Newton Stability Racer Trialing Run

The premise of barefoot running being the most efficient form of running is the basis for Newton Running's line of shoes. Incidentally we also tend to run the fastest when we land on our forefoot and toes (observe the next time you're out on your run). Remember the time when you're kicking like crazy towards the finishing line? Newton Running also believe that by landing in the sweet spot - that's the area in the metatarsal region - you also minimize injuries as you cut seconds and minutes off your PRs. Proponents of Pose and Chi Running would agree to that. You can check out the visuals on the optimal running form. The upper of the Stability Racer are like any other performance shoes but what I like was the minimal overlays and sock like feel. Everyone in the trailing group agreed that the fit is superb. They were in various stability and neutral models, while I was the sole (pun intended) runner in the racer. But flip the shoe around and you'll see the key difference - the beefed up forefoot with the red actuator lugs. These lugs are part of Newton’s Action/Reaction Technology. When executing the recommended landing form, the Land-Lever-Lift, the ART is supposed to return energy to your strides. But since the majority of the runners land on their heel rolling forward, changing and adapting to this new concept takes some practice.


In Newton Running's website, to adapt to the Action/Reaction Technology, start with short, slow runs (about a mile or so) a couple times a week for the first two weeks. Focus on good form and gradually increase your time and distance as your body feels ready. As with any sport, too much too fast can cause injury. That's a big disclaimer and in fact a few friends I know who are already forefoot runners also commented that they needed 2 weeks or more to adapt. For heel strikers, I'd put that period longer, to perhaps a month.


I'll share a bit of my experience culled from my short run in the racers last week. As mentioned, the fit was first class, very comfortable. At about 8.8oz for the size 9, the shoes gave me a light and fast feel. The forefoot lugs made for a slightly awkward feel, like wearing a pair of cycling cleats. Your forefoot are slightly raised, think reverse wedge of the typical running shoes. But when you start running, you'll automatically transit to a forefoot form. The running experience felt lighter but since I'm not fit presently, my form deteriorated after the 5K mark of the hilly route. It's noteworthy to point out that once you started running, the unusual mid/outsole configuration didn't feel as awkward. The stability racers have medial posts that extend from the arch area to underneath the metatarsal heads to combat early and late-stage pronation. After periodization in the shoes, I believe doing 15K in them shouldn't be an issue. During the periodization, soreness in the calves and lower legs will be the norm as your muscles re-learn the moves. And since this is a niche product, existing forefoot runners and runners intending to transit to the forefoot running form should be able to benefit from the Newtons. The Newtons come in an eco-friendly packaging as you can see form the picture above. If you're interested, you can check with Choi of CCube Sports Hub or contact him at 019-3289083.

Cold-Storaged

In the past few months I’ve donated several pairs of shoes to charities. Here are some of them including the total mileage logged in them.

Brooks Axiom 2 - 267K
Not a particularly favourite shoe and retired after spending long periods in the shoe cabinet. The mileage logged in it was way below the expected 600K. Durability was average. I bought it in anticipation of a sponsored entry to run the NYC Marathon is 2007. But as we all know the trip didn’t happen. Yes, I went on my own accord in 2008.

Asics Gel Kayano 12 – 573K
Now this is what I call a good shoe. Purchased at 50% off, this pair saw me returning briefly to asics. Comfortable and plush as a stability trainer it wasn’t light – around 12+ ounces. But I logged some great miles in them. Will be missed.

Nike Vomero 2 – 490K
Didn’t last as long as it should but what a plush model this was. Perhaps the softest shoe I’ve ever worn, I rotated between this pair and the Structure Triax 11 during the early stages of my NYCM training. It was overshadowed by the cushion/stability blend offered by the Lunars and served mostly as a backup pair. In recent months, it developed an irritating squeak which came from the torn heel plug. Handsome and comfortable shoe and will be missed too.

Nike Zoom Elite 3 – 520K
Very durable lightweight stability model. But at 10oz it just barely made it into the performance trainer category. Had some very good times in them and broke a few PRs too. It’s still in a very decent shape but I’m now eager to break into the Elite 4, so this pair has to go. It could’ve been made even better if there were less overlays and wider in the forefoot.

