Finding this shoe wasn’t that straightforward since it’s not widely available. It was sold out on Brooks, and Dicks Sporting Goods would charge shipping to Hawaii. But a Google search found this available on Zappos, and Zappos offers an educational discount. Yes, kinda expensive, but I haven’t had recent luck with Nike running shoes.

The React Infinity Run 2 has been a disappointment in its second rendtion. The very first React Run was absolutely great but another colorway oddly wasn’t as good. I returned the Pegasus 38 since it was nothing special. Most recently, I got the Invincible Run, but that foam stack feels so unstable. It’s extremely cushioned but I get the sensation that I could topple over merely walking in them.

So I’m gonna give these Brooks Aurora-BL a chance based on this performance review and hope this Brooks combination of design, tech, and materials is right for me.

Sadly, Nike’s newest runner featuring its bouncy beaded Joyride does not bring me joy. I ordered a pair of the Joyride Run Flyknit with my member access, and I even went a half size up based on early reviews by Foamer and Jami. They do look awesome.

But when I tried on my Joyride, the expectant joy vanished. They were snug. Like very snug even at a half size bigger. I wasn’t a fan of the FlyKnit toe box in which I could see my toes moving around.

Then that heel tab or the pull… I couldn’t exactly tell but it was eating into my heel after a few seconds of wear.

Then I took a few steps, and I knew these rides weren’t for me. My flat footed arches totally collapsed the in-step.

The Comforming Cushioning System is just too mushy for me. You can use your fingers to really push in that light blue foam.

Because of these issues with the upper and mid-sole, I can’t even evaluate the Joyride beads. At $180, I can’t justify keeping them on the hopes that they’ll feel and perform better after a break-in period.

So I shipped my Joyrides back to Nike. Hopefully, they’ll bring joy to someone else.

I think this was triggered when I switched my phone from wifi to LTE. I think Nike really clamped down for this release and any change or any out of the ordinary activities triggered a ban. After I changed my phone back to wifi, I could access SNKRS but the damage was already done. SOLD OUT.

So after that, I put this on and went for a run.

I will not be getting any Jordan 1 collaboration with Travis Scott.

I don’t remember exactly when I bought the Backbeat Fit – probably a year ago from Costco. They had been working great with good sound and a secure fit. Now I’m looking for something else.

At $20, this small device “bluetooth-ifies” regular headphones. Sure you gotta charge it, but this device seems convenient. I’m thinking for running where I hand hold my iPhone 6 and wrap excess headphone cable around my iPhone. Will the iTrip Clip make things easier or not… I still have to deal with extra cable from my traditional running headphones. I’m not yet willing to give up on these running earbuds since they fit well and stay secure while running. Or just use the Lightning adapter…

Anyways, while the Hokas are tall, they look much taller than they feel. I’m thinking I’m six feet tall running in the Hokas but truthfully, when you’re running, you don’t really feel the Hoka height. You do feel the rocking motion of curved sole however. This is kinda irritating while standing around, so I guess the point is run, don’t stand while wearing these.

The Mafate Speed looks heavy but is comparable to other running shoes from Asics and Nike. The speed lacing system is cool. It’s so easy to pull the laces then lock them in. The soles of the Mafate Speed are designed for the outdoor terrain so running on sidewalks was noisy as the soles tried to dig in to the surface.

All in all, the ride itself was well cushioned, sacrificing some “street feel,” but for me, reducing the wear and tear on my body is paramount. There was some discomfort to my toes due to the shoe’s slenderness especially in the toebox area. The shoe looks narrow, maybe a little more bulbous in the forefoot – something used for starfish splitting. But then again, I didn’t allow for any break-in time, instead opting for a short run. Well worth a $50 investment.

Only colors available are white/blue and green/white in normal or wide sizes.

Here’s the longer story…

The Zoom Structures, LunarEclipses, and LunarGlides are part of Nike’s stability series of running shoes. I’ve had a few Structure models over the years, the 12, the 14, and the 15. On the 16th revision, I had heard Nike abandoned the stabilizing foot bridge and instead started using different densities of Lunarlon foam. Scanning reviews of the Structure 16, runners were upset at this change. About this time, I picked up a pair of discounted Nike LunarGlide 4 and hated them. Running in them started off okay, but then the soreness came and got worse fast. The pain in my upper foot and ankle made running almost unbearable. Often times, I stopped mid-run and also wore an ankle brace for protection. I finally abandoned the LunarGlide for the LunarEclipse 3, and the pain quickly subsided.

So why go back to the Zoom Structure line instead of sticking with the LunarEclipse? From the product pictures alone, the sole of the new LunarEclipe 4 reminds me of the sole of the painful LunarGlides.

Nike LunarGlide 4 sole.

Nike LunarEclipse 2 (bottom) and 3 (top) soles.

I didn’t want to risk the pain again, so instead I took a chance with the foot bridge-less Zoom Structure 17. Runner’s World reviews the Structure 17 favorably so I’m hopeful.

Oddly enough, I just realized that three of the four Structures I’ve owned are black. Here’s my latest Nike Zoom Structure 17.

I submitted my mini review to Zappos for my recent purchase of the Nike Zoom Wildhorse, and it goes like this:

Lightweight and great looking but very snug. After a few wears and runs, the shoe still feels tight. It’s okay for short runs, but I’m not sure if the snugness will affect longer runs. You’ll notice the 4mm differential, but it’s not extreme. You do feel closer to the ground compared to regular running shoes. Keep in mind, these are not Nike+ shoes and don’t have space for the running sensor.

Yeah, I don’t know why but these shoes are bordering on tight. If you’re running with thicker socks, then definitely go up a half size. These trail shoes talk about the height difference between the heel and forefoot being 4mm. You can tell these shoes feel flatter and lower than traditional running shoes, but they don’t feel that different.

