Reebok Sublite Escape

Escape the confines of performance limiting shoes with the Reebok Sublite Escape. Reebok brings a new excitement to the kind of lightweight comfort in a very snappy ride while piling up the miles. The Reebok Sublite Escape features a very cushy ride with its Sublite foam midsole in an extremely light construction while a removable and very plump insole called the Memory Tech cushioning  adds even more plush comfort. A 3D-printed upper design for a very sleek look and high-impact rubber on the outsole completes the setup of this shoe.

Arch support and pronation control

The Reebok Sublite Escape is a neutral shoe and does not carry the kind of arch support and pronation control that are coveted by overpronators. Neutral runners have plenty of arch support already and are ideally suited for shoes that promote their natural range of motions with each stride.

Supinators, on the other hand, who require flexibility and cushioning in their footwear, can definitely have a go at this shoe. It has the kind of features that falls right up their alley.

Terrain

Reebok designed the shoe for the road. As such, it can be used in a variety of areas like concrete, track, stone paths, and some light trail. It should be able to do as advertised except in some slick areas.

Use

Closer to maximum cushioning in a lightweight package is designed by Reebok to withstand the rigors of competitive long-course running. Getting that personal best time should be within range with the Reebok Sublite Escape.

Due to the ample cushioning, this allows the shoe to double as an everyday training partner. The same cushioning that is perfect for longer runs would also be superb for repetitive poundings on the road. Caution, however, should be observed since using the shoe for training and competition is definitely one way to shorten its life span. It would be fantastic to use the shoe as part of the rotation as well.

Durability

Durability is guaranteed with this shoe, at least as far as the outsole is concerned. The high-impact solid rubber is built to last for a long time.

Fit and sizing

The Reebok Sublite Escape has a very nice fit. It includes the nice feel in the heel and the forefoot. The midfoot strap does a good job of securing the midfoot area. All told, runners with normal width should get the best fit for this shoe. Reebok makes the normal D for men and B for women.

Outsole

With durability and traction in mind, Reebok designed the Reebok Sublite Escape with the high-abrasion rubber to take most of the pounding. It also has very evident flex grooves for that much-needed flexibility from the heel to the forefoot. The flex grooves also enhance better transitions.

Midsole

The shoe uses Reebok’s patented Sublite foam technology for a very light midsole foam with plenty of cushioning in a very dynamic ride. Adding superior cushioning is the Memory Tech insole. Despite the really discernible cushion, there is still enough zip in the foam for picking up the pace.

Upper

The sleek look of the Reebok Sublite Escape is mainly due to the fantastic combination of mesh and graphic printing. There is plenty of ventilation available and overall setup projects a shoe ready that is built for speed. The traditional lace-up closure customizes fit and feel.

The technical construction of the Reebok Sublite Escape

Reebok brings some flair in the Reebok Sublite Escape with the use of graphic upper that accentuates the mesh setup. This 3D-printed upper makes the shoe look fresh and fast while the mesh guarantees a cool and dry foot every step of the way. Midfoot lockdown is enhanced with the soft midfoot strap. The lace-up closure is still preferred with this shoe.

The midsole is consistent all throughout when it comes to foams. There is that padded ankle collar and the removable Memory Tech insole for more cushioning. Of course, the showcased cushioning here is provided mainly by the Sublite midsole foam. The foam brings a sort of cushy feel without sapping the runner’s energy. In fact, the snappy returns are kind of surprising for this kind of cushioning.

Price

The shoe retails at only$100, which is really good for both Reebok and the running community. Even better news is the fact that there are numerous stores offering at a much lower rate.

Summary

Reebok has yet again come up with aces with the Reebok Sublite Escape. In fact, it is so good for runners looking for a very cushioned ride in a lightweight package that they might have to buy one before the right time is up to get a new shoe. Runners would be more than tempted to use the shoe as an everyday training workhorse and as a race day shoe. Traditionally, lightweight shoes that are simultaneously used for training and competition have a much shorter lifespan compared to those exclusively used for either training or racing only.