The following are relegated to walking/casual wear duties:
Zoom Victory - too firm and stiff in the heel.
Zoom Start – soft enough for a short run but not stable enough for me.

Still active:
Asics Tri-Foster (which I’ve strangely been wearing for spinning!), Saucony Trigon Guide 5, Nike Lunaracer, Nike LunarTrainer (to be used for shorter runs since it’s approaching the end of its lifespan), Nike Structure Triax 11 (which I need to trash more). Both the LunarGlide and Elite 4 are waiting on the wings.

Old Rubbers

I remember those days, okay decades actually - more than 20 years - when I used to hang out with some of my running mates back in the school days. One of our favourite haunts was KOMTAR. It wasn't like we had much choice. Back when megamalls were non-existent, the only place to be was the shopping mall which which formed the base to the tallest building on the island of Penang. The mall was multi-tenanted with Yaohan, then Super KOMTAR being the anchor tenant. Before McD, there was White Castle. The darker side of KOMTAR was the entertainment wing which housed tens of video arcades. I admit that I wasted quite a bit of my pocket money there trying to conquer Raiden, 1945 and Lode Runner (insert the guilty look here). Video arcades were the poor kid's entertainment. We didn't have Atari, Commodore or any of the cool consoles, so on days when we were not tearing down the backlanes of our government quarters in our bikes, my friends and I would be at KOMTAR. Needless to say some punishment rightfully meted out by my father put paid to my excursions.

There was another attraction at KOMTAR - shoe shops. Running shoe shops to be precise. Nike, Brooks and NB were big back then. NBs were way different from those you find today. They were made in the USA, ultra solid and indestructible and their racing series were fantastic - the M625 were my favourites. Nikes were the desire of nearly everyone. The hipsters were always drooling for Michael J Fox's high cut shoes (which he wore in the Back to The Future trilogies) but we runners were always eyeing the Pegasus, the Terra TCs, and the Internationalists. All out of our range of course. RM160 was considered high end back then!

It was only when we started to do some part time jobs during the long school holidays could we afford any of the lower end models. My first serious running shoe was the M625 as I don't count those basic Nike models which hurt my feet so much, which wasn't, to be fair, due to the shoes but the ignorance of the need to break them in before running in them.

So for those who were the '80s kids, this link will bring back some pleasant memories. Shoes back then weren't over-engineered unlike most of today's models. Like they say, oldies are goodies and I'm sure if they're still available today, they can still cut it on the feet of runners today. So on to the link!

New Year, New Rubbers

A new year, new shoes and gear lineup from all the major shoe companies out there. The running forums are alive with speculations, sneak previews and anticipation of new rubbers. Runners are always on the lookout for the Holy Grail of a shoe that will carry them to a new PR.

The new models are for their Spring '09 lineup and while most will only be available from March to June, some are already available on the shelves here. Case in point are Saucony's range, which sees updates to previous year's models plus a new model in the Roadster. The Roadster features an interesting midsole configuration, the Grid Compression Cradle technology. It's important that shoe companies continue to invest on innovation during these times of recession, so it's nice to see Saucony exploring new tech. You can download the catalog here.

Just last week I chanced upon the new Nike Start which was on the shelf of their KLCC boutique. It features the ultrasoft Cushlon midsole and from the colorways, looks to be geared towards the fitness runners segment.

I'll continue to update readers of this blog should I get news of any exciting development in the wonderful world of rubbers, I mean shoes.

Shoe Review: Nike Zoom Victory+

The first reaction when I put on the black and white pair of Zoom Victory was “Whoa!” Then I asked Wong, "Are you sure this weighs 10 ounces?" I'd laced it up after returning to the car park following a 19K Saturday morning run and was eager to try on the hot looking shoes. It certainly felt lighter than 10 oz and several Internet searches later on the online shoe retailers site such as Holabird to RoadRunnerSports had the weight pegged from 9.3 to 10 oz. Personally it felt like 8 oz.

