New Balance 890 v2 Men's Shoe

Our Tweet

The 890 v2 is a refined lightweight trainer – low and light with excellent road feel. The full redesign is an evolution, not revolution.
(See Men’s 890 v2 and Women’s 890 v2)

Big Updates

• Lower Drop: The 890 v2 sports an 8mm heel-to-toe offset, 3mm lower than the original.
• Lighter Weight: Weight is down by about half an ounce in the Men’s and Women’s versions.

Road Test

The original 890 has received truckloads of positive customer comments since its release in February 2011. Now, just one year later, New Balance has updated the formula. But New Coke this ain’t. The 890 v2 is a subtle update that should keep the faithful happy and win over some new fans.

The shoe has been completely redesigned on a new last with a lower heel-to-toe drop. Even though the original 890 fit well, the v2 fits even better, and most testers liked being a little lower to the ground in the heel. The close fit makes this shoe feel fast, but watch out if you have a high-volume foot: this shoe will make you feel claustrophobic, particularly in the toebox. (Like the original, the 890 v2 comes in wide widths, which will give you a little more room if you need it.)

It’s hard to imagine that the transition of this shoe could be much better. “Linear” is the best way to describe the transition – the shoe keeps your foot moving fluidly whether you strike in the heel or midfoot. Testers were also impressed with the cushioning technology. The dual-layer RevLite and ABZORB midsole foam provides a mix of road feel, cushion and protection unlike any other shoe on the market. Frankly, we’d like to see more shoes treat our feet this well.

Runners Say

“This is a low-volume upper, but I found it very comfortable. The toe box is on the low side, so if you prefer having some room in the forefoot of your shoe, this might not be the best match for you. Personally, I like the streamlined feel.” – Jonathan

“I had a tough time characterizing the feel of the cushioning of this shoe. The ride is firm, soft, light and responsive all at the same time. Maybe like a pencil eraser? A dry sponge? Anyway, I like it.” – Matt

“The excellent transition of this shoe is due in part to its full ground contact. Once you get the 890 going, it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing a shoe.” – Joanna

Nike Flyknit Racer Men's Running Shoe

If you haven’t yet heard about Nike’s Flyknit technology, get ready for a marketing onslaught in the coming months. Nike has spent the last 4 years designing and engineering a lightweight, knit upper material that fits the foot like a sock but still has the dynamic structure needed for a supportive fit.

A Closer Look

• Flyknit ain’t a bunch of leftover yarns and threads from your grandma’s closet. It is precisely engineered material with varying yarn densities and knit structures that creates a featherweight, formfitting and virtually seamless upper. The material offers precise support, flexibility and breathability all in one layer.

• Flyknit technology eliminates the need for overlays – the major source of added weight in a shoe’s upper. Additional weight savings are seen in the knit fabric itself, which is extremely lightweight but tested extensively to be durable over the shoe’s lifespan.

• Flyknit technology will be on the feet of many elite runners this spring and summer. The Flyknit Racer was worn by several competitors at January’s Olympic Marathon Trials, including Dathan Ritzenhein and Mo Trafeh. It is likely to be the marathon shoe of choice for runners from the U.S., Kenya, Great Britain, Russia and other countries in London this summer.

• An improved environmental profile comes from reduced waste and using less material when constructing the upper. Nike claims that construction of the upper only produces a few pieces of string as a waste product.

Models Using Flyknit

The following models are expected to launch July 2012, with additional models using Flyknit technology on the horizon. The names of the models may be changed prior to the public debut.

• Flyknit Racer: The poster shoe for the collection, the Nike Flyknit Racer weighs only 5.6 oz in a Men’s size 9. To put that in perspective, it is almost 20% lighter than the Nike Zoom Streak 3.

• Flyknit Trainer+: Designed as an everyday running shoe, the Nike Flyknit Trainer+ comes in at 7.7 oz. It offers , will bring the weight and fit benefits of Nike Flyknit to runners of all levels. and a Lunarlon midsole

There also will be a limited-edition HTM Flyknit collection, which includes an Olympic-colored Flyknit Racer (possibly called the “London Racer’) and two Trainer+ models with distinct upper designs.

More Info

For more details and a brief product video, take a look at Nike’s site all about Flyknit: http://nikeinc.com/news/nike-flyknit

Wahoo Fitness Blue HR Heart Rate Monitor

Your problem: you want heart rate data, but you want it with your favorite running app on your nice, new iPhone 4S.

Traditional chest strap heart rate monitors transmit data in a format that isn’t compatible with your new phone. So are you out of luck?

Nope. Blue HR is the first heart rate monitor strap made just for the iPhone 4S. The company that makes it, Wahoo Fitness, is a leading sports-electronics innovator based in Atlanta.

The Blue HR Heart Rate Strap for iPhone 4S is available now. It retails for $79.99.

