Trying a new kind of sole on running sneakers

I just crossed another finish line and this time in a new pair of sneakers from a new brand, the Brooks Neuro.

These shows look unusual and even heavy, but the sole is actually made of propulsion pods, very lightweight and responsive.

But before we get into more, let's do an update.

Prior to trying out the Brooks Neuro, I was continuing to run in the Asics Fuzex and Fuzex Lyte.

The Asics Fuzex (top) and Fuzex Lyte (bottom)

The Fuzex proved to have the right support for running distance without weighing me down. I ran the United Airlines NYC Half in March and shaved 4 minutes off my PR!

Nothing like running through Times Square and getting a PR! #unitednychalf @nyrr

A post shared by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Mar 19, 2017 at 4:07pm PDT

I also wear the Fuzex Lite for shorter training runs and other workouts, like Zumba, but I am finding they are only slightly lighter and less supportive.

Never being totally satisfied and feeling like my sneakers were beginning to get worn out, I decided to start looking into other sneakers. 

I tried the Runner's World Shoe Finder and the Brooks Neuro was one of the top matches, so I decided to try them.

They may look unusual, but I like the feel. They are lightweight, but very cushioned and fairly supportive. I feel like they make it easier to run faster and get a quick turnover between steps.

The sole of the Brooks Neuro

About that sole: as I mentioned earlier, it's made of propulsion pods, BioMoGo DNA foam in rubber casing. The ring is supposed to bounce energy back to the runner. The pod placement is also designed to add flexibility. 

The shoe is for neutral pronation and speed.

For me, there has been an adjustment period. After adding them into my training and liking that I felt faster, I decided to run a 10k in them. Two issues for caution: a lower heel drop and the tongue.

A new pair of running sneakers

I'm trying out the @asics FuzeX as my running sneakers. Full review to come. #sneakers #shoes #running #asics #asicsfuzex

A photo posted by Through the Sole: A Shoe Blog (@throughthesole) on Dec 7, 2016 at 4:30pm PST

For the first time in awhile, I crossed the finish line of a running race in a sneaker other than the Fuzex Lyte. Two pairs of those sneakers had gotten me through two half marathons, a 10k, a 5k, and 3.5 mi race.

Then suddenly as I went to train for the next race, I realized my two pairs of Asics Fuzex Lytes were worn out and bothering my knees to run, a bad sign.

I still really liked the Fuzex Lyte, but found they lacked traction in the rain, smashed down quickly, and could be slightly under supportive on long runs.

The very rainy Staten Island Half Marathon

I experimented with other Asics styles and settled on the regular Fuzex just a week before race day. I know you're not supposed to switch that close, but I needed an unworn out sneaker.

I like the the Fuzex was a similar design and featured nice plush cushioning.

The sneakers worked and I went on the run the Ted Corbitt 15k better than expected.

The finish line of the Ted Corbitt 15k

I recently wore them on a rainy run and had no problem with traction. I like the cushioning and so far it's holding up well. I have been running in them about 4 weeks.

But I do fine them more restrictive especially on short fast runs or when doing side motions, so I also got another pair of Fuzex Lytes.

How do they compare?

The Fuzex on top, the Fuzex Lyte on bottom

Two more pairs of sneakers

Runners need shoes.

In my last blog post I discussed my running journey and my new sneakers. That journey has continued and thus I have found myself in the need of new sneakers.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 17 provided great support and cushioning and got me through my first 10k.

The Asics Gel Cumulus 17

After the UAE Healthy Kidney 10K, which I ran in the Gel Cumulus

After the 10k, I found out I was going to be in Disneyland for their half marathon and decided that was my next running challenge, Unfortunately, I started to notice my sneakers were really wearing out, even the lining around the top.

They were on sale at Famous Footwear, so I ordered another pair and also decided to try the Asics FuzeX Lyte.

After a few sprints down the hall, I realized the FuzeX was more cushioned and felt more lightweight. It has gel and foam combined making them lightweight, but still cushy.

The Asics FuzeX Lyte

These sneakers were comfortable and I was immediately able to wear them on long training runs.

They cost $59.49.

Yet another new pair of sneakers

I decided to give Asics a run!

As I wrote in my last post on sneakers, I was still on the hunt for a second pair, looking for a pair that offered the cushioning and support my feet needed, especially as I train for longer runs.

I started my  running journey a few months ago, just barely making it through a mile. I completed my first race, a 4 miler on New Years, and now am working my way up to a 10k.

Crossing the finish line for my first race in my Saucony Grid Shadow Genesis Running shoes

The Saucony sneakers I own have the support I need and are super light weight. I am happy with the amount of cushioning but wondered if I would do better on longer runs with more.

After recommendations from friends, I decided to try Asics, as I heard their gel cushioning was great.

 I choose to order online through Famous Footwear because they had a wide selection and even though some pairs weren't discounted, you still got their rewards.

I ordered a few pairs, and decided to keep the Gel Cumulus 17, which I paid $90 for.