Salomon S-Lab XT 6 Men's Shoes

Salomon’s S-Lab XT series receives an update in Fall 2013, though fans of the XT 5 need not worry – the changes in store are mainly cosmetic. The XT 6 will remain an ideal choice for mountaineers taking on the most technical and demanding trails. For those running in snowy or muddy conditions, a Softground version featuring deeper lugs also will be available.

We measured samples at 11.1 oz for a size 9 XT 6, and 11.7 oz for the Softground model of the same size.

What to Watch For

• Improved Fit: Salomon’s endoFIT technology has been added, featuring an internal sleeve construction for a more seamless, bootie-like fit.
• New Lace Garage Design: The laces now run through the lace garage, which opens at the top of the tongue for easier access. It’s all in the details.
• Carryover Platform: The mid and outsole carry over unchanged in this update, offering the same protective and supportive ride as the prior model.

MSRP
$180.00

Release Date
September 2013

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This spring, zero-drop footwear is getting a boost – in terms of underfoot cushioning and protection. Once the exclusive domain of “minimal” footwear, zero-drop designs are growing up (off the ground, that is) with thicker platforms designed to provide more impact protection.

Three big brands – Brooks, Mizuno and Saucony – have introduced cushioned, zero-drop models this year. We took to the roads in all three, and here’s how they stack up.

Brooks PureDrift

Likes: Excellent ground feel, flexible platform that moves with the foot, wide forefoot allows for natural toe splay Dislikes: Many runners will want more underfoot protection, midsole pods are noticeable, upper may be too generous for some Verdict: The Brooks PureDrift delivers a near barefoot experience suited best for experienced minimalist runners

6.1 oz (Men’s 9), $100 MSRP

The PureDrift got a lot of buzz before its January release. Known for its close to the ground feel, this shoe maintains a touch of cushioning underfoot. One of the more minimal releases of the year, the PureDrift is a treat for those looking for an almost barefoot ride.

Not as cushioned as it may appear, the extra firm underfoot feel makes it best reserved for experienced minimalist runners. Removal of the sockliner allows for an even closer to the ground experience, though testers agreed that the difference in cushioning is small.

The PureDrift platform utilizes a pod construction that delivers remarkable flexibility, especially in the forefoot. The pods are noticeable underfoot when transitioning from landing to toe-off, though the effect on the overall ride is small.

The toebox is the widest in this test, and there’s a roomy fit throughout the shoe. Runners with narrower feet may notice scrunching of excess material over the top of the foot.

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The Wave Universe is a shoe that needs little introduction. Mizuno’s premier racing flat has always pushed the boundaries of running shoe weight, while offering resilient cushioning and impact protection. Considering its pedigree, we probably shouldn’t have been jumping out of our seats when we learned that the upcoming Universe 5 shaves almost a ridiculous 30% off the weight of its predecessor. But jump we did when we saw the shoe in person.

Mizuno lists the weight of a Men’s size 9 at just 2.8 oz, while a Women’s 7.5 is listed at 2.2 oz. If that doesn’t get you excited, we’re not sure what will.

What to Watch For

• Lightweight Midsole: Previously introduced on the Wave Sayonara, the new U4ic midsole is 30% lighter than Mizuno’s AP+ compound, while offering a similar ride and feel.
• New Lace Material: According to Mizuno, the laces are made of the material used to make fuses on dynamite, a strong and lightweight material sure to provide an ‘explosive’ run.
• High Traction Outsole: Mizuno’s G3 Sole ensures optimal grip on the road for confidence while racing.
• Women’s Sizes: Though the Men’s and Women’s models look identical, Mizuno introduces gender specific sizes of the Universe for the first time.

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Brooks Ghost 6 Women's Running Shoes

When our friends at Runner’s World awarded the Brooks Ghost 5 Editor’s Choice last year, we were hardly surprised. The Ghost 5 is a consistent best seller at Running Warehouse, offering a comfortable fit, balanced cushioning, and a silky smooth heel-to-toe ride.

So what does Brooks have in store in terms of changes with the upcoming Ghost 6? Not much. Expect updates to be minimal, mostly to improve upon the shoe’s already excellent transition. After all, it ain’t broke, don’t fix it – right?

What to Watch For

• Full Ground Contact: Brooks has removed the midfoot shank and filled in the arch area, resulting in full ground contact and a smoother heel to toe transition.
• Same Great Cushioned Ride: Minimal changes to the midsole mean this shoe will offer the same award-winning cushioning as its predecessor.
• Unchanged Weight: Brooks lists weights for the Ghost 6 as identical to those of the Ghost 5 – 10.7 oz for Men’s size 9 and 8.8 oz for Women’s size 7.

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Asics Gel Nimbus 15 Lite-Show Men's Running Shoe

We recently previewed the upcoming Asics Gel Nimbus 15 and Asics Gel Cumulus 15. The updates certainly look good, and we think the added cushioning in the updated versions will be a lifesaver for fans of cushioned trainers.

“Lite-Show” colorways are another lifesaver – possibly literally – that will be introduced on these new models. What’s Lite-Show? As the images in this post suggest, we’re talking about some serious reflectivity in the upper along with glow-in-the-dark visible Gel units. For additional visibility, the Men’s models feature a “Flash Yellow” color on the upper, while Women’s models receive “Hot Coral.”

