Boing!
Written: Jun 28 '04
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Responsive cushioning, great durability, smooth looks
Cons: Not for everyone, unfortunately
The Bottom Line: Buy this shoe for great cushioning and the superb durability to match
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| nikefreak's Full Review: Nike Shox R4 Men's Running Shoe |
No, the shoe doesn't do that. When this shoe first came out in January 2001, everyone saw the commercials that had multiple runners "boinging" their way on and off the screen. But of course, this was just the ad. No one in their right mind would actually put a shoe out that made such a noise, unless the driving factor was to put the runner in an insane asylum. Well, this shoe is Nike's first ever offering of Shox technology in a running shoe. To this day, there has been nine other Shox running shoes, each with unique characteristics. But, this one has been re-issued for those who didn't get their hands on the first model.
To start off, you notice the four Shox columns in the heel, produced from a unique, highly resilient formula that is also used in Formula One racing cars. They are designed to collapse efficiently to control impact; quickly at first, then slowing the foot before returning to their original height through the energy stored in them, helping to propel the foot through the footstrike motion. This is quite noticeable, as my foot felt a responsive "spring" whenever I started to strike the heel down on the ground. They are also equally spaced around the center of the calcaneus (a tarsal bone in the heel) to give a trampoline style response at the point-of-peak rear foot pressure, thus the "spring." These columns also vary from each size, engineered across the size range to produce a unique feel for all sizes and body weights. This is like the filling of the sandwich.
On the top of the columns, is, quite aptly named, a top plate made from a highly resilient material that absorbs and re-generates the heel forces in harmony with the four columns. It first cushions the rear foot and then deflects the energy stored upwards. The bottom plate, which is the black part under the columns, controls and supports the columns on the ground, providing a secure base from which to guide the foot through its heel-to-toe transition. You may notice that the bevel at the rear of the plate is curved upwards. Why may you ask? This is to ensure improved ride, durability, and stability.
Next, there is a transition wedge in the midfoot. This is to allow a smooth and efficient ride from the heel cushioning system through to the forefoot and toe-off. It also adds to the shoe's torsional stability and is slightly longer on the medial side, because of forces usually being shifted to the inside, rather than the outside, of the foot. This wedge, is in essence, your shank plate.
The upper is quite beautiful in appearance. Silver and smooth, it seems as though you can just glide in these shoes. It is made of only two pieces and is track-inspired from a racing spike. It has breathable mesh all along the tongue for breathability. This does a good job, as my foot never felt hot in these once. Soft and plush collar and tongue linings are heaven on the foot too. So, comfortable and not sweaty. Can't get any better than that.
The upper is also double-lasted, which allows for a great fit and wraps the internal midsole up and around the foot. You see, you can't see the midsole in this shoe; all the technology is outside while the fit is on the inside and upper. It is full-length (the midsole) and made of Phylon for lightweightness. It also houses the forefoot Air-Sole unit, countered and sculpted for a smooth ride. The forefoot cushioning is not as responsive as say, a Zoom Air unit, but it gets the job done, as I felt nice cushioning when stepping down on to my toes.
Last of all, the outsole is Nike's BRS 1000, one of the most commonly used outsole on their running shoes. (BRS stands for Blue Ribbon Sports, the name of the company before it became Nike. There, ya learned some trivia too!) It has a Waffle pattern in the forefoot for grip and cushioning characteristics and is wrapped at the heel and toe for added durability.
I have run in this shoe for quite a while now and it is so durable. The columns have been mechanically tested for at least 2000 miles. I haven't run that much in these, due to my other comfortable shoe, the Shox TL, but it has been quite durable in about 500-600 miles, I am guessing. Plus, the beauty of this shoe is awesome. I personally think that it is one of the best-designed running shoes ever. I love the Alpha Project dots in clear plastic at the heel of the shoe, the five dots by the forefoot mesh, the clean, sophisticated lines of the upper. It is just wonderfully constructed and has the performance to match.
This is a shoe for neutral runners who seek maximum responsive cushioning. If you have arch problems or are big for your size, this is probably not it.
Recommended:
Yes
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