Inov-8 Men's Race Ultra 270 Trail Runner - Review

I'm usually looking for the best deals and then after I find one I search reviews and if they are favorable I usually hit the buy button.

Got these shoes for a screaming deal and after a few weeks of use I haven't been disappointed. 

My favorite thing about these shoes is the rock plate. It does a great job of keeping sharp things on the trail from being felt too much. On the other hand there is also enough responsiveness so that it doesn't feel like you aren't in tune with the running surface. 

So far I've logged probably about 50 miles on these shoes on all kinds of terrain from sand, slick rock, dirt, snow, ice and road and I haven't had issues. 

The fit for me has be adequate and the toe box has plenty of room for my foot to spread out. 

Recommended. 

Saucony Guide 8 Running Shoe Review

It should come as no surprise that I got these shoes for a deal! Somewhere in the $40 range and they retail for more than $100.

At first I had mixed feelings about the shoe. It first felt very stiff and I wasn't sure it was that great of a shoe. But I guess either the shoe is breaking or I'm breaking because now they feel more normal and I am able to run in them and not think much about it.

Soon after getting these shoes I felt like there was some kind of injury coming on in my left foot. I wanted to blame these shoes but knew that I didn't have enough information to really consider these the culprits.

So after more than 100 miles in these shoes I have to say that they are alright. The fit is true to size and the construction feels nice. Once broken in, the shoes feel as I would expect a decent pair of running shoes to feel. While I'm not sure I'll be taking these on a race anytime soon, they certainly help me get in some decent mid-week mileage. Recommended.

Hoka One One Challenge ATR Review

After a few runs on the treadmill with these, I finally got these puppies out on the trail. Did about 10 miles of relatively flat trail at a relatively easy pace.

My current assessment is that these are pretty good shoes. And seeing as how I got them for less than 50 bucks when they retail for over $130, it's hard for me to really complain.

My previous pair of trail running shoes have been worn out and getting these things is like going from broken struts on a cheap old car to a new Rolls Royce.

These shoes have much more cushioning than shoes normally have so they soak up bumps like nothing and even after several miles they don't feel like the ground is connected to the skin of your feet.

While the color isn't my first choice, the other more objective things about the shoe make it worth it. They weigh very little even with the extra cushioning and the materials are top notch.

Review: Ultra Raptor - La Sportiva

Quick review of the La Sportiva Ultra Raptor Trail running shoe.

Bottom line? I have logged a few miles in these shoes and have had no problems. They are comfortable and have done their job well. Be sure to check and double check to make sure the size you order is the size you want because they are Euro system sized.

Literally the first run I did in these shoes was an 18 mile run up a canyon and back down. I didn't know what size to get and while these were at first a little tight, they have stretched out a little and now I don't have any concerns.

That first run up the canyon was fun. I got up so high that I eventually was on snow for a few miles before I turned around and headed back down. In both directions the shoes performed well.

These shoes work well with some OR gators.

On my first 50 mile race I threw these shoes in a drop bag for the aid station at mile 32. Because they have a little more cushioning I had decided that it would be helpful for the slightly more rugged and inclined portions of the course.

So for the miles that I have logged I have enjoyed these shoes very much.

Ascis GT-1000 2 Shoe Review

My history with running shoes is rather boring. I found a pair of shoes I liked and now I don't buy any other shoe to run in. Okay, that's not entirely true, because they stopped making that line of shoes I constantly bought over and over. So I had to do some research to find out what was the next closest thing. It's also not true because this year I have finally really began trail running (with some regrets I haven't done more trail races before this point). And have one pair of trail running shoes which do, in fact, make a big difference running trails.

I found these shoes for an incredible deal on amazon that I couldn't pass up. And on top of the great deal I was surprised with an extra 5 bucks off when I checked out that I wasn't expecting so it was a mega deal for me. I don't know, but I don't think that this deal is available anymore. Part of the deal might have been connected to the color because this color sucks.

I ended up getting 3 pairs of these shoes and use them for road running which constitutes most my miles.

I have read before, but question whether or not a person needs to switch shoes daily to allow for the other pair(s) to recover from the run the previous day(s). I've read in one or more places that the gel or the stuff in the soles takes time to get back to where it was and that time is greater than 24 hours (I guess). At any rate, if you run with 1 pair or 2 pairs, or 3 pairs of shoes you'll probably still average the same number of miles per shoe before replacing.

These shoes are appropriate for me who runs with a neutral stride. They are very comfortable for roads and occasional gravel surfaces and have served me well from 18 degrees fahrenheit to 80 degrees fahrenheit. I have ran in last years version in over 100 degrees and I expect this model to do just as well.

Runners are spoiled for choice when it comes to running shoes. For years I have successfully avoided other shoes because this line of shoes has been so faithful. I feel that I'm a fast runner and haven't suffered from any injuries as a result of my shoes which is why I haven't felt the need to change to a different brand or model.