Category: Uncategorized

Posted on

HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 3 Performance Review

At the 2017 UTMB event, among all the runners, there were 809 participants chose HOKA running shoes to complete the ultimate cross-country race and most of them are Speedgoat. As for me, my first encounter with HOKA, however, was not with HOKA, but with another hot seller under the brand, which is CLIFTON. But this HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 3 has also received many positive comments that are geared toward the shoe’s traction, sizing, and zero-drop design. Here let’s check together.

For CLIFTON, the shoe’s big and thick outsole, if put among other running shoes, appears somewhat  alternative or in other words, it even looks  a bit “ugly”, but anyway, I fell in love with this kind of soft and super bouncy  feeling and it also makes me look like grow taller. When I have matches or even in daily life, I will unconsciously choose it ahead of other shoes. But shortly I got another CLAYTON. I even completed many marathons with the help of it.

But finally , I came across Speedgoat3 which is the third HOKA I’ve had. For this one,  I’ve asked many buyers about their views toward this shoe before this review. And here are their answers: they admired the impressive traction of the shoe even on uneven surfaces. Well, they are just telling the truth. Compared with the former two models which both have soft, thick collars and large, sloped heels, Speedgoat3 is still very comfortable. According to most users, the Hoka One One Speedgoat 3 is very comfortable even when worn for long hours. Another difference is that the Speedgoat3 uses a Vibram Vibram outsole designed to vibrate in outdoor rough courts. Though it is is expected to be stiffer, it is actually softer and more flexible.

Maybe the awesome foot feeling is resulted from EVA foam added in midsole. Anyway, this is what I have always been dreaming. Since the first day I got this shoe, I have run nearly 100 kilometers with it. I’ve run over wet wet roads, climbing steps, and stiff mountains.

However, the rains in recent days have resulted in especially wet grounds, which are dangerous for running. But when there is some need, I have to go outside as well. However, wearing this Speedgoat 3, I am quite relieved because its Vibram outsole shaped like a velcro-stick can grips the ground tightly just like running on a dry road. These tests all prove that the shoe lives up to those buyers’ expectation and never fails us. 

Before I got this Speedgoat 3, I was used wearing another running shoes which was lightweight though, its thin and hard midsole setup  caused pain in my joints. But now, Speedgoat 3 becomes my reliable companion.The shoe offers reliable cushioning, as noted in some user reviews. And it is its cushion and bouncy feedback that impresses me deeply. At the same time, the shoe can be said to be full of power. Every step down from the top of the mountain, you will feel the cushioning effect of the foam on the midsole, and then it bounces back instantly. This rebound is not only from the heel, but also can be obviously felt in the forefoot. Well, it was like stepping on a big spring, and the more you apply to it, the more you can receive feedback. For powerful runners, it’s even more rewarding, so it’s never surprising that it’s the top choice among elite runners.

But what needs to be mentioned is that in spite of this soft projectile feel, it can also be counter-productive to the speed gain because it’s so soft that it seems to slow down when you need to accelerate.

For trail running shoes, constant support is especially important. And support is reflected in the large TPU thermal film on the vamp, the padded padded collar, the heel stabilization module, and the wider midsole design. During my outdoor experiences, my feet were firmly locked in the shoes during the whole process, and there is no toe injury caused by the foot sliding inside the shoe when going up and down the slope. A benefit of a wide sole is that it maintains balance and stability even when stepping on the uneven road surface. Every time when my exercise was ended, I just can’t wait for my next time’s running.

Overall:

Speedgoat 3, as the name suggests, is a high speed tool for people. It is also a reliable trail running shoe for neutral runners. The zero-drop design is admired by most users; the traction is appreciated; the cushion is thought highly of although some complaint  that the toe box is not roomy enough. It just bother a little.  In summary, HOKA ONE ONE Speedgoat 3 is still a successful update to the Speedgoat model.

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Air Jordan 11 “72-10” Performance Review

During the bulls’ heyday, Jordan led the team to a 72-10 record during the 1995-96 season. It is not only an achievement, but also a legend. Therefore, so as to memorize this special day, Jordan Brand launched the Air Jordan 11 “72-10” on its 30th anniversary. Surely, such a work won’t fail us. Let’s look at its performance then.

Air Jordan 11 “72-10” features black glossy patent leather upper and white rubber outsole, which looks simple and thoughtful. Presumably, its theme is what the designer wants to express to us — it is full of personality. The “23” at the heel is, this time, made of embroidery rather than printing. Besides, the Jumpman Logo on the uppers also changes into metal branding from embroidery. A number of buyers signified that they appreciated these changes quite a lot. 

