Question:
Recent running shoes technologies
include:
1. Mizuno's wave, supplementing
the EVA and rubber with plastic
layers.
2. Nike's Shox, using coils of PU
in cushion the heel for larger runners.
3. Adidas A3, using coils, as in
the Shox, but with an emphasis on
gait control and and performance
as well as cushioning.
4. New Balance's N-ergy cantridge,
using plastic to increase cushioning,
stability, and midsole durability.
Has anyone had experience with any
of these shoes. If so, what kind
of runner benefits from each?
Answer:
I'm on my sixth pair of Wave Mercury's.
I had no idea I was at the forfront
of running technology :-). I can't
say that the plastic thingy makes
any difference at all. I was just
looking for a pair of shoes to replace
my discontinued favorites ASICS
2020. 3500 miles and no injuries,
thats all I care about.
It's all gimmick
driven, efforts to justify a reason
to pay more and induce turnover
of merchandise. That's what most
of this stuff boils down to and
we all know it. Sure every once
in a while a lasting and sustaining
technology arises however for the
vast majority it's one gimmick after
another.
I don't think
serious runners buy into this at
all. Serious runners know and stock
up on that one model/year that works
well for them. Many a shoe-maker
has ruined a
formerly successful line of shoe
by advancing it someway. Notice
how you don't see these gimmicks
in the racing flat segment of the
market?
This also
tends to attract the more serious
runner too. Coincidence? Hardly.
When you have to bring in a shoe
at 9 Oz. or less, that does not
allow you to incorporate gimmicks
it's design.
