SHOE REVIEW by Cregg Weinmann
Track & Field Shoes 2015 As in other pre-Olympic years, 2015 is a “hold-steady” track & field season before the Olympic rollouts for Rio 2016. Five brands offer new products here for the 2015 season, with something for everyone, from beginners to athletes aspiring to the World Championships in Beijing. Here we review five representatives of the current track market, tested for your benefit. They’re versatile, and all athletes can benefit from the equipment advantage they afford, notably their light weight and technical design. We also preview another eight shoes with their specifications. Use this sampling as a starting point in your search for track & field excellence, and check runningproductreviews. com for periodic updates. As we always say, allow yourself time to adapt to the minimal support, structure, and cushioning of the spikes.
Brooks PR LD 3 $65
The second update to the PR series focuses on improved materials plus a few minor design nudges, shedding weight where possible. The upper is closed mesh with sublimated graphics that lend eye appeal. The weight savings results from paring back both the overlays—which are now fully welded, no-sew film—and the strategically placed and comfy ankle collar foam. The six-spike plate is unchanged, providing consistent traction. The rearfoot is covered with sharkskin except where an (unnecessary) oval segment was removed in the heel to shave grams. The full-length midsole is now molded EVA (replacing the sheet EVA used previously), providing enough cushioning even in the longer races. The combination of performance, aesthetics, and price sets the PR LD3 apart, earning it our Best Value award in the Track & Field category. UPDATED Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 4.6 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.0 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 6, replaceable Upper: closed mesh Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: combination thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 1,500–10,000 meters on all surfaces, best on synthetic surfaces
New Balance LD 5000 v2 $120
The 5000 is New Balance’s top distance spike and it features top-shelf technology. The upper is closed mesh with a matrix of no-sew overlays that secure and support the foot, though very lightweight. The midsole is a thin and light layer of molded Revlite foam, in a geometry that cushions responsively without adding unnecessary weight. The outersole is a web of thermoplastic points that add traction on synthetic surfaces along with four perimeter spikes. This combination allows it to handle the natural surfaces of cross country with equal efficiency. The versatility and performance of the LD 5000 v2 earned it the Best Shoe Track & Field for Spring 2015. UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 4.5 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/3.6 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 4, replaceable Upper: synthetic leather overlays and mesh, synthetic suede tongue Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: 3/4-length thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 1,500–10,000 meters on all surfaces, on synthetic surfaces and natural cross country
Nike Zoom Ja Fly 2 $125
Nike has the industry’s broadest line of track & field shoes, offering something for everyone, from beginners to Olympians. The Ja is one of their elite sprint spikes designed for sprinters from the finesse end rather than the power end of the spectrum. The upper is closed minimesh with welded overlays. The lacing is asymmetrical, angled laterally, shoring up the foot medially, to add support for sprinting, with welded Flywire through the saddle. The midsole is a very thin layer of molded EVA foam, concentrated in the heel and narrowing through the arch. The outersole is a full-length Pebax spike plate that’s most rigid under the toes, positioning the foot forward for sprinting efficiency. The eight-spike plate ensures that traction is maximized. While light weight is a priority, the sole is substantial where it needs to be. UPDATED Sizes: Unisex 4–13,14,15 Weight: 6.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11) Spikes: 8, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded synthetic overlays Innersole: molded EVA Midsole: full-length Phylon (EVA) Outersole: Pebax spike plate, toughened EVA Recommended for: 50–400 meters on synthetic surfaces
BEST VALUE Track & Field SPRING 2015
BEST SHOE Track & Field SPRING 2015