Look at the upper then. On the tongue, there embroidered with the Jumpman logo while the shoelace head is printed with the number “72” and “10” — profound! And made of black glossy patent leather, the upper feels super nice.

At the side, it is a bit similar to the traditional Air Jordan 11’s appearance. The suede shoelace holes and the red Jumpman logo at the heel are both punchlines. 

In terms of the shoes’ comfort, the designer has, indeed, spared no effort to ensure we consumers a comfortable wearing experience. The materials used in the shoe are of very high quality. Whether we want it for daily walking or running, there is even no need wearing socks. A number of testers recollected that they were quite satisfied with the shoe and they enjoyed their experiences very much. In the midsole, it is the thickened foam plus 3/4 Air Sole cushion. No sooner than yo step on it, you will feel the bouncy feedback. However, on the other hand, it has one downside. That is the shoe’s lacking flexibility, which is resulted from the super springy setup. This is a lively example of an old saying: “going too far is as bad as not going far enough.”

Since the upper  is made of leather, it should, theoretically, have air holes  in the upper to guarantee breathability. But, disappointingly, it has none. So, if you are bothered by the sweat under your foot, I suggest you don’t expect too much of it.

A single shoe weighs 487 grams which is an average data.

Now that it is made of leather, it should have, in fact,  it has in the first place excellent support performance. The patent-leather leather authentically stands out for its support and stability.

Its mid-top design with soft sponges provide a very tight wrapping. When making breakthroughs, the shoe will be deformed while the heel is always in a very stable state, giving the ankle a strong support.

Tying your laces tightly, you will have a different wrapping  experience.

Many buyers are especially satisfied with outsole because they didn’t see any signs of wear or tear after a long time’s running. The outsole has also excellent durability. After all, it is made of durable rubber. For the pattern, the front and rear soles are designed with a herringbone to provide superior grip. The translucent rubber outsole with water wave texture can also provide the multi-angle, the omni-directional grip.

Equipped with 3/4 Air Sole cushion and soft foams in the midsole, court feel is very nice.

You can see that during running the sole bounce back instantly.

When you land on the ground, all your strengths are in your feet. You can experience an awesome feeling — something of stepping on a pillow. Well, if you want to know what the feeling is like, you’d better try it in the flesh.

Overall:

Some complaint that the shoes are over-priced. But making allowance for those excellent setup the shoe equips, you’ll find the price rather reasonable. Anyway, it is a bit expensive though, it still worth your trying and maybe you’ll be into it.

 

Posted on

John Elliott x Nike LeBron Ico Performance Review

In the sneaker market, it is never novel to see some new sneakers’ releasing. And it is certain that not every sneaker will satisfy all consumers, but still there are always some sneaker models that make sneaker fans care for buying them without any complaint. And this John Elliott x Nike LeBron Ico is such kind of model. Since its launch, I’ve never seen its sale decline. Sneaker fans just try all methods to cop one pair and as a result, many retailers are out of goods.

This new king James boots, designed by John Elliott’s in collaboration with Nike, has been equipped with this year’s most popular translucent material in the vamp. And with some delicate details, say, the black and white strips, the shoe looks more fashionable compared with the original model.

The shoe, as a whole, is very eye-catching in the crowd. The black and white color scheme is simple but profound at the meantime. The upper is very thin and the materials used are very breathable. Therefore, a pair of John Elliott x Nike LeBron Ico in hot summer days will help you in many ways. For some players especially those who like outdoor courts, a shoe with excellent ventilation performance is a necessity. Having the shoe, you won’t have to worry about the bothering sweat yielded under the feet.

The Air Max in the shoe is totally visible, so there is simply no point concerning about the cushioning performance. And the belt in the heel  is actually more convenient for buyers to wear and take off  the shoes. Aside from that, the black stripe embroidery on both sides has, to some extent, enhanced the shoe’s support.

The shoe is in fact very lightweight — it is only 385 grams, which is rather lighter than other practical sneakers. The lightness should also result from the breathable upper. Not only is the upper very breathable, but it has also greatly decreased the shoe’s weight. And all these only result in nice flexibility. Well, I must admit that  the wear experience is awesome. You might as well have a try. Then you are very likely to fall in love with it.

In the fore part, because of the wide toe structure, the wrapping performance is not so good. You can see the black striped embroidery which is used on the top of the shoes to increase the durability of the shoes and avoid attracting dust to the upper.

Though wrapping in the forefoot is not so satisfying, the heel wrapping is not bad however. Wearing the shoe, you will find a noticeable wrapping effect after tightening the shoe. And after getting the shoe, in my case, I surprisingly found that the side was surrounded by high-quality leather reinforcement and hot-melt adhesive tape so as to enhance support.

