Adidas Energy Boost 2 : A review

I always wanted to try the Boost series from Adidas ever since it was launched, and I finally get to try on the Adidas Energy Boost 2.

When I was in Hong Kong recently, I have noticed that Adidas has already fast replacing most of the models that are made from traditional EVA based midsole materials, and the newer models are constructed with the 'boost' material, also known as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) material found in the dashboards of BMW automobiles.  

This material looks like the foam used for the packaging, but the feel is totally different.  In fact they feel very springy and bouncy and I suppose that is the basis of greater energy return in the shoe design concept. And that is a bit of the technical background about the TPU material used in the all the Boost models.

Overall Structure: the shoe is built with a solid plastic like frame structure that wraps around the feet from the heel cup to the of the middle of the feet. In the middle the 3 stripes logo is also part of the cage like structure, offering a real snug fit that feels like an easily adjustable shoe lace.

The upper is also different from those traditional Adidas models; they are made of a stretchy mesh that feels like a pair of thick socks, but it is much thicker and is reinforced with a printed thin black structure that says Techfit.  The feeling is as though the shoes wrap around the feet like a pair of socks.

I found the upper to be exceptionally comfortable, but from the look of the mesh, I suspect that it will retain water which makes it not a very good shoe for the runners whom sweat a lot especially during a very long race such as marathon.  I will need to run in them during rainy days to confirm this.

For me, since this is the first pair of Boost I have ever tried on, my focus is always about the midsole of the shoe every time I wear them.

Overall, the foam is much softer than  the typical materials that are used in the midsole of most running shoes, and they gives the firm bouncy response every you feet land. The shoes are pretty good in terms of stability despite the heavy cushioning.

The Energy Boost 2 is a trainer, so it is slightly heavier due to the more TPU material packed in the midsole, but there are other lightweight models such as the Boston Boost etc.

The cushioning of these shoes are fantastic, and screams cushioning at the heels, so if you are a heel striker and you like good cushioning at the heels, these shoes are made for you.The forefoot area has less cushioning and that provides a firmer and more responsive feel during lift off.

Finally, in terms of the higher and heavier profile, thicker cushioning, I must say that the Adidas Energy Boost 2 will make a good training partner for the heavier runners whom prefer plenty of cushioning. For the rest, the shoes promise durability and much more comfortable ride for the longer runs.

Salomon X-Scream

A shoe built for the trail in the city.

Do you have a familiar trail within your city landscape that you always like to run in? And run starts from the road and through the staircase then across concrete pavement before reaching the gravel path and through the grass fields before entering the muddy foot path? If you do or if you like to run in such terrains, then it may be worthwhile that you checkout the new Salomon X-Scream.

The Salomon X-Scream falls into Salomon’s Citytrail category which which allows for an easy transition from door to trail. and it is really a hybrid shoe that is designed for the urban landscape.

The Salomon X-Scream offers good dynamic cushioning, versatility and durability as key features making it a shoe suitable to run in mixed terrains found in the city landscape such as concrete, rocks, asphalt, grass, or even foot tracks that are made of packed sand or gravels.



One of the key concept behind the X-Scream is to provide good surface adaptation, which means it is able to provide excellent transition between different terrains.

The sole is constructed with the OS Tendon system acts like a real tendon by flexing to provide stretch and balance during the heel-to-toe transition. The Salomon X-Scream is also constructed with the Contagrip outsole of differing densities which explains the fantastic traction over different terrains.

The X-Scream also offers excellent cushioning and support, through the Lightweight Muscle material and injected EVA midsole, which provides dynamic cushioning and thus it is found to be very comfortable and springy without that bulky feeling.

The Sensiflex; which is a fabric that allows the foot to expand in a controlled manner increasing foothold is built into the X-Scream at just the right spot of the upper is there to provide a good combination of freedom and foot hold.



And with no exception, just like many of the Salomon running shoes, the design also includes the concept of Adaptive Fit which wraps the foot with a precise and secure Quick-Lace system as found in most of the Salomon shoes.

The X-Scream incorporates many features and ideas from challenges found in trail running into the daily running activities in the urban environment. The best is the flexibility of the door to trail concept which allows the shoe to be run in any kind of terrain.

Ready to explore the trail within the city with the X-Scream?

Skechers GOMeb Speed 2

The Skechers GOMeb Speed has always been one of my favorite racing ride since they were introduced last year and I have really grown to love these lightweight racers especially in my 10k races. They perform so well as racing flats with the low profile, light weight and firm midsole, that I have worn off 2 pairs just within last year alone (covering about 1100 kms) for both racing and speed training.  So it really exciting when I get to try the replacement, i.e. GOMeb Speed 2 from Skechers.

A quick comparison between the first and second generation of GOMeb Speed shows that the Speed 2 does not feature the loud bright contrast colors as it's predecessor, but you won't missed recognizing the Speed 2 that stands out as a pair of very fast looking racing flats at the Skechers shop.

Without looking at the technical literature of the Speed 2, I feels that there are no changes made in the midsole; both the GOMeb Speed and Speed 2 has the same mid-sole in terms of physical design and material. They both have the same feel when you run in them, very firm landing with sufficient support yet very responsive during lift off, a feature that all fast shoes should have.  And the stability plate is still there, which I believes is one of the reason why these shoes are so responsive.



But there are major updates and changes made to the materials used for the shoe's upper and tongue. These changes for me seems to be a very appropriate, they are well engineered with simplified design, and minimal but yet improvement is significant.  The Speed 2 upper is made of a different material; some kind of synthetic fabric that is non-elastic and thin of which I suspect contributes to the 'light weight' of these shoes.

Even the construction is different as it is seamless with the supporting structure imprinted onto the upper instead of being sew on, so there is very minimal stitching found in the upper of the shoes. This is good news for sock-less runners because seam less also means less chaffing.

I find that the material used in Speed 2 does not retain moisture and in fact they dry up pretty quickly; another plus point which means it will stay lightweight throughout during longer races such as a full and half marathon.

In terms of fit and comfort, the thinner upper with the ventilating pores seems to make these shoes give a cooling feel, and this is definitely a plus for fast runners in hotter climate like us. Both generations of Speed are designed based for racing so they offer the typical snug fit feel just like most racing shoes, and therefore you might want to try properly when you chose you sizing.






During the recent races I had a good chat with the members of Team Skechers Malaysia about the Speed 2 and we all agreed that these shoes were great performers especially the weight of the shoes.



There are a few colors to choose from but seems like blue is popular.

Unless you got yourself a pair of limited edition like bro Murali here which is in black and gold.

So far I really enjoyed racing in them plus they have so delivered great results in most of the races.

And the ladies version of the GOMeb Speed 2 are really gorgeous with the metallic color theme. Overall, without being too technical, I must say that the GOMeb Speed2 is a must to try if you are looking for a pair of snug fitting, light weight, responsive racing flats.