Top positive review
5.0 out of 5 starsPleasantly surprised by these quite-unknown running shoes!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 August 2020
I'll start by saying I wasn't looking for a really expensive, lasts-for-years, well-known model of running shoe - I had recently bought some highly-recommended walking shoes, so now I was really just looking to get a cheapish pair of shoes for running outdoors, specifically for trying the C25K programme. I didn't want to get a fancy pair with all the latest technology, so finding these shoes from a brand I trusted seemed like they'd be pretty good, but I didn't know what to expect after hearing online about so many of these companies' cheaper models are just a bit rubbish.
BUT, I've been pleasantly surprised by these quite-unknown running shoes! Their build quality feels actually quite impressive considering their price and obscurity, and they look great - maybe even better, in-person (I chose the blue ones)! You can tell these running shoes aren't your run-of-the-mill, cheapest, basic trainers you'd find at SportsDirect for similar prices - they've clearly put some thought into the design. I noticed they have a firmer material on the sides and a soft cloth-like material on the front, to allow ventilation and make sure your toes don't get pinched by the shoes if they're just a little too small for you (a really neat feature imo). And, I definitely know that these shoes were designed for running! Lots of the cheaper "running shoes" and "trainers" from companies like Adidas, New Balance, Nike, Asics, etc. are actually just sneakers: made for casual wear rather than activity - and it's so hard to tell what's what, so these were quite refreshing :)
And how do they feel? Well, I've only had them for a few days, but I've gone on a couple of 45 minute runs so far and my feet haven't been hurting at all. Running in them feels very comfortable: I ordered my normal size, and they were the perfect fit: tight enough that I won't experience heel-slippage, but with enough space for my foot and toes inside the shoe. I also like the fact that they come in half-sizes and standard/wide fittings, so if you know you're a certain size, you don't have to compromise, and if you know you have narrow/wide feet, you can pick the one to fit you just right :D
So all in all, I'm really surprised that these shoes are this good for the price, and yet if you look for reviews and discussion about these shoes online, there isn't really anything apart from these Amazon reviews. So, I figured I'd add my two-cents and recommend these to anyone who isn't a running-pro, but wants to replace an old cheap pair or get into running, in a well-designed, comfortable, high-quality feeling shoe!
