FitSugar

Shoe Review: New Balance 890

Susi May — Wed, 16 Feb 2011 02:00:29 PST

The barefoot running trend is, ironically, creeping into sneaker design. Inspired by the phenom of running sans shoes, many popular running shoe brands are bringing lighter weight running shoes to the market this Spring. New Balance, a company that built its reputation on well-cushioned, fortified sneakers, is introducing the revamped 890 running shoe ($100).

It's a bantam weight sneaker - one shoe clocks in at 7.75 ounces according to my little electronic food scale. Shoes this light are usually pared down racing flats, but the 890 is a neutral training shoe, meaning it still offers cushion. New Balance has created the midsole with a new foam, christened REVlite, which weighs nearly one third less of equally durable compounds.

But how does the shoe feel? Well keep on reading

Fun New Kicks: Nike Free Quick Fits

Susi May — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 05:00:56 PST

I may have tried barefoot running, but I am not ready to abandon my sneakers all together. What I am ready for is a lighter, more flexible shoe. Enter the Free XT Quick Fit ($85). Nike just sent me a pair to test out. These sneakers are one of Oprah's favorite healthy things. And the Quick Fits are fast becoming one of my favorite things too! One reason I am digging these sneakers is they make me feel fast - they're so light.

But what I really like about this shoe is its flexible sole, which means I can really feel my feet making contact with the ground and pushing off on my runs. These kicks are also suitable for strength training since they allow the foot to move in multiple planes of motion, rather than just forward to back motion found in running. The Quick Fits remind me of a beefier version of the training shoe, Nike Zoom Sister One, but with a thicker sole. The cushion makes the Quick Fits great for plyometric moves like jump squats, and the flexibility means they also work for the twisting moves of kickboxing. I only wish the shoe was a bit softer around my bunion to create a little more give for that unfortunate bony protrusion. But, the shoes don't feel too narrow, a complaint one sometimes hears about Nikes.

The shoes are Nike+ compatible and come in cute colors. This is one pair of fashionable, flexible sneaks. Check out those soles.

FitSugar Readers' Feet Adore Asics

FitSugar — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 12:00:01 PST

What you wear on your feet when you run or exercise affects the rest of your body, so it's important to choose a brand that fits well, is comfortable, and doesn't exceed your budget. When asked which brand you loved best in 2009, the majority of FitSugar readers chose Asics, for the second year in a row.

I've never really had a thing for Asics, but maybe I'll give them another try, since so many of you love it so much. Nike came in as the second favorite sneaker brand, but you also love their other fitness gear so that is not much of a surprise. In the end, it doesn't matter what brand you choose, as long as you use the gear to get moving!

What's Your Favorite Sneaker Brand?

FitSugar — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 03:47:16 PST

I usually choose sneakers based on fit, style, and price, but my heart remains true to a few brands I fell in love with when I first started running, including New Balance, Nike, and Saucony. If you had to choose just one brand of sneaker, which would be your fave?

Tips on Breaking in New Sneakers

FitSugar — Fri, 22 May 2009 12:00:00 PDT

If you run by the motto "new season, new sneakers," you're probably looking to purchase some new kicks. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind as you break in your new running shoes.

Buy a new pair before your old pair needs to retire. That way if you start to feel pain or a blister coming on, you can switch back to the pair you know and love. Continue alternating between your old and new sneakers until you gradually make the switch over to your new ones.
Before exercising in them, wear your new sneaks around the house or to do errands. It will give them a chance to stretch out and mold to your feet.

Find out other helpful tips after you

Gear Review: Zoom Sister One+ by Nike

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 03:30:00 PST

Earlier this Fall, I was invited to attend a Women's Media Summit at Nike HQ to learn about their new training shoe for women, the Zoom Sister One+ ($110). After treating all the attendees to a killer workout designed to show off the flexible features of the Sister One (I was sore for days), they sent me home with a pair of shoes to experiment with on my own. I've been wearing them for a few months now for my strength training sessions and when I use the elliptical. I feel I have thoroughly tested this shoe, and I can tell you it is pretty great.

Not only is the Zoom Sister One+ cute, but it so lightweight and flexible that I feel like dancing around after lacing them up. I am no longer plodding through my lunges, but dancing a duet with my dumbbells. The shoes make me feel nimble and ready for action. These shoes are a hybrid of the Nike Free barefoot running technology and the ultra lightweight Nike Flywire that debuted at the Olympics this Summer. The end result is your feet can truly sense the ground. And like we teach in Pilates and yoga, your feet making contact with the floor starts the muscular chain of command, so the chances of the correct muscle pattern happening are considerably higher. This means more effective and efficient training. When you do squats in the Sister One+ you don't have to think about pressing through your heels because in these shoes your weight is already there. The shoe moves in all three planes of motion, so if you are twisting and lunging the shoe moves with you instead of breaking the motion. They feel great for kickboxing when you pivot while throwing a punch with your entire body.

To see what activity the Zoom Sister One+ is not designed for,

read more. The Sister One+ is not meant for running, and running shoes aren't really meant for training either. I do like to wear my Sister Ones on the elliptical so I can feel my feet working. I also like wearing them for plyometric jumping exercises since I can feel my muscles working to keep the impact of landing out of my feet and joints. To see how truly flexible this shoe is check out this video: Be sure to wear these shoes with a sock that is cut high over your Achilles tendon. I wore mine with basic anklets and ended up with a nasty blister. I think it is super cool that these shoes are Nike+iPod compatible too. The shoes come in a variety of colors. Although, my combo reminds me of my first pair of Nikes way back when. Check out this clip to see all the colors. This shoe will be available the day after Christmas. You can use any leftover Christmas money to get yourself a pair to start the New Year off on the right foot.

When It Comes to Sneakers, Are You Loyal to One Brand?

FitSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:30:00 PDT

I used to be a New Balance girl, but recently I tried shoes by Saucony and Nike and loved them too. I've come to realize that there are a ton of great brands out there, and I shouldn't limit myself to what one company has to offer. The best fit is what's most important to me. How about you?

Get in Gear: Nike Zoom Victory+

FitSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 03:30:00 PDT

It seems that everyone has Olympic fever these days, and I am loving it because people are motivated to get moving more than ever.

What better motivation than a brand new pair of Olympic-inspired sneakers? This Nike Zoom Victory+ ($103) shoe is inspired by the 2008 Olympic track running spike, but it's made for running on any surface. It treats your feet to a hefty amount of cushioning while still being lightweight. The shoes make achieving your goal, be it a gold medal or a 5K, that much more attainable.

Want them for free? Well, I am giving away two $150 gift cards to Road Runner Sports (where these kicks are sold). Entering to win one is super easy, just take the Olympic-themed quiz and voila, you're in. Good luck and happy running!

Sneakers, Feet, and Fitness

FitSugar — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 04:30:00 PDT

When you work out, I'm sure you're on your feet most of the time whether you're running, walking, hiking, biking, or using a machine. Without your sneaks, your feet wouldn't be able to work your body as hard as they do, so take this quiz to see if you know about these important tips.

Source

Take the Quiz

Favorite Sneakers

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 02:30:00 PST

Choosing a sneaker you run or exercise in is a big decision. If you find a brand that you like, and it fits well and prevents foot pain, it's a good idea to stick with it. On the other hand, if your sneakers are causing blisters or any other painful condition, you may want to think about switching to a different brand.

There are so many kinds of sneakers out there. It looks like Fitsugar readers love Asics sneakers as their number one brand, with New Balance in second place. I thought more people would have voted for Brooks, but I guess it's totally personal preference, and when you find what you like, there's really no reason to buy anything else.