Nike Air Max Tailwind

Nike has been producing quality shoes for decades already. Aside from the technological expertise that is available for such a shoe giant, there is always the indispensable firsthand experience that the Swoosh has put to good use. The company owns several lines that have had numerous iterations previously, with each version always an improvement from the last. One such line is the Nike Air Max Tailwind.
The Nike Air Max Tailwind has come a long way since its debut in the 70’s and has undergone more than its share of revamps. However, the line is still thriving behind the original concept of great cushioning. The latest Tailwind edition makes use of the patented Cushlon foam and the revered Air sole units. Together with some deep flex grooves in the outsole, this version offers maximum cushioning, flexibility, and dynamic energy returns.

Arch support and pronation control       

         

Nike designed the shoe for runners who do not have outward or inward rolling motion after landing. The shoe is built for neutral runners and does not afford premium stability or pronation control features. Very well-cushioned and flexible shoes are best for runners with moderate to high arches. Runners with high arches already have plenty of arch support based on their foot build. Thus, the Nike Air Max Tailwind does not even have moderate arch support features.

Terrain

Runners who love to put some flavor in their preferred running surfaces would love this shoe. This is a road shoe that could handle track, asphalt, uneven terrain, and light trail with equal ease.

Use

The shoe is excellent for daily training. It has more than enough cushioning for the grind of everyday running. This shoe would also do well in long-distance runs or runs made for building endurance. Elite runners could also have the shoe as an option during the recovery days or as an alternative during long easy runs.

Durability

The latest Tailwind version carries basically the same outsole build as the previous model which was very durable. It makes sense that the updated version offers the same kind of long-lasting performance. Overall shoe durability should be great as well.

Fit and sizing

The shoe stays true to standard sizes so there should be no problems with the shoe length. Sizes for the men’s are from 6-15 while it is 5-11 for the women’s. The standard D for the men’s and B for the women’s is the available width. Forefoot fit has extra room for toes to splay. Runners with inflexible feet could stay inside without any concerns. The roomy toe box adds even more to the comfort of the shoe. Midfoot fit is normal. The heel is secured a fairly flexible heel cup. A padded tongue and collar plus a soft insole seal the deal.

Elements of the Nike Air Max Tailwind

Outsole

An extremely durable carbon rubber called BRS 1000 by Nike is utilized underfoot.

 

Midsole

The patented Cushlon Nike midsole foam and air cushioning units are used in the midsole. The foam and the cushioning units do the job of providing soft cushioning and responsive features.

Upper

The open-top mesh is designed for ultra shoe breathability.

The technical construction of the Nike Air Max Tailwind

The Nike Air Max Tailwind is using Nike’s standard engineered mesh upper. It is open top and very porous, which undoubtedly means that air is free to move in and out of the shoe. This guarantees a cool and dry run. The mesh is also flexible in areas where it needs to be like the top and the forefoot for better feel. It is a bit rigid near the medial and back sides for added shoe support. Synthetic overlays are used as well. Although not overly thick to be restrictive, the no-sew overlays do a magnificent job of holding the midfoot area and enhancing the overall shoe structure. While a fairly flexible heel counter does not do much in keeping the heel in place, neutrals in the first place do not move as much. Thus, there is the need of the overlays to provide some stability and support.

A full-length Cushlon foam is utilized in the midsole. There is much better consistency with such a foam used in the entire length of the shoe. Placing a full-length foam makes the ride so much smoother than before. The trademark Air cushioning units are still found in the midsole for shock absorption and better energy return. A seamless and padded interior enhances the snug fit and comfort of the shoe. The Air Max Tailwind also comes with a removable insole for customized fit and support.

The outsole is made of Waffle skin, which affords some traction for the shoe in varied surfaces and in different conditions. BRS 1000 carbon rubber is used almost the entire length of the shoe guarantees heavy-duty and long-lasting performance.

Heel cushioning

Providing premium cushion for the heel is one of the main goals of the Tailwind and the shoe succeeds very well in this area. This gets a 9 out of 10 for both men’s and women’s versions.

