We here at AGR will go to extremes to test gear. We do it so that you will know with absolute certainty that when the going gets tough, your gear gets going. Over the years, we’ve thrown all that we had at all manner of gear. It’s with some chagrin now that I have [...]
Some cushioned shoes err on the side of softness – it’s as if they replaced the original pronation correction with mysterious material, somewhat like the consistency of cotton candy. Other cushioned shoes err on the side of stiffness – they may lack that marshmallow feel, but there’s hardly any flex to the shoe. It’s no [...]
We’ve all seen, heard of, or tried barefoot running by now. It’s been all the rage for a few years now, and shoe manufacturers are getting hip to the fact that it might just be here to stay. Built on a tradition of running “naturally,” barefoot enthusiasts have literally chucked their own shoes out [...]
I was pretty excited to give Karhu a spin. Any brand that lays claim to such a runner as Paavo Nurmi is well worth checking out, at least in my book. And while I’ve no hope of ever running in Olympic competition, it’s fun to check out the roots of what launched your latest pair [...]
While not having a large running line up, Pearl Izumi is definitely making a bid to become more popular in the running community. We here at AGR have been big fans of all the Pearl Izumi gear we have tested thus far; from what we’ve seen, it’s all been quality product, whether it’s shoes, shorts, [...]
As the barefoot / minimalist shoe revolution goes into full swing, it has a lot of runners asking whether the new style of shoes are for them or if they should stick with their traditional running shoes. And while barefoot running shoes aren’t for everyone, it would help out a number of runners to add [...]
Clydesdales. Really, it’s an unfair term, since the heavy footed feminine side of the species gets to be called “Athena.” Really, we should coin a new phrase – but since popular nomenclature terms the heavy-footed large runner as such, I will acquiesce as well. So, clydesdales – look no further for a long distance shoe, [...]
I don’t know exactly what Reebok changed in their running line up a few years back. I don’t know who the dev team is, where they’re located, or who is running it for them. But whatever they are doing, they should keep it up. I’ve run several long distance runs in these, both indoor and [...]
Inov-8 has long been a staple of the trail running community. Without making a huge splash, they’ve been analyzing and assessing natural biomechanics since before you were born. Okay not quite, but since 2003 – and we’ve all been awaiting their foray into road running shoes (announced WITH a splash in October of 2010) eagerly. [...]
It is the sound and the look of my shoe hitting the pavement that makes me smile these days. When I run, I make it a point to enjoy every second of it because being a mother of two, every second counts! At first glance, the Saucony Pro Grid Mirage caught my attention. It is [...]
Last years Ravenna was one of the first shoes to build a bridge between neutral shoes and stability shoes. Brooks rightly guessed that there were those out there who only needed a little pronation control as opposed to a complete and utter correction of pronation. Their goal was also to cut weight without sacrificing overall [...]
My first impressions of the Adidas Adizero Aegis were a bit biased – I’ve never been the biggest fan of the Adidas running line, and it shows through in numerous reviews I’ve posted here at AGR. After only a few test runs, I was ready to write these off – however, after a break [...]
The newly updated SyncroFloat running shoe from Pearl Izumi is the perfect shoe for the neutral to mild over pronator who is not looking to compromise comfort. Pearl Izumi made a couple of great improvements to an already loved running shoe this year with the SyncroFloat IV. First, I need to tell you a little [...]
In the 890, New Balance is following a growing trend in the running market. With the popularity of minimalist and barefoot running, they are seeking to stay competitive in the market today by stripping down shoes to the essentials without sacrificing quality. The movement has been termed “purposeful design” and they seem to have [...]
When Nike launched its Lunar series, the goal was to produce a light weight and supportive shoe. The LunarElite is just that with much more. In its first version, the LunarElite weighed in at an incredible 7.1 ounces, the LunarElite+2, now slightly heavier at 8.2 ounces, has improved benefits in construction, cushioning and support. Nike features [...]
While many running shoe companies are following the trend in that less is more, Reebok has decided to take a different approach. As you will notice in the Spring and Fall 2011 running shoes, many companies are starting to reduce the amount of cushion and material that is put into a shoe. The reason for [...]
Over the years, I have tested out a number of Puma running shoes and I must admit, I have never been a huge fan. It seemed as if they spent a little too much time focusing on soccer cleats and fashion, but not enough time on their running shoes. So when I received the new [...]
Still new to many runners in the U.S., Karhu continues to broaden its’ reach within the running community, most recently introducing the Fast 2 Fulcrum Ride. Now if you are not familiar with Karhu, I would suggest taking a look at Karhu.com to see how their specific technology works. In short, Karhu uses a forward [...]
If the Wave Rider 13, 12, 11… have treated you well, you will be happy to know the Wave Rider 14 hasn’t changed all that much this season. For many running shoe companies, it’s important to change their products so they will have something new to talk about for the season. On the runner’s side, [...]
Barefoot running seems like it is the new trend for 2011, but if you are like me and not quite ready to hang up your running shoes you might want to check out Pearl Izumi Streak II. Pearl Izumi did an overhaul this year on the new minimum feature Streak II making it the perfect [...]
Barefoot running seems to be the craze these days and with so many runners flocking to the idea, New Balance decided with their running background that they would put in their two cents, or two shoes… In Spring 2011, New Balance Introduces the Mimimus line that has caught the eyes of many wanting to [...]
The adidas Supernova Glide 3 shoes are neutral trainers that pack a punch when it comes to cushioning. The Supernova Glide 3’s feature adiPRENE® in the heel and forefoot regions to provide ample cushioning during heel strike and toe push off. These trainers are rather rigid, encourage the heel-toe transition, and therefore may be a [...]
$195 for a pair of running shoes? The first thing I saw when I looked at the Ecco Biom B 2.2 was the high price tag. I thought to myself that this is extremely expensive for a pair of running shoes, what possibly can make this shoe that much different that makes it cost $50+ [...]
