Shoe Review – Brooks Ravenna 3 vs. Ravenna 2

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:  http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/10/01/shoe-review-brooks-ravenna-2/

Shoe Review – Asics Gel-3030

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.

Shoe Review – Asics Gel-Nimbus® 13

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.

3-Point Test To Use When Evaluating Running Shoes

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.

Shoe Review – Asics® Gel-Nimbus 13 in Different Colors

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.

Shoe Review – Asics® Gel-Kayano 18 vs. 17

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.

http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2011/12/07/shoe-review-gel-kayano-17/

http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2010/01/31/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-16/

http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2009/01/15/shoe-review-gel-kayano-15-vs-14/

http://drshoe.wordpress.com/2008/02/11/shoe-review-asics-gel-kayano/

Sizing Soccer Cleats

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.