Saucony Hurricane ISO 2 Review

I really like Saucony shoes, so I was happy to get this pair for testing. Unboxing them revealed the flashy “slime green” color scheme, which was a much tamer color scheme to the Saucony Zealots I ran in last year.

The Saucony Hurricane Iso 2s I was looking at really resembled the Zealots I tried, they had similar overlays, similar lacing setups, and similar external heel counters.

What makes the Hurricane Iso different is that it weighs a tad more to pack more support in the shoe compared to the Zealots.

I can agree with that, but I don’t think it’s that much more support. FYI, if you want more support, go for the Omni, the Xodus or the Redeemer line.

Saucony Hurricane ISO 2 General Info

Saucony Hurricane ISO 2 – Heel

The Saucony Hurricane line of shoes are a highly cushioned shoes with enough support to be considered stability shoes.

Saucony provides a cushioning scale and they rank these shoes just 2 points away from maximum possible cushioning. Their shoe with maximum cushioning is theTriumph.

The Hurricane line is probably on the high end of cushioning for Saucony, but it’s not a pillow-like slipper experience. You’re still getting a responsive ride while wearing these shoes.

Saucony Hurricane ISO 2 Sole Unit

Saucony Hurricane ISO 2 – Sole

The outsole has fair amount of rubber in the bottom, and I would categorize it as rugged when compared to many other types of stability shoes of the same class.

The zig-zag pattern under the forefoot is a more aggressive tread pattern when compared to the previous model that had patches radiating outward from the inside of the forefoot.

This newer pattern of tread for Saucony won’t probably be great for intense trail running, but it looks like the shoe is designed with road and mixed trail running in mind.

Saucony put their highly durable XT-900 rubber at high-wear locations, and their softer iBR+ rubber near the midfoot for better cushioning.

The midsole gets pretty fancy, Saucony is using their EVERUN technology as a stability and cushion boosting insert just beneath the heel. This EVERUN technology is also used in the entire topsole on the Hurricane shoe.

Yes, this is another tech term to throw around, so here are the numbers for EVERUN: 3x better property retention than standard EVA foam, 83% energy returned on each stride.

It’s no flubber, but I would agree it’s better than your standard running shoe foam and I enjoyed the benefits during my longer runs.

Oh, Saucony isn’t done yet with the midsole. They also have their signature PWRGRID+ tech for even more added cushioning, and they have a dual density medial post for added stability.

Nike Lunar Tempo 2 Review

Maybe you’ve the movie “Home Alone”, and then you saw the movie “Home Alone 2” and had to ask yourself if anything changed Yes, the plot was still enjoyable, but besides a few scenery and actor adjustments, it felt and looked like the predecessor.

That’s how I feel about the Nike LunarTempo 2s. I could copy and paste in my review of the previous LunarTempos and probably no one (besides our review team here) would notice.

The shoe is still nice, I just have to look extra hard to find something new to talk about.

Nike Lunar Tempo 2 General Info

Nike Lunar Tempo 2 – Toe

The Nike LunarTempo 2 is a lightweight cushioned trainer designed to hug you feet.

Nearly identical to the previous model, the LunarTempo 2s are built on top of squishy Lunarlon foam, and encase your feet in Nike’s seamless Flymesh upper with Flywire Cables.

The only real changes to this shoe are in the upper, where Nike put a bigger logo where ventilation holes used to be, and Nike put some trim along the edges of the upper running underneath the laces.

The toebox feels tight, which can be expected when wearing shoes designed to hug your feet. This shoe would be great for mid to low mileage training, and would also do well as a casual racing shoe.

Nike Lunar Tempo 2 Sole Unit

Nike Lunar Tempo 2 – Pair

So much foam. The outsole is mostly foam, the midsole is essentially a continuous hunk of Lunarlon foam, and the insole feels like it’s mostly foam. This is how Nike achieves such a cushioned ride.

The outsole looks IDENTICAL to the previous model, so I think Nike has not made many changes there. You’re getting the same waffle-shaped patches of rubber just underneath the toe bed, and outer heel.

This minimal use of rubber makes the shoe great for treadmill and road use. Just don’t expect the rubber to last too long, I went about 200 miles in the previous model before the rubber started to smooth out.

This minimal use of rubber on the outsole is similar to the Kinvara line of shoes by Saucony.

The midsole is identical to the previous model. It’s also mostly made out of the same Lunarlon foam that’s “30 percent lighter” than the traditional Phylon foam they use while also being resilient.

