Just like its predecessor, the Mizuno Wave Rider 13 provides the runner with the perfect combination of soft cushioning and responsive flexibility. It is equipped with new collar liners that lock the heels in place, reducing strain on your instep for better comfort plus providing a snug fit for the runner.

Triathletes around the world sees the Ironman Triathlon World Championships in Kona, Hawaii as THE Race. It is also where Zoot Sports was founded in 1983 by Chrystal Nylin; she experimented with sewing triathlon gears that would be most comfortable for athletes who are exposed to the hash conditions out there. Today, Zoot is a leading endurance sports brand carrying footwear and apparels for atheletes around the world.

About a year ago I went out and purchased the Nike+ Sportband from the Nike Bird store which I will be use as an aid in improving my runs . Nike + Sportband enable runners to keep track of their run similar to to the Nike+ Ipod system. Statistical feedback such as calorie burned, running pace, running distance will be recorded into device. The Sportband consists of two parts: a rubber holding strap which is worn around the wrist, and the receiver which resembles a USB disk. The receiver displays information comparable to that of the iPod kit on the built-in display. The receiver can then be plugged straight into a USB port and the software will upload the run information automatically to the Nike+ website. On top of that it doubles up as a kick ass wrist sports watch.

K•Swiss Sets the Bar for Versatility with First-Ever True Customizable

Sole System for Runners in Singapore

In fall 2009, K•Swiss in Singapore will set a new bar in performance footwear eliminating the need for athletes to purchase and maintain multiple shoes for demands of all levels of training.  A new, tested and proven technology provides a singular solution for both running and tennis performance. One shoe can now do it all and meet both race and training days.  Introducing miSOUL™ Tech by K•Swiss, the first ever modular individualized sole system engineered for customized performance.

According to David Bond, Vice President of Footwear, “miSOUL™ Tech is revolutionary because athletes only need a single shoe rather than multiple pairs to address their different needs of training.  It is so much easier and much more desirable to switch the insole depending on if you are going for a long run or race. There is nothing like it currently on the market.”

After vigorous testing and seeding with top running and tennis athletes, K•Swiss will introduce its proprietary miSOUL™ Tech collection for fall 2009.  The collection will include men’s and women’s RUN ONE-miSOUL™ Tech for runners.  The RUN ONE-miSOUL™ will come complete with two customizable insoles to enhance both performance needs and their equipment investment.  The first insole is a Cushion 1.0 to meet the rigorous needs of training with a high density heel wrap, proprietary Si-18® gel to absorb shock, a TPU arch insert and medial post for stability.  The second insole is the Light 1.0 for race or fast days with an EVA heel wrap for extra support, Superfoam™ for a high energy return, and a carbon fiber spring plate to enhance forefoot propulsion.

miSOUL™ Tech will be sold only in specialty running accounts. The collection will be launched with vertical print advertising, exposure and seeding at triathlons and road races, in-store clinics, a strong point-of-sale presentation, and on-line advertising and a dedicated microsite.

K•Swiss will be sold exclusively through the Running Lab in Singapore with a launch date of September Seventh. The range will cover a posted and neutral training shoes to lightweight racing and training shoes which will go alongside the revolutionary RUN ONE-miSOUL™ Tech. A range of K•Swiss technical running apparel will also be available at Running Lab.

Epix Gear is a brand new company in the field of Triathlon & Cycling Suits & Kit. Trying on one of their suits though, you’d think they’d been around for years. Poking around their website you can’t help but notice their slogan – which I LOVE – “Go Hard, Look Fierce!”

That’s exactly the goal and driving force behind Epixgear. They’re not just another clothing company trying to make the next best material or some fancy new technology. They go with what works and create unique, memorable designs. A quote from their site really sums them up: “Our goal is to help you go faster, harder, longer….and to turn a few heads along the way.”

I finally got a hydration belt and it’s none other than a FuelBelt! FuelBelt is a choice of many pro athletes including the current Ironman World Champions Craig Alexander and Chrissie Wellington. I’m not going to start winning races with a FuelBelt but you get the idea, it’s the choice of many top athletes and they must be making an informed decision.

The K-Swiss Ultra Natural II is an ultra-light running shoe with enhanced stability. The Durability is achieved with a full length Aosta II rubber outsole.. Flexibility is enhanced by anatomically correct flex-grooves. Support is obtained with a direct injected urethane support cage and GuideGlide Guidance System. Stablity and Motion Control ar maxmized by a high density posting in the medial side for slight over-pronation concerns. Breathability is enhanced with an open mesh upper and outsole drainage ports. Cushioning is provided by Superfoam, GuideGlide Guidance System and k-EVA midsole compound. Comfort is enhanced with a seamless upper contruction. Lastly, there are Stay Tied Laces for safety.

The K-Swiss Konejo (Spanish for “Rabbit”) Running Shoes are lightweight distance running shoes that features technologies such as the GuideGlide Guidance System™ and triple-density Superfoam™ compound for cushioning, “Y-Beam” TPU arch support and medial posted midsole for stability, and Aosta® II for flexibility. The typical weight of these running shoes is around 330-350 grams per shoe, making it a lightweight pair of shoes for long distance runs.

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.

Marketed as a lightweight neutrally cushioned running shoe, the Keahou is not as lightweight as I had expected. While that is a minus for me, I attribute this to ample cushioning provided by the GuideGlide Guidance System and a triple density Superfoam compound to give runners a comfortable ride and a smooth heel-to-toe transition so I will reserve Keahou for those long days of pounding the tarmac.