Lite-Show technology was first introduced last Fall in some of Asics’ apparel line. We appreciate the added safety offered by these apparel pieces and footwear options, and we’d recommend them to any runners who frequently find themselves training in the dark.

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New Balance Minimus 1690 Women's Shoe

The New Balance Minimus lineup expands this July with another offering in the 1690. Meant for “urban running,” the 1690 is a versatile shoe, usable for everything from concrete jungles to actual jungles. Sticking true to the ideals behind the Minimus collection, this shoe will offer a low-profile and flexible design, but also include a full length REVlite midsole for cushioning and protection.

New Balance lists weights of the 1690 as 9.0 oz for a Men’s size 9 and 7.6 oz for a Women’s size 7.

What to Watch For

• Seamless Comfort: A one piece, no-sew upper limits irritations and blistering on the foot for comfortable wear.
• Versatile Traction: The rubber outsole features a heel-to-toe lug pattern that will work on a wide variety of trail surfaces as well as on the road.
• Low Offset: The 1690 is expected to offer a 4mm heel-to-toe differential for a more natural running experience.

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Even if you’ve been living under a rock (and if you are, it might be time to see what other housing alternatives are available in your community), Nike has likely found you and let you know about the introduction of the Nike Flyknit Lunar1+ running shoe (now available at Running Warehouse). We first heard about this shoe, known then as the Nike Flyknit One, back in December 2012, and the finished product looks like one sweet ride.

Is Flyknit for You?

Flyknit technology is just a few months old, being first used on the Flyknit Racer and Flyknit Trainer models last Fall. There are three big benefits to Flyknit:

1. It provides a snug, customized fit, thanks to a variable-density weave that provides structure right where you need it.
2. It allows for a supremely lightweight shoe, because no overlays are needed.
3. It greatly reduces waste during the manufacturing process, with Nike claiming just a few threads are left over following construction.

The magic really starts happening when you attach this innovative upper to the pillow-soft Lunar platform. Together, you have a customized, sock-like fit along with a well-cushioned, lightweight platform that’s ready to rack up the miles. Is the Flyknit Lunar1+ the best of both worlds? That’s for you to decide – once you come out from under that rock.

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It’s been a while since we’ve seen some revolutionary new running tech from adidas. But in the spirit of go ‘big or go home,’ adidas has just introduced a new midsole technology it claims will “change running forever.” There might be just a bit of hyperbole in that marketing message, but we think they’re onto something with the new Boost foam, which is debuting in several new running models this spring and fall.

Introducing Boost

If you follow the world of running footwear, you’ve probably stumbled upon this video demonstrating adidas’ new Boost material:

Comprised of small TPU pellets molded together, the Boost material promises significantly increased energy return over a standard EVA foam, while feeling even softer underfoot. The midsole is claimed to maintain the same density from mile 1 to mile 600 as well as in all temperatures. Don’t let the ‘packing peanuts’ look fool you – we’ve had a chance to give it a try and we found the compound to offer a surprising amount of rebound and responsiveness despite its soft underfoot feel.

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Worst...selfie...ever.

By Matt, Running Warehouse Shoe Tester

Those of you who follow me a little too closely (hi there, stalkers!) will know that I’ve been a big fan of the DS Trainer series for quite some time. It’s basically been my go-to shoe for several years now (with some brief trysts in the Mizuno Wave Elixir as well).

Right now I’m testing out the latest (and loudest, in terms of color) Asics DS Trainer 18 and have found a lot to like so far:

• Long Haul Comfort – I’ve taken this shoe on two 10 milers already, and didn’t have a single blister or bit of soreness.
• Excellent Upper Fit – I was one of the folks who never really warmed up to the heel clutch collar in the last two versions of this shoe. The return to a “normal” heel collar is a welcome addition for me, and helps to make me feel just a bit more at home.
• Transparent Control – I think Asics has a winner on their hands with the Dynamic DuoMax support system. It’s never intrusive but provides me with the touch of support I like, especially on longer runs.

I was expecting to be able to notice the lower weight of the DS Trainer 18, but so far it feels nearly identical to the prior model to me. Heel striking is comfortable in the shoe, but for my preferred midfoot strike, I’ve been experiencing a bit of scuffing in the heel as I land. That certainly can happen with higher offset shoes, though I didn’t notice it on the last DS Trainer and it hasn’t happened in the Elixir, with its 13mm drop. I’ll get some more runs in and see whether it’s a shoe problem or a me problem.

Last week I checked in with Kaitlin in our retail store, who’s also testing out the shoe for an upcoming video review. She’s struggling a bit to find the latest DS Trainer’s sweet spot. She’s felt beat up more than expected after longer runs of over 10 miles in the shoe. But she did agree that the upper has a pretty nice fit throughout. Stay tuned for our final thoughts on the shoe after we rack up more miles this month and next!

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Brooks Glycerin 11 Men's Running Shoes

OK, so glycerin – what the heck is that? Before you say, “it’s a popular neutral, maximum feature running shoe from Brooks,” did you know that it’s also an essential ingredient in dynamite? Bet you didn’t. What this clearly means is that if you want a dynamite run, the Glycerin deserves to be on your list. Read more…

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