ROLL WITH IT
Saucony Endorphin Elite 2 | RRP R6 999 | saucony. co. za This is a premium fast and light racer featuring SpeedRoll Technology with all-new incrediRUN foam, which Saucony says provides higher levels of energy return and cushioning than any of their shoes to date. The full-length, slotted carbon-fibre plate ensures a smooth underfoot transition with a propulsive feel. The rubber outsole is thin and grippy, a lightweight streamlined upper gives enhanced breathability over long distances, and a seamless moulded heel provides a secure and comfortable race-day fit. At under 200g for size 9, this is a competitive racer with a high stack height of 39.5mm heel to 31.5mm toe.
A SOFTER SALOMON
Salomon Ultra Glide 3 | RRP R3 499 | salomonsports. co. za A Salomon shoe for everyone, at last. They French brand is synonymous with hardcore technical performance shoes for serious runners, but now they’ ve launched a much more plush, cushioned shoe to support a far wider spectrum of runners. It’ s a whole new direction and fans of the iconic brand will be stoked to see a shoe they can play and race in all day. The new Ultra Glide 3 combines a midsole of lightweight EVA foam for a good combo of cushioning and bouncy energy return, and a new outsole geometry called relieveSPHERE that’ s designed to diffuse repeated impact and improve overall comfort, even on long runs. The ultralight, durable and breathable upper combines sensiFlT technology and a quickLACE lacing system to create a snug and confident fit. The outsole features Salomon’ s durable and grippy contraGRlP rubber with 4.5mm lugs designed to handle a wide range of technical terrain. Our verdict: This new shoe provided great traction on both wet rocks and dusty, stony trails, and the toe bumper is solid. At 300g in size 10.5 it’ s light and the stacked energy cushioning is soft but not wobbly, with good balance from heel to toe. The tongue with its handy quicklace stash pocket is gusseted and soft enough to keep the hard thin laces( which release quickly when needed) from pressuring your feet. The only downsides for us were the narrow space allowed for foot entry, which is a combination of no heel offset angle and not enough lace length to release the opening sufficiently, and a narrow forefoot which over longer runs becomes uncomfortable for anyone with wider feet.
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