The rounded anatomical heel seems gimmicky especially with the angular lugs, but it looks cool. The Wildhorse isn’t well cushioned to keep that lean 4mm differential, but the tradeoff of feeling what’s underfoot is worth it. The outer layer hides dirt well so these shoes won’t look trashed after a few runs.

My only misgiving with the Wildhorse? It’s not a Nike+ shoe. There’s no space for the Nike+ running sensor that works with diminutive iPods. So if you want to track your runs, you’d need to use an iPhone or something else.

Some pictures of the Nike Zoom Wildhorse in black spruce, total orange, and flash lime.

Here is some useful information I found on this subject.

• Heel-Toe Drop or Offset: What Does it Mean in a Running Shoe?
• Why heel-toe drop can mean different things for different running shoes and different foot strikes
• Can someone explain toe/heel drop in shoes?

But like the last link mentions, it all depends on you and your feet. So best to try the shoes yourself. Zappos, calling Zappos…

While I like the description of the Zoom Terra Kiger, I don’t think they’re right for me. The Zoom Terra Wildhorse seems like a safer (and cheaper) bet. Both are also available from Zappos so returning them is easy.

Oh but wait… what’s this Free Hyperfeel Trail? Those heel laces are simply sick.

The Hyperfeel Trails are NOT available at Zappos and seem to be a Nike store exclusive.

Like there were improvements between the LE1 to LE2, there are more adjustments with the LE3. The LE1 featured Flywire which was ditched for the “fingers” of the LE2. Flywire makes a reappearance on the LE3 and stylishly so as cables for lockdowning your foot.

The toebox is snug like the LE2, and it feels like the LE3 includes stiffer foam under the arches for better crash protecting support. I don’t think the floating heel cup is in the LE3, but it does feature a “heel support clip” (whatever that is). Visually, the off-centered lacing gives the shoe an edginess to it, not following the norm of laces down the midline. I like it. Maybe this asymmetric orientation actually affects performance, maybe it doesn’t, but it definitely looks cool.

The sole of the LE3 looks much the same as the LE2. The flex grooves may be marginally deeper and wider.

The engineered mesh upper seemingly gives the LE3 less (visible) layers than the LE2. This should help with weight and ventilation.

As a runner who needs support both in the arches and heel, the LunarEclipse 3 provides an excellent combination. The LunarEclipse is now my running shoe of choice with its great balance of support, lightness, and comfort.

More pictures of the LunarEclipse 3 and comparisons with the LunarEclipse 2.

I didn’t stand a chance, succumbing to temptation and picking up a pair of Nike LunarGlide 4. But at 50% of the going cost.

Apparently in the realm of Nike+, I’m known as Nicholas Goda. But then again, so are a few other runners.

After upgrading the Nike+ Running iOS app to version 4.0, my profile quietly messed up. While my nickname, icon/avatar, and email address remained the same, I took on the running identity of Nicholas Goda. I’m not 5-10 at 175 pounds. Though not shown here, Nicholas does own a fair amount of shoes.

Logging out of the app and logging back in seemed to have restored my proper identity, but now I’m having issues syncing runs with Nike+.

I guess my flat feet need the stability provided by these shoes. I wasn’t completely sold on this wolf grey colorway, but in person, they’re not bad. And you know you can get away with the most outlandish, gaudy shoes while running. In fact, it’s expected!

I got them in March after reading rave reviews online. Sadly, these just ain’t for me. They do feel hella good, but there isn’t enough support for my fallen arches. I tried changing up my running style, using the balls of my feet and reducing my heel strikes, but I’m not quite there. I can feel how the LunarEclipse is more suited to this gait, but it doesn’t come natural to me. When I’m not concentrating, I can feel my heel striking the pavement. Overtime, this shock is starting to affect my knees and shins. The discomfort comes and goes, but I think prolonged running in these will eventually lead to persistent pain. I may split my runs with different shoes to see if that helps.

I do like walking in them as with the original LunarEclipse. I gotta say that there are improvements in the LunarEclipse 2. There’s less wiggle room with a smaller toebox. The FlyWire didn’t do enough to shape the LE1 to my foot. The customized fit system and its “fingers” in the LE2 do a much better job. BUT, it’s odd to feel the fingers. I noticed that recent Nike Free Run shoes feature the customized fit system but covers up the fingers so they don’t directly touch your feet. The floaty-ness of the heel cup is no longer noticeable in the LE2. I kinda like and don’t like the floating cup in the LE1.

Style wise, the LunarEclipse 2 is eye-popping and beats the look of the LunarEclipse 1 any day. And for that, I’ll keep these LunarEclipses around.

Loving my Zappos-bought Nike Zoom Structure Triax+, the 14th edition of this stability running shoe. I’ve owned and run in a few Triax over the years so my feet were accustomed to the shoes’ shape and feel. Right out of the box, I could comfortably run in them without needing a break in period.

This 14th version adds FlyWire to provide additional stiffness and support without adding weight or bulk to the shoe. And for running shoes, these actually look pretty good, especially with the high contrast white and grey laces.

On Thursday, the off-roading mail carrier came by with a Zappos box in hand. I must say, the Zappos box is enchanting. It’s a regular cardboard box but check out the adornments reiterating the Zappos way.

What’s with the slowdown? A look at my monthly breakdown of runs might help.

Now I remember. In April and May, I had some medical work done so I didn’t run for awhile.  In June, I went on an epic trip.  Not sure what happened in August.  Maybe I got sick?  October was just a tough time.  All that plus I got a stationary bike to ride on so that probably stole away some runs.

But overall, I did achieve the “blue” status in Nike+ surpassing 620 miles run.