Why You Need It

• The Blue HR monitor uses Bluetooth Smart, a next-generation transmission technology that sends data in real time to your iPhone 4S without the need for an adapter.

• The monitor works with apps including RunKeeper, iMapMyRun, 321Run and the free Wahoo Fitness App.

• Bluetooth Smart uses less energy than traditional Bluetooth, meaning there’s no need to charge the Blue HR monitor and the coin-style battery lasts a year or longer.

Wahoo Fitness App Screen Shot

• Setup can’t be simpler. Open up the package, scan the included QR code to download the Wahoo Fitness App, then open the app to pair up the sensor. You’re ready to run from there.

• The Wahoo Fitness App displays real-time heart rate along with workout time, calories burned, max and average heart rate, and workout zones.

• The Blue HR sensor was engineered for improved measurements over ANT+ and older data transmission technologies. This means pinpoint accurate heart rate readings. It was tested thoroughly by athletes at Georgia Tech University to refine the calibration.

• More smartphones such as the Motorola Razr are adding Bluetooth Smart technology. The Blue HR monitor will be compatible with more devices as time goes on.

• With the Blue HR strap and your favorite fitness app, your iPhone 4S becomes a full-service training device. Track speed and distance, monitor heart rate, access GPS maps and listen to your favorite tunes all in one device.

Mizuno Wave Nirvana 8 Women's Running Shoe

Our Tweet

Minor updates to the Nirvana 8 keep things humming for runners who want a protective, comfortable ride along with some road feel.
(View Men’s Nirvana 8 and Women’s Nirvana 8)

Big Updates

• Redesigned Upper: The upper of the Nirvana 8 was designed for increased breathability and reduced weight.
• Slimmer for Guys: The Nirvana 8 is nearly an ounce lighter than its predecessor in the Men’s version, but almost identical in weight in the Women’s model.
• Identical Mid/Outsole: Mizuno made no changes to the platform of the Nirvana 8, meaning all the weight reduction was achieved through lighter materials in the upper.

Road Test

There’s a lot to like about the Nirvana 8. Mizuno’s premium moderate-support shoe, the Nirvana series is all about protection and smoothness, not the pillowy cushion you get with many other high-feature shoes in this category.

The Nirvana 8 has one of the tallest heels of any running shoe we carry. So it’s not surprising that the heel feels substantial underfoot – testers labeled it “beefy,” “bulky” and “built-up.” Heel strikers liked the transition of the shoe less than midfoot strikers, but all appreciated the amount of road feel the shoe offered.

The fit received wide praise, with several testers commenting that they liked the snug heel and the placement of the laces. We’re not quite sure that they achieved nirvana, but Mizuno has assembled an impressive set of technologies to wrap a runner’s foot and keep you comfortable.

Runners Say

“It’s a Mizuno, so it delivers on its promise of a smooth ride. But it feels too bulky for my taste. At 155lbs, I think I am too light for this shoe.” – Jonathan

“While the heel felt comfortable in the Nirvana 8, the forefoot almost felt too cushioned, even for a runner looking for a plush ride.” – Lauren

“When I midfoot strike in this shoe, the transition is seamless. I really like the tight heel collar, which anchors you in and gives you confidence.” – Daniel

Asics Gel Fuji Racer Men's Running Shoes

Our Tweet

Gel Fuji Racer blends racing genes with trail genes to produce a hybrid monster that gobbles up terrain at a terrifying rate.
(View Men’s Fuji Racer and Women’s Fuji Racer)

Big Features

• Racing Flat Origins: To construct the Fuji Racer, Asics started with elements of its Gel DS Racer 9 and Gel Hyper Speed 5 flats, adding in trail-ready features including a more durable tread material, breathable upper, and outsole drainage.
• Low and Light: At 8.7 oz for the Men’s version (size 9) and 7.8 oz for the Women’s version (size 8), the Fuji Racer is Asics’ lightest trail shoe to date. And stack heights of 22mm in the heel and 16mm in the forefoot mean that this shoe is low to the ground with only a 6mm offset.
• Rock Protection: Even though the shoe is light, Asics didn’t skimp on features to keep it durable on the trail, including a forefoot rock plate layered in just above the outsole.

Trail Test

Asics may want us to associate this shoe with the challenging terrain of Japan’s most regal mountain, but this shoe actually makes us think of two other Japanese phenomenons: Godzilla, and the Toyota Prius.

The Fuji Racer is a true monster on the trail, towering over many other trail models past and current to offer good grip, a smooth ride, and plenty of protection. It doesn’t breathe fire, destroy cities, weigh several tons, or take scantily clad women hostage, but the Fuji Racer is a tenacious beast on the trail.

