New Balance 1400 v3 VS Adidas Response Trail Boost

Sometimes a small update is all that is needed to make a near-perfect running shoe better. Such is the case with the New Balance 1400 v3.

Version 2 of the 1400 was one of my all-time favorite shoes. It was lightweight, simple in construction, and had my desired ride combo of a soft heel and firm forefoot. In fact, I think my only complaint about the shoe was that the interior was a bit scratchy/abrasive, thus precluding sockless running. Other than that, it was pretty much perfection.

When updating a great shoe you always run the risk of destroying what made it so special. New Balance was wise in their approach to updating the 1400 by only changing the upper. The sole is identical to that of the v2, thus the phenomenal ride has not changed. The stack heights are 23mm under the heel, and 13mm under the forefoot, and it weighs in at 6.3 oz in men’s size 9. As such, there is plenty of fairly soft cushion under the heel, allowing for use on longer runs, but it’s snappy and thin enough under the forefoot that it can be used for picking up the pace. It’s a do-everything shoe, and quite honestly, if I had to reduce my shoe collection to a single shoe right now this would be it. It’s that good.

If I haven’t made it clear enough yet, I absolutely love this shoe. For most shoes that I review, I aim to get about 30 miles on them before writing my thoughts up. In this case I’ve more than doubled that mileage simply because I’ve enjoyed running in them so much. It’s really been tough to want to run in anything else! The MSRP of $100 (it can usually be found for less) makes it all the more attractive in a world where shoe prices seem to be skyrocketing. If you haven’t yet tried the NB 1400, do yourself a favor and give it a go – I have no doubt that it will be among my top 3 shoes of the year!



When I first saw the new Boost trail shoes that were set to release this summer, I automatically assumed the XT Boost would be my favorite and the Raven Boost would be an interesting option for longer outings.  I really thought the Response Trail Boost would not run well and wasn’t that interested other than out of curiosity and that I liked the look of the outsole.  After receiving all three for review and starting to get miles in them I came away with a much different take.  I came away surprisingly liking the Response Trail Boost much more than I expected to.

The adidas Response Trail Boost really surprised me.  It’s a shoe that gets the job done and has a unique look to go with it.  I think there needs to be some refinement in the upper overlays while trying to retain the comfortable qualities of the upper, but the ride and outsole are really quite good and don’t need any tweaking for what this shoe is designed for.  I thought that the Response might be the “budget” Boost trail model, but it turns out the lower price tag is no reason to not consider the Response Trail Boost and in the end is a big plus.  I highly recommend the shoe for its versatility on the trails and comfortable fit.  It is by far one of my favorites of the many shoes I’ve tried this summer.

Asics DS Racer 10 & Adidas Supernova Riot 6

One of my favorite shoes last year was the Asics Hyper Speed 6. It was one of those shoes that matched my personal preferences almost perfectly: lightweight, softish heel, responsive forefoot, simple construction. Just a great, all-around shoe.
Based on my experience with the Hyper Speed, I decided to pick up a pair of the Asics DS Racer 10  – they were a bargain at Running Warehouse as a new color was coming out. The DS Racers sat in the box un-worn for several months, and I finally took them out back in early June (wish I’d done so sooner!). I’ve run most of my road miles since then in the Racers, and to be honest, I’m having a hard time wanting to run in anything else. Like the Hyper Speed, they feel like a shoe that was designed specifically for me.

Specs

The DS Racer weighs in at 6.3 oz in men’s size 9, so it’s a very light shoe – less than an ounce heavier than the Hyper Speed. It has stack heights of 23mm in the heel, and 15 mm in the forefoot, but it feels less than an 8mm drop shoe to me.

Upper and Fit

The upper of the DS Racer is pretty simple – a nice, breathable mesh supported by welded overlays. The mesh feels a bit less stretchy than that of the Hyperspeed, and the fit may be just a tad snugger around the foot. However, for a racing flat I find the fit of the DS Racer to be fairly accommodating and have not felt the need for extra space up in the forefoot for my toes (I have an average width foot). Fit around the midfoot and heel is nice and snug for a good lock-down.

