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
Puma TFX Distance v5 $75
The TFX Distance may be the sleeper of the bunch—at least as far as this review is concerned—as it fights above its weight. The upper is a firm minimesh that’s nicely supportive. Welded overlays add support to the close fit as it sandwiches the mesh with the welded suede linings of the interior. The midsole is a full-length molded EVA—almost like a light road racer—that cushions much like its road sibling would. The outersole is divided into the horseshoe-shaped Pebax nylon plate on the perimeter of the forefoot, a rubber pod beneath the heel, and toughened foam over the rest of the sole. The execution, features, and price make the TFX Distance v5 a quality choice for track performance. UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–12,13; Women 6–11,12 Weight: 6.1 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.8 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 5, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: Pebax nylon spike plate on forefoot perimeter, EVA over rest Recommended for: 1,500 meters and up, including steeplechase, on synthetic surfaces
Saucony Showdown $100
Designed for power and speed, the Showdown is Saucony’s most elite sprint spike. The upper features the new ISO fit system: angular strapping that descends from each lace eyelet to the base of the sole, and it anchors the heel as it ties into the rearfoot overlays. The effect is supportive and adaptable as the foot moves, ideal for sprinting motion. The tongue is breathable mesh and gusseted to keep the foot secure. The forefoot is enshrouded in a welded, synthetic laminate for additional structure. The midsole is a thin layer of EVA, sufficiently cushioned for its task. The outersole is a full-length Pebax spike plate, rigid where needed, thanks to four spines that run the length of the plate; however, the plate is also springy and resilient for efficient sprinting. The 10-spike plate provides the needed traction, with multiple options in spike placement. The resulting product is improved, thanks to the synergy of all the additions. UPDATED Sizes: Men 4–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 7.1 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.8 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 10, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: EVA Outersole: full-length Pebax spike plate Recommended for: 50–400 meters and hurdles, on synthetic surfaces
Preview
Brooks PR Sprint 3 $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 6–12 Weight: 4.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/3.9 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded film overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: CM-EVA Outersole: combination thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 50–400 meters and hurdles, on synthetic surfaces
Nike Zoom Mamba 3 $120 UPDATED Sizes: Unisex 6–13,14; Women 5–12 Weight: 5.0 oz. (w/spikes, size 11) Spikes: 6, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded synthetic overlays Innersole: molded EVA Midsole: full-length Phylon (EVA) Outersole: Pebax spike plate, rubber heel Recommended for: 3,000–10,000 meters and steeplechase, on synthetic surfaces
Saucony Spitfire $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 4–13,14,15; Women 5–12 Weight: 5.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.7 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic leather overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length EVA Outersole: Pebax spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 100–400 meters, on synthetic surfaces
Brooks PR MD 3 $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 5–13,14,15; Women 6–12 Weight: 4.9 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.0 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 6, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded film overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: CM-EVA Outersole: combination thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 400–1,500 meters, hurdles and jumps, on synthetic surfaces
Puma TFX Sprint v5 $75 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–12,13; Women 6–11,12 Weight: 6.8 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.6 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 8, replaceable Upper: synthetic leather, welded overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length CM-EVA Outersole: Pebax nylon spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 50–100 meters, on synthetic surfaces
Saucony Velocity $60 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–13,14; Women 5–11,12 Weight: 7.2 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.8 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: closed mesh, Flexfilm overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: full-length sheet EVA Outersole: Pebax spike plate, carbon rubber heel Recommended for: 800–5,000 meters, hurdles and jumps, on natural and synthetic surfaces
New Balance SD 400 v2 $110 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–13; Women 5–11 Weight: 5.7 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/4.9 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 8, replaceable Upper: mesh, synthetic overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: molded EVA Outersole: thermoplastic spike plate, sharkskin heel Recommended for: 50–400 meters, on synthetic surfaces
Puma TFX Star v3 $65 UPDATED Sizes: Men 7–12,13; Women 6–11,12 Weight: 6.6 oz. (w/spikes, men’s 11)/5.7 oz. (w/ spikes, women’s 8) Spikes: 7, replaceable Upper: mesh, welded overlays Innersole: sheet EVA Midsole: sheet EVA Outersole: thermoplastic spike plate, rubber heel Recommended for: 100–5,000 meters, hurdles and jumps, on all surfaces
Cregg Weinmann is footwear and running products reviewer for FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. He can be reached via email at shuz2run@lightspeed.net Copyright © 2015 by FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. No part of this article may be stored, copied, or reprinted without prior written permission of FORTIUS Media Group, LLC. Reprinted here with permission.