I’ve previously reviewed Mizuno® Wave Nirvana 8 but wanted to add my recent field review as well. Important note — this version runs approximately 1/2 size smaller than the listed size, so you will want to evaluate length when assessing fit.
I like this shoe, however, it won’t work for every foot type as the following field research shows.
I’ve previously reviewed Brooks Ravenna 3 but wanted to add my recent field review. Brooks Ravenna 3 provides a great fit for the rectangular foot. It’s lightweight and cushioned for the neutral runner who doesn’t pronate excessively.
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review
Tagged Brooks Running, Running Shoes
ProGrid Omni has always been a solid shoe. For the past several versions, it has offered a rectangular shape and significant anti-pronation control — including a firm medial midsole, firm heel counter, and torsional stability.
Version 11, however, has reduced pronation control due to increased midsole cushioning (thickness) and less torsional stability.
This makes for a comfortable shoe with a trade-off in less durability and faster wear. In addition to the change from support to cushioning, the upper has also changed from a more fitted style to a more boxy style with a deeper toe-box. For some runners, this may predispose them to a less secure fit than previous models as the following field research shows.
Other ProGrid Omni Reviews:
https://drshoereviews.com/2009/11/09/shoe-review-saucony-progrid-omni-8/
https://drshoereviews.com/2008/07/16/shoe-review-saucony-progrid-omni-6-ultimate/
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review
Tagged running, Running Shoes, Saucony
Brooks has done it again, with the introduction of the Adrenaline GTX, all terrain, trail shoe.
Adrenaline GTX is more rugged than Adrenaline ASR due to the Gore-Tex, waterproof, upper membrane. This shoe is also extremely stable, which is especially helpful during muddy or wet running conditions.
Additional features are highlighted in the following video.
Posted in Shoe Fit, Shoe Review, Sport Specific Shoes
Tagged Brooks Running, outdoors, Running Shoes, Trail Running
Asics Gel Foundation 10 is similar to version 9 in that it is highly structured and torsionally stable, with a firm heel counter and an inflexible forefoot.
The differences between version 10 and version 9 have to do with volume. Version 9 was available in narrow, whereas version 10 isn’t. Version 9 was also more shallow than version 10 which will affect those runners who choose this shoe based on volume.
For all other runners, as the following video shows — this remains a great shoe.
Posted in Narrow Feet, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review
Tagged asics, orthotics, plantar fascia, Running Shoes, sports medicine
Mizuno Wave Alchemy 11 is one of my favorite shoes. It’s supportive and structured without being heavy. Wave Alchemy 12 is equally supportive — but runs narrower than version 11 as the following video shows.
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review
Injuries of the big toe joint resulting in pain are common. Causes include — sesamoiditis, turf toe, hallux limitus, stub injuries and even bunions. Fortunately, many of these injuries respond to immobilization using 1″ althletic tape
Posted in Foot Pain
Tagged Foot Injuries, running, sports medicine, Sprain, Taping, Turf Toe
The differences between Brooks Ravenna 3 and Ravenna 2 primarily involve volume and cushion. Version 3 is deeper, has more volume and fits less snugly than version 2. Ravenna 3 also has a softer midsole, which is great for cushioning but not as durable as version 2.
Overall, Ravenna 3 is a great shoe, however because of the changes with version 3, you will want to try on and confirm fit prior to purchasing. Video comparison between the two versions can be found here:
Here’s my previous post on Brooks
Ravenna 2: https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/shoe-review-brooks-ravenna-2/
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review
Asics Gel-3030 fills a much needed void left by Asics GT-2160. Torsionally stable, with a firm heel counter and an inflexible forefoot, Asics Gel-3030 is an ideal shoe for those runners wanting serious support or pronation control. The only downside — it’s only available in medium width. Apart from that, it’s one of my favorite Asics shoes this season.
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Fit, Shoe Review, Sport Specific Shoes
Tagged running
Asics Gel-Nimbus® 13 is a great shoe for those runners looking for premium cushioning and shock absorption. Lightweight, yet supportive, Asics upgraded version 13 will provide a comfortable, stable ride.
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review
In this video, Scottish podiatrist Samantha Gibson shows you how to evaluate your running shoes before purchase and after wearing. It’s easy, it’s quick and – if you’ve had foot pain due to excessive pronation – the 3-Point test can really help. Please note: although we consider these points running shoe must-haves, this test can be used with non-running shoes as well.
Reader Paula asks —
Although you haven’t reviewed the Asics Gel Nimbus 13 for women, I wanted to comment on it, since I’ve had a strange experience. I bought a pair about a year ago in the Lightning/White/Magenta color, size 10 M. They were very cushioned and fit pretty snugly. Just a month ago, I replaced them with another pair of Asic Gel Nimbus 13 in the exact same size, but this time I got the White/Lightning/Turquoise color. The new color fits differently and has less cushioning! It is wider and deeper, and the sole feels harder. The magenta ones felt like running on marshmallows, and the turquoise ones don’t have the same spring. They are really uncomfortable. Can you shed any light on this? Do shoe companies change the construction of the shoes based on color? This seems crazy to me.