It also has the same compressed accordion pattern along the walls, and the same smooth transition to the upper.

It is not a bad thing for the next generation of a shoe to look so much like the previous generation, it just means Nike is probably being risk-averse and avoided changing much anything on the soles.

Nike probably used the same equipment to make the sole of the LunarTempo 2s, so I’m somewhat disappointed current MSRP matches the previous model’s MSRP. Maybe Nike invested more into the upper?

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 Review

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 General Info

The New Balance 1080 fresh foam brings fresh foam technology to the 1080 for the first time.

Their intention is to take the 1080 series to a whole new level by introducing state of the art technology packaged within its fresh foam midsole.

New Balance places a strong emphasis on how fresh foam was designed by collecting biomechanical data from runners such as wear tendencies and force patterns and directly using that information to create a one piece midsole.

They consider this new way of midsole design a smarter way of designing soles because they are able to actually pinpoint where runners need support and cushioning.

As a result of this new design process the fresh foam midsoles are able, in New Balances words, to deliver a supremely cushioned underfoot feel that respects and maintains a runners need to engage with the ride itself.

The upper of the 1080 fresh foam is also newly designed with an engineered mesh. It is designed to accommodate various instep heights and foot volumes and securely wrap the midfoot.

This shoe looks really nice. It’s not often that I unbox a running shoe and think it actually looks nice and I would wear it outside of a running atmosphere. The foam is thick and the shoe has a wide base.

The upper is made of various mesh materials that are woven together. When I put them on for the first time the cushioning felt firmer than I had expected.

The upper was very comfortable and left a good amount of room in the toe area which I like.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 Sole Unit

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 – Sole

The fresh foam midsole is thick and supportive. This shoe has a wide base so it feels stable. The midsole is all one piece of foam that has a nice shape that fits my foot well.

When I ran in the shoe I found the cushioning to be a little firm for my liking. New Balance advertises this shoe as delivering a soft ride and I had trouble feeling that softness.

It felt firmer than I am used to with a highly cushioned shoe. Again not rock hard firm but certainly not soft.

From researching reviews of other fresh foam shoes, I knew the cushioning would not be super soft but I didn’t expect it to feel as firm as it did. It just didn’t have that nice comfortable soft ride I was hoping for.

The midsole and insole feel like they conform to the bottom of my foot perfectly so the new design process has given New Balance the ability to make a midsole that I would say is “shaped” perfectly in regards to stability and flexibility.

It has 2 well placed grooves in the forefoot of the outsole that form flex points allowing the shoe to have a smooth ride. Where I’d say it could improve is in the softness of the cushioning.

With the relatively recent surge of max cushioning shoes people are starting to really appreciate feeling a soft midsole with a smooth ride. The ride is smooth and the shoe flexes well but its missing that softness.

I knew not to expect Hoka-like softness but I certainly expected softer cushioning than what the fresh foam provides. I didn’t notice anything new, exciting, or impressive in this midsole that sets it apart from others.

I actually found this shoe to have a firmer ride than a lot of other everyday training shoes that I have run in.

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 Upper Info

New Balance Fresh Foam 1080 – Top

This shoe fits true to size. Everything about the upper screams comfort. It is composed of stretchy mesh materials with plush, soft fabric used in the heel area. When I initially put this shoe on I was highly impressed.

The mesh materials used are forgiving and able to stretch with the shape of your foot. It hugs the midfoot and opens up nicely in the toe box area allowing room for toe splay.

The plush tongue of the shoe has a piece of soft fabric on each side that attaches it to the base of the upper giving this shoe a sock like feel. All of these features that this upper are comprised of seemed really promising until I ran in the shoe.

As I ran in the shoe more I came across a rubbing issue. While the mesh was flexible and able to stretch to the contour of your foot, I found that this flexibility was was mostly on the top and outside of the upper.

The medial side (inside) of the upper could also stretch but to a much lesser extent.

I found that the medial side right near the ball of my foot was stretching this mesh to its capacity which resulted in what felt like my foot rubbing and pounding against a firm strip of fabric.

There is also a seam located in this general area that attaches the New Balance logo to the side of the shoe which could also be part of the problem.

The thread attaching the logo to the shoe is causing the mesh to be less flexible in that area and causing a hot spot. I was also able to feel that the midsole extends into the upper in this area as well.

This basically creates a 1-2 mm lip of midsole that causes an area of irritation. This created blistering on both feet, and this was after a 5 mile run.