Regarding the deformation, I think highly of the black embroidery because it is the black strips that help protect the overall feet. But for the black “gadget”, the player’s feet would get hurt very easily.

In the heel part, there is a TPU to consolidate the shoe’s performance and inside the shoe there has been padded with a full sponge. With the above tech, the ankle can be well protected.

In terms of the traction and durability, I am quite satisfied with it. Made of thick crystal rubber, you can enjoy yourself  without worrying about wearing out your shoes. Anyway, the outsole is very thick. As for the traction, personally, it is the best performance of the shoe. Only by looking at the outsole, an illusion may arise: the sole is very smooth. Can it really bite the floor very well? The answer is, definitely, yes! If you have a chance to have a try, you won’t have the confusion. For all it seems smooth, there are many small grains carved in the sole, thus producing friction with the ground. Whatever the ground is, many reviewers signified that the outsole can handle with them easily.

Respective of cushioning, you might feel a bit hard. But by saying that, I don’t mean that the feeling is dismal, but that the shoe doesn’t wear very comfortably. To have a wonderful experience, it require some time breaking in. Only by the way can you feel the bouncy feedback.

Overall:

If you just want a pair of fashionable shoes to match your daily dressing, then you might as well consider this John Elliott x Nike LeBron Ico; if you want a shoe which is not only practical, but also fashionable, this one is your best choice. Surely, you will become the focus in the crowd.

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Air Jordan Butler Ultra.Fly 2 Performance Review

I got this Air Jordan Butler Ultra.Fly 2 in last especially cold winter. I was just looking for a comfortable and warm shoe, then in the very year, I came upon this sneaker, which looks very warm and suitable for winter. Chances are that you’ll consider this Butler Ultra.Fly 2 as another one at the first sight because it is an alien-like model, which makes it a bit hard to tell them apart. However, this Air Jordan Butler Ultra.Fly 2 is absolutely unique. Today we will get a look at this model at length.

 

First of all, I’d talk about the shoe’s appearance. Based on my personal experience, to tell you the truth, I was not attracted by its appearance at first. In other words, I am not satisfied with this part. There are several kinds of colorways and finally I chose this topical red and black. Heavy as it seems to be, it is in fact very lightweight. Also, there is another advantage in it——that is the shoe’s excellent durability. Just as an old saying goes,” Do not judge a book by its cover.” Personally, this goes the same for Butler Ultra.Fly 2. After a year’s wearing, Butler Ultra.Fly 2 just remains good shape and excellent performance.

 

But on the other hand, it is the distinguished appearance that makes Butler Ultra.Fly 2 special. There are also symbolic logos at the sides.

 

For the wrapping, Butler Ultra.Fly 2 wraps your foot super well. However, it is hard for on-and off. It is likely that you’ll spend much your energy wearing this shoes. And there is often a “but’. Being a one-piece upper, it is likely that Butler Ultra.Fly 2 can not meet every need you require. For wide footers, here I highly suggest that you try the shoes on in case there might be discomfort.

Here I’d mention the rope at the heel. Definitely it is thought highly of for it really does a good help. It does improve the wrapping to some extend.

 

 

After finishing wearing, there is an obvious feeling that your feet are tightly wrapped. Looking back at my own experience, I was not used to it at first while after some time getting along with it, I found it catered to my playing.

 

With respect to the shoe traction, I have a lot to talk about. The pattern is designed awesome and also, the traction itself is very durable (but this may be closely related to my way of playing). As is seen in the pictures, the gap between the grains is a bit wide,thus miking it easily to draw gravels to the traction; therefore, wiping every now and then is needed so as to keep good grip. As for whether dust is present or not, there is no much influence.

It is mainly the black part that needs to come into play on court.

 

For the cushion, Air Jordan installs Butler Ultra.Fly 2 with forefoot and heel Zoom Air and Phylon in midsole. As a result of this, never is there an absent bouncy feedback in forefoot, but for the heel Zoom Air, the elasticity is average. Would it be better to equip the forefoot Zoom Air in the heel part? The answer is yes. When in combat, it offers a fabulous court feel for you.Despite the absent protection, there is still something in the shoe.

 

Overall:

Al in all, Butler Ultra.Fly 2 is a good shoe that is worthy your trying. As I mentioned before, as long as you give the shoe enough time to get along with you’ll feel that it performs well and breaks in superbly. But for those looking for sufficient protection and can not bear absent breathability, Butler Ultra.Fly 2 might not be a good choice.