Adidas Adios 2

Runners are an implacable sort when it comes to their favorite shoes. We form somewhat of an emotional attachment from running hundreds of miles in them and are reluctant to change once we find a shoe we like. Additionally, we are apprehensive when our favorite shoe undergoes a revision, worrying we won't love it quite as much as before. Many iterations of a particular shoe are minor or even merely cosmetic, but sometimes companies make significant changes. With the Adizero Adios 2, set to release early January 2012, Adidas made several changes that are much more than cosmetic. 

Mens Adios 2

Specifications

Weight:

Men: 7.4 ounces (Size 9)

Women: 6.3 ounces (Size 8)

Heel Offset:

11 mm (26 mm heel; 15 mm forefoot)

Womens Adios 2

Technology

• Continental Rubber on Outsole
• Adiprene Cushioning in Heel
• Adiprene+ Forefoot For Increased Energy Return
• Sockliner
• Midfoot Torsion System
• New 3D Heel Moulding Provides Better Fit
• Solvent Free Synthetic Suede Upper 

Fit and Feel

The Adidas Adios is a favorite lightweight racing shoe of elites and weekend warriors alike from the 5k to the marathon. One of the main reasons for this is their incredible fit. The Adios 2 continues this tradition with an even better fit in the midfoot due to a slightly increased volume.

One of the most significant changes is the switch to a firmer cushioning, Adiprene+, in the forefoot. The effect of this is a firmer feel and, according to Adidas, a better energy return. A new Torsion System in the midfoot was designed for improved energy return and support. 

The heel cup in the Adios 2 is a bit more structured than the original which was already stiffer than most shoes in the category. As with the original I felt my heel slipped around a bit at first. Experimenting with different lacing and tightness I was able to solve this and it wasn't an issue. 

Adidas also added Continental rubber to the outsole for greatly improved traction on dry and wet surfaces. The new rubber should also be more durable, but our test wasn't long enough to judge. A new mesh in the upper has a wider weave for improved heat exchange and is slightly stretchier, giving a more comfortable feel.

The result of all these changes is that Adidas found a way to make one one of the best fitting shoes feel even better. The improvement geared towards better energy return are difficult to quantify, but if Patrick Makau's world record marathon performance in the Adios 2 is any indication, we may have to take Adidas' word on that. 

Testing

The most obvious difference in the Adios 2 compared to the original for me was the firmer feel in the forefoot. However, this didn't diminish the responsiveness or feeling of the ground underfoot. After a couple of runs the original firmness seemed to soften a bit but remained firmer than the original.

Compared to other lightweight racing flats the Adios 2 are about in the middle when it comes to weight, 7.4 ounces, and have a higher heel lift at 11 mm. Purists may frown on this a bit but the higher heel lift can help reduce fatigue especially on longer runs. Besides, if 11 mm is okay for the men who ran the 3 fastest marathons of all time, I for one am okay with it too.

The Adios 2 performed very well on a variety of terrain. On pavement and track they were as superb as their predecessor. While not designed as a trail shoe, on dirt road and trail they offered better protection and traction than most lightweight trail shoes I've worn. While not tested on muddy trails I doubt they would perform well, but this isn't often a concern due to our climate in Las Vegas.

Conclusion

I recently took a trip for a long training run on the course of an upcoming goal race. It was difficult not to pull out my traditional go to shoe but in the end chose to wear the Adios 2. They felt as good after 15 miles as they did after first putting them on. Since then I find myself wearing more and more on key workouts. 

Having been a fan of the original Adios I admit to having a biased towards the shoe. Because of this bias, however, I was prepared to be critical if Adidas ruined one of my favorite shoes. In the end the changes are noticable but did not change the essence of the shoe. If you loved the original you'll love the Adios 2 just as much. 

New Balance MT110

Two years ago New Balance introduced the MT 100 trail shoe. While they were not the first minimalist trail shoe, they certainly helped usher in the trend towards lighter and lower profile trail shoes. The MT 100s quickly became a favorite among many trail runners due to their lightweight, nimble feel, but they had some issues. Namely, they didn't have the best traction, the upper didn't provide much support, and they had a nasty habit of tearing up your Achilles.

