Posts Tagged with: "Adidas"

adidas has introduced the newest model of the iconic Energy Boost with an improved fit, look, and feel to help runners embrace the road with confidence and style.

Energy Boost provides unrivalled responsiveness with heel to toe BOOST foam that stores and returns energy to ensure the more energy you give, the more you get. BOOST foam is made of thousands of durable Energy capsules that maintain their soft cushioning season after season so every run with BOOST feels like the first. (more…)

I received the Adizero Adios Boost from adidas’ Adrien Semblat a week before I was to bid Manila “adios” (ack, I’m so corny) for Tokyo Marathon.  I was itching to road test them, but I didn’t want to experiment with shoes before a marathon and, when I came home with discomfort in my knee, I thought it best to wait for full recovery.

Now that I’m completely healed (yeah baby!), I was able to test the shoes twice on short runs.  Here’s what I thought about the Adizero Adios Boost.

[PROS]

LIGHT.  Adidas Adios Boost weighs in at 7.8 ounces for a size 9.  It’s a long distance racing flat, so it’s not as light as other racing shoes, but definitely lighter than your usual training shoe. You feel fast and nimble in these shoes!

COMFORTABLE RIDE.  adidas’ Boost technology, the bubble look in the sole that looks like Styrofoam, is said to provide a runner with continuous energy return.  They say the material has been proven to be three times more temperature-resistant than standard EVA material, thus providing a more consistent and comfortable run.  I truly felt the cushioning from Boost with every step, especially at the heel, which made for a comfortably bouncy ride.  It was just the right amount of cushioning, soft but not too much.  It was also responsive without being too stiff.

GREAT FIT. Silly me, on the second time I tested these shoes, I came from a swim and, as I dressed for the run, I realized I didn’t have any socks.  I ran sockless in these shoes (like them crazy triathletes! LOL) and they were very comfortable.  The molded responsive EVA sockliner is said to provide for an anatomical fit and great step-in comfort and I agree.  The heel counter felt snug.

GOOD TRACTION.  Most noticeable for me was the midfoot traction on the ground due to use of Continental Rubber for optimal grip.  With our crazy weather, this comes in perfect for the rainy season.

BREATHABLE MATERIAL.  I enjoyed the breathable mesh on the upper of this shoe.

ATTRACTIVE.  The bright orange color?  Love it.

[CONS]

MARATHON SHOE?   The ads and press material call the Adios Boost a marathon shoe, but I believe they must make it clear that it’s a great marathon shoe for the elite or efficient neutral runner. If you’re like me, a mere mortal runner, you can use this shoe for shorter races.  I would use this for a 5k or 10k race or intervals at the track and always with my customized insoles at Intercare.

LACKS STABILITY.  I prefer more stability in my shoe. I found this to be a bit on the narrow side which leads to more pronation for me.

NARROW UPPER.  I’ve got bunions, suffer from lots of blisters, and I dealt with nightmarish Morton’s Neuroma in the past, so I need shoes that provide ample space for my toes.

PRICEY.  Price is on the high side at P7,995.

[THE VERDICT]

The adidas Adios Boost is a long distance racing flat for the neutral, efficient runner.  If you’re one of the lucky aforementioned ones, then it may be the perfect shoe for you that may just take you to break your new PR due to its lightness, responsiveness, and overall comfort.  If you’re like me who needs stability, then use it only for short races.

[PRODUCT DETAILS]

PRICE: P7,995

WHERE TO BUY: Available in various adidas and sports stores nationwide

Remember the limited black adidas Energy BOOST I wrote about last year? adidas has gone a long way since then with Energy Boost. Just last month, they unveiled new Energy BOOST colorways.

Just to tell you about how Energy BOOST started, adidas and partner BASF, the world’s leading chemical company, developed BOOST foam cushioning that returns more energy than any other foam cushioning in the running industry. 

BOOST technology basically combined the qualities of performance cushioning and responsiveness so runners don’t have to choose between the two; they get both.

Other features of Energy BOOST:

• BOOST was developed to remain consistently cushioned and incredibly responsive through sub-zero cold to punishing heat, which we can expect this summer LOL.
• The upper of Energy BOOST features adidas Techfit, highly durable elastic polyurethane that provides optimal comfort and support to the entire foot while in motion. The formfitting, breathable mesh material offers the fit of a sock, while engineered powerbands across the upper provide targeted support and stabilization.
• Energy BOOST also includes an extended TORSION® system from heel to toe which helps minimize roll for stability. This feature works with an external heel counter which maximizes the heel fit and comfort during runs.

The new collection of miCoach compatible Energy BOOST colorways retails for PHP 7995. Available at leading adidas and sports stores nationwide.

My first thought when I heard about adiZero Primeknit: adidas has Primeknit?! They’re already releasing more colorways when I hadn’t even seen the shoe?!

