Nike’s most minimal Free option in the run speciality category, the Free 3.0 enters its fifth update with a new engineered mesh upper. Gone is the NanoPly wrap from the Free 3.0 v4 that provided structure but also felt a bit too hot for some runners.
In its place, Nike adds engineered mesh as seen on the Air Pegasus+ 29. This lightweight mesh offers built in support where you need it and plenty of open areas for enhanced breathability. We expect weights to remain almost identical to the current model.
What to Watch For
New Upper Mesh: Engineered mesh is designed to provide structure in areas such as the midfoot and heel, while remaining breathable in other parts of the shoe.
Bootie Construction: Underneath the engineered mesh is an integrated bootie for a sock-like fit.
Carryover Platform: The Free 3.0 v5 keeps the mid/outsole of the Free 3.0 v4, with its 4mm heel-to-toe offset.
This April, we’ll see a fresh take on the most popular Nike Free in the run specialty market. The first big change is to the name: gone is the Nike Free Run moniker, replaced with a new name that helps clarify where the shoe sits in Nike’s numerical designation of Free models. The shoe will now be known as the Nike Free 5.0+, meaning it is at the midpoint of Nike’s 0-10 scale between running barefoot and running in a conventional trainer.
This is a name change only and does not affect the performance or design intent of the prior Free Run model. For those of you who looked closely at your Nike Free Runs in the past, you may have noticed a “5.0” stamped onto the midsole by the heel. And in fact, the new Free 5.0+ carries over the platform of the prior model. All the changes to the shoe for 2013 occur in the upper. We expect weights to remain almost identical to the current model.
What to Watch For
Dynamic Fit: The improved Dynamic Fit system using integrated Flywire helps to hold the foot in place.
Goodbye NanoPly: The previous bonded overlays are replaced with new, no-sew construction and increased mesh areas.
Bootie Construction: The stretch-mesh upper provides a next-to-skin fit.
Carryover Platform: The Free 5.0+ keeps the mid/outsole of the Free Run+ 3, with its 8mm heel-to-toe offset.
Runners frequently ask us, “What are the best running shoes for people with high arches?” The answer really depends on what you mean by “high arches.”
In many cases, runners who don’t overpronate are told they have high arches regardless of their actual arch structure. “High arches” is used in this sense to mean that their arches don’t lengthen enough while running to cause overpronation. If this describes you, a pair of neutral running shoes would suit you best. If you don’t know if you overpronate or not, get a free online gait analysis from us.
If you actually have a high arch structure, you may like the feel of a substantial and supportive arch under your foot. Or, runners with high arches may instead prefer a more minimal shoe that allows for strengthening of the arch and the muscles in the foot.
PROFILE 1: I have “high arches,” meaning I need a neutral running shoe.
Neutral running shoes are built for the runner who doesn’t overpronate. A traditional neutral trainer will offer no pronation control while giving you plenty of impact protection. Below are just a few popular models we carry. You can also use our Experienced Shoe Finder for Men or Experienced Shoe Finder for Women to see all neutral shoes we currently offer in your size.
Saucony is planning to shake things up in the maximum support running shoes category for Fall 2013. Updates to the Omni 12 will introduce a level of runability not typically seen in shoes that offer this much support. We already think the Saucony Omni 11 is a pretty polished shoe for the amount of support it provides, and we hope that this model connects with more runners who need a max support shoe.
What to Watch For
Upgraded Cushioning: As in several other Fall 2013 updates, Saucony has added PowerGrid tech to the Omni for increased cushioning and a smoother ride.
Bolder Colors: Available with some eye-catching color combos, the Omni 12 introduces some boldness to a maximum support category traditionally dominated by bland whites and grays.
Widths Available: The Omni 12 will be available in standard, wide and extra wide widths for men and narrow, standard, wide and extra wide widths for women to accommodate a variety of foot shapes.
The original Kinvara TR gained a fair share of “traction” among minimalists and performance trail runners when released last year. Don’t expect any huge changes in the first update of this low profile and lightweight trail shoe. The lighter rock plate and upgraded cushioning of the Kinvara TR2 should offer a nicely improved running experience, while some bold new colorways scream performance on race day.
What to Watch For
Upgraded Cushioning Tech: ProGrid cushioning in the heel has been replaced with PowerGrid for a smoother and softer landing.
New Rock Plate: A new nylon-fiber mesh rock plate sheds weight without sacrificing flexibility or protection.