There are four color schemes available for each of New Balance's trail ambassadors Tony Krupicka, Eric Skaggs, Lizzy Howard, and Brandy Erholtz.

With the upcoming version, the MT110 (men's) and WT110 (women's), New Balance did a complete redesign. Based on the the popular Minumus line (see previous reviews of the trail and road versions), the MT 110s are a vast improvement over their predecessors and have many trail runners salivating to get their hands on them. Fortunately, the wait won't be much longer as the shoe is set to be released in January 2012.

Specifications

Weight:

Men's: 7.7 ounces 

Women's: 6.2 ounces 

Heel-Toe Offset:

4 mm (12 mm heel, 8 mm forefoot)

Technology

• Laser Cut Synthetic Upper
• Forefoot Rockplate
• Broad Forefoot
• New Balance Minimus Last
• Socklined Non-Removable Insole

Sock-lined insole is intended to be worn with or without socks.Fit and Feel

The first thing I noticed when putting them on was the large amount of room in the toe-box. I understand the the logic of having room for your toes to splay and I like a bit of wiggle room for my toes, but my fear was that my foot would slide around when running and too much room can make my foot feel too detached from the shoe. 

On my first run I did feel my foot slipping around a bit, but lacing the shoe tighter seemed to solve the issue. After 10 or so miles I had to tighten them again due to a slight stretching of the upper which is common for synthetic leather. The MT 110s are comfortable, wrap securely around the mid-foot, and feel like an extension of your feet on the trail.

The heel cup is a leap forward compared to the previous versions of the 100 trail series. The top edge is softened eliminating Achilles gouging, and the back was stiffened providing an almost suction cup adhesion for keeping my foot locked into the shoe. 

Overall the MT 110s has a much improved fit, yet has retained the nimble feel of its predecessors. The large toe box is still somewhat of an issue for me but this could possibly be solved by getting a half size smaller, and may just be specific to my foot shape and preference.

New Balance MT 110

Testing

Over the past several months I have logged quite a few runs in the MT 110s. Most of which have been on the rugged trails of Bootleg Canyon in Boulder City, NV which range from somewhat rocky to extremely rocky. 

Unlike other minimalist shoes, the MT 110s provide passable protection for use on just about any trails. Having said that, I think most runners should use caution when first trying the MT 110s; particularly if you haven't worn a lightweight shoe or racing flat on trails before. New Balance cautions users of their Minimus line to begin with no more than 10% of thier weekly miles and to gradually increase, and these cautions seem equally appropriate with the MT 110s.  

The improved tread on the MT 110s provides all the traction one would want on trails. I suspect they would be excellent in mud and snow but I wasn't able to test them on either. One rare day when it actually rained in Las Vegas though I rushed out to the trails to test the MT 110s, they gripped wet rock very well and I felt confident on loose surfaces and tight corners.

New Balance printed "Tested in" and "Approved by the Flatirons of Boutlder CO" in the inside of the Tony Krupicka color shown

While the MT 110s provide an astonishing amount of protection for their weight, I didn't feel they provided quite enough on very rocky terrain. For perspective my go to shoes I wear on trails are lighter than the MT 110s and offer better protection in my opinion so don't think I'm comparing them to a trail steam roller.

Additionally, with my forefoot being a mere 8 mm from the ground in the MT 110s, the side of my foot would occasionally pinch on a rock which smarted quite a bit. Because of this, I felt I had to prance around more than normal to avoid the nastier specimens trying to eat my feet. These are just my opinions and to be fair other people testing the MT 110s feel they provide all the protection they need. (Joe Grant wore the MT 110s during the 2011 Hardrock 100 which is possibly the gnarliest 100 miler in the country.)

On longer runs my legs felt more tired than with most shoes. This is probably partially a function of the thin midsole, but could also be attributed to the MT 110s last encouraging a forefoot strike which was counter to my heel to midfoot strike. After using them for a while this soreness became less prounounced but did not completely dissipate. In areas where trails actually have soil instead of sand and rocks I suspect the MT 110s would provide ample support and protection for most runners.