Forefoot cushioning

This area is part of the shoe’s main thrust and does greatly here as well. The forefoot cushioning gets a solid 8 out of 10 for both gender versions.

Stiffness

The shoe offers just the right kind of flexibility in an amply-cushioned package. Shoe stiffness gets a 4 for the men’s and a 3 for the women’s respectively.

Stability

This is a feature that the Tailwind offers very little since it is a neutral shoe. It gets a 2 out of 10 for both genders.

Similar running shoes

There are also brands across the market that are high-profile which offer maximum cushioning, great responsiveness, and flexibility. Some of these shoes are the Adidas Ultra Boost, the Hoka Bondi, and the Brooks Transcend.

The Adidas Ultra Boost is the go-to maximum cushioning shoe from Adidas. It is almost an exact twin of the latest Tailwind edition. They share the same profile with a 32mm heel and 22mm forefoot heights; even the heel to toe drop is identical. This is the most expensive of the lot and features two of the best Adidas technologies in the market, namely the Primeknit upper and the Boost midsole foam. The Boost midsole foam brings responsiveness to a whole new level.

The Hoka Bondi is nothing but being traditionally oversize. Hoka is synonymous with maximum cushioning in a high-profile package. The Bondi has a 37mm heel height and drops to a 33mm forefoot. It has the thickest midsole and relies on a technology called Early Stage Meta Rocker for smooth heel to toe transition. An EVA midsole is used in the shoe’s entire length for consistency in cushioning. It also strategically places carbon rubber in the outsole for durability.

The Brooks Transcend  is also another shoe of this kind. This has plenty of cushioning underfoot with more stability features than any of the shoes in this group. Incredible cushioning and responsiveness is the duty of its fantastic midsole foam called the Super DNA. This midsole foam adapts to the runner’s specific cushioning needs. Ideal pressure zones in the outsole are also utilized to attenuate shock from impact.

Of all the shoes in this section, the Air Max Tailwind beats them all by a mile when it comes to price tags.

Summary

Nike has made it a habit of improving their lines despite using basically the same characteristics that have made these lines a byword in the running community. The Nike Air Max Tailwind continues to uphold the tradition and benchmarks of a well-cushioned shoe that offers plenty of responsive features and flexibility. Plus, at least with this shoe and despite all the bells and whistles, the Swoosh dishes out an unbeatable price.

Price

The opening price of the shoe is $110. It promises to be worth every penny of its current price tag.

Adidas Falcon Elite

Take comfort in a sleek and strong running shoe, such as the Adidas Falcon Elite. This road performer has a modern style that will appear to a fashion-forward athlete. True to the brand’s promise, it provides a combination of comfort, support, breathability and impact protection in a streamlined package. The design enough will catch the attention of anyone, yet its true asset is its cushioned construction that aims to improve propulsion, while keeping a snug fit. Perfect for training and long distance running, this durable model deserves a place in your collection.

Arch support and pronation control

The Adidas Falcon Elite is considered a neutral shoe. It is suited for runners with medium to semi-low arches. The shoe’s cushioning may not reduce over pronation, but it could keep mild biomechanical issues in check. Runners with low arches would need more support and premium cushioning than this shoe can give.

Terrain

The Adidas Falcon Elite is made for the road, gravel and track. Its undersurface is tamed enough to handle flat surfaces well. The Waffle outsole pattern provides enough traction on wet and dry surfaces. The shoe cannot handle much debris, but absorbs impact forces efficiently upon ground contact.

Use

The Adidas Falcon Elite is crafted with versatility in mind. It can handle road running and daily training well. However, it could also be used in other track-r elated activities, such as sports, gym workouts and casual jogs. Its sleek profile also allows the runner to consider it for everyday wear.

Durability

In terms of durability, the Adidas Falcon Elite has a decent construction that can hold for two hundred miles or so, thanks to the abrasion-resistance of the sole and the resiliency of the upper.  As long as it is not used on the trail or excessively, the shoe will last.

 

Fit and sizing

The Adidas Falcon Elite has an average shoe length in terms of sizing. Its forefoot area is a bit wide, while the midfoot and heel areas are deemed to be narrow. The toe box has high volume, which ensures natural toe flexing.

