TECH » NEW SHOES
WE RAN IT
BEEFY BOUNCY BALANCE
The North Face Vectiv Enduris 4 | RRP R3 499 | thenorthface. co. za Having tested the carbon-plated Vectiv Pro we didn’ t expect too much from the TPU-plated Enduris but, wow, this shoe blew us away. They are softer, more stable and very road surface friendly, making them an ideal training shoe which could easily be raced in. For big people running messy trails they were very comfortable.
You’ ll find an ultralight nitrogen-infused TPU foam midsole( an upgrade on the previous EVA foam) that delivers high-energy return, reduced weight and increased longevity; a 3D TPU plate for increased forward propulsion and lateral support; and 3D wings in the forefoot for better stability. The rockered midsole geometry is engineered for long-lasting forward propulsion, there’ s a 32mm heel stack height with a 6mm offset, plus 2mm more midsole cushioning than on the Enduris 3. We found the foam comfortable and very lively and the wings definitely hold your foot in place. If you have wide feet and are concerned about the wings sitting right at the widest point of your foot, don’ t worry, the shoe accommodates a wider foot well upfront while tapering down to a narrower heel for an ideal snug fit. We really liked that, despite a fairly firm feeling midsole, the bouncy nature of the Dream foam means you score both stability plus bounce.
The upper is a seamless mesh weave that’ s breathable, with venting areas on the sides and top of your forefoot. The soft integrated tongue wraps around your foot while the reinforced overlay keeps the jagged-edged laces, which never come loose, away from your feet to create a comfortable locked-down feel. The heel area is padded, creating a secure hold on climbs, while the offset design makes slipping into them very easy. You may find the compromise is dew seeping into the breathable upper but that won’ t last long as temperatures and airflow increases. The outsole is solid, with 4mm multidirectional lugs that grip pretty well on stony trails and are comfortable on tar. They weigh in slightly lighter than the previous model at 330g for size 10.5. Our verdict: We like them a lot. The midsole combination of bouncy nitrogen-infused TPU foam with stable TPU plate is potentially where other brands will follow in mid- to upper-tier shoes. They’ re a highperformance option for runners seeking long-distance comfort, stability and superior traction and are perfect for both everyday training and racing.
W E
R A T E
I T
YOU NEED A HERO
New Balance Hierro V9 | RRP R3 399 | newbalance. co. za This range has improved steadily to deliver a reliable, great-value shoe on both smoother, groomed trails and rugged, adventurous terrain. V9 is about to land in SA, featuring a Fresh Foam X midsole that promises a cushioned, comfortable ride, a plusher upper for a more stable underfoot feel, and a Vibram outsole with a revamped tread pattern and deeper 6mm lugs for superior traction. We’ ve found that the breathable upper has always fitted well, especially on wider footed Saffas, and offered good protection against our local scrub, so we can’ t wait to test the lighter weight( 300g) new model.
32 | RUN FOR YOUR LIFE