The next feeling that ran through my mind was the low profile ride. It's almost like your soles are in direct contact with the ground. This immediately gives the shoes a go-fast feel. The next impression I had was that the shoe very nearly completely moulds itself to your feet. The strategically positioned strands of Flywire cinch the uppers together and wraps the entire shoe around your foot. Every part of its construction is aimed at giving you what the designers call “The Naked Ride”. They want you to forget the shoe and concentrate on the task at hand – running fast. 

For the rest of the review please hit this link. 

asics Kayano 12 Review

Finally, after over 500K of road test, here's my review of the Kayano 12. Click here to read my take on this shoe that's steeped in tradition.

RIP 2120!

After 742K of service, I'm retiring my loyal 2120 from active duty. Honorably Discharged! The soles are worn but still OK - it hasn't eaten into the midsole - but the support and cushioning are gone. I made the mistake of wearing them for a run last week and felt like I was wearing a pair of clogs. It certainly wasn't love at first wear for me and it took about 70K for me to break them in. I'm a lightweight you see, so it takes a bit longer to break in new shoes. Same for the current pair of Kayano.



Do I need new rubbers? Yes! But since I'm already at the tail-end of the KLIM training, I'll put on hold any purchases and wait for the next round of mid-year discounts. I don't buy shoes that are on less than 30% discounts. Meanwhile I'll rely on my Kayano and Elite for rotation. In the event both pairs are wet from a wet run, I'll have to bring out the still serviceable Supernova and Axiom.



I'm eyeing the Cumulus 9, Nimbus 9, 2130 or Kayano 13. All asics of course! It's gonna be difficult choosing one from these 4 models!

Cumulus 9

Nimbus 9

GT-2130

Kayano 13

adidas Supernova Cushion 6 Review

Here's the long overdue review. I thought I'd better complete the report before the shoe reaches its expiry.

Click here to go to the Shoe Review page.

About Shoes

I had a great run yesterday evening. The rain had just stopped when I stepped out. The skies remained dark and overcast with a slight breeze. Perfect weather for a run, yes? Even as the workout progressed and with the pace quickening, I felt very comfortable and as if I can go on and on. The overall average pace was 5:56 which meant that my workout is lodged right in between the Steady-State (stamina building) and the Easy Run (endurance building) workouts. I used the 205 primarily to measure the distance and not to monitor the pace. It was a run-by-feel workout.





Distance: 11.64K

Splits: 6:07 > 6:19 > 6:18 > 6:12 > 6:16 > 6:14 > 6:08 > 5:45 > 5:46 > 5:36 > 5:14 > 5:10

Time: 1:09




A friend remarked at the number of running shoes that I have. I admit that the number I have stashed in the shoe cabinet is more than what the average runner has (or is it, since runners are shoe hoggers?!) but all of these shoes are on active duty. I've been rotating my shoes more than ever, which is good thing. Besides training your legs and feet to adapt to different shoe feel, the rotation policy also allows the shoes to recover from the previous use.




Rotating the shoes, unlike Rafa Benitez's Liverfool (typo fully intended!) squad rotation, will also allow the extension of the shoes' durability. Research shows that the midsole foam requires 24 hours before it's supportive and cushioning properties are restored.





The selection of running shoes available in Malaysia has improved over the years but we're still behind Singapore where the buying power is. Needless to say, the number of runners in Singapore is also larger. Due to the limited market here, we don't see many niche models such as racers. Regardless, we've seen the re-emergence of brands like asics and Saucony (thanks to the good work by CCube in promoting it), while Mizuno and NB (traditionally conservative brands) have setup impressive full-fledge boutiques in the newly Gardens mall. See here on the feature on the NB Boutique.




On the pricing side of things, NB and Saucony present the best in value for their shoes. While I've more or less done away with NB - purely a personal preference thing, though their 902 looks impressive - Saucony have done well to bring in their new models such as Sinister, Trigon 5 and Triumph 4 (the high-end Paramount is coming too) quickly. We've also been seeing lots of good buys at the Studio R, World of Sport and Isetan. Many of last year's top-end Nike, adidas and asics models were at 50% off while we saw a few racing models brought in here to be "disposed".