New Balance's MT110 

While it shouldn't be a deciding factor in picking a shoe I think most of us would admit that looks influence the shoes we choose to some degree (okay a huge degree for some of us). The MT 110s definitely are a great looking shoe on and off the trail. One other neat feature of the MT 110s is that the synthetic upper is easily restored to a brand new look after simply wiping them off with. 

The lightness and excellent fit of the MT 110s made me feel quite agile and I would say almost ninja like out on the trail. On shorter trail runs when I want to push it a bit I think the most accurate description would be that they are totally fun. In picking a trail shoe I usually think in terms of a sliding scale between what I can run the fastest in and what I can log my miles in without injury. Despite the concerns I've laid out the MT 110s have definitely earned a spot in my rotation.

Perhaps it is the anticipation and hype of the MT 110s, but they certainly have a cool factor that make me want to love them. They are incredibly fun to run in and I encourage you to come in and give them a try as soon as they are available in January 2012. 

Pearl Izumi syncroFuel II Trail

It seems this is the year of the sequel at Pearl Izumi. They recently released the Streak II racing flat and their lightweight Peak II trail shoe. Now they have just launched the syncroFuel II Trail shoe. The syncroFuel, there is also a road version with an update coming soon, is Pearl's popular mid-weight line that offers good support with racing performance. The syncroFuel is the preferred shoe shoe of much of the Pearl Izumi Racing Team. Nick Clark wore the syncroFuel while placing 3rd at the Western States 100 and 3rd at the Hardrock 100 less than two weeks later.

Men's Pearl Izumi syncroFuel Trail II

Specifications

Weight:

Men: 10.9 ounces (size 10)

Women: 9.6 ounces (size 8)

Heel-Toe Offset:

10mm (23mm heel, 13mm forefoot)

Technology

• Seamless Upper
• 360ᐤ Lacing System
• 1:1 Energy Foam
• Gusseted Tongue
• Ortholoite® Sockliner

Fit and Feel

The seamless upper wraps around your foot uniformly providing an excellent fit. There is ample room in the toe box, but the fit of the shoe keeps your foot in place and well connected. Like the Peak II, the syncroFuel Trail II has a gusseted tongue the helps with the wrap around feel and keep dirt out. At first the seam at the top of the tongue pressed on my ankle a bit, but I forgot about it after a few minutes. There is more cushioning in the achilles that most shoes I've tried on. This was pretty comfortable though and seamed to help keep the heel snug in place. 

One complaint some people had with the original syncroFuel Trail was with the tread of the shoe. Pearl Izumi completely revamped the sole in the syncroFuel Trail II. The aggressive lugs and new pattern provided excellent traction on dirt and rocks. Although designed for trail, the syncroFuel Trail II performed well on asphalt. Many of our training runs, and even trail races, have road sections and some trail shoes are a disaster on pavement. While I wouldn't lace up these shoes for a local 5k, they will see you through any road sections you will encounter.

Pearl Izumi syncroFuel Trail II tread 

Testing

I have worn the syncroFuel Trail II on several runs out at Bootleg Canyon and Mt. Charleston. We got them in the week after I ran the Western States 100 and they were my go to shoe providing much needed comfort for my tender feet. The syncroFuel Trail II seemed to sit slightly lower to the ground than the orignal, but they have more E.V.A. and sit higher than most shoes. This is somewhat of a matter of preference. I normally prefer a shoe that sits lower; however, I didn't feel any rolling in my ankles that I normally feel in shoes of similar height. On the other hand, the extra cushioning made steamrolling over sharp rocks almost feel like cheating.

Although the syncroFuel Trail II looks like a bulky shoe, it is (10.9 ounces size 10) and feels lighter than it looks. While not quite as nimble as the Pearl Izumi Peak II; it is surprisingly only a little over an ounce heavier. Compared to other popular trail shoes it is actually quite light; Brooks Cascadia (12.2 ounces size 9) and Salomon Crossmax (12.3 ounces size 9). 

