K-Swiss miSoul Running Shoe Review

“K-Swiss miSoul: The most versatile running shoe ever”

Being an avid runner, I tend to have to more than one pair of shoes to meet the needs of different training routines. Knowing the correct type of shoes to wear will complement one’s training to reach their specific goals. If I were to be doing a fast tempo short distance sprinting workout, I would have to put on light weight shoes. On the other hand, if I were to be training for long distance running, I would have to wear heavier but more comfortable and cushioning shoes.

Everyone’s feet are different and everyone have different needs and goals.

K-Swiss has come up with a revolutionary running shoe that will meet the needs of any type of training, whether its long distance running or sprinting. Imagine having a pair of shoes that can be customized to meet the needs of the training. miSoul running comes with 2 kinds of interchangeable insoles; one for fast tempo workouts (Light 1.0), the other is long distance running (Cushion 1.0).

The Test

To test out the potential of miSoul, I have decided to conduct 2 running sessions, one being long distance and the other being short distance fartlek training around the stadium circuit.

Long Distance Run

Cushion 1.0 - Heavy cushioning insoles

Distance: 8.41km

Locations: Ubi Driving centre to Tampines MRT.

Comment:

While running I can feel the “bouncy” feeling on the heels as they strike the pavement. When landing I experienced less impact on my feet due to the SuperFoam™ cushion in the heel and forefoot. The Si-18® gel technology integrated in the design of the shoe also provided me with the extra cushioning on my heels. The upper mesh of the miSoul allows proper ventilation to keep my feet cool. However the pores were so large it allowed sand and grit to get inside the shoes when running on trails and pavement.

PowerSong: Cut Me Mick by Yellowcard

Short Distance Fartlek Sprints

Light 1.0 - Ultra light insoles

Distance: 2.4km (normal) + 800m (sprint) + 400m (slow) + 400m (sprint) + 1km (cool down)

Locations: Meridian JC Track.

Comment:

When I changed to the Light 1.0 insoles, I instantly felt as if I was wearing a different pair of running shoes. The shoes felt lighter, making it easier for me to sprint through the track. The cushion support on the heels and the stability control on the insoles made miSoul one of the best light weight running shoes I have ever tried on.

PowerSong: The Great Escape by Boys like Girls

Verdict

The K-Swiss miSoul is a very unique concept; a shoe with 2 pairs of insoles for 2 different purposes. It is definitely the first of its kind. While it is not for trail or sand runs, it definitely fits the purpose for road or track events. Therefore I will be using it for the upcoming 21K Army Half Marathon/Singapore Bay Run. Overall, I feel that this shoe is comfortable enough for use in sprinting, and for runs not more than 50km.

Look out for miSoul as it hit our shores on August 09 at all Running Labs.

“Nike might have the Air; Asics might have the Gel; with miSoul you got it all”

– Tommy Haas


Keep Running (:

Avia Men's AVI Lite II Review

Firstly I would like to thank Yong Feng from Bike Boutique Holding Pte Ltd and SGRunners for giving me a chance to tryout and review on the new Avia Men's AVI Lite II Running Shoe.

Avia Men's AVI Lite II Review

Avia Lite II is an ultra lightweight distance running shoe. Avia Lite II incorporate several Avia Technology such as the Cantilever® System, Anatomical Cradle® Dura-Ryd™, Dura-Stryk™ therefore making it one of the best running shoe available in the market today. It provides stability, superior cushioning and shock absorption.

It is best for runners seeking a lightweight trainer for a neutral to slightly overpronated foot type.

What is the CANTILEVER® System?

By looking at the sole of the shoe, notice that part of the sole is concave. The concave sole acts like a trampoline to soften impact that will in turn stabilize the heel and provide increased energy return.

KEY BENEFITS: STABILITY/ SHOCK ABSORPTION

What is Anatomical Cradle® System?

It improves both motion control and shock absorption by mimicking the bottom of your heel in your midsole. A cup-like shape in the midsole, created through an anatomically correct last, literally cradles your heel, holding it right where the foot’s own natural padding and the shoe’s cushioning will absorb the most impact; this translates into less shock on the rest of the body. The cradle also centres’ and holds the heel firmly in place to reduce twisting on both ankles and knees.

KEY BENEFITS : MOTION CONTROL/SHOCK ABSORPTION

Comment

Stability: 8/10
Responsiveness: 9/10

Forefoot Cushion: 7/10
Rear foot Cushion: 8/10

I was able to get a good accumulate distance of 60km with it through several running event among them are the Adidas Sundown marathon 10K , Mizuno Mt Faber 10K, Brooks Republic Run 5k and of course for my 2.4K IPPT. I got to say that the cushion that is in place in the shoe still feel like new even after all the “abuse”. Uphill or downhill, Road or Off-road running, it provided me with the responsiveness, stability and the comfort that I required to sprint and push on the finishing line.

I wore it for the Mizuno Mount Faber run; the route was full of uphill

and downhill slopes. The specially design sole on the AVI Lite II allows user to scale uphill or downhill better due to the shape of the sole. It also provides motion control and shock absorption which helps absorb the forces on the impact, therefore help to ease the pressure on the heels and knees.

Another great quality I observe is the 3M reflective material that is incorporate into the design of the shoe. While I was running the Adidas Sundown Marathon I realise that having a reflective material incorporate into the design of the shoe is a great idea especially if you are running at night as the shoe will reflect light and therefore making you more visible.

Overall I feel that the AVI Lite II is a good stability, motion control and cushion running shoe that will give you the support you need to get a good run. For distance wise I feel that the shoe will be suitable for distance between 10km to 42km or so.

One draw back is that being a “heel striker runner”, I will tend to strike down heel first and I feel that the sole especially on the heel area wore off quickly, Other then that I would recommend anyone who is new to running or even an intermediate runner to go get the AVI Lite II as it will give you the cushioning support you required to finish the race strong.