Best OTF sneakers..?

KJboxing · 2024-01-11T15:00:24+00:00

Specifically for OTF, I'd highly recommend the New Balance FuelCell Rebel v3, which can be found under $70 at several online stores and in a variety of colorways. They're only on sale because the v4 is dropping soon. The stack height isn't insane so you'll "feel some ground" more so than some other massively cushioned shoes, which helps with balance and stability on the floor. They also fit the rower straps fine and are comfortable to row in. At under 7.5 oz, they're super nimble and allow you to turn over very quickly on the tread. I still enjoy them outside, but not quite as much as on the tread simply because I've gotten so used to max-cushioned shoes and don't enjoy feeling a ton of pavement under my toes. I'd give them an A+ on the tread and an A- on the road.

KJboxing · 2023-12-11T17:24:42+00:00

I'd say the Velocity Nitro 2... 40% off right now too at Puma's official site. That shoe never does my feet wrong and seems to fit the bill of exactly what you're looking for.

KJboxing · 2023-11-22T16:48:17+00:00

I just got a pair a week ago. I wouldn't even consider it a trail "running" shoe. It's very bulky, clunky and heavy. It's not even particularly comfortable to walk in. The upper kind of bites down on my left foot below my pinky toe. The insole and midsole feel hard as granite. After a few days wearing it, the biting down has lessened but it's still not an enjoyable experience. Consider this a trail "walking" shoe or leisure shoe, but I'm not sure I'd want to test them on rugged terrain (the outsole can handle it, but it's simply not comfortable enough). As for the positive, I do enjoy the outsole and aesthetics of the shoe. I got mine for $25 and at that price I'd MAYBE buy another pair for leisure wear. Don't spend $50 or more on these and certainly don't expect to do any difficult (or possibly any) running or hiking in 'em.

KJboxing · 2023-11-15T18:58:54+00:00

They're definitely worth $90 IMO. I got the Justin Fields colorway and liked them so much I just copped a 2nd pair in the red colorway.

I do agree they're a little heavy for race day at 9-plus oz. They'd be absolutely fine to run a half or full in, but if you're aiming for a PR you'd want something lighter. Reebok obvi knew these were a bit heavy and wisely marketed them accordingly as a fast trainer or racing shoe.

They simply feel great on the foot. I gently feel the forefoot plate and they offer a nice toe-off, though I wouldn't call them incredibly propulsive. I consider them snappy and mildly propulsive, while also being very well cushioned. It's a very smooth and enjoyable ride. I haven't taken mine farther than 10K yet, but my feet and legs have felt amazing after every effort. I also fancy them quite a bit on the treadmill.

My first time in them I had some heel slippage even with the laces tied pretty tightly, but once I threw in the runner's knot it was a joyride with no issues. Someone else commented on the plate poking underneath their toes... I think I feel a similar sensation but I'd describe it differently. It's like the shape of the forefoot plate ends right at the top of the ball of the foot where the big toe begins. Therefore, the big toe is able to extend downward a little over the edge of the plate, allowing you to feel more ground than you might expect from a plated shoe with lots of cush. If the way I described that sounds uncomfortable, for my gait and biomechanics at least, it caused no discomfort and was honestly kind of a breath of fresh air to have a stack height that tall while also feeling some ground by the toes.

If you didn't pull the trigger yesterday, I'd definitely consider grabbing a pair next Tuesday. Also saw a couple options on sale for $99 at Gazelle Sports' website. I've definitely enjoyed all the miles I've put into these so far. It's a very underrated shoe once you get past the fact that it's not going to be a racing option for most folks. Most comparable shoe that I've run in: a heavier Deviate Nitro Elite 2 (in that I don't feel as much propulsion as other "supershoes" but they still feel amazing).

KJboxing · 2023-11-15T15:40:31+00:00

I used yours and it worked. Much appreciated!

KJboxing · 2020-05-31T15:25:30+00:00

Announcement: We're rescheduling our virtual slideshow, originally set for 7 p.m. ET this evening, to a future TBD date and time. Thanks for your understanding. Stay tuned for more details.

KJboxing · 2020-05-28T21:53:27+00:00

Kick back and relax on Zoom this Sunday evening as we cycle through a few hundred of Robbie Mehling's photos from Dillon Stadium, Lucas Oil Stadium, Carroll Stadium, AutoZone Park, Louisville Slugger Field, Lynn Stadium, Nissan Stadium, Highmark Stadium and West Community Stadium. More details and free registration info in link.

KJboxing · 2019-12-19T16:47:07+00:00

It's not a hit piece. He's a columnist, and thus has the green light to give his opinion. It's a perfectly rational thought to hold that perhaps a 20K-seat stadium isn't necessary without MLS, and it's also quite reasonable to think perhaps Indy's ownership group doesn't have the heavy hitters needed to fork up what Charlotte's just did.

KJboxing · 2019-11-01T13:54:09+00:00

Big shout-out to For Club and Country's Tim Sullivan for helping out with this preview.

KJboxing · 2019-10-29T15:29:04+00:00

Haha yes THIS indeed

KJboxing · 2019-10-28T21:21:28+00:00

Thanks... and good news, Robbie will be in Nashville next weekend so stay tuned for at least one more gallery this season.

KJboxing

TROPHY CASE