I’ve run in a lot of good shoes lately, and have many more that I’m testing for review later this summer/fall. In light of all of the reviews coming down the pipe, I thought it might be best do a review of the adidas Supernova Riot 6.

Specs

Riot 6 – 355 g (12.5 oz) in my size 13; 303 g (10.7 oz) in size 9 according to adidas. 10mm drop.

Uppers and Fit

Both shoes are, as far as I know, designed on the same last that is used in adidas’ Supernova Glide and Sequence road shoes. The fit is medium in the heel, fairly snug in the midfoot, and while medium width in forefoot compared to most shoes on the market, they are wider than adidas’ adizero road lineup that more runners are familiar with (think adios boost).

Conclusions

The Riot 6 has some drawbacks for me, particularly the softer/airy ride, and an upper that doesn’t fit quite right.  With regard to the Riot 6, which is available on Zappos and discounted at Leftlane Sports, I’d suggest waiting for the Boost trail models to hit the market (particularly the Response TR, which handles everything the Riot does with a more comfortable upper, deeper lugs and more responsive midsole; review coming very soon).

The Asics DS Racer 10 is easily among the top shoes I have run in so far this year. It’s not a newly released shoe, but it’s one that I wish I had tried sooner. If you’re looking for a lightweight racer that can also handle longer runs, it’s definitely worth a look. Great shoe!

Adidas Is A Real Major Player In Sports Equipment And Apparel

Adidas is a real major player in sports equipment and apparel. Check on the adidas athletic shoes selection below and see the true mark of a winner.
Everything started when Adolf 'Adi' Dassler released his first running shoe creation in 1920. It featured the short distance spikes previously introduced by a British company called J.W. Foster and Sons. The shoes were revolutionary and became an instantaneous hit that in 1927 Adi Dassler released another shoe model named DRP. The shoe model was created just for the Olympics in Amsterdam. By this time Adi Dassler, along with his brother had founded the organization named Dassler Brothers Shoe Factory. Immediately 3 years later, the adidas athletic shoes made its first major Olympic success with German athlete Arthur Jonah. That was 1930. When war broke in 1946, adidas was forced to shift its production to some multipurpose shoe for use for the army. adidas returned to sports in 1950 release a the first low-cut, soft, lightweight running footwear exclusively designed for the German World Championship team. Also, Adi Dassler introduced adidas* as the official company name. When Wilma Rudolph 'Black Gazelle' won the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome having a pair of adidas running shoe, Adidas had been a significant player in sports equipment and apparel.

From the first pair of shoe Adi Dassler molded in the backyard to the current line of adidas running shoes utilized by athletes worldwide, it seems adidas couldn't stop making shoes that win. Adi Dassler's heritage had survived him to assist athletes through the years in pushing the limits of the performance.
Check on the adidas athletic shoes selection below and find out the true mark of the winner.
adidas® adiSTAR® Cushion Price: $109.99
* Extended forefoot adiPRENE® + to have an incredibly resilient toe-off
* Generous adiPRENE® insert within the heel absorbs shock
* GeoFit® collar provides anatomical comfort
* TORSION® provides flexible, adaptable midfoot support
* Lightweight blown rubber outsole
Feet Type: Best for runners having a medium to large build and medium to high arches
Author's Notes: Invaluable for lane runners. The cushion can work wonders even in the hardest pavement.
adidas® SuperNova Cushion '05 Price: $84.99 * Freshly developed upper is much more open and virtually seam-free for greatest ease and comfort * New, smoother midsole soft cushions run after run
Feet Type: Best for runners having a medium build and medium to high arches.
Author's Note: Even if this model is released a way| back, it's still undoubtedly the best sold adidas shoe. So many find this shoe satisfying so it's the safest choice you really can afford. The most recent release SuperNova Cushion '06 is not as stable because this one.
adidas is spelled having a small 'a'. And for the dumb, the name is taken from Adi-Dassler, founder of adidas.