This is actually the first shoe thats caused blistering like this that I have tested. This came as a complete surprise because when I initially put the shoe on before running it felt extremely comfortable. Your mileage might vary.

AUBERCY BESPOKE BACK ON THE RISE!

I have always loved Aubercy shoes, not only for the immaculate footwear they sell but for what the brand (and mainly the people behind the brand) stands for. And what they stand for is passion and excellence above all, i.e. doing things from the heart and not for the money. That is why you can’t really buy Aubercy shoes outside of Paris (save for a rare selection of a few shops), as they would rather make sure that a shoe is sold properly than to just get a sale and possibly have their shoes sold in some shop where the sales assistant says anything to make the sale as opposed to saying the right thing that explains why the shoes are worth the money they cost.

Aside from my love for their shoes, what is great is that their bespoke program is back and is making exquisite footwear (they had a hiccup as the previous maker had left). Here you can see the just one of the beauties that they have recently created. To see a few more check the link below, especially the immaculate two toned oxford that is mind-blowing amazing!!!

All pictures courtesy of High Toned

J.FITZPATRICK FOOTWEAR & THE SHOE SNOB WINTER SALE NOW LIVE!!

It is once again that time of year that we get ready for Spring/Summer and thus offer up some of our stock that we need to transition out of. But on top of that, we also have a bit more on offer this Winter Sale as we soon incorporating major change in our normal production by switching one of our leather manufacturers. Therefore, many of our core products (that would otherwise never go on sale) are going to be discounted for this Winter Sale. That being if you have ever wanted one of our shoes in the Antique Brown leather (among other core products on offer), but never wanted to pay full price, then now is your chance to snag it up before it is gone for good!

Now to top it all off, I am commencing this sale on my birthday, turning the ripe age of 32! If you were ever want to gift me a present, then please share this sale with your friends and/or family that might also be interested. That is all that I ask for    Thank you so much!

Happy New Year to all and I thank you again for all of your support in my brand, my vision and my products!

Justin FitzPatrick, “The Shoe Snob”

OTHER GREAT SHOE BLOGS

                                                                    Edward Green shoes patina’d by Dandy Shoe Care

As much as I would love to reign over the shoe world, I can’t deny that there are other great shoe blogs out there, ones that I also take inspiration from. As I am not a greedy man, I thought that I would share them with you in the hopes to give you something more to look at when I am lacking in getting stuff out there. So here they are:

1. Shoegazing – Jesper is the shoe king of Sweden. His blog posts go far more in depth than I do (or pretty much anyone for that matter). If you really want to shoe-out, read his blog. In English and Swedish.

Maftei for Shoegazing

1. Bespoke-Makers – If you fancy seeing crazy cool bespoke shoes by Japanese makers, then this is your site as it is full of greatness from Japan (among other places)

Il Quadrifoglio boots, courtesy of Bespoke Makers

1. Claymoor’s List – For the most in-depth posts with regular posting on all things shoes (multiple times daily), amongst a plethora of photos, head to Claymoor’s List to discover everything there is about shoes.

Silvano Lattanzi courtesy of Claymoor’s List

1. Dandy Shoe Care – To see the most elegant of shoe patina shoes (as is shown in the main photo as well as below) then get here on a daily basis. Not only does he show his own work but is one of the most generous re-tweeter/sharer of other people’s work too.

Patina courtesy of Dandy Shoe Care

1. The Shoemaker World – Someone who exploded onto the scene just a year or two ago, originally talking just about shoes, has since opened up to speaking on not only menswear but life in general, with great photography and content. Available in English and Spanish.

Dimitri Gomez shoes courtesy of The Shoemaker World

1. Erikged – An Instagram phenomenon, Erik rose to fame by taking immaculate shots of his own personal footwear, with super high shines on super nice shoes with amazing backgrounds and settings.

Antonio Meccariello shoes courtesy of Erikged

HOW TO STYLE COURT SHOES

A classic pair of courts should be in every shoe-lover's wardrobe. But what to wear them with? We're taking tips from some of the bloggers who we've recently teamed up with.

First up is Danielle Peazer of Idle Lane who paired our BREANNA courts with a long delicate chiffon dress (this shoe has sadly flown off the shelves but check out more iconic styles here).




While if it's bright colours you're after, blogger Amy of The Little Magpie opted for our bright red courts with distressed jeans and a suit jacket for an eyecatching contrast.



And for a sleek all-black ensemble, we love this polo neck, blazer and mini skirt ensemble which blogger Lydia Elise Millen teamed with our BESSIE scallop trimed stiletto courts with mesh detail.