My second thought: Are knitted uppers the new fad in running shoes now?

Give me a month or two and I could probably knit myself a shoe too!  I kid.  Anyway, if other running shoes come out with knitted uppers in the coming months, we’re pretty much sure my guess was right, right?!

More about the adiZero Primeknit 2.0, the first one-piece upper Performance running shoe, which is being rolled out in new exciting colours this Fall/Winter season for both men and women…

Using the latest design tools with a new seamless engineering technology, adidas has created a first-of-its-kind running shoe. While traditional sports shoes are constructed from several different pieces, this breakthrough method digitally knits the entire upper in just one piece. Knitting fused yarn fine-tunes the exact amount of flexibility and support needed in every part of the shoe. There is no lining or reinforcements – the strength comes from the fused yarn, digitally-knitted in distinct grid patterns to provide ventilation. This all means lightweight comfort that wraps seamlessly around your foot, whilst fewer materials produce less waste.

James Carnes, Head of Design for Sport Performance at adidas, said, “We are constantly innovating to bring superior performance products to the greatest athletes in the world. In designing the adizero Primeknit, our goal was to completely rethink how footwear is engineered, with a keen eye on sustainable construction. This revolutionary design will forever change the way we engineer shoes, combining both premium innovation and maximum performance benefits.”

The adiZero Primeknit collection is now available at adidas Bonifacio Global City starting October 18, 2013 at PHP8295. A total of six colorways will launch in the Philippines, starting with the White and Pink models, followed by four more in November to January 2014.  Woot!

Follow www.facebook.com/adidasPH for more information.

For us runners, we will run come hell or high water (okay, maybe not too high for flood water!) This would mean that many of us (this writer included) run despite heavy rains that slam on the roads.  As long as our safety isn’t compromised, a long run under the rain can turn you into a child again stomping on puddles and being free to roam and play.

To make your rainy run, fun and enjoyable, here are my top 10 running gear for rainy days:  (Warning to Men: These are all my personal run gear so sorry if most of the items are women-specific.)

1) Berghaus Jacket

FAVE FEATURES: I would use this during a run under a light drizzle. It has a unique zipper on the arm to hold an ipod/mp3 player. Material is lightweight. The look is stylish and feminine.

2) Nike Womens Cyclone Vapour Running Jacket

FAVE FEATURES: This Nike jacket is designed to move along with you while you run.  The textured dots inside aren’t just for aesthetics; they create space between the jacket and your skin to reduce cling. There’s an adjustable cord both at the hood and the lower hem should you run against wind.  It is lightweight and water resistant.  See the internal pocket on the left side?  You can fold the jacket in for easy storing.

3) Nike Epic Run Shorts and Nike 

FAVE FEATURES: While these aren’t necessarily rain-specific, I like wearing them most especially when it rains because the fit remains the same even when soaked in rain water unlike loose shorts that tend to cling when wet.  The Nike Epic Run shorts (black in the middle) has 2 internal drop-in pockets to carry gels, keys, mp3 player, or cash.  The other 2 shorts (grey and blue) fit very well and provide good comfort.

4) Otterbox Armor Series

FAVE FEATURES: It’s shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof! This keeps your phone safe even when it rains. Actually, even if you submerge it in water.

5) Garmin Forerunner 310XT

FAVE FEATURES: Garmin’s triathlon watch is water-resistant. It can be used for swimming so it’s obviously safe to use under the rain. Should it get dark out, tap it to turn on the backlight.

6) KSwiss K-Ruuz 1.5 Shoes

FAVE FEATURES: The K-Swiss K-Ruuz 1.5 is K-Swiss’ lightest racing flat. It uses K-Swiss’ unique ION-mask hydro-phobic technology which is designed to repel water. It also has drainage holes underneath the shoe to keep your feet dry. It has limited cushioning and a bit of support so I would use this only for short runs. The shoe below is the 2012 model for women.

– KSwiss K-Ruuz 1.5 2012 version for Women –

7) Otterbox Waterproof Series

FAVE FEATURES: This air tight container keeps its contents dry and protected. For the Otterbox 2000 Series seen below, you can fit your iphone, ipod, passport/license, cash, and more. There are other available sizes for these. You can also check out the Otterbox Pursuit Series which are updated versions of mine below.

8) Adidas Handheld Hydration Bottle

FAVE FEATURES: This handheld hydration bottle from adidas can’t possibly slip off your hands due to its design. It’s also lightweight and easy to drink from even while on the run.

9) 2XU Cap

FAVE FEATURES: The material of this cap is water resistant, lightweight, and breathable.

10) Petroleum Jelly

FAVE FEATURES: Keeps your skin chafe-free and blister-free. Apply this liberally on your chest area in the perimeters of your sports bra if you’re a woman, at the edges of your shorts, and even on your toes to avoid blisters from soaked socks and shoes. Never leave home without this!