Pearl Izumi also improved the responsiveness in the syncroFuel Trail II. Despite the thickness of the E.V.A. I felt I had good feedback of the trail underfoot. Yet not even the most sinister rocks Bootleg Canyon has to offer even threatened to poke through. To me, this is one of the most impressive features of the syncroFuel Trail II. To provide heavy protection and comfort in a shoe that gives excellent feedback is something that not many companies have gotten right. Many shoes with good protection make your foot fall asleep and you have no feeling of the terrain.

Women's Pearl Izumi syncroFuel Trail II

If you are a runner that always seems to trip over rocks on trails I can attest the reinforced toe box did its job. I kicked the heck, not on purpose, of a rock that appeared out of nowhere. As I was stumbling and struggling to not go down I was thinking "I may fall, but at least my toe doesn't hurt." This was particularly significant for me because I managed to kick the rock directly on the toe that had taken the worst beaten the week before at Western States.

Overall, I really like the Pearl Izumi syncroFuel Trail II. It has a good fit, provides excellent protection in the sole and toe box, and manages to feel fairly light and nimble for all that comfort. 

Pearl Izumi Streak 2

Pearl Izumi Streak II 

In addition to the recently reviewed Peak 2 trail shoe, Pearl Izumi also recently released the Streak 2; their lightweight road racing shoe. Where the original Streak was a great first iteration; the Streak 2 is astonishing.

The Streak 2 is lighter than the original and has a lower profile making it a true competitor to the popular Adidas Adizero and the Asics Hyperspeed. While the Streak 2 is light enough to be a 5k racer, it is also cushioned and durable enough for a marathon. Although not intended as a trail shoe, it is the shoe of choice for Red Rock Running Company owner and Pearl Izumi Ultra Team member Josh Brimhall. The following is a video featuring Pearl Izumi Product Line Manager Mike Thompson discussing some of the technology in the Streak 2. 

Specifications

Weight:

Men's 7.8 oz (Size 10)

Women's 6.8 (Size 8)

Heel-Toe Drop:

9 mm (19 mm heel-10 mm forefoot)

Technology

• Seamless Upper
• 360ᵒ Lacing system conforms to all types of foot sizes
• Energy Foam cushions on impact and returns energy back to runner
• Segmented forefoot
• Ortholite® sockliner

Fit and Feel

Just about everything with the Pearl Izumi logo has a polished look and feel. The Streak 2 is no exception to this. The toe box is somewhat snug, but your toes have plenty of freedom to move thanks to the mesh upper. The seamless upper technology is hard to quantify, yet it makes a dramatic difference in how smooth the shoe fits.   

Usually I kind of snicker when companies use grandiose language to describe shoe laces; however, the lacing system in the Steak 2 really does do a good job of tightening with even pressure. The cushioning around the achilles kept my foot in snugly in place and seemed to help make the shoe feel apart of your foot.

Streak 2 Side

At 7.8 ounces, the Streak 2 isn't the lightest road racer out there. However, it is a viable lightweight option for a wider spectrum of runners and probably light enough for all but the most fervorant of minimalists. In addition, the fit and cushioning gives the shoe the versatility to be used for any distance.

Testing

For my first run in the Streak 2 I was up to the White Mountains in California for some high altitude hill training. The Streak 2 handled a variety of terrain (asphalt, dirt road, trail, and snow) extremely well. They felt light and agile on the climbs and secure and comfortable on the decents.

The sole of Streak 2 is mostly blown rubber with only the traditional carbon rubber on the heel. This gave a bit of a unique slipper like feel. It was plenty cushioned, but not spongy feeling. In fact, I found it quite responsive and provided excellent feedback on all surfaces. The sole is flexible but still offers some support. I wasn't sure what to make of the holes that stretch medially along the sole, but they didn't seem to have any negative qualities even on trail.

Streak 2 SoleAfter 25 miles right out of the box, I had no hot spots despite some pretty fierce decents. The mesh upper wicked away moisture better than any shoe I've worn. Above all, although I was trying to think about the Streak 2 while testing, I kept forgetting about it and simply enjoyed the running and scenery. To me, this is one of highest compliments possible for any shoe.