Elements of the Adidas Falcon Elite

Outsole

The Adidas Falcon Elite features the AdiWear outsole, which is a brand-exclusive material. The undersurface is fashioned with an aggressive pattern, which allows better grip and traction on the road.

Midsole

The midsole construction boasts the LITESTRIKE EVA midsole, which gives off the perfect blend between cushioning and flexibility. In the forefoot, there is the AdiPrene+ compound.

Upper

The upper coverage of the Adidas Falcon Elite consist of a Sandwich mesh upper, synthetic overlays, smooth textile lining, a molded EVA insole, lace fastening system, padded and shaped ankle collar and reflective details.

The technical construction of the Adidas Falcon Elite

The Adidas Falcon Elite is designed to be a cushioned road performance shoe for neutral pronators. It has flexible stability and lightweight support, thanks to its range of top-notch shoe technologies fitted for optimal performance on the pavement.

The upper has a streamlined look that fashion-forward runners will welcome. Its sporty design features a sandwich mesh upper, which improves ventilation on all sides, as well as moisture management to keep the interior dry and cool throughout the run. On the other hand, synthetic overlays add support to the foot, while the smooth textile lining provides a comfortable and irritation-free fit. For a plush underfoot feel, the shoe has the molded EVA insole. The removable material is designed to mimic the foot’s movements and provide comfort. Reflective details can be observed in the upper, which improves low-light visibility.

In the sole construction, you can observe a lightweight compound which is reported to be lighter than traditional midsoles. The LITESTRIKE EVA midsole still offers a cushioned and responsive ride while absorbing impact. Propulsion and strike efficiency are secured by the AdiPrene+. In the undersurface, the AdiWear outsole is used. This high abrasion rubber has high-wear durability, especially in heavy impact areas. The semi-aggressive Waffle pattern of the rubber is useful in running on wet and dry surfaces.

Heel cushioning

The Adidas Falcon Elite is pretty cushioned. In the heel, the men’s version has a cushioning rating of 6 out of 10. On the other hand, the women’s version got a 5 heel cushioning rating.

Forefoot cushioning

In the forefoot, the cushioning is also high. The men’s and women’s versions of the shoe have forefoot cushioning ratings of 7 and 5 out of 10 respectively.

Stiffness

Stiffness is present in the Adidas Falcon Elite, but not immensely. The men’s and women’s shoes have stiffness ratings of 5 and 4 out of 10 respectively.

Stability

The stability of the Adidas Falcon Elite is quite average. The men’s version has a stability rating of 4 out of 10. The women’s version also got the same rating.

Similar running shoes

In terms of running shoes for road beginners and casual athletes, the Adidas Falcon Elite is a great option. However, there are other pavement options that also provide the same balance of impact protection, support and comfort at a cheap price.

The Brooks Launch is a worthy buy and reasonably-priced too. It features a cushioned platform, with great upper materials to secure a comfortable and breathable fit. In the forefoot, there is also more cushioning to facilitate a forward momentum, while the heel efficiently. The Zoot Solana is also worth the consideration. This responsive platform secures a seamless fit, breathability and support for road running.

If you have no qualms about the price, the NIKE Flyknit Lunar is a favorite for lightweight and smooth runs. It secures breathability, impact protection and responsiveness naturally, given the brand’s promise for high-quality performance.  The Saucony Triumph ISO is also a great road running shoe for its balance of comfort and performance. You can expect a cushioned platform, yet a lightweight feel.

Summary

The comfort of the Adidas Falcon Elite alone would convince you to buy this affordable pavement shoe. Its sleek profile, despite being heavy, will not only charm you to make an appearance in the gym or road, but also keeps you supported and protected from impact forces. You won’t need to exert more energy, since the cushioned midsole will allow you to bound from one step to another effortlessly. If you are looking for a training shoe, the Adidas Falcon Elite is a must-have.

Price

The Adidas Falcon Elite is available at $90. You can still get a pair for a cheaper price when you avail of sale offers and discounts.