Reduced Weight: Saucony claims weights of 7.8 oz for a Men’s size 9 and 6.8 oz in a Women’s 8, about an ounce lighter in both versions.
Though many trail runners have shifted focus away from “traditional” trail models in favor of lighter, more flexible options, there remains a place for more rugged trail shoes with plenty of cushioning. Mizuno’s Wave Ascend is one such shoe. With few changes coming to its 8th version, the Wave Ascend remains a solid option for trail runners wanting a beefier and more protective shoe.
What to Watch For
New Upper Design: Mizuno expands the Active-X traction theme of the outsole to the upper, with X shaped overlays to provide lateral control and support.
Improved Fit: An asymmetrical lacing design better contours the shape of the foot for increased comfort.
Carryover Sole Unit: The AP+ midsole from the Mizuno Wave Ascend 7 offers a responsive and resilient ride, while X shaped outsole lugs are suitable on the road and a variety of trail types.
MSRP
$110.00
Launch Date
July 2013
Men’s Color
Anthracite/Bolt/Victory Blue Mizuno Wave Ascend 8
Women’s Color
Diva Blue/Beetroot/Anthracite Mizuno Wave Ascend 8
If you’re a serious Kinvara fan (and we know there are a lot of you out there), you’re already in the loop on the changes coming with the Kinvara 4. Back in January, we posted some sneak peek photos and info on the Saucony Kinvara 4, and we just uploaded two videos that preview the new model coming in May. Watch the videos below for a detailed look at the Men’s and Women’s upcoming Kinvara line!
A few years ago, New Balance Minimus led the way in equipping the runner who wanted a more “minimal” running experience. Fast forward to 2013 and the preference of many runners is shifting to a shoe with a bit more impact protection, but that still offers a lightweight, flexible ride. So is Minimus dead? No way. The line is evolving to adapt to the needs and wants of today’s runner. Here’s what will be introduced into the line for the rest of 2013.
Minimus 1690
The New Balance 1690 (shown above, more sneak peek pictures and info here) bridges the gap between more minimal styles and a conventional running shoe. With a flexible, 4mm offset platform and RevLite cushioning, this shoe makes it easy to transition into the world of Minimus. Designed for ‘urban running,’ this shoe can be taken anywhere, paved or not, and with a no-sew upper, this looks to be one comfortable shoe. The 1690 will be available starting July 2013.
Men's New Balance Minimus MR1 Hi-Rez (Catalog Image)
Minimus MR1/WR1 Hi-Rez
A fresh take on the bare-bones Minimus 00, the Hi-Rez is designed for runners seeking unmatched ground feedback and flexibility in a running shoe. Featuring a midsole consisting of 42 independent pods, this sub 4 oz, zero-drop shoe is built to move effortlessly with the foot and deliver an almost-barefoot sensation. The Hi-Rez launches in April 2013. Read more…
Okay all you crazy fell runners and mountaineers – this sneak peek is for you.
Straight from the legendary S-Lab comes the second iteration of the Fellcross, Salomon’s technical and aggressive trail racing shoe. There are minimal changes with this update – slight modifications to the outsole should improve grip but all in all this will be the same shoe as its mountain-slaying predecessor.
What to Watch For
Improved Grip: The Fellcross 2 features Salomon’s patented V-shaped lugs for optimal traction over unforgiving terrain.
Carryover Upper: The upper on the original Fellcross does a great job of protecting the foot from the elements, so why change it?
In case you haven’t checked your calendar lately, we’re already a few days into March. Though some runners may still be facing the brunt of winter, for others (especially those in our hometown of San Luis Obispo, CA) it’s time to start looking towards the warmer months of the year.
And how do we prepare for the heat of summer? With Breathe, of course.
Nike’s Breathe treatment will make its return for 2013, outfitting shoes with a porous, open mesh upper for optimal breathability, while retaining the ride and runability of their most popular models. Included in the “Breathe Pack” are the LunarGlide+ 4 and Air Pegasus+ 29, as well as the update to the latest Nike Free Run model (which launches at the end of the month). Basically, this means that you can continue to run cool and comfortable in your favorite Nike’s all summer long.
All three Nike Breath Pack running shoes will be available at Running Warehouse in May 2013. In addition to the Men’s Blue and Women’s Turquoise colors shown, we’ll also carry a Men’s Crimson and Women’s Violet, giving you plenty of color options as you beat the heat.
