Haven’t had much time for a blog update recently, so here’s a rare guest shoe review from good friend(?), Tommy Neeson. I’ve known Tommy for almost 15 years now, and as well as being a real character of the local running scene, he’s a pretty decent athlete too. Tommy’s book, Four Million Steps, is the tale of his running journey from Maine to Florida to raise money and awareness for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. It’s a great read and sure to inspire. Check it out if you get a chance.
Anyway, back to the review. The shoe in question is the Under Armour SpeedForm Gemini, and here’s what Tommy has to say:
When Steve asked me to be a guest reviewer on his blog, or whatever this thing is called, I politely told him to pound sand. I have wear tested sneakers before, but never reviewed them, so my interest level was somewhere between prison sex and running for President – you decide which is worse. However, after a few runs, I thought – sure why not – far be it from me to shy away from attention.
Being a guest reviewer isn’t too bad of a gig after all, sure the pay is terrible and it’s not a cool as being a guest judge at the “I’m Barely Out of My Teens” beauty pageant, also known as Miss Hooters, but I like the old chap and decided to give it a whirl.
The sneakers in question (and yes, they are called sneakers because I sure as hell don’t play tennis in them) are Under Armour’s SpeedForm Gemini. I must say I’ve run in a few different shoes by Under Armour and have been pretty disappointed, but these blue babies are out of this world.
The entire top of the shoe, right up through the laces, is made up of a mesh material. This allows for the toe box to be roomy and comfortable without gobs of extra space. The back heel is combination of thin foam rubber and flexible plastic, which doesn’t necessarily provide a ton of support, but does make it lightweight and comfortable.
The sole is made of some type of rubber that I should probably know more about, but honestly I just don’t care. I do care that it is flexible and will last more than 300 miles, currently I’m just over 70 and show little signs of wear.
Right above the back of the sole and just under the heel is a strip of black rubber. I’m guessing this is an important feature because the word “charged” is printed there. I have no idea what that means, but there it is – so it has that going for it.
The tongue is diagonally shaped with the high point at the top inside. Beats the hell out of me why it’s like that, but it doesn’t affect the shoe in anyway. At least not that I can tell and it doesn’t shift around a bit.
One feature that I find odd is there is no removable insert. In fact, the entire shoe is a seamless boot with the exception of where the bottom of the tongue is attached. I actually didn’t notice this until after about 4 or 5 runs.
From the moment I first put the shoe on, I enjoyed the feel. Under Armour has made a very comfortable running sneaker, while maintaining lightweight flexible properties.
The retail price is $129, which is way more than I’d like to pay, but I wouldn’t hesitate to grab a pair from the discount rack. But before you go testing a pair out, these are not a motion control or stability shoe, they are a cushion shoe, and a fantastic one at that.
I’m sure you’ll agree Tommy’s unique style of writing is slightly different to mine, but hopefully the review was useful and a welcome change from the standard reviews posted on this blog.
From the Under Armour Website:
- Innovative UA SpeedForm technology delivers zero distraction while running
- Seamless heel cup with foam collar provides a locked-in, anatomical fit
- Smooth, ultrasonic welded seaming with Bemis tape for next-to-skin support & comfort
- Perforated upper with ultrasonic seal for durable breathability
- Molded 4D Foam® footbed conforms to your foot’s exact shape, eliminating slippage
- Charged Cushioning midsole: it’s cushioned AND responsive. Most foams do one or the other, but Charged Cushioning does both. Better.
- Blown rubber outsole with a carbon rubber heel makes it lightweight but incredibly durable
- Anatomically placed flex grooves allow an optimal heel-to-toe transition for a smoother ride
- Offset: 8 mm
- Weight: 8.5 oz
Saw one of these at the store, pretty expensive for it’s class. Though I’d probably get the new Asics, since I’ve been wanting it for a long time. Thanks for the review though!
Received a free pair from UA when running through my local park in Baltimore. I was pleasantly by them; they’re light, comfortable, flexible, and some nice mid to fore-foot cushioning. Definitely a nice shoe for a 10K race or Half-marathon. I am not sure I’d race a marathon in them but I have done 20 mile training runs in them with no ill effects.