Tuesday, January 31, 2017
Acel Sport Compression Sock review
I admit. I am a small sock guy. I am out on the roads or trails in ankle socks. If I could get away with barefoot I would, but that has leg to blisters and nasty feet. I have however, for the past 12 months or so, used compression calf sleeves post workout on hard days for recovery and have found them useful. So when Acel Sport reached out to me through Instagram, I said sure, would love to try their compression socks.
Full disclosure, Acel Sport provided a sample free of charge, but did not require a review, positive or negative. As always, I will try to keep the review balanced.
My workout this morning was a 45 minute treadmill run, with some steady state work as well as max effort repeats. I don't love the treadmill, but I am travelling this week and Edmonton is pretty snowy and cold, which I don't mind, but my light packing left me little room for more than some shorts and Hokas (Clifton 3 - review coming soon!). I took the opportunity to give the socks a test drive.
Fit - socks are sized based on shoe size and calf circumference. I found that they fit snuggly, felt generally comfortable, with no real tight spots. My feet and calves felt supported and overall great. Length was fine, sitting just below the knee.
Ride/feel in action - Once I got moving, I didn't notice anything different, positive or negative. Having said that, post activity, my calves felt less tight than usual for a workout with this pacing/effort. Perhaps it was the socks? My only complaint is that I found them very hot, especially in my shoes/the foot portion. Like really hot. I would be concerned in a long ultra in the summer months, or if they got wet.
Price/overall impression: Obviously these were free, however their pricing on their website is pretty reasonable for compression wear. I would use these again, however I would likely use these for recovery. I could consider a calf sleeve only as I could pair these with socks that I have found to work for long efforts.
I would encourage you to check them out!
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Shoe Review - HOKA ONE ONE Bondi
After running a number of miles in the Tracer (see review here), I started falling in love with Hokas. So I decided to go and get their maximal shoe, the Bondi, at the other end of the spectrum.
The Bondi is described by Hoka as " is the most cushioned shoe in the HOKA ONE ONE line. It delivers a smooth, cushioned ride that is revered for its balance and simplicity with a full-EVA midsole and early stage Meta-Rocker for a guided ride. " I would agree. Its all about the cushioning with this one.
Sizing: I found the shoe true to size. Many reviews and complaints about the Bondi, and overall Hoka brand in general has been that the shoes are somewhat narrow, especially in the forefoot. I did not find this to be the case. I actually found the forefoot roomy and spacious. These shoes are super comfortable when you slide into them. They have good structure, and just feel great on my feet.
Ride: All about the cushion. I have run shorter runs (8-15miles) and longer runs (25miles+) in these. They are a great recovery shoe as they give you feet and joints some respite from the road grind. The cushion is soft, but not marshmallowy, there is still some snap/responsiveness. These shoes, due to the large stack height of eva are stiff, in that there is little flexibility in the shoe, but they have compensated for this with their meta-rocker technology (essentially the shoe is built on a last allows for a natural transition through mid-foot and forefoot, and even heel to toe-off). I found the first couple runs took a little getting used to as I am used to a move flexible shoe, but now after running more than 150km in them I don't mind the lack of flexibility and find it a nice comfortable ride. My only minor complaints are that the shoe is hot - it doesn't breathe very well (I have had the opportunity to look at the new Bondi model, and other Hoka models and they have changed their upper material to something more breathable). This is ok for now, we are in the midst of a cold spell with -10C temps, but could be an issue in the warmer months. Also, I did find the shoe less comfortable at the end of the very long run (40+km). The shoe is heavier than I am used to, though I have done some steady state and speed workouts with it, but on the long run I did find a little more leg fatigue than usual. I wonder if it is because you end up working a little harder to counter the plush cushioning.
Wear and Tear: Like the tracers, after 150+km, these look brand new. Very little wear on the outsole, cushioning is still intact, very plush, and no wearmarks or issues on the upper. Will be interested to see how long they last. I suspect they are pretty bomb proof given the beefy EVA,
Price: I picked these up on sale...I suspect you'll get great value for them as they will last a long time. They currently sell for $100-150 as this model is in the midst of an upgrade to #5.
I would recommend these or suggest you certainly visit your local specialty running store to try a pair on. I imagine you will find them amazingly comfortable. These have been a great addition to the shoe pile and a go to for me on recovery days, or days when I want to give my feet a little extra comfort.
Sunday, January 1, 2017
Shoe review - Hoka Tracers
I ran a lot of
miles kilometers in 2016. 5900+ to be less exact. In early December, after looking around for a new shoe to try out, I landed on Hoka One One as a brand that came recommended by many ultra distance and trail runners as they were extremely comfortable and forgiving in long efforts. Given my high mileage, I thought I would see what the fuss was about.
I decided on the Tracer model, which is less “Hoka-ish” than many of their models, given their less maximal cushioning (Hoka’s are known for their extreme amounts of cushioning, sometimes looking platform shoe esqe). Having now put more than 150km in the model, I am happy to share what I have learned.
The Tracer model bills itself as “a lightweight training shoe with superb racing potential“. Indeed, the weight of the shoe comes in around 7 – 7.5 ounces which is the weightier end of a racing flat. With a 4mm heel to toe offset (heel drop) (I have seen reviews saying they are anywhere from 2-5mm, but we will go with 4), this shoe favours more efficient runners.
Sizing: I found the shoe true to size. I wear a size 10 in all running shoes, and this was no exception. Some reviews have suggested a slim/narrow forefoot, but I did not find that to be the case. I put the shoes on and they felt great. Like a nice slipper. Unbelievably great. I was excited to run in them (still am!). I can notice some pressure on my baby toe, but the shoe is flexible and I have had no chafing or blistering issues, even with running in rain, freezing rain and snow with them, at extreme distances.
Ride: Different from other Hoka’s (I now have a couple of pairs as a recent convert) these are not super cushioned. Having said that, compared to some of my other past shoes in the 7ounce/racing flat range, these are exceptional in terms of cushion. But the shoe is super responsive, snappy, fast. These shoes get me up on my mid-foot/forefoot and moving quickly. I have used them for a few tempo runs with good success. While for some, these may not favour long distances, I did run a 25mile/40km effort with them, in the rain, with some up-tempo work and had no issues with soreness or unusual fatigue the next day (not more than usual!) I could see using these for a marathon, or certainly a 1/2marathon as an alternative for those worried about the support of a racing flat.
Wear and Tear: After 150+km, these look brand new. Very little wear on the outsole, cushioning is still intact and no wearmarks or issues on the upper. Will be interested to see how long they last.
Price: I find shoes getting more expensive. at ~$150, there are less expensive models on the market, as well as more expensive ones. So far, given the wear/tear, I feel like I am getting good value for the price.
I would recommend these shoes to someone seeking a fast, lightweight shoe to go fast in, but also provide enough support (in fact, disproportionate support, meaning more, than the weight of the shoe). Also, a good alternative for people looking for something to race in, almost at any distance up to and including the marathon.
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