 

But for some boyish style, why not dress down some smart courts with dungarees and a t-shirt, à la style blogger Mel Rod who works our CHARLEEN two-part Ghillie courts with aplomb.

 

If you're on the hunt for some new court shoes to spruce up your spring wardrobe, take a peek at some of our latest styles - some of which are coming soon, others can be shopped for straight away. Take your pick from these beauties ...

How stunning are these eyecatching multi-coloured courts in metallic and suede? (Available soon)



Below: BROOKLYNE Patent Weave Detail Court Shoe

 

These delicate floral patterned pastel courts are perfect for garden parties and wedding season ... (available soon).



... as are these dazzling bow trim, point toe lace stiletto courts for all you pink ladies out there. We can't wait till these hit stores.




Take a look at a few more of our classic court styles. Shop our collection below:

5 FOOTWEAR RULES TO LIVE BY

Take care of your shoes and they will take care of you (you spend practically half your life in them after all). With that in mind, we've enlisted the help of Men's Buying Director Justin Burzynski to help you get the most out of them. Here are his top five footwear rules...

1. To 'break in' new shoes so they fit your feet snugly, only wear them for 2 / 3 hours a day for the first week (preferably not in the wet).

Below: Suede BRIGHTLING Wedge Sole Penny Loafers



2. Never wear shoes on consecutive days, let them rest - ideally on shoe trees. Two pairs of shoes worn this way will last longer than one pair worn constantly, followed by the other.

3. Always fully loosen the laces or straps before removing your shoes, never kick them off with the fastening done up.

Below: REDCOAT Burnished Leather Oxford Shoe



4. If shoes get wet allow them to dry either on shoe trees or stuffed with paper away from too much heat – as this will dry out the leather and lead to cracking

5. Always cream and polish leather shoes to feed the material and restore the finish, this lengthens the life of the leather and makes them look great. Ideally with a good quality wax polish.

Below: RIO Lace Up Derby Brogue Shoe


Now you've got the know-how, shop for a pair of smart new soles from our latest collection:

TRENDS

SPRING SUMMER 2016 SHOE TRENDS

4 January 2016by Francesca Zaccagnini

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It hasn’t even been a month since Winter officially started,but this is what’s up: we already wish it was Summer. We’d like to get rid of coats, show our legs and get rid of all the layers of wool. Here in Milan, where the editorial office of The Blonde Salad is located at, it is and it still will be a dream for a while and even though we’ll have to wait a little longer for light dresses and shorts, there’s already something we can buy and wear:bags and shoes! But, what will the Spring Summer 2016 Shoe trends be? We analyzed the fashion shows to identify the 5 strongest trends of the summer season and to understand what must-have pieces we should have in our closet. A tip: some brands included these trends in their winter collections as well, so, take advantage of the sales and buy the right item that will rock even during the upcoming months!

Cowboy Boots. The cowboy trend will continue during summer so, if you still haven’t got yourself a pair, it is time to make up for it. Choose them basic or super decorated and wear them with everything, from ultra feminine dress to jeans and leather jacket!

Sabots. They are definitely the shoes we should focus on, from now until next winter included. Stiletto heel or medium to block heel. Pick the style that most reflects your personality and start to wear it immediately. Afraid of the cold temperatures? Get inspired by Chanel Pre Fall and wear your sabots with ultra decorated lace stockings for a very French and sexy effect.

Buckle. The detail that makes the difference in the Spring Summer 2016 shoes. In a maxi version: at the ankle, they can make even the most classic pump special; on the upper, they give personality to flat slippers.

Ethnic. A huge trend even in clothing. Spring Summer 2016 is inspired to many cultures and re-elaborates traditional costumes with a modern, at times futuristic twist. Mixing clothes and accessories from different cultures becomes ultracool. Jeans are matched with Moroccan slippers, feminine and bon ton dresses with sandals handmade by artisans from faraway lands. So, browse through the souvenirs from your trips and if you are planning a foreign escape, remember to leave with an empty suitcase and buy as much as you can at your destination!

Criss-cross Strap Slides. If you are looking for flat sandals, then have no doubt: the coolest of the season are minimal with two large criss-cross straps on the foot. If you are not basic types, there are plenty of more elaborated versions, from granny styles one with a wedge to the slightly ethnic ones (see above) and those featuring details borrowed from sportswear technical accessories.

Let our gallery inspire you with the most beautiful styles seen on the runway and…enjoy shopping!

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