Concerned that Paula’s question might be true, I tracked down Asics Gel-Nimbus 13 in both colors. Imagine my surprise when I discovered the shoes were slightly different even though they had the same name. Hopefully, this is just an aberration due to different manufacturing facilities and nothing to worry about. Otherwise, we’re all in trouble as there will be no consistency even within the same version of shoe. Here’s my video analysis of the same model shoe in two different colors.
Posted in Shoe Fit, Shoe Review
I’ve been waiting for a well-designed pair of Asics® Gel-Kayano’s since version 14 — but I’m disappointed to say that Gel-Kayano 18 isn’t it. With significant changes to the upper, Gel-Kayano’s latest version will not provide the same structure or fit as prior versions. The following video highlights the differences, and prior Gel-Kayano posts follow the video.
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/shoe-review-gel-kayano-17/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-16/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-14/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/shoe-review-asics-gel-kayano/
Posted in Narrow Feet, Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review
Soccer cleats do not come in widths, which can make it difficult to obtain a good fit. Since many medium width cleats will run either wide or narrow, you can use a side-by-side comparison to identify volume differences between different pairs of shoes.
The two pairs of cleats below illustrate a narrow lasted cleat on the left, Adidas Predator Absolion TRX , and a wide lasted cleat, Nike Mecurial Victory II, on the right. The differences in width are highlighted.
Comparing the uppers, notice how the throatline (opening) of the Nike is so much wider than the Adidas. Also notice the difference in toebox shape and width. The Adidas is more tapered around the toes and the Nike is more rounded, accommodating a wider forefoot.
In evaluating the lower, you can see how much wider the forefoot and waist are in the Nike than the Adidas as well. If you have been having difficulty finding the perfect fit, using this method should help. These principles also apply to other shoes (tennis, basketball, football, etc.) that only come in medium widths.
Posted in Shoe Fit, Sport Specific Shoes
I was recently at Foot Locker and found an extensive selection of basketball shoes. Not surprisingly, I discovered that Nike has the best basketball shoes available this season. I was underwhelmed by the other brands I evaluated at the store, including Adidas, Reebok, Converse and Under Armour.
I previously blogged about the Nike Zoom Kobe VI basketball shoe, which is one of my favorite basketball shoes. Version VII is equally good. If you have a narrow foot, then you know how difficult finding a basketball shoe that fits can be, since most only come in medium widths.
Even though sized medium, Kobe VII runs narrow (rectangular upper), which will benefit a lot of players out there.
In profile, you can see how shallow the upper is, especially in the midfoot and toebox areas.
New to Kobe VII is the Attack Fast insole, shown below, which has a thick, cushioned insole that aids shock absorption. Attached to the insole is an instep cuff that provides additional support and enhanced fit. If you have a history of ankle instability, the Kobe VII with the Attack Strong insole may be a better option. The Attack Strong insole has an ankle cuff for added ankle support.
The best part of this shoe — Kobe VII is torsionally stable, with a non-collapsible heel counter. This means that even though it’s technically a low-top style, the Kobe VII is going to be more supportive than many other mid-tops out there.
All in all, if you have a narrow foot, you will want to consider this shoe.
Readers often ask me how to help them find a good sports medicine podiatrist. Because all podiatrists are not created equal, I created this video as a guide to help you. It’s also important to remember that you do have choices when deciding your healthcare and you should not settle for less than total satisfaction.
Nike® Zoom Structure Triax has been a favorite of mine for several years, and version 15 is my favorite yet. Cushioned, yet stable, this shoe works for the runner who is looking for pronation control in a lightweight shoe.
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review, Sport Specific Shoes
Tagged nike triax, running
Mizuno® has debuted some great shoes this season and Wave Nirvana 8 is no exception.
Supportive, yet lightweight, Wave Nirvana 8 has lower volume (narrow, shallow) than most shoes in this category (Brooks® Beast) which fits an important need for many runners out there. Although this shoe won’t work for everyone, if this shoe is a match to your foot type, you won’t be disappointed.
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review
I’m a fan of Brooks® Trance, and version 11 is no exception. Although lightweight, Trance 11 still provides plenty of pronation control and support. Runners will also appreciate the more fitted instep and shallower toe box, compared to version 10. This is one of my favorite shoes this season.
Here’s a link to my previous Trance 10 shoe review https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/10/11/shoe-review-brooks-trance-9-vs-10/
Posted in Orthotic Friendly Shoes, Shoe Review
Emily of Boston Derby Dames asks:
Can you recommend any resources for how to tape this injury (sesamoiditis) to minimize discomfort while skating? I’m waiting on orthotics but would really hate to put my roller derby career on hold until I have them.
Although taping helps for many derby-related aches and pain, it’s better to use off-weighting padding for painful sesamoids. The following video shows you how to do this yourself using 1/8″ adhesive felt (pink, black or white). If you’re unable to locate a source for this, contact me through the blog to order.
As an alternative, you can visit a sports medicine podiatrist, who should be able to make a custom pad or orthotic for your skates as well.
Here are my other derby posts with more to follow in the future:
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/11/08/roller-derby-custom-shoe-laces/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/04/16/roller-derby-outside-of-the-foot-swelling-bursae/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/08/11/skating-boots-modifications-part-2/
https://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/08/05/skating-pain-bay-area-roller-derby-girls/
Posted in Foot Pain, Roller Derby
Dr. Jenny Sanders Shoe Blog 