"OTHER BRAND" - RUNNING shoe thread - asics, saucony, new balance, hoka one one, adidas, reebok, brooks, altra, skechers, etc...

First run straight out of the box for these Bob Marley EVO SL Wovens.

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FIT: Opted for TTS (same as the OG mesh iteration); however, I feel like I could have gone +1/2, which is what I’ve been opting for for my recent trainer/racer purchases now and will continue for the future. Otherwise, they felt good in my previous usual go-to size overall.

FEEL: Although this woven version sacrifices ventilation and breathability, it felt more structured overall. It comes down to your preferences. For me, I prefer the woven version more for performance.

RIDE: IDENTICAL to the OGs, IMHO. The Lightstrike Pro midsole feels better and better as you push the pace faster and faster. They became really fun to run when I got down to the sub7s.

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However, during my warm-up and cool-down "runs", I felt discomfort towards the my lateral left forefoot, which I think is due to sizing. The Lightstrike Pro midsole feels mediocre and dull.

Warm-Up
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Cool-Down
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For reference, my warm-up and cool-down runs are when I don't pause my Garmin when waiting at stoplights, and my form during them almost looks like how Jack Sparrow runs LOL! I really DGAF :emoji_joy: when I'm doing these. It's really... get from point A to point B. The discomfort dissipated, as I got into my real run.

Without any carbon fiber in its construction, the EVO SL is one of those trainers that EQUALLY reciprocates the energy that you put into it. In other words, what you put in is what you'll get out of them. YMMV.
adidas please restock...lol
 
I like what Brooks is doing with their Ghost lineup—if you’re a Ghost faithful, you have four options: Ghost 18 (daily), Ghost Max 4 (long run, recovery), Ghost Amp (uptempo), and Ghost Trail. All you need is a Ghost super-trainer (à la Endorphin Speed) capable of 26.2 to complete the set.
 
First run straight out of the box for the ANTA Zone 2 90

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PRICE: ~$110 shipped

SIZING/FIT: Went with my usual western brand size (Nike/ASICS/adidas/Saucony). However, I feel going +1/2 that size would have been optimal.

FEEL/UPPER: Soft with a fine mesh for its upper. Overall, it's really gentle and comfortable on feet. It's a shoe that I wouldn't hesitate to wear casually.

RIDE: The sneaker is named the Zone 2, so it's logical to think that these are for those type of runs and paces. HOWEVER, this trainer is FAST. My average HR for this run held TRUE to its name (overall), but I feel it's more of a tempo trainer.

HR Zones with a 153BPM Average
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Run Summary:
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Disclaimer:
My HR was a bit higher during this run with the Zone 2s (ironically), but I know it's due to my lack of quality sleep and recovery. Despite my fatigue, my overall pace was similar to my run in the Megablast the day before.
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I'm not sure if it's just me, but I've noticed that doing my warm-up and cool-down "runs" that I've been feeling discomfort with these recent trainers that I've been testing out. However, during my real runs, that discomfort dissipates... then returns after I've finished when I get into my cool-down segment.

Warm-Up
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Cool-Down
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Back to the RIDE/EXPERIENCE... something worth noting is that the outsole is a BIG FLAW and definitely deters me from purchasing another pair. There was a stretch of wet road along my route, so I ran on and through it. I noticed the outsoles didn't have good grip. I could almost feel slipping as I was striking my feet over the wet areas. Not only that, just after ~10K of activity overall, the outsole already showed significant wear on my most abrasive areas (lateral forefoot).

Overall, the ANTA Zone 2 90 feels like a softened up ASICS Megablast with a mesh upper. It's plush but has that energetic sensation on toe-off with its rocker. Although, they cost ~$110, which may seem like a great value, their durability would be a dealbreaker for most. If you really break it down with the amount of mileage you'll get for the price you pay, these are not worth it, IMHO. Unless, you're like me and want variety with different brands, tech, or a nice cw! TBH, it was the cw that intrigued me with these! :emoji_sweat_smile: Again, YMMV.
 
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The SC Elite v6 looks like NB's most advanced looking racer EVER! I almost can't believe it's a New Balance lol



Also received the Li-Ning Feidian 6 Elites. I went TTS, and they fit just how I prefer! For around the same price as an EVO SL at retail, I pulled the trigger on the other cw I wanted.

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