home to walk around the house in(keep the receipt). I think you'll see what I'm saying. Then shop around the web to find the best deal, they are pricey at the moment cause they just came out...or wait until later in the year when the price drops. Happy trails...

Get your New Balance WO80 Minimus Multi Sport Now!