Nike running shoes have not done well in Malaysia the last 5 to 8 years. Thanks to the build quality, durablity and pricing, Nike buyers are typically gym and general fitness folks who go for fashion and hipness in their purchases. The Pegasus, Structure, Free are the exceptions. However, I've seen a shift in Nike since late last year. They've brought back some iterations like the Pegasus '07, Vomero 2, Zoom Elite 3 are good models and worthy of trying out. If I can get a good discount, I may get the Vomero 2 in place of the very expensive Gel Nimbus 9, when my 2120 or Supernova expires.




Oh yes, my rubbers are as follows - favourites in asterisks:


Trainers/Races up to the Full Marathon (KM used/max mileage)


*2120 - 542/800. This is my favourite and I've been using it less so that it will still be available going into my marathon base training next month.





Supernova Cushion 6 - 255/750. After the initial misgivings, this is turning out into a value buy (RM240 after discount). The cushioning is soft yet responsive if you need to be going faster. This model has a wider fit unlike nearly all other adidas models. A review is forthcoming.


Pegasus '05 - 234/700. A good year but this second pair seems to be much firmer hence I've relegated it to backup duties. I believe it still has a role to play.




Speedwork/Races up to the Half Marathon


Axiom 2 - 223/600. Brooks shoes are always firm, which makes it an acquired taste. This pair is no different. In my attempts to "train" my legs to adapt to lightweight trainers, the Axioms have been used quite extensively. The midsole is still the old Substance 257 compound instead of the new MoGo. Wear and tear not that good. I also hope to write a review soon.



*Forster - 39/500. In all of the 3 races I wore them, I ran great times, though not PRs given my level of fitness. Absolutely no complaints and it will have no problems up to the Half. I'll be able to experiment with it for distances up to 30K to gauge its qualities for the longer distances.




I still have a new secret pair that I'm saving up for the GE 30K and KLIM. I smell potential in this pair - possibly a PR shoe for the marathon. That's a story for another day.

Further Take On The Forster Tri

I reviewed the Forsters earlier but I'd like to add further comments after wearing them for a few 10K races and faster training runs. I've since logged over 50K in them and I've nothing but praises for this shoe. The shoe didn't lose its stable properties at any time and provided excellent cushioning, heel and forefoot, regardless of the manner I land - heel, midfoot or forefoot. The wear and tear are minimal but I'm still limiting it for special races to preserve its lifespan. The recently acquired Brooks Axiom 2 which I will review in a few weeks' time will stand-in for faster paced training runs.

It's too bad that the Forsters are already discontinued - replaced by the Noosa Tri - but my good experience will only encourage me to explore the other performance trainers that asics has such as the DS Trainers.

Nike Vaporfly

This is going to be Chen's weapon of choice for the Penang Bridge Marathon. He will however need to tighten the laces as this fly weight of a shoe is a full size larger. I believe it has no airbags in the heel but Chen is hardcore enough to go with it.

Bought it at a steal - RM129 at the Ultimate Sports shop at the City Square Plaza. Only size available is US 9.5. These babies are built to last only 400Km and it's stated there in the sockliner! Chen will hopefully provide a review of it after putting it through its paces.

Cinya...I also want it!

What's new from asics, Ecco, Keen

I won't write much here except to let you enjoy the following videos. You can see for yourself how developed the sporting industry is in the US. For people like us here in Malaysia, we can only wonder how long it'll take for us to reach the halfway mark of that development. It's imperative for us to encourage more to take up the sport. Besides the obvious health benefits we consumers are the catalysts to change in the industry. Without us, there will be less new products, little innovation, complacency by the local industry players, etc...you get my drift. Enough ramblings, you can now drool on these shoes!

Video grab of the chat with the Saucony representative


Join Special Projects Editor Warren Greene as he travels to the top gear tradeshows to see the latest trends.

World Shoes Accessories Convention, Day 1
See the latest shoes from Ryka (MC2), Teva (Raptor), Saucony (Trigon 5) and New Balance (882) with Brand Editor Warren Greene

This is the women's model. Looks good, with fewer overlays



World Shoes Accessories Convention, Day 2
After a morning run in the Red Rock Canyon Recreation Area (check out the scenery!), Brand Editor Warren Greene sits down with Asics (Kinsei 2) and Avia to see their latest products.