To make sure the first run wasn't a fluke I have worn the Streak 2 on several more runs and they continued to impress. By no means did Pearl Izumi intend this as a trail shoe, yet they performed well even on rocky trail. I did feel quite a few more rocks than most shoes, but I only felt "stabbed" once and that rock was a nasty beast. The soft rubber sole will wear pretty quickly on trail though.

If you are used to a more supportive shoe I'd recommend working the Streak 2, or any minimalist lightweight type of shoe for that matter, into your weekly mileage slowly. The slightly higher heel drop may make for an easier transition to a more minimalist shoe than many other options currently on the market.

Overall, I'd rate the Pearl Izumi Streak 2 as excellent. Its lightness and responsiveness make it a very good lightweight trainer/racer. While its comfort and versatility allows you to wear it even on your longest runs. 

Pearl Izumi Peak 2 Trail Shoe

Pearl Izumi has been busy of late releasing updates to a couple of their popular lightweight shoes. Pearl completely revamped their Peak XC trail shoe with the Peak 2 XC. The new Peaks sit lower to the ground than the previous model, and have a much sturdier upper. Pearl Izumi works closely with athletes on development.  As a result, Pearl Izumi products are both technologically advanced and have the intangibles lacking in many larger shoe companies. Here is a video featuring PearI Izumi Ultrarunning Team member Scott Jaime discussing what they were trying to achieve with the Peak 2.

Specifications

Weight:

Men's 9.6 oz (Size 10)

Heel-Toe Drop:

8 mm (17 mm heel-9 mm forefoot)

Pearl Izumi Peak 2

Technology

• Seamless Upper
• 1 mm TPU Rockplate in Forefoot
• Sits lower to ground than most trail shoes
• Gusseted Tongue

Fit and Feel

Pearl Izumi designed the Peak 2 with a snug feel. In fact, you will definitely want to try them on beforehand and probably start with a half size larger than you normally wear. The toe box has a relatively low amount of volume, which is largely a matter of preference. I liked the wrap around feel that the gusseted tongue provided. Additionally, this feature helps keep out dust and rocks. The shoe sits lower to the ground than most trail shoes. This is an important feature for me because it helps prevent ankle roll, as well as adds some inherent stability. The back of the shoe wraps around your heel and achilles nicely without having to cinch the laces.

Peak 2 Top View

At 9.6 ounces., the Peak 2s are already a very lightweight trail shoe. However, they seem to feel even lighter than their weight. When wearing them, I had a hard time feeling the difference in weight between the Peak 2 and the Saucony Kinvara which is nearly 2 ounces lighter. While I didn't kick any rocks in testing, the toe protector is robust making this shoe a good option for those that are chronic trippers

Overall, the Peak 2s have a polished look and an eye for detail design and fit that Pearl Izumi fans have grown to love and expect. While the fit is tighter than I was used to, several other people have worn the Streak 2s and didn't find this to be the case.

Testing

I tested the Peak 2s out on the rugged Bootleg Canyon trails near Boulder City. One of the first things I noticed is the excellent balance the shoes have between protection and responsiveness. By responsiveness, I mean how the shoe allows you to feel the terrain below your feet. This provides feedback on whether the ground is loose or solid, and allows you to make quick micro adjustments on your weight distribution. Most shoes seem to skew too far to one side or the other. Either they provide maximum protection and  you can't feel a thing, or you feel every little rock underfoot and are constantly getting stabbed in the foot.

 Peak 2 Sole

One advantage of the low volume toe box is that it helps provide extra power when climbing uphill. I felt like I had a little more spring from my toes on the final push off. The seamless wrap around upper held my foot in place well, which prevented my toes from jamming on steep decents.
 

I am typically pretty hesitant about stepping on rocks when trying new shoes. I quickly gained confidence in the Peak 2'sTPU forefoot rockplate which is much more flexible than traditional plastic rockplates yet provides excellent protection. I could feel rocks but didn't have any painful stabbing. Similarly, the mid-foot and heel provided excellent protection for such a lightweight shoe.
 

In the end, the Pearl Izumi Peak 2 is an excellent trail shoe and a great option for those looking for a sub-10 ounce shoe that will still protect your foot from the virtual cornucopia of sharp nasty rocks typical of Las Vegas trails.

Peak 2 Side