BOING!
Written: Apr 22 '04 (Updated May 04 '04)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Comfortable, great looks.
Cons: Expensive. Some really bad colors.
The Bottom Line: Great shoes. Try'em if you have back problems and if you can afford them.
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| funkyfc's Full Review: Nike Shox TL Running Men's |
This is one of the most interesting shoes I have ever seen. Let me first start by saying that I am not an avid runner. I run my 5 k every other day and I finish within 20-25 minutes, so I am no where near a great runner. I have worn Nike running shoes for years - wearing the first Air Max all the way until now. I have to admit that I was against getting a pair of SHOX when they came out. They are weird looking and I wasn't sure. No air pocket or anything, just columns. Not sure. Then I tried on a pair...
I need to talk about the SHOX techology first. This shoe has no NIke-patented Air sole. This shoe only has urethane columns under specific joints in the foot. This provides exact strike points and flex points for running. This shoe is very rigid. The SHOX technology keeps the pressure points on specific parts of your foot.
What I Like About The Nike SHOX TL
When I buy a pair of shoes, I have to admit that I am a little vain. I think there is no point in buying a shoe that looks bad. When you don't like the look of the shoe when you are running in it, you won't like running in it and then why would you want to run? This is a good looking shoe. I got it in obsidian blue (navy) and yellow. Great color scheme. Every time I wear the shoes, someone asks me about them. The most asked question - "Do they really boing?" and "How comfy are those space boots?" No, they don't boing but they are definitely comfortable. I have two friends who have back and foot problems and they will try anything to feel better. Well, both of them swear by the SHOX. That is all they wear. The rigidity of the SHOX and the hard heel plate keep your foot firmly in place while running.
Now, there are some people that say the SHOX technology is only good for high impact runners who will put a lot of weight on each foot strike. Well, these two friends are females that are under 5 foot 5 inches tall. They love them. I do have another friend who is 6 foot 4 and 230 pounds who loves running in his SHOX.
These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever put on. And when I run, they are light and responsive. They are quite breathable and air out quite nicely because of the use of mesh colth on the front of the shoe. When I finish running, my feet are too hot and sweaty. They are quite comfortable.
I've had these shoes for about 7 months and they are still running strong. After the initial "breaking-in" period, these shoes have been like an extension of my feet. The outsole has lasted quite well on the pavement pounding I've given them. I usually go through a pair of Air Max in about 6 months, but these have endured and I think they'll last an entire year! The outsole has many flex points that match the SHOX columns. The rubber urethane outsole does not cover the entire shoe, but in specific points. There is a hard midsole to further increase the rigidity of the shoe. Great for people who want a hard, stable shoe.
What I Don't Like
These are expensive shoes. They are one of the most expensive shoes on the market. This is the only running shoe with the full-length SHOX. I was very lucky to be able to go into the Nike Employee Store in Oregon and buy these shoes at 50% off retail.
No Air pockets are found in this shoe. It is just the SHOX columns providing the impact reduction so these shoes are hard. Unlike the Air Max, which are quite soft, these are hard shoes. It was one of the first things I noticed when I ran in them. Some people may not like how hard they are.
The Judgment
I like these shoes. I like NIke shoes. I think these shoes are good for people who may have back problems because of the rigidity they provide. While those who prefer "cushy" shoes, probably will not like these shoes.
If you can handle having people constantly asking you about your shoes and you can get them at a decent price, you should get them. Happy running!
Update
I just bought another pair of SHOX, actually my third pair. I bought the SHOX NZ and just bought the Nike SHOX Turbo. Please read the epinion on the Turbos.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID: funkyfc
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Location: British Columbia
Reviews written: 19
Trusted by: 0 members
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