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My Infrequently Updated Blog. The web-based journal of M. Forde, computer nerd, endurance athlete, and DeLorean owner
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Product Review: ASICS Cumulus-11
This is the third installment of my running product reviews. Last time
I said I'd discuss my "current running shoe" but my again I'm a liar.
I'm still going to discuss the ASICS Cumulus-11, but it
is no longer my current running shoe.
I purchased the Cumulus-11 based on my love of the Cumulus-10, without
really trying them. This turned out to be a mistake. The Cumulus-11 is a
fine update to the Cumulus-10; however, the changes are better for some
runners than others.
The heel of the Cumulus-11 is noticeably firmer than that of the 10.
Because of this change, I no longer get adequate compression and
cushioning from these shoes. These shoes are not as firm as the Tailwinds
previously reviewed either and are closer to the Cumulus-10 than to the
Tailwinds. I never had the feeling of running in clogs with the
Cumulus-11, but they were firm enough that old injuries were aggravated.
The Cumulus-11 is still on store shelves (at least it was at Fleet Feet
this past weekend) and should also be available on-line through
retailers such as EastBay. I recommend this shoe to a runner who liked
the feel of the Cumulus-10 but had issues with it being too soft.
Next time, we'll discuss my current running shoe, the Nike Vomero+ 4. No
really, I have three pairs of these to burn through, I'll be using them
for a while.
[/running/reviews]
[permanent link]
Product Review: ASICS Cumulus-10
This is the second installment of my running product reviews. Last time
I said I'd discuss my "current running shoe" but my training has turned
me into a liar. I'm still going to discuss the ASICS Cumulus-10, but it
is no longer my current running shoe.
At this point, the Cumulus-10 can still be found, although supplies are
limited. I recently tried to purchase a second pair of these and was
unable to find them in my size. I could have had a 9.5 or a 12, but not
the 10.5 I needed.
When the Nike Tailwinds no longer provided adequate cushioning, I had to
find a new shoe, one that would work for a lighter runner. After reading
reviews online and in magazines, particularly Runner's World, I went
over to Fleet Feet in Montclair and talked to the sales staff there.
After trying on a few pairs, I decided on the Cumulus-10 but wanted to
wait until after the Brooklyn Half Marathon, a week away, before
breaking in new shoes. This is not what happened. Because of the lack of
cushioning in the Tailwinds, I ended up with horrible shin splints
during my lunch time run the day before Brooklyn. I called up fleet
feet, asked them to hold a pair of the Cumulus-10s for me and I picked
them up that evening. I ran in them for the first time the next morning
in the Brooklyn Half.
Those shoes were amazing. They were soft enough to provide the
compression needed for good cushioning at my weight. And while they were
soft, they weren't mushy either. The ASICS GEL cushioning system is in
place in both the heel and the forefoot, providing ample shock
absorption for heel strikes and mid- to fore-foot strikes.
The toe box was slightly narrow, but starting the laces one hole up from
the bottom provided enough extra space while keeping my foot firmly in
place.
The sole in the forefoot is wide; wider than the sole in the Tailwinds.
This provides support for the foot during the toe-off portion of the
stride.
The Cumulus-10 served me well until I had put just under 600 miles
on them. At that point the cushioning was worn down and not as
effective as it once was. I retired them about a week after the NYC Half
Marathon in August giving me about 12 weeks worth of running. In
actuality, I should have retired them after about 10 weeks.
I recommend the ASICS Cumulus-10 for lighter runners with normal to low
arches. Left over stock of the Cumulus-10 can be found at EastBay's
website for $69.99 (both men's and women's), although many sizes are
unavailable at this time.
Next time, we'll discuss my current running shoe, the ASICS Cumulus-11.
I've been slacking a bit so I only have about 250 miles on this pair so
far. Hopefully I'll post the review before I hit 500 miles and retire
these.
[/running/reviews]
[permanent link]
Product Review: Nike Tailwind 2008
Welcome to a new feature on this blog. I'm going spend some time writing
what I think of various running related items such as shoes, clothes,
and energy gels.
My first review is the Nike Tailwind 2008 running shoe. At this point,
they're a little hard to find as they have been replaced by the Tailwind
2009. From what I've read about the 2009 edition, not much has changed
so much of this should still be relevant.
What first drew me to this running shoe was the Air Max cushioning. Like
many Nikes, the heel contained the Air pockets. Unlike many other Nikes,
these also had the Air Max cushioning in the forefoot.
I tried them on and they were snug, but not too tight. Perfect. They
were already on sale by time I was buying them. Even better.
I ran about 400 miles in my first pair in about six months time, and
replaced them with another pair which lasted about another four months.
During this time the shoes served me well on treadmills as well as road
and trail courses.
These shoes, however, are best for heavier runners. The cushioning is
very firm and needs extra weight to compress properly for maximum impact
absorption. When I first started wearing the Tailwinds, I was about two
months into my training and was about 210lbs. As I ran more, I lost more
weight. At 180lbs the shoes were still quite good. At 160lbs they still
provided adequate cushioning, although I started to feel my runs more.
The Tailwinds served me well until I was under 140lbs. Below that and
they feel like running in clogs.
I recommend the Nike Tailwinds for heavier runners with normal to low
arches. The men's Tailwind 2009 can be found on the EastBay website for
$79.99 (99.99 for women's) as of this writing, making them a relatively
affordable running shoe.
Next time, we'll discuss my current running shoe, the ASICS Cumulus-10.
[/running/reviews]
[permanent link]
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