So OK, maybe Godzilla isn’t a perfect metaphor for this shoe. That’s where the Prius comes in. The Fuji Racer is a hybrid any way you look at it, blending road racing flat with trail grip and durability. Like the Prius, the Fuji Racer blends technologies to achieve a very specific goal – in this case, to help a runner achieve speed on the trail.

Whatever it is, how does it run? Every one of our testers found this shoe pretty impressive. The stripped down weight doesn’t mean you have to give up your favorite Asics features, including Gel cushioning, Solyte midsole foam and the Trusstic System to maintain midfoot integrity and proper flex points.

The upper is form-fitting and moves well with your foot. The transition is as smooth as you’d expect for a road-derived midsole, and the shoe feels more cushioned than its racing flat counterparts due to the springy lugs on the outsole.

Runners Say

“I like the Hyper Speed feel with increased trail durability. I’m not convinced that the wet-weather traction is entirely dialed in, but that’s a minor issue for a majorly impressive shoe.” – Erik

“Surprisingly bouncy for how low and lean it is. They really nailed the upper – it feels close but not claustrophobic.” – Joanna

“A lot of runners are looking for a shoe that’s comfortable on the trail and the road. The Fuji Racer fits the bill.” – Matt

Asics Gel Blur33 2.0 Men's and Women's Shoes

The shoe that launched the Asics 33 Collection is set to get a refresh this summer. The Gel Blur33 2.0 debuts in April 2012 with a new upper on the original Blur33′s mid/outsole.

What to Watch For

• MONO-SOCK Upper: The upper is now constructed with a stretch mesh that holds the shoe on the foot with a slipper-like feel
• External Cage: Material surrounding the MONO-SOCK wraps the midfoot for a secure and comfortable fit.
• Price Bump: MSRP on the Gel Blur33 2.0 will be $100.00.

For the April launch, we’ll have the Men’s Navy/Electric Blue and Women’s Black/Electric Blue shown above, along with Red/Lime, Grey/Yellow and Black/Orange for Men and Orange/Yellow and Pink/White for Women.

New Balance 730 Women's and Men's Shoes

Our Tweet

730 is the number to know if you want a light, low and fast road running shoe that feels simple on your feet while you rack up the miles.
(View Men’s 730 and Women’s 730)

Big Features

• Light and Low Platform: With stack heights of just 13mm in the forefoot and 16mm in the heel, the 730 is one low shoe. The midsole of the 730 is made from ACTEVA LITE, an EVA foam that retains its structure over time for increased durability.
• Lightweight Upper: Open mesh keeps weight down and breathability up. Overlays provide just enough structure to keep your foot secure throughout the gait cycle.
• Shaped for Midfoot Striking: Built on the NL-1 last, the 730 has a wide and low toebox that gives your foot room to expand laterally on foot-strike.
• Widths Available: We are carrying the Men’s 730 in 2E sizes.

Road Test

A Minimus collection shoe in almost all respects except the name, the 730 is about as light as it gets for a daily trainer. You’re looking at 7.0 oz for a Men’s 9 and just 5.5 oz for a Women’s 8. The lack of heft is noticeable both when the shoe is in your hand and on your foot.

The 730 is the perfect example of a “barely there” upper. It fits well – anchoring your heel, giving you structure in the midfoot and offering plenty of room in the toebox. This shoe is built on the same last as the MR10 / WR10 and MT110 / WT110, shoes that we’ve praised on many occasions for their upper fit. The 730 actually feels more deconstructed than either of those models, with light mesh that doesn’t quite hug the foot.

The mid/outsole of this shoe is what surprised many of our testers. It offers good protection given how little material separates you from the road, but most of us thought the shoe would feel softer than it does. The 730′s platform is flexible in all directions, but it’s also firm. We attribute that to the ACTEVA LITE midsole material, which prizes lightweight durability over cushion and softness.

Even though the 730 offers a firm ride, it stays away from the harsh feel of some other shoes with similarly low stack heights. The 730 skews more minimal than the Minimus shoes of just a year ago, and we think it ticks enough boxes to appeal to a wide range of runners today.

Runners Say

“I’d be comfortable in this shoe up to about an hour. It’s not soft, but it’s not as harsh as some other shoes with stack heights in this range. I’m impressed by the amount of protection given the midsole’s thickness.” – Jonathan

“There is a lot to like in this package. I think any runner would give the upper a thumbs up – it just fits so well – and for the person who wants to get in touch with the road, this shoe gives you enough protection to go further than just around the block.” – Matt

“Lightness doesn’t truly capture the feel of the 730. It’s more about simplicity for me. New Balance made some smart choices about where to strip down the shoe so that no part feels compromised.” – Joanna

Nike Zoom Mamba 2

Our Tweet

The dominant steeplechase spike and a reliable 1500-5K shoe, Mamba 2 carries over the mid/outsole but gains a refreshed upper.

Big Updates

• New Upper: In addition to offering a serious dose of flare, the redesigned upper feels a bit softer and fits a bit better than the upper in the outgoing model.