The never-before released image of the Kinsei 2. Addressed the heel-to-toe transition issues of Kinsei 1

asics Gel Forster Tri

I've posted my initial wear test of the Forster Tri. To read it, click the Shoe Reviews button on the right frame.

The adidas Seeding Program & All About Shoes

I could hardly believe my eyes when Tey SMSed me regarding my successful bid for the adidas Seeding Program. The Seeding Program is actually a wear test program initiated regionally to get runners to try out their latest shoes, just before they hit mass market. This program was opened to Pacesetter members and 5 were selected, so to me, it's like winning the lottery. But I did write one hell of a resume! What made me even more anxious when Tey SMSed me was that I won't be in office for 2 weeks and therefore will not know for sure if I was one of the successful one. Thankfully, I need not go into the office just to retrieve the email, thanks to Phyllis who forwarded me the email notification.

This morning I hastened to the adidas HQ at Plaza Damansara and was promptly attended by Mr Krishnan, adidas' Director of Running. Also exchanged some ideas with Mr Darren Choy, the MD. Then Krishnan dragged out a box filled with running shoes and I took the chance to try out several pairs which were the adiZero CS, the new Supernova Cushion and also the one which was alloted to me, the Response Cushion. Too bad they don't have my size for the Supernova because it's super plush! Here are some photos I took.

Nice surroundings of Plaza Damansara

The adidas reception


adiZero LT. Chen will like this!

adiZero CS

From left: Supernova Control, Supernova Cushion, adiZero CS, adiStar Control

The Response Cushion back at home

Brotherhood of Shoes

After taking a look at the number of running shoes I've had plus those in active duty, I feel very fortunate and blessed. There are many out there who have to scavenge for something to protect their feet from the elements much less have dedicated pairs for running. What we have in plentiful should be shared out and while the shoes can't be worn for running, they can still be useful for those underprivileged kids. Who knows, the shoes that we donate will end up on the feet of a future leader or world class athlete?

Watch this space for updates.

NB719 Review By Carbo Kid # 1

Carbo Kid # 1 is practising his report writing skills and what better that to put up a shoe review. Read it here!

Saucony Trigon 4 Ride Review

A 12 oz cushioned shoe for the neutral runner. Meshed upper, single density midsole with midfoot support bridge. Blown rubber forefoot and carbon rubber heel plugs. Flex grooves on the forefoot adds to flexibility. Softer HRC (High Rebound Compound) plugs are inserted to high impact areas in the forefoot and heel. The shoe is built on a semi-curved last...[click here and select the Trigon 4 review to read the entire review]. Comments are most welcomed.

Nice Rubbers

Since a couple of year's ago, Runner's World Magazine has been having what they call the Shoe Summit where the Editors of the publication around the world meet up with the shoe manufacturers to get updates on the latest and coolest shoes that are in the pipeline. They also vote for the shoe of the year, which was won by the 2006 Nike Pegasus (last year's award went to asics 2100). What I like about the magazine is that they have been adding more and more multimedia content into their website. Most notable were their New York and Fall marathon podcasts (which I've downloaded and will add to my online collection - I shall publish it here when I've completed the migration) and now, the coverage of the said Shoe Summit. There were altogether 9 short videos of the featured shoes but I choose to only feature 8 here as the 9th is a women's only shoe from Reebok - the Premier Hatana. Nothing against the fairer sex but I thought I can easily and quickly do a 2x4 collage of the images here for those who hasn't downloaded the excellent videos. In my opinion all runners should be more informed about their running footwear. Not only are they spending huge sums of cash on them, they rely on the gear to protect them. What appeals to me, besides the cosmetics and design (naturally), are the technology that goes into each of them. Sometimes they're derivative of each other and just called by another name (blame it on the marketers!) and some don't actually work but it shows that some thinking power actually went into that piece of fabric/rubber/plastic combo we lace up each time we head outdoors. Enjoy the pictures. Oh yeah, if you want to download the videos, hit this link.


As you can see there are quite a bit of focus on performance trainers for the coming spring collection. Nearly all models have new technologies embedded in them. It's going to be an interesting year.