Track Test

No real surprises here, folks. Nike knows they have a winning formula in the Mamba, which is a go-to shoe for steeplechase and athletes competing in 1500m-5K events. The mid/outsole is completely unchanged, meaning that Nike focused its updates on the upper. The upper now is made from a softer mesh that is still plenty breathable. That’s good news for runners who like the airy feel of the original Mamba, and great news for steeplechasers, who rely on this model to shed water quickly.

The Mamba 2 provides some cushion in the heel (relatively speaking, of course), and is pretty flexible all around with a carbon fiber shank and flexible Pebax spike plate. The textured plastic grip on outer heel helps you get a little traction in the water pit. A few testers were looking for a heel design that is just a touch more stable.

The new design of the upper looks sharp, though with the popularity of this shoe, athletes are unlikely to stand out very much from the crowd. Strange to say for a shoe that’s bright red and neon green, but that’s the state of the spike market in 2012.

Runners Say

“A few years back, I ran the steeplechase in the Nike Zoom Lanang ST. The Mamba 2 is a better spike overall. The extra heel cushion is a plus for landing after jumping barriers and water jumps.” – Isaiah

“There aren’t a lot of options that work well for the steeplechase, and the Mamba 2 still has a lot to offer. The upper drains quickly and the spike plate provides a good foundation for toe-off.” – Daniel

Saucony ProGrid Xodus 3.0 Men's Running Shoe

Our Tweet

Run on trails that eat up your feet? The Xodus 3.0 has you covered – literally – with a protective platform and sturdy overlays.
(View Men’s Xodus 3.0 and Women’s Xodus 3.0)

Big Updates

• Lower Drop: The heel of the Xodus 3.0 drops 3mm while the forefoot rises 5mm. The result is a flatter shoe with a drop of only 4mm.
• Lighter but Not Lightweight: The Men’s Xodus loses almost an ounce lighter and is now down to 11.3 oz. The Women’s model only loses a fraction of an ounce, and is now at 10.4 oz.
• More Aggressive Traction: The Xodus 3.0 still has a durable Vibram outsole, but the lugs have been beefed up to improve grip on inclines, declines and loose terrain.
• Closer Fit: The Xodus 3.0 wraps your foot closely, with a narrower heel and forefoot and a low toebox. The upper feels less “there” than the upper in the Xodus 2.0.

Trail Test

The Xodus 3.0 looks and feels nothing like its predecessor. That’s a positive thing in our eyes. While the Xodus 2.0 was a capable and durable trail shoe, it offered a fairly stiff ride that kept you at a distance from the trail.

With the Xodus 3.0, you’ll be back in touch in a big way. Responsive and smooth are words we heard repeatedly from shoe testers. The mid/outsole moves very well with your foot, and also left testers feeling confident and grounded. Credit the thick lugs that rim the shoe’s wider base for the grounded feel.

There have been a lot of striking shoe designs in recent years, but the Xodus 3.0 really stands out in our eyes as a shoe that advertises its ruggedness. In addition to adding to the look, the shoe’s overlays do a good job of locking down the midfoot.

The lower heel-to-toe drop is noticeable, especially for testers who regularly wear higher offset shoes. We think most runners will settle in with a gradual transition to the new offset. The Xodus 3.0 competes in a class of more traditional trail models including the Brooks Cascadia, Salomon Crossmax, and Adidas Response Trail, but it’s the only “traditional” model with such a low offset. Still, for the runner who wants protection on the trail, the Xodus 3.0 is about as good as it gets in 2012.

Runners Say

“This shoe gives me confidence on the trail. The splayed out lugs help me feel anchored to the ground, and the overlays on the upper really lock you in place.” – Joanna

“For me, this is a way better package than the Xodus 2.0. The transition is so much smoother, which ups the runability factor significantly.” – Matt

“Feels lighter than it is. I really appreciate the flexibility and grip. It’s nice to see Saucony putting thought into its complete line of trail shoes and giving trail runners a lot of options.” – Daniel

Adidas 2012 Women's Boston Marathon Track Jacket

This just in: the Adidas 2012 Boston Marathon apparel is now available on our website. We have a large selection of pieces, with a few more on the way near the beginning of March.

Men’s Apparel Available Now

Adidas 2012 Boston Marathon Apparel Logo

• Singlet
• Short Sleeve Tee
• Split Short
• Baggy 7” Short
• Short Tight
• Long Tight
• Wind Pant

Women’s Apparel Available Now

• Fitted Tank
• RacerBack
• Short Sleeve Tee
• Track Jacket
• Glide Short
• Glide 3/4 Tight
• Long Tight
• Wind Pant

Arriving Early March

• Official Jacket (Men’s and Women’s)
• Short Tight (Women’s)